How much should colleagues contribute for a new baby gift?

In small teams (5–10 people), 500 to 1500 RUB per person is standard. In larger companies, 200 to 500 RUB is enough. Contributions must always remain voluntary.

Is cash better than a physical gift for a colleague’s new baby?

Cash or a gift card to a baby care retailer is usually preferred, as parents often purchase essentials like cribs and strollers in advance.

← Back to home

How to Ask Colleagues to Split a Gift for a New Baby: 12 Templates

Ready-to-use email and chat messages for a colleague’s baby news — from formal HR announcements to lighthearted team notes.

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 29, 2026

A colleague has just welcomed a baby or gone on parental leave. Writing a gift collection notice requires balancing warm congratulations with clear, pressure-free instructions.

Short answer: State the news warmly, specify the voluntary nature of the gift, propose a suggested amount or open contribution, and provide details with a clear deadline.

General Rules for New Baby Collections

Always voluntary: Make it explicit that joining in is optional.
Gift card or cash: Most parents prefer flexibility over duplicate toys.
Include a card: Pass around a digital or paper card for team wishes.

Maternity Leave Collection vs. New Baby Collection

It is important to distinguish between two events:

Going on maternity leave (before birth): The collection happens on the colleague's last working day. Focus on gifts for the mom's comfort or general baby care certificates.
Birth of the child (after birth): The collection happens after the baby is born. The message is celebratory and usually organized by HR or team leads.

Formal Email Templates

"Dear Team! Wonderful news: our colleague Anna has welcomed a baby boy! We are putting together a congratulations gift and card. Details attached."
"Hello everyone! Join us in congratulating Michael on becoming a father. We are organizing a voluntary collection for a gift card."

Chat Templates (Telegram / Slack)

"Hey team! 🍼 Great news — Alex just had a baby daughter! We’re putting together a group gift. Transfer link & details here."
"Great news! Elena is now a mom! 🎉 Pitch in whatever feels comfortable for a certificate to a baby store."
"Great news! Elena is going on maternity leave starting next week! Let's get her a cozy gift card before she leaves."

How to Thank Colleagues for a Baby Gift Envelope

If you received a cash envelope or gift card from your team, here are ready-to-use thank-you messages to send back to the group chat:

"Dear team! Thank you so much for the warm wishes and the generous gift envelope! Baby and mom are doing great. We really appreciate your care and support! 🍼❤️"

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should people contribute?

Typically 300–1000 RUB depending on team size. Never set a strict mandatory fee.

Keep Team Gift Collections Organized

Create a shared group link in seconds — track who contributed without spreadsheets.

Create Free Group 🚀