Work birthday presents

[Choccymumma]

I am part of a team of 8 in a primary school. For our birthdays, one person normally collects a donation each and we buy presents for the birthday girl.
I'm trying to think of a different way to do this, this year and wondered if anyone does anything else?

We've always had a staff fund for gifts.
Particularly in schools, people don't tend to have cash on them, and no-one has time to go round collecting etc. (in fact, these days, even fewer people carry cash). Plus, it means it isn't awkward if one collection is less than someone else's - perhaps if their birthday is at a time when money is tight.
However you are, in fact really just buying your own present.
I wouldn't be interested in getting a present from colleagues every year - it seems a bit false.
Most places I've worked have a fund from which you might send flowers if off long term sick, or if you have a close family bereavement etc, then might have a collection for a one off like a wedding or having a baby or retirement. I think every birthday is a bit over the top.