Should I chip in for a gift when I was not included in the decision making process?

Question

My co-worker bought a gift for our boss who received a promotion. The gift cost $60. She did not check with any of us before buying the gift to see if we would want to chip in. She is now asking all of us to pay $10 towards it. Would you pay the $10? We are already going out to dinner, is this too much?

Answer 1

She should have collected money first and let the amount she collected determine the value of the gift, but since it's already done...

You're certainly not obligated to chip in; but remember, your name will not be included on the card if you don't.

In any event, I'd let her know how you feel about being
"hijacked" into a set amount and ask her to do it more fairly next time. I daresay you're not the only one who resents her approach, but you may be the only one who tells her so, so be tactful.

Answer 2

You aren't obligated to chip in. Buying the gift and assuming everyone would want to chip in, without having that conversation with anyone, was presumptuous. At the most, she had the right to ask after the fact if anyone would LIKE to chip in, but not go around telling everyone they need to give her ten bucks for their part of the cost of the gift.

Even though I definately think she's in the wrong there, I would probably not refuse to chip in on principle, especially if you are the only one. I just wouldn't want to rock the boat.

If the promotion will still mean your boss will be your boss, do you really want to refuse to take part in a gift for him or her, based on principle? It may be ten dollars well spent, just to stay on your boss's good side.

But I would have a conversation with your co-workers -- TOGETHER -- including her, setting up a new order of how to handle these things. If someone has the idea that the GROUP should offer a gift, they need to discuss it with the rest of you BEFORE going to buy it. Also, it needs to be understood that not everyone will always be a part of it, and you should each get to decide for yourselves if you want to contribute.

Answer 3

While I see your point of view, take a good look around and see what others are saying and doing. And, my questions is, are you also paying for the dinner you are going to?

I think that if you are already chipping in for the dinner and you simply, simply can't afford the extra $10, then be honest and tell the coworker that you'll already be strapped by contributing towards the dinner and that you didn't anticipate the gift, so sorry, you just can't do it and leave your name off of the card.

Now, on the otherhand, if you are just kind of angry that this person bought the gift without consulting anyone and you can make up for the $10 by not buying coffee out or lunch out this week and/or next; I'd suggest paying the $10. It sounds like the gift will be presented along with the dinner and it's a nice gesture.

Been there done that. I'd urge you to just hand over the $10 though....Good Luck with your decision

Answer 4

Your co worker was totally out of line by choosing a gift that she paid for, and then, expected everyone to chip in for. That's totally irresponsible of the co worker. However, if you can afford it, being gracious is always a good thing. I would suggest that someone TELL the coworker that asking people to chip in is normally done, bEFORE any gift is bought.

Answer 5

Since you did not agree to it, you are under no obligation to give the money to her. She had alot of nerve to assume that everyone would contribute towards the gift. Of course, if you don't give her the money, then she has no obligation to place your name on the card, but then, that goes without saying. If you wanted to buy a gift yourself, you can do that, but only if you wanted to. Please weigh everything before you make a decision though. Was the supervisor a good one to his/her employees? If he/she was, then you know, ten dollars is not that much to contribute to a gift, if you bought one yourself, you'd probably pay about that much. Or was the supervisor undeserving of the gift in the first place? If you feel that your boss was not a good one, you might want to reconsider going to dinner with them, that is not mandatory either. Either way, it is your choice to make. You have no obligation to do anything you don't want to, or doesn't feel is right to you. Choose wisely.

Answer 6

No. I hate the chip in. And I'm not selfish. I'm broke. And WHO is getting the promotion? It is a nice gesture but unnecessary. If you are all going out to dinner anyway, ptich in to buy the guy's dinner and that is enough. And wish him well. Just my opinion.

Answer 7

if it was decided that everyone would pitch in before the gift was bought, then i'd give the cash. if she just took the entire thing upon herself w/o telling anyone what she wanted to do, then i might not. if you like your boss, and you have the money, maybe just go ahead and pitch in with the understanding that you'd like to be informed if something like this is going to happen again.

Answer 8

if she was bought this gift as all of you, and if she didn't have bought this gift you should bought this yourself , and she have sayed to your boss that this gift was from all you six person, i think it is better to pay her,but you should ask him to pay attention to you more and first consult with you and then deed a work. and this is her last time that deed a job like this.
have a good time

Answer 9

No. He got a promotion. He needs to get over himself already. and that kissass who bought the gift card needs to eat the cost.

or you should just offer to buy the gift card from her for $55 dollars, after you convince her giving your boss the card is a bad idea.

Answer 10

I would chip in the $10. But that's just me.