I was the bitch manager who insisted there would be no "passing the hat" in my department. With 25 people and with their life events, we would have been passing it weekly. It was a department of mostly women, and that intensifies the perceived need for celebrating by gifting. It was also important because requests would occasionally come from outside of our department for donations.Hell, no.
In a group of this size there is always a handful whose "love language"is gifting. Fine for them, let them partake but leave others alone My policy never prevented individuals from independently acting, on their own. If any one of them wanted to buy consumer crap for their colleagues, they could do that.
I will never forgot the giant "retirement party" for someone outside of my department that involved a pile of presents, balloons, a special room, cakes and treats--a big deal, and costly. He "retired" and starting working the following week at a sister organization, full time. What was thenpoint ofmthat big party? A gift grab I think. Gross.
And then, there was my employee who, when I first arrived and observed the excessive present giving culture in place, wouldn't allow anyone to "sign the card" if they had not contributed to the gift. Screw that.