Group Gifting: Tacky or Savvy?
Everyone is tightening their belts this holiday season. One way to stick to a holiday budget is the idea of “group gifting.” Divine Caroline has noticed a recent upswing in this trend:
During times like this, quality can go down simply because many cannot afford the higher-end gifts that they are used to giving. One solution is group gifting. Instead of a few people giving small gifts, that same group combines their resources to buy fewer but more prominent gifts. In the end, the result is usually much more satisfying for everyone involved.
I really like the idea of spreading out the cost of a big gift amongst family members or friends. And honestly, less is more. I’d rather have one gift and have it be a Kitchen Aid mixer, than lots of little gifts that will take up space. Even if your holiday budget is limited, a small amount of money split up amongst friends can really add up.
* Twelve employees could spend $15 each on gifts for their boss, or they could get her an Apple iPod nano 8 GB. 12 Gifters equals $11.25 each
* Five siblings could buy their mother $30 gifts, or they could get her a Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30. 5 Gifters equals $30 each
You get the idea. But what is the etiquette associated with group gifting?
According to Gifting Resources, there are several factors to consider when coordinating a group gift. If the gift is for a boss or coworker, you shouldn’t feel obligated to contribute. If an envelope is going around to collect funds, it should go around the office freely without someone standing over your shoulder putting on the pressure to participate. And the general rule of thumb seems to be that aside from a wedding registry, it is tacky for the gift recipient to ask for the high end gift.
What’s your opinion, though? Is group gifting tacky or savvy?
Photo credit: stock.xchng.
I’ve always found group gifting is incredibly useful. My brother and I have cogifted for years all our family members and mutual acquaintances, on the basis that this way we have twice as large a budget to find something that the recipient will actually enjoy, rather than getting cheap crap that’ll just clutter up their lives.
I would advise either getting the money up front (difficult to do without knowing the exact cost, sometimes, and I for one would feel kind of bad over or underpaying most people. I prefer to be pretty exact about what I owe) or only cogifting with someone you absolutely know will pay you back eventually and you don’t really mind if they take a few months to a year. I don’t like taking the money before I know exactly what it’s going to cost with shipping, maybe tax, maybe subtract a coupon whatever, but at least in my circle, no one carries around cash any more! Which makes it a pain to get paid back sometimes.
I don’t think group gifting is tacky. I think it is smart. I always used to get five CD’s for my birthday along with the occasional gift card but I really would have preferred it if they had gone in together on a gift and gotten me something useful 🙂 I don’t want to sound like a brat because I am alwys happy to get something. This is why I started with a couple of friends http://www.wisheo.com. The whole concept is based on people going in together and buying smarter and better gifts. I would be very happy if you would check it out!
Good article – THanks
Acherusia and Stefan – you both make great points about having one good gift vs. lots of little gifts. Thanks for sharing the site, Stefan. It looks like a great resource.
Not tacky.
I think this is so fun. My coworkers at Barnes & Noble would all write what they want down, which I think is great. You won’t buy the wrong gift for sure and it’s pretty fun.
I’ve also been in other group gifting situations where I was pretty stressed about what to purchase. I think if those involved say what they want, it takes the pressure off of the situation and you can look forward to receiving the gift you requested. 🙂