Organise a group gift without the chaos

Several people chipping in and nobody wanting to chase the money.

Help me run a group gift so it does not collapse into a dormant group chat.

1. Tell me the decisions that must be made first and in what order: what, how much each, and who collects. Most group gifts fail because the gift is chosen before the budget.
2. Suggest a contribution structure that lets people give different amounts without it becoming visible or awkward.
3. Write me the message to send to the group. It should state the gift, the amount, the deadline and how to pay, in that order, and make it easy to opt out without explanation.
4. Give me the follow-up message for people who have not paid, worded so it is not nagging.
5. Tell me how the card should be signed and who should hand it over.

Be direct about the failure modes: one person fronting the money, latecomers, and someone who wants a different gift after it is bought.

The occasion, the group and the rough budget:

Occasions and group gifts. Milestones, weddings and new babies, celebrations, and organising several givers or several presents.