Stories

Wed, 02 Sep 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 'I don't even like them': How much should you give to office gift collections?

Office whip-rounds are a staple of working life but they can raise a lot of awkward questions.

* Many people have strong feelings about contributing to office collections, with some seeing them as a way to show appreciation and others viewing them as obligatory or even cruel.
* A senior therapist in healthcare, Lucy, advises giving only to colleagues you've worked with directly, while another contributor, Layla, says she only contributes if she "really likes" the person.
* The amount given can also be a source of debate, with some contributors suggesting that it's common for a small group of people to give generously, regardless of the occasion or person.
* Junior workers may face particular difficulties when it comes to contributing, with one contributor recalling being forced to contribute £1 to a colleague's retirement fund after running out of cash herself.
* Barker suggests that those in senior positions are often less likely to contribute to office collections, while others argue that leaders have implicit expectations to give and feel overwhelmed by the pressure.
* Some experts recommend prioritizing direct colleagues and close relationships when giving, avoiding chasing people individually or collectively, and considering alternative ways to show appreciation such as signing cards rather than contributing cash.