Do You Gift All Your Co-Workers?

[DisneyMomOK]

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[dmslush]

We draw names at our office, and give only one person a 'real' gift. But, most of us go to the Dollar Tree and buy everyone a small ornament or something like that. This year, I found handpainted glass ornaments at the dollar tree. They are in a cute little velvety box holder. I only have a total of 8 people in my office, so it is really no big deal to buy for everyone.

 

[icebrat001]

Nope, give to who you want. I have 2 jobs, there is 5 of us at one and 4 at the other, and I am giving 2 total gifts to co workers, 1 from each jobs, I don't care for the rest.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

When my dept was big, we used to do a grab bag, everyone got really into it. But through cutbacks, and realignment, the dept has shrunk to 3 people besides me, and 2 of them are the bosses.
We won't do anything this year. Last year my co-worker (non boss) was supposed to pick up gifts for the bosses, and take half the money from me, so the gifts would be from both of us....well she kept telling me she didn't get anything yet, then come Christmas Eve she came in with 2 huge gift baskets signed from just herself.....and avoided me the whole day.
This year we all decided that gift giving is out.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

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[wdwstar]

I use to buy my co-worker a nice gift Bath & Body, i would receive nothing, ok thats ok, last year i cut back and bought her carbou coffee GC & TollHouse Cooke GC, again i received nothing. right after christmas last year she finally decides to tell me she doesnt do christmas gifts, now she tells me.
She doesnt even spend much money on her family or grandkids, she even told me she doesnt christmas shop for everyone, her family gets a few dollars.
OK this year i decided not buy a gift i even told DH (The boss) and he said that is fine, since she doesnt even get him a gift. The company gives her a bonus check plus we all go out to a fine restaraunt for our christmas party and she even orders the large Lobster tail, Now DH just had me order a tote overline for her for a christmas gift. I am not putting my name on the gift.

 

[jacksmom]

I am a nursing baylor supervisor and have lots of co workers! Last year, I made a homemade snack mix with white choc covered pretzels and red and green m&ms and put in christmas mugs for co workers! This year I bought Christmas themed small ceramic bread pans that I am planning on making Cranberry nut bread in for gifts! We nurses love to eat!

 

[kilee]

In the last 2 years our company has shrunk from 20 people to 5. This year some still wanted to do "secret santa". However, the price limit is a little high. So, I opted out. I guess 3 of them decided to exchange. I know we each pitch in $5 for our boss usually for a gift card- I don't know if we'll even do that this year. Our jobs aren't the most stable right now- so I think everyone is alittle more guarded w/ spending this year. As it is I'm the only one w/ a spouse that is works. So, the others are really worried.

 

[PattiPB]

I work with ten people, and today I bought these awesome 24 oz jar candles in holidays scents at Kohl's. They were $3.99, and I had a 15% discount coupon. I'm happy at $4 a person!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I work in an office of 12 and bought them each an ornament that cost $1 from a local craft show last weekend.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Gift giving got really out of control at my office the last few years or so...everyone buying for everyone and not little things either! I think I spent almost $300 last year just on co-workers! I am a manager so I sort of put my foot down this year and told the other manager we should just do a Secret Santa, then I told everyone that the gift thing had gotten a little carried away and to please NOT buy me anything...I told them to save the money and spend it on their kids or grandkids or get themselves a gas card! A few people said they were going to buy everyone gifts anyway and I said that was fine, but that I didn't want anyone to feel left out (we have some cliques in the office) and they had to understand others may not reciprocate. So it's either all (which I hope no one does) or just your Secret Santa this year. I think most people were relieved. We'll see how it goes.........

 

[crisrn2003]

We nurses love to eat!

Amen sister! I always say you could take chocolate covered.......you know what, and SOMEone would eat it. If I have left over stuff at home like cake, cookies, pie, I take it in, knowing it will be consumed.
We just do a secret pal, but we've been doing it since May. You're supposed to buy your secret pal something each month, but my pal hasn't been very good. I probably won't do it again.
For me, there's just too many people between day shift and night shift to buy everyone something. I probably will give a little something to a few special co-workers though.

 

[ceecee]

We always did an ornament exchange. We all buy an ornament and wrap it then each gift gets a number put on it and we draw numbers. You can either get the number on your paper or steal someones gift they already opened.Your gift can be stolen only twice. It's a lot of fun and we usually get a nice ornament. I bought glass mugs with lids (holiday prints) at Walmart for $1.00 and filled it with hot chocolate mix for everyone.

 

[nbodyhome]

I haven't heard of anyone buying for all their co-workers! I will send homemade cookies and candy with my husband for his work (I work at home), but I wouldn't want anyone buying me little knicknacks from the Dollar Tree, etc. I am trying to simplify my life, not collect more things!

I think making cookies/candy is an inexpensive and appreciated idea. Or even bringing in a fruit tray, to be healthier. That is the type of thing that I appreciate, and all that is left is a clean plate after everything is over.

Denise

 

[nbodyhome]

Oh...and I was thinking of making extra cookies/candy to bring with me to Saratoga Springs for some of the workers (since they have to work on Christmas).

Denise

 

[DisneyMomOK]

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[clh2]

Well, just call me scrooge...I would never give a gift to coworkers. I would never give a gift to my boss. Although, if someone is taking up a collection for a boss gift - I would participate. I do, however, make all my Christmas cards, and do give each coworker one, but that's it.

Due to a number of reasons, our money is not unlimited, so I just can't see spending some on co-workers. Conversely, I don't want them spending money on me. I am even cutting back a little on nieces and nephews this year.

 

[rigs32]

I don't want to be a party pooper, but for those of you who give ornaments and such, are you sure that all your coworkers actually celebrate Christmas? If you don't know them well enough to get a personal gift, I'm assuming you probably don't know what religion they are.

 

[luvtogo12]

Our office needed a new toaster oven last year. I bought one and presented it as a "gift to all".
This year, we need a new coffee maker so that will be my gift to my co-workers.

 

[ChristyJ]

I just saw an idea I really like on the Food Network-take the white chocolate oreo cookies (could use the milk chocolate ones too) and use either red or green icing (or both ) to drizzle across the tops of the cookies. Put a few (I think she used 5-6) in a decorated container and they're good to go! She used the Chinese take-out type of containers and decorated them with pictures from old holiday cards (cut them out with fun scissors). They looked really cute and I think those white chocolate oreos are yummy!

I think I'm going to make these for my co-workers-we usually do a little something among a few of us.