How much do you spend on a colleague? The amounts explained

The most awkward part of any office gift is the amount. Too little feels stingy, too much feels uncomfortable. Below are the figures that are customary in the Netherlands, per occasion. Useful if you have just started working here: the amounts are probably lower than you expect, and that is entirely normal.

Rules of thumb per occasion

Indications based on Dutch research into workplace gift spending, among others by Kadonation (2,000 employees in the Netherlands and Belgium).

Three rules that always work

• Ask for one amount, not a range. "Are you in for € 5?" works better than "give whatever you like". Nobody wants to be the stingiest.
• Keep contributions private. A list showing who gave what creates awkwardness. Collect through one person or one link.
• The card counts. A signed card with a personal line from everyone is remembered longer than the present itself.

Do you give something to your manager?

You can, but keep it modest and preferably on behalf of the team. Choose something neutral and not too personal. Giving individually to a manager quickly looks like currying favour, which is frowned upon in flat Dutch office culture.

What if you find the amount too high?

Say so early and quietly to the organiser, or contribute a smaller amount. Taking part is voluntary and nobody should be able to see what you gave. A good organiser keeps it that way; our tools are built on exactly that principle.