Money pool for the baby?

Your situation gets me so angry... I totally agree with you, and the way you feel.

I think that just a simple greeting card will do it. If they ask for more, just say you can't afford it. No one knows better about your finances than yourself.

If things get nasty, give them a condom. That should send the message. ( I'm joking!!!)

I appreciate that you're keeping a positive attitude towards the event to your coworkers (smiling, nodding, saying congrats). When the time comes to fill the gift basket, just politely tell the person in charge of the idea that you would like if you weren't included in this. Or, you could simply say that you're having some financial difficulties, and you can't afford a gift at this time. After all, you're the only one who knows everything inside and out about your finances. If they keep pressing your button and asking you to buy a gift, just say you can't and you wont. Coworkers these days can be so irritating and pushy, sometimes, you just have to explain the actual situation, and stop taking the easy way out.

I've been in similar situations where they are collecting for someone and I really cannot give, but in your situation, you will not give because of your beliefs or what have you. I would simply tell them "no, I will not take part in this". Don't expect them to just remember that you "...find the idea of bringing kids in to this world as nothing less then torture..." and just skip you. Some would probably remember this but the fact that you are there they probably do not want you to feel left out. at my job, they know that I cannot afford to be giving money off the whim like that but they ask just to ask and not let me feel left out. hope I helped...

Since you are at least civil enough to offer your congratulations to this person, why not just buy a "Congrats on the baby" card and put that in the basket? Surely you can afford a 99 cent card and the time it takes to sign it. Then there's no need to inform anyone of your personal financial problems nor do you have to spend time explaining your personal views on reproducing.

Tell them you're not interested. Since your coworkers know without a doubt that you don't believe in "breeding," then I doubt you're a shrinking violet, and I'm sure you speak your mind. So just tell them you're not interested. No big deal.

Just tell them "Hey, you know I am a jerk, why would I want to do something like this" Play nice, you never know the kid could grow up to be a Dr that saves your life. Your beliefs are your beliefs but to subject everyone to your cynical tone is not necessary, cough up 5 bucks and call it good.

Sounds like to me this is more than you just can't afford it. Sounds to me you just don't want to help anyone because they are doing something that you personally don't agree with. Then you need to just come out and say it and stop beating around the bush.

your against breeding??? too bad your parents werent against it as well. your the one with the problem not your coworkers there just trying to be nice and friendly. most people would appreciate such a gesture

You're ridiculous!!!! I hope you never need anything from your coworkers! Why can't you just keep your idiotic views to yourself and give $5.00?!!!

Don't you believe in karma?

Simply tell them that you are unable to participate and leave it at that. If they press you to do it, tell them you cant. Thats all