F.C.
Give the teacher a book, either for her/himself or for the classroom. If you are getting a book for the teacher, I suggest "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. It's a wonderful read that I am certain they will appreciate. You can purchase it at any bookstore or online at http://www.amazon.com/Art-Possibility-Transforming-Profes...
Another thoughtful gift is a toy, book or game for the classroom- something other students can enjoy year after year. We're having a great sale right now on educational items that teachers LOVE (I should know, I was a K-5 teacher for years) You can get those items at www.discoverytoyslink.com/fatimac
And since you're in the LA area, a gift certificate to Lakeshore is also an option. Lakeshore is in Carson and their number is ###-###-####