How much is fair to pay for boss's b-day gift???

Our manager had a birthday on Tuesday. One of the other managers bought her flowers, a card and put on a lunch. The price tag apparently was $80. Our boss is now wanting us to pay $13.33 each. I think this is sort of expensive. I wasn't even at the "lunch" beacause I had a meeting. I don't mind $5 or something, but I think this is sort of expensive. And they even want the 0.33 cents too!? No one asked us how much we could afford or were willing to pitch in. We simply were expected to pay this. What do you think about this???

How much is fair to pay for boss's b-day gift???
I think it sucks,but it is a bad place to be in cause it is your boss.I think 5-10 would have been ok to chip in.
Reply:I hate when they go around asking for money to buy the boss a present for a b-day. Its different when maybe for a get well or after surgery gift. Although $13 is a bit much. $5 or $10 maybe is more reasonable. I'd just say, now is a hard time for you financially and you could put in 5-10. The person in charge should've thought more about how much to buy a gift for and buy cheaper flowers. An $80 flower arrangement is a little much for a b-day gift for the boss.
Reply:If you weren't at the lunch, why do you need to pay so much? Give them $3 and ask them to p*ss off.
Reply:I don't give birthday gifts to bosses. They are paid more than I and I don't owe them anything.
Reply:I think you should bring that up with whoever is in charge , I feel the same way ,why would you be spending $80.00 on your manager's lunch and birthday card . I would say to your boss that you will contribute $1.00 for the card and that's the end of the story and this is far too much and without advising first .It sounds like I command you to pay !!!! . Someone is brown nosing somebody . Its OK to celebrate a birthday but a nice card and everyone signs the card will convey the message just as well . It doesn't have to be expensive but as long the thought is there , that's what matters . Have great day .
Reply:you have every right to feel trapped. a coolection should have taken place and the gift purchased from the willing contributors.





I would pay the money (this time only) to the manager who organized this and put the above idea forward for the next occasion that arises and say that you are expected to pay for birthdays then you expect an $80 gift on yours.
Reply:First of all, I think it is totally unfair for anyone to TELL you what to pay for a gift. You should be the one who chooses to buy a gift or not, and how much you choose to spend. I personally would not put in more than I choose to do, if I even put in anything. It would also have to do with if you were even in agreement with a gift in the first place. Did anyone bother to ask you?


My boss and I are best friends, and when it comes to her birthday, each employee is on their own as to whether they choose to give her a gift or not. Many do not, and that is fine. Being in management, it should not be expected of you. I never expect a thing from employees other than for them to do their job...
Reply:If one of the other managers bought the gift, without consulting you, then you should not be expected to contribute. The cheek! I would say that I wasn't asked if I wanted to contribute to the gift, I didn't attend the lunch and I can't afford it at the moment.



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