I would probably not give dog related stuff. She probably gets tons of that. I know my mom who is a preschool teacher always gets tons of teacher related stuff for holidays.
some of the more unique things she has gotten that she liked:
Homemade goodies- she LOVES homemade goodies and usually gets enough to put out for christmas eve dinner that she doesn't have to make any.
Gift certificates- esp to places that are more expensive that the person might not normally go to. I know mom usually gets one or two to places like Long Horn, which is not a place we go on a normal basis (cause we're cheap!
)
Bath and body works GC are also great cause what woman doesn't love smelly lotions?