I work with three male co-workers and they all have September birthdays. I thought about giving them a birthday card as well as a $10-$15 giftcard inside. I've been at this job for almost a year and I would like to know if it's okay (in the sense of mannerisms) to give them a small giftcard for their favorite store or just give them birthday cards with nothing in them.
Thanks for the help. I already did get them three birthday cards from Target. I would like to give them each a $10-$15 giftcard for their favorite stores but I'm not sure.
2007-08-26 08:47:42 · 11 answers · asked by chrstnwrtr 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To Looney: my birthday is actually in a few days time (August 31st) and I haven't received anything from them yet because it's not my birthday week...yet. :)
2007-08-26 08:58:19 · update #1
My suggestion is no money. The card(s) would be sufficient to acknowledge their birthdays and let co-workers know that you care. I KNOW that I would be uncomfortable if a female co-worker spent money on a gift card, but maybe I'm weird.
How do you know their favorite stores? Must be an intimate group at that workplace. I didn't think guys had favorite stores,
but again - I might be an antiquated throwback to the days of chivalry. We give gifts to ladies - they don't pay for us - ever.
2007-08-26 09:22:23 · answer #1 · answered by Spreedog 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the last year, how have birthdays typically been handled by others? That is your key. In my office we would generally not do anything but we had nearly 50 people and it got to be too much. In a small office like yours, and, depending on your abilities, I suspect they would be happy with the card and some homemade cookies or a cake.
If you have a Trader Joe's where you live, their frozen chocolate chip cookie dough makes the best cookies. Even Consumer Reports thought so. Better yet, the Nestle's Toll House chocolate chip bag usually has a great recipe on it.
Believe me, they will appreciate the gesture more than a gift card.
2007-08-26 16:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by Huba 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since all of their birthdays are in September, I would just bring in a really nice big cake for the "birthday boys". It is a nice thought, but it is not necessary to get them each a gift, perhaps save the gift cards for Christmas. This is a "sexist"remark, but in general, guys are not as into the birthday gift thing as much as women are and unless you are really good friends with them, they may be a little weirded out by it, especially if they don't get you anything or really acknowledge your birthday.
2007-08-26 16:26:58 · answer #3 · answered by roppin r 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on what the protocol for your workplace environment is like.
If that is the accepted practice and you can afford it, why not? However, if someone is reluctant to receive the gift, then perhaps a simple "happy birthday" is appropriate.
Or you can consider giving them a cupcake or muffin with a single lit candle at their desk or work station. Some people are embarrassed by birthday attention.
Ask the recipients what THEY would like.
Good Luck.
2007-08-26 17:54:14 · answer #4 · answered by palmyrafan 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Have you had a birthday since starting this job? If so what did they give you?
In my office we just do cards, but if you got gifts from them it would be ok to reciprecate. If they didn't get you a gift I would suggest doing the same.
2007-08-26 15:56:29 · answer #5 · answered by looneybin90 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think that's a great idea, or even if you want to get them a gift cerfiticate to maybe their favorite lunch spot or something... There's nothing wrong (that I see!) with buying your co-workers birthday gifts...whether you give you one or not. You're very thoughful and I'd probably do the same! :)
2007-08-26 19:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Birthday card is a nice idea. You should not feel obligated to give them a gift card unless you really want to. Also you can give them some box candy if they would eat it. You are a kind person to think of your co-workers.
2007-08-26 15:55:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Stick with a card at the most. Instead of getting individual gift cards bring in some cookies. I wouldn't feel comfortable if somebody bought me a cake. Unless people were chipping in for the cake. Then it's ok, but an individual gift from you would be innappropriate I think...
2007-08-26 17:34:34 · answer #8 · answered by froalskiner 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
A gift card is a very nice gift
2007-08-26 19:37:04 · answer #9 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would keep those gift cards for yourself and just stick with a birthday card.
2007-08-26 16:55:54 · answer #10 · answered by hollyberry 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋