I was a teacher as well, and some nice gifts I got we’re:
mani pedi certificate (something I wldve not gotten for myself)

Mug with picture of the student and myself at a performance that year. ( There are many websites that do that, or just local)

A siddur with morah_________embelished on the cover. (Very thoughtful and cuz of small size I use it in my purse all the time.)

Wraps work ate great too!
Tuna wrap
Avacado wrap
Chicken/ shnitzel wrap

I am traveling 8+ hours to my in laws as well. I decide to start our travels abt 2/3 am so my husband and I ( we split the drive) can get some sleep before we leave. Also the kids can sleep some of the ride. I found magna doodle boards worked great for the long ride, u can find them cheap in the dollar store. Another idea I put some paint in a big Ziploc bag and tape it well to the window, it basically becomes a finger painting activity but sans mess! If ur up to it u can initiate a I spy game , either a color car passing, or count an object that is frequent thru the drive. Good luck, have a safe trip and a kosher and happy pesach! 🙂