Elibean, that book sounds lovely, and although I completely understand the monetary aspect of it, and as such only wanting to get one, at the same time, how does it get shared amongst three staff!?
Personally, instead of a "gift" I would be much happier receiving a card from parent/child telling me about what they have enjoyed this year, and perhaps a word of thanks for the year, or something specific that may have happened over the year.
I know I will likely get slated for this, but I personally do not like the "teacher specific presents", as one can only have so many, and it just seems so cliche when thats given to a teacher, as opposed to some imagination being put into it.
From my own perspective, if someone were to come up to me and ask me in all honesty what gift I would want given the choice, the card would be the first choice, and if they wanted more ideas, I personally like the idea of a voucher, as it would give me the option of choosing what I would like, and then could say that was from my class. As a parent likely does not know teachers personal cirucmstances of what they may have already, or in my case, we are moving over the summer break, so do not want more "stuff" before the move, as we are trying to get rid of "stuff" at the moment!In saying that, I think it is terrible to have the parent feel like they "have to contribute" or being told they have to give a certain amount.
It all just seems to have turned into a competition of who can give the nicer present, or who has the money to buy something that can outdo the next, and all of it has completely come away from the main idea, which is basically just to say a word of thanks for a good school year.