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Since time began, humans have exchanged gifts as a way to celebrate, offer support and give thanks. What is gifted has certainly changed (a knob of butter probably wouldn’t cut it these days) but the gesture still carries the same meaning - to build connection and show someone that people care.
The concept of group gifting isn’t new, either. For decades, people have supported the idea that it’s preferable to receive a single good gift than multiple bin-worthy ones. And who are we to argue?
In a survey by luxury hamper company Cartwright and Butler, 58 percent of teachers said if parents were to give a gift, they preferred a joint present from the class rather than from individual students. In other words, most people (particularly teachers) don’t need another scented candle, pot plant or personalised mug. They’ve probably got enough hand cream, too.
It may come across as impolite - ungrateful, even - but it’s a simple truth: nobody needs that many knick-knacks. It’s why group gifts are so popular as it means a number of people can pitch in and contribute to a more meaningful and impactful gift for all kinds of occasions including birthdays, weddings, thank-you’s, retirements, end of year shindigs, graduations and more.
Through our digital gifting company Gravy, we’ve taken the idea of group gifting one step further. Instead of only being able to gift traditional items like jewellery, socks, wine (or even some hand cream), Gravy also allows people to “gift” stuff that doesn’t cost a cent. For example, a handwritten card, some homemade honey, help painting the house or participating in a fundraising event. We call these gifts “pledges” and it’s essentially a way to formalise the beer economy.
But when is it appropriate to give a group gift and how exactly do you organise a group gift in the first place? What are some of the best group gift ideas? Let’s dive in.
