Guides
How much to contribute to a colleague's leaving gift
For a colleague you did not work with closely, £5 to £10 is a typical UK contribution; for someone you worked with closely, or a bigger milestone, £10 to £20 is common. More is fine if you want to give it, and choosing not to contribute is always acceptable.
Key facts
- Casual colleague
- £5 to £10
- Close colleague or milestone
- £10 to £20
- Minimum expected
- None. Opting out is acceptable
The short answer
For a colleague you know casually, £5 to £10 is a typical UK contribution to a leaving collection. For someone you worked with closely, or for a bigger occasion such as retirement after many years, £10 to £20 is common. You are welcome to give more if you want to, but there is no expectation to.
There is no correct minimum. Choosing not to contribute is completely acceptable, and how much anyone gives should never be made public within the team or compared between colleagues.
Typical ranges by situation
These figures describe common UK workplace practice and are a starting point, not a rule.
Factors that affect the amount
- How well you knew the colleague, including whether you worked in the same team day to day.
- The size of the team, since a larger group collecting means a smaller amount each can still add up to a generous gift.
- The significance of the occasion, for example a long career milestone versus a short-term contractor moving on.
- How often collections happen in your workplace; if they are frequent, many people give smaller amounts each time.
- Your own budget. Nobody should contribute more than they are comfortable with.
At a glance
Typical UK contribution ranges by situation
Casual colleague, not a close working relationship
- Typical range
- £5 to £10
- Notes
- A friendly gesture rather than a large gift
Someone you worked with closely day to day
- Typical range
- £10 to £20
- Notes
- Reflects a closer working relationship
Milestone occasion, such as retirement after many years
- Typical range
- £10 to £20 or more
- Notes
- Give more only if you want to, not because it is expected
Frequent workplace collections
- Typical range
- £5 or less each time
- Notes
- Smaller amounts are normal when collections happen often
Any situation where budget is tight
- Typical range
- No contribution
- Notes
- Always acceptable and should not be commented on
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a minimum I should give to a colleague's leaving collection?
No. There is no set minimum. Choosing not to contribute is acceptable, and contribution amounts should be kept private within the team.
- Should I give more if I am the manager?
There is no rule requiring managers to give more. Some choose to, but it is not an obligation.
Sources and methodology
Typical ranges reflect general UK workplace etiquette and are editorial guidance, not platform data or a representative survey of UK workplaces.
Read our Editorial Policy.