In the 5 person office I work for, the two higher-ups gave the worker bee's gifts (~$30), and the 3rd highest person gave me (and everyone else, I assume) inexpensive gifts ($1-2). I'm the 4th highest person, and the newest to the organization. I also make less than the others. I sent everyone holiday cards before the gifts were given. Should I give everyone small gifts? The two higher ups make 2-4+ times my income, so any real gift that is big money to me is small potatos to them. And the #2 has said many times that she does not want any more "stuff", only consumables. That being said, should I get them something??
2006-12-18 14:27:31 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
absolutely not - Just because someone has given you a gift doesn't mean you should reciprocate. You were already thoughtful enough to give your co-workers holiday cards.
If you really did want to do something for your co-workers, and since you have such a small office, you could bring in a "community treat" of sorts to share. Maybe its coffee and pastries in the morning, or a sandwich tray for a community lunch. It won't break the bank and it will award everyone equally - just make sure that everyone will be able to partake of what you bring (considering those who are diabetic, kosher, vegetarian, etc.)
2006-12-18 14:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO! It's all in the thought! Even if you only SAID & wished everyone a Merry X-mas! Different people like to do different things. I'm sure you know this by your own family members. It's the thought, not comparing the amounts. :) {hug}
I personally think that when it comes to co-workers (if it hasn't been an agreed apon name-drawing gift exchange thing) you need not be concerned about having to return gifts to those who gave. Because these are the same people, I bet, that just love the giving part of the season & give gifts to toys for tots, etc. & they are not looking for something back except hoping to brighten someone's holiday. The holiday cards were great! Alot of people love to hang/tape their X-mas cards up during the season. My Grandma use to have me staple hers up around door frames, etc. :) Those are an awesome thought. And remember, a heartfelt, warm greeting & smile has that same good feeling, too! Take Care & Happy Holidays!
2006-12-18 14:31:33 · answer #2 · answered by Nocine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to get them something just because they got you something. Many people give never expecting to recieve. It is something great about the holidays, giving. Consider your circumstances, can you afford to go out and buy gifts, even inexpensive ones? If so and you value this than you should, if not you should probably bring in some type of chocolates or cookies that everyone can enjoy.
2006-12-18 14:56:06 · answer #3 · answered by Jolene R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cards are perfectly acceptable. I've worked in an office for years, and let me tell you, it's crazy enough trying to fit in gift giving just to my own family, let alone think of what people in the office like or want. A box of candy for the whole office is a horrible idea! All the germs that are already circulating, now in food! YUCK...sounds like someone doesn't know much about being in an office.
Stick with the cards. Anything MORE looks like your trying to compete.
Our office didn't do a gift exchange this year..instead we all got a gift for our Angel Tree in the lobby (I work at a hospital). Or you can pluck tickets off an Angel Tree in another location and everyone can get one and have a wrapping party instead of gift giving party.
2006-12-18 14:47:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You do not owe anyone gifts. You've already given the cards. Gifts should come from the heart.
That said, if you still want to give something, go with the "consumable": homemade or bakery cookies or the like. Do you make fudge or gingerbread? Yum!
2006-12-18 14:33:36 · answer #5 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're fine with the cards. If you feel like something else would set you nicely with the new colleagues then bring in cookies for the whole crew. Offer them in a public spot with a card "Happy Holidays from Yourname". Donuts work well too!
2006-12-18 14:58:39 · answer #6 · answered by KelVin 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, this is so complicated.
If I were you, I would resist the idea of following the "pecking order" when giving gifts. Either give everybody the same thing, or just cards or something. It doesn't have to be pricey. If they don't appreciate whatever gift you give, it's their problem.
2006-12-18 15:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say yes.... something small. Even if you make a batch of cookies or something....package them nicely and give some to each person. Inexpensive, but a nice personal gift.
2006-12-18 14:30:26 · answer #8 · answered by QueenChristine 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, you dont have to do anything more, some ppl dont have much of a family so they dote on their co workers and such and then others do have familys and everyone else to buy for. you sent a card, thats more than alot of people would do, but if you want to do something anyways make up a nice fruit basket, its really cheep and looks really nice and hey, you eat it and its all gone.
2006-12-18 14:53:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No need to. If you want, you can get them $1-2 gifts.
2006-12-19 02:42:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋