Gift for my daughters kindergarten teacher?

The parents of the children in my daughter's class are putting money together ($30 each) and they are going to just give the teacher the money. Am I the only one who thinks this is a stupid idea? What i mean is, do you think the teacher would like it if we just gave her the money or should I say something about what I think? I was thinking maybe getting get a nice present or a gift card, but just giving the money up front seems careless and like they didn't even think about the gift. am I right?