Gift Giving

by Kathy Baker
(New Zealand)

Hi,

One of my teammates sent a broadcast email that he is planning to buy our boss a red Ipod Nano as a birthday present costing $25 per person if we all chip in to the present. I seriously do not feel like giving since we never gave her birthday presents since the day I started working for this company the past 3 years. Not to mention, my teammate just began to live with her and they are keeping this as a secret. I just feel like if he wants to give her a present, why not just buy it himself and not make everyone look like we’re forced to give, and if not, we will look bad.

My question is, how can I nicely decline the idea?

Thank you,
JS