How much do people chip in for February 23 gifts?

Offices budget 500–1500 RUB per recipient; the per-person amount is the total divided by the number of contributors. Parent chats collecting for the boys in a class typically ask 300–600 RUB per family.

Should everyone be congratulated, or only those who served?

Most companies congratulate every man in the team — sorting colleagues by military service is a reliable way to offend someone.

When should the collection be announced?

Between 10 and 15 February, leaving a week to buy gifts and enough distance from the March 8 collection.

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February 23 Gift Collection: How Much to Chip In and What to Write

Defender of the Fatherland Day is the first of the two February–March office collections — here is the budget maths and ready-made announcements.

Published: July 30, 2026

Like March 8, this is a collection where the contributors and the recipients are different people: in a typical Russian office the women collect for the men. And it is the first of two collections inside a fortnight, so the amount set here effectively sets the amount for March 8 as well.

Short answer: announce between 10 and 15 February, budget 500–1500 RUB per recipient, congratulate every man in the team rather than only those who served, and keep the amount in line with what will be collected for March 8.

How Much to Collect

Office, gift per colleague: 500–1500 RUB.
School, gifts for the boys in a class: 300–600 RUB per family.
Large team: one shared gift or a table with treats instead of individual presents.

Who Gets Congratulated

Every man in the team, regardless of military service — splitting the team by who served is a reliable way to offend someone. If the team includes women in the armed forces or law enforcement, they are usually included too.

Templates for a Work Chat

"Colleagues, 23 February is coming up. We are collecting for gifts for the men in the team — 800 RUB each, transfers by 20 February. Joining is optional."
"Ladies, time to sort out 23 February 🎖 There are six men in the department, budget is 1000 RUB per gift, so it comes to 900 RUB each. Deadline is the 19th."
"Team, this year we suggest one shared gift for 23 February instead of individual ones — 600 RUB per person, collection until the 20th."

Templates for a Parent Chat

"Good evening! For 23 February the parent committee suggests gifts for the boys in the class — 400 RUB per family, transfers by 20 February. I will post the receipt afterwards."
"Parents, collecting for 23 February: gifts for the boys and a small present for the male teachers. 500 RUB each, until Thursday."

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do people chip in?

500–1500 RUB per recipient in an office, 300–600 RUB per family in a parent chat.

Everyone, or only those who served?

Everyone — sorting the team by military service causes more problems than it solves.

When to announce?

Between 10 and 15 February.

Track the Collection in One Place

Create a free group, add the gifts as expenses and share the link with the team.

Create Free Group 🚀