I teach history and the department head always gets the whole department a coffee table-style history book. I haven't opened this year's yet, but I'm sure that's what it is. Not anything I need, but mildly entertaining.
As a welcome back to school gift, he always gives us all these world population data sheets. He always calls it a gift, and they are big poster-sized chart things, so I'm sure they cost some money. I have 8 years folder up in my desk, I've never opened them. I always feel bad and want to tell him not to bother, but I don't want to hurt his feelings! Yes, the historian/social science person in me would find that interesting, but really, what full time working mother has time for that crap? And even before kids, the beginning of the school year is just a busy time!