Chipping in for boss gift?

[ZehnJahren]

I was in this exact same situation, and gave the full amount expected. Did I really have it at the time? ... um, yes, sure, it was a small amount, but that didn't mean I wanted to give it. But was it paramount to me fitting in to my group? Yes. For the record, it happened twice within three months of me working at my new job: once for the wedding of my trainer, and once for my boss. I gave the full amount both times.

If you received unexpected bonuses totaling more than $100, I personally can't imagine giving anything less than $20. You have the money, so jump right in there. It will be remembered.

 

[maggiew]

How does anyone know how much you have contributed (except the collector of the money). In our office, we collect money to give a gift to the cleaning person. The administrative assistant sends around an email something like this, "We are collecting for $#$#@. If you would like to donate, please give it to me by Monday next week." So no one really knows what was contributed.

Maggie

 

[chloelovesdisney]

In some jobs giving gifts to the boss is not permitted (or clearly discouraged) but in a small office like yours, with someone that owns the company and clearly cares for the employees and treats them well, I think a gift is reasonable and much appreciated.

$10 sounds like an appropriate amount from someone new and part time.

 

[angierae]

In some jobs giving gifts to the boss is not permitted (or clearly discouraged) but in a small office like yours, with someone that owns the company and clearly cares for the employees and treats them well, I think a gift is reasonable and much appreciated.

$10 sounds like an appropriate amount from someone new and part time.

There are about 30 employees in my office, and the "boss" is the owner. We all chipped in $11 (that's what it ended up being) to order a few little things that we knew he'd like. He treats us like family, we all get _very_ nice holiday bonuses. ($1-2k depending on how long you've been with the firm) and the least we can do is chip in to give him a token gift. Clearly none of us is anywhere near him, financially, so the gifts are more gestures than something really huge and meaningful.)

 

[meajuly5]

As a "boss" it is not so much inappropriate to give your boss a gift do much as it is not expected or necessary. Most businesses have a culture of "giving down" where the boss gives a gift to those who support them as a thank you. It is a sign of appreciation. It is not expected that those who work for you should forgo their salaries to buy a gift in return. A token or a card is a lovely gesture but you should not strain your finaces. If your group is collecting, I would contrubute what you can comfortably do and let it go.

 

[Riverhill]

I have never thought it was appropriate to give the boss a gift. I am the boss at my office. I make more money than my team and my boss makes more money than her team.

This year I was asked to pitch in money to by my boss a gift from my peers across the company. These are the same people that have spent the past 12 month complaining about her and wishing her ill. I almost fell over. I suggested that we all pitch in and give a donation to a local charity in her name. That idea went over like a lead weight.

I gave in to peer pressure and handed over my money. On the other hand I have told my team to not get me a gift and spend their money on their family and loved ones.

 

[Minnesota!]

We do a gift exchange each year. Everyone in the department (including the boss) exchanges initials. We have a $25 limit and then we have a potluck where we exchange gifts. In addition to that, we all chip in $10 - $15 to get something for the boss. And she gets us all something, too. She probably spends about $25/employee. She is always moved to tears when she opens our gifts.

OP - I would chip in at least $15....especially since you received a bonus..

 

[Handbag Lady]

I am SO glad that we do a set dollar amount White Elephant gift exchange each year. Even the big boss participates so NO ONE feels the need either way to exchange gifts outside of our annual potluck.

And this year, the big guy ended up with my gift: a Spongebob Chia Pet. Laughter all around. The end.

 

[crashbb]

This is the first year where I have people reporting to me (4 of them). I don't make a huge amount more than than (not the 2 to 4 to 10 times that others here have reported - maybe an additonal 20%).

I brought them all some chocolates, a tree ornament, and some homemade treats (I've brought in baked goods before and they've all eaten them, so I knew it was safe) which is similar to what my supervisor sent to me last year (I am now at the level she was and people who report to me are the level I was). All was fine. Except that, while I was away on Friday, one of them brought me a gift (some ornaments and some bath/body stuff). She's now gone until the new year. So, do I now have to up my gift to them?? It is really rather awkward, to be honest. I don't think I'll up my gift, but I'll probably bring something bigger than I planned back from my overseas trip (it is pretty usual at my office to bring something small back if you go somewhere interesting).

All that to say that giving your boss a gift can make things weird for everyone.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

This makes me feel validated. As a group of teachers (about 25 of us in our division) we are asked by one of the senior teachers to give $10 towards a gift for our principal and another $10 to our admin assistant. I've always thought this was weird, but I don't want to be the one not to participate so I fork over the $20 each year without complaining. I can't put my finger on why, but I've always thought it was strange. Nice to see that other people (bosses included...) feel the same! To the OP, I would give $10.

 

[momxx5]

OP, $10 is perfectly acceptable and very kind.

I kinda know the feeling....I started a full time job a few months ago. Our office has pot luck luncheons once a month. The first few months were extremely tight financially on our family and I felt overwhelmed with the idea of having to purchase food items. The very first one I knew I was not going to be able to contribute. I quietly told the office manager how much I wished to be able to contribute but I would not be participating. She was so glad that I came to her and was honest. She said not to worry.....there is always plenty of food, etc.

So, giving $5 or $10, whatever you can, should not be looked down upon by anyone. I would just have a little chat with the "leader" and let her know your situation.

Best wishes at your new job.

 

[kirstenb1]

I was in this exact same situation, and gave the full amount expected. Did I really have it at the time? ... um, yes, sure, it was a small amount, but that didn't mean I wanted to give it. But was it paramount to me fitting in to my group? Yes. For the record, it happened twice within three months of me working at my new job: once for the wedding of my trainer, and once for my boss. I gave the full amount both times.

If you received unexpected bonuses totaling more than $100, I personally can't imagine giving anything less than $20. You have the money, so jump right in there. It will be remembered.

Totally agree!!! OP, seriously, the difference between the full amt and what you're contemplating is $10. I'm as cheap as they come, but I'd give the 20.

 

[bdcp]

As a Federal gov employee, I'm not allowed to give my boss a gift unless we have a personal relationship/friendship that extends outside of the workplace. I've never given any boss a gift. I've always been taught it's inappropriate, even in jobs that weren't gov't. The only gift I'm doing at work this year is a gift exchange.

 

[Minnie]

$10 seems appropriate for a part time employee.

OP - Sounds like your office is a nice environment. To those that are in less than nice environments and pay to get along... An office should be a professional environment and letting the office dragons dictate things tends to make me think very unprofessional words....

 

[erincon23]

All settled -- when this came up, I had asked what the suggested donation was and the person collecting said $20, but I should feel free to give whatever I could manage -- there was no coercion or push. I gave $10, she said thanks when I handed her the money, that was it. I think she's just fine with it. Next year, when I've been there the full year, I'll give the full amount. But especially since in my initial interview they mentioned a $2/hour raise after 30 days and that's not happening (I know, this is info I didn't provide earlier because I didn't know for sure until yesterday -- it's been two months and nothing had been said) because of expenses the agency has decided to take on, I don't have any regrets about it. Thanks everyone for your advice.

 

[mjkacmom]

Totally agree!!! OP, seriously, the difference between the full amt and what you're contemplating is $10. I'm as cheap as they come, but I'd give the 20.

 

[Tink-aholic]

This is the first year I am not contributing to a gift for a boss in decades. For the last few years, my bosses have been the George Baileys of the world, and I really adored working for them, so I gave willingly. This year, my boss is a cross between old Malificent and Medusa. I've already been asked twice for my "contribution"...and I'm thinking her assistant is starting to get the hint.

I'm not stingy -- I just can't bear to give a gift to this horrible woman! One time I told her that she made me cry, she corrected me by telling me that "I CHOSE to cry".

For the record, we are teachers and they are even hitting up the substitutes for her gift. I think that's crazy because a sub makes roughly a quarter of what I make, and there is no job security or benefits.

 

[tiffjoy]

For the first time this year, I got a gift as a manager from one of my reports. It was so sweet and thoughtful as he included a few small items for my children and a card and candy bar for me. Super thoughtful, and I was so touched. It certainly was not expected or necessary.

I always gift my reports with Visa gift cards to use how they wish.

I receive a gift from my boss (the CEO) but I don't give one in return. First, because she is married to a billionaire and I have no idea what I could possibly get her. Second, because it doesn't feel right. The report who have me a gift has become close with me. I am not close with my boss.

My point is that these things aren't really all one answer. It's completely individual and what each person feels ok doing. OP, in your place, I would give the $20. Ever see the Friends episode where Ross is asked for money for the apartment maintenance guy the day he moves into a new apartment? It's so much better as the new girl I town to play nicely.

 

[Sandi12404]

I work in a gyn office and the doctors I work with are more then generous. They took the whole office out to eat, gave us bonuses and a couple gift cards. We all chipped in and then donated our money to a local animal shelter in their names because the doctors are all animal lovers. We gave them cards that we all signed and put a note in them about our donation. They loved it and it felt good to give to a worthy cause and not a generic gift that they may or may not enjoy.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Through my years as the boss, I have gotten lots of Christmas gifts.
2) Have received everything from clothes to office stuff to brandy.
3) There was NEVER a question as to who donated how much.
4) Everyone who contributed signed the card.
5) I know some gave big bucks, while others a dollar or two.

6) As the boss, let me tell you, THE THOUGHT IS REALLY, TRULY THE ISSUE.
7) In fact, give too much and I think it is brown-nosing.

NOTE: One year, I accidentally learned that one of the office ladies
donated five dollars to the card. I know most of my folks, and to her,
this was like one of our sales guys giving $100. I was more overwhelmed
with her portion than with many of the others.