Budget gift idea for a co-workers bday

[dreamin_disney]

I have a co-worker that I see everyday . We don't work in the same area but we eat with the same group of people and I will see her throughout the day. I don't hangout with her outside of work. We don't text etc. Well its been this way for 3 years. Anyways one lady from group is having cupcakes for her on Friday for her bday and she told the group we will be celebrating the co-workers bday. So I need some inexpensive lil gift ideas. I really don't know if I should buy a gift or not. I feel weird not taking anything but maybe a lil something. These two always let everyone know when its their bday and they always do something for each other but kinda expect me and two other people to bring something like bring a card, flowers etc. But this time nothing was said just we are celebrating but I'm sure a lil something is expected :/

 

[verleniahall]

what r ubconsidering to be topnprice?

 

[dreamin_disney]

Under $10. It all adds up. Last year the main lady had celebrations for 3 bday celebrations for coworkers, 2 celebrations for two that were going away, plus Christmas potluck ($10 veggie tray) so I spent $60-$70 last year. My bday is over holiday break so no celebration and not even an acknowledgement. I'm just annoyed with the extra money I'm having to spend. I really dont want to take anything but hubby says just take a lil something and keep the peace

 

[Ensusieasm]

Scratch off lottery ticket in an economy priced birthday card. Less than 5 bucks.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

All of these types of "little" celebrations really add up! If my budget was $10, I'd probably grab an inexpensive jar candle or small box of chocolates.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Scratch off lottery ticket in an economy priced birthday card. Less than 5 bucks.

LOVE the .50 cent cards at the Dollar Tree store!!!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

A LOAF of homemade bread from a good bakery

or some fancy chocolates from a local candy maker

Or a bag of caramel corn

Or a fun tablet for her desk

 

[verleniahall]

I would do a .50 card and maybe a $5.00 Starbucks gc

 

[dreamin_disney]

Thank everyone. It does add up and when I first started there was a time that the work staff would ask for a $25 per employee a year social club to go to staff bday (chocolate bar or balloons), retirement parties, babyshower party, death etc. Plus they would send around an envelope asking for $5-$10 donation for gift for a baby shower, special anniversary, etc $20 per person for Christmas party for taco truck. Luckily it all stopped but I'm stuck with this little group. I'm just trying to keep the peace :/ and btw I make a lot less money than they do like 3,000-4,000 less a month. I'm sorry I guess I'm just being negative Nancy. I work really hard for the main lady and never even get a Thank you so I guess I'm bothered and annoyed that she always acknowledges everyone else and I feel put on the spot to chip in

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Thank everyone. It does add up and when I first started there was a time that the work staff would ask for a $25 per employee a year social club to go to staff bday (chocolate bar or balloons), retirement parties, babyshower party, death etc. Plus they would send around an envelope asking for $5-$10 donation for gift for a baby shower, special anniversary, etc $20 per person for Christmas party for taco truck. Luckily it all stopped but I'm stuck with this little group. I'm just trying to keep the peace :/ and btw I make a lot less money than they do like 3,000-4,000 less a month. I'm sorry I guess I'm just being negative Nancy. I work really hard for the main lady and never even get a Thank you so I guess I'm bothered and annoyed that she always acknowledges everyone else and I feel put on the spot to chip in

I don't think you're being a negative Nancy at all. It's unfair to expect people to chip in, & it totally stinks that you don't receive so much as a thank you!

 

[ForMyBoys]

How about something fun for her desk, like a small plant?

 

[shoney]

Never heard of giving individual gifts to co workers just for cake or cupcakes. Maybe contributing a few bucks towards the treats or cash in a card. I would give a few scratch offs in this case

 

[dreamin_disney]

I almost was going to get a $10 giftcard to to jamba juice or starbbucks . Instead I'm going to just chip in $5 towards the cupcakes or if they order pizza. I guess the birthday girl wants pizza too :/

 

[LovesTimone]

I always went the route simple, small and useful.

Candy jars for the desk filled with mints, you can hit the dollar tree, get a mason jar, and a dollar bag of peppermints, or another wrapped candy, a .50 card, and a bow, gift bag and call it a day.

Again at the dollar tree, look for some desk items, pen holder, paper clips, fill with the items, gift bag, cheap card... all done

One co-worker always like my stash box in my desk drawer, I kept snacks, can of soup, juice boxes, peanut butter to go, crackers... So I made her one for her birthday, I bought the container at wal-mart, 6.00 and filled it from my pantry at home, card, and a bow all done... When she quit, she took the picture of her family and that stash box with her.

You can get a package of generic birthday cards, at the dollar tree for any more birthdays... For me I like the blank plain card, so you can use them for whatever occasion.

GC's - 5 to 10 bucks - Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, Panda Express, Ulta was a big hit, and the other one was Target.

 

[_19disnA]

I would avoid gift cards since you don't want your gift to look excessive and not sure if others will even bring anything. I like the idea of some nominal value item for her desk.

 

[Sandi]

I think a greeting card is more than enough. This is silly. They aren't 5 years old. I hope they don't make it weird for the OP, but there is no good reason to worry about this or spend any money. I have a box of greeting cards -- birthday, sympathy, congrats -- in my office to pull out when needed. I'd give the OP one to use if I could.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Trader Joe's usually has cute succulents for under $5 each - you could give her a small one for her desk.

 

[dreamin_disney]

Thanks everyone. It shouldn't be a big deal but when people start mentioning their bday is coming up a month before. Then they mention it every other day 2 weeks before you know they are expecting something. I'm the opposite and don't expect anything and really don't celebrate so people don't have to go out and get me something. I've been like that since I was a kid.

I think after the Christmas sales and clearance I will stock up on lil gifts that I can use for future lol!

 

[JLoinDisney]

What about a cute small notebook? nothing expensive but kinda nice. we all need little note pads for whatever it may be!

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Wonder if the dollar store has 2019 desk calendars?