How to split a group gift

The simple split

1. Pick the gift and the total, including tax and shipping.
2. Divide by the number of contributors and round up to the next dollar.
3. Tell everyone the amount, the deadline, and how to pay.
4. Buy only when enough has come in, and give any leftover to the gift fund or to a card.

A note on money

Hollyhush does not collect money (for a draw, see the Secret Santa generator). It handles names, rules, budgets and chat. For collecting money, ask one trusted person to hold the cash or use a payment app your group already uses. Keep it simple: one collector, one deadline. If the gift is part of a Secret Santa, start a group instead.

Birthday pools, bosses and teachers

• Boss: keep it voluntary and private. Nobody should feel pressured, and nobody should see who gave less. Give a range, such as "$5 to $20".
• Teacher: a pooled gift card is the best choice. Parents choose any amount, and a card does not need guessing.
• Birthday: split a bigger present among friends and write one card with everyone's name.
• Retirement or farewell: a group card plus one thoughtful item beats many small ones.

Fair splits: equal or by choice?

Equal splits are simple and feel fair when everyone earns about the same. In mixed groups, use suggested amounts instead: "$10 suggested, any amount welcome". Everyone gives what they can and no one is named.

If one person picks a pricey gift, they should ask the group before buying, not after.

Handling people who pay late

• Set the deadline a few days before you must buy.
• Send one friendly reminder, privately, not in the group chat.
• If someone does not pay, do not chase them. Cover a small gap yourself or reduce the gift.
• Never post a list of who has paid.

Planning a Secret Santa instead of a group gift? Create your group and set a budget everyone sees. Create your group, free

A pooled gift card

One person buys the card and everyone adds to it. Use a card the recipient will actually use, such as a grocery store, a coffee shop, or a bookstore. Add a card signed by everyone. If you are also running a gift exchange, see our budget calculator and gift generator for ideas.