Office gifts: how much to chip in towards presents for colleagues

New data reveals the average amount Australians contribute to colleagues’ farewell, birthday and baby shower gifts.

WITH many Australians now working from home, collecting money for office gifts has become a challenge.

The humble cash envelope passed around colleagues could miss half the team, so electronic transfers and apps are becoming the new norm.

But without being able to sneak a peak in the envelope, it’s difficult to know what contribution is expected.

New figures from digital group gifting platform GroupTogether reveal the average amount Aussies chip in for a farewell gift is $18.32.

They spend more on baby showers ($20.33 a person), and splurge on birthdays ($46.72 a person).

GroupTogether.com co-founder Ali Linz says it is tricky to know how much to chip in for an office gift: not wanting to seem stingy but also setting healthy financial boundaries.

GroupTogether.com’s Ali Linz recommends avoiding embarrassing gifts at work. Picture: Supplied

She says the amount people are happy to spend on colleagues often depends on how long they have been in the team and how closely they work together.

Here are her tips.

Don’t give embarrassing gifts

“No sex or religion please, unless you work in those industries,” she says. “Standing in front of a group of people and receiving a jumping willy or sex toy – please no!”

Don’t use snail mail

“With so many people working remotely for at least some days, the ol’ card in the in-tray will just get stuck and wither,” she says.

Don’t guess

“Unless you really know what they’d like, don’t guess and have it wasted,” she says. “Give them a gift card to let them have something they’ll love.”

Do go digital

This will help include people who work remotely, according to Linz.

“Use GroupTogether.com to let everyone add a personal message, picture and optional contribution online,” she says.

The average amount contributed for a farewell gift is $18.32. Picture: iStock

Do give a dollar value

Linz advises that people appreciate clarity.

“If you need $10 per person, tell them,” she says.

“If it’s open, give them a guide (such as) ‘$5 to $10 is plenty’, or if it’s optional to give but they can still write on the card, tell them that too.”

Do pad the calendar

“Find out when you actually need the money but tell your colleagues that you need the money two days before you do,” she says.

“It’s your insurance against the stragglers in the group.”