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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Valerie1979 on December 14, 2009, 08:01:08 am

Title: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 14, 2009, 08:01:08 am
I am a supervisor on my job.  Most all of my staff are female, but I have one male.  I am only allowed (by policy) to spend $10 on employee gifts --

last year was my first year in this role, I did give them lotion and candy last year -- the lotion did not go over to well with my male staff member --

What would be an appropriate gift for this year?  I am thinking a mug with various hot beverages and some peppermint candies.

I did bake them all cookies and I am giving them each a tin with cookies
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: hjh1974 on December 14, 2009, 08:05:12 am
What about $10 gift cards for a coffee place?  A mug with treats works well too.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: CHYNEEZ on December 14, 2009, 08:25:11 am
Well i would be happy to have you as a co-worker, lol. But giftcards have always been the best present and then you can give them exactly $10. Something as simple as a coffee shop, mcdonalds or anything of that sort.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 14, 2009, 08:31:00 am
we work as Registered dietitians -- the gift card is a great idea, but some people are very picky about their coffee, we aren't really a crowd of fast food eaters, etc...... I'm going to give this some thought though to see if there is something local enough that everyone might enjoy
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: lightningclix on December 14, 2009, 08:35:33 am
What kind of gift would you like to receive??  Gift cards are always a good choice - a safe choice for sure!
With so many places that have them, the possibilities are endless!!  
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Azanne07 on December 14, 2009, 09:29:37 am
Is it possible to ask for suggestions from the male or is that inappropraite?
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: home_teachin on December 14, 2009, 09:42:49 am
Do most of you have an ipod? How about an iTunes gift card?
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: tholl01 on December 14, 2009, 09:45:56 am
What about $10 gift cards for a coffee place?  A mug with treats works well too.
I think that's a good idea. Maybe Starbucks or dunkin donuts.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 14, 2009, 10:22:30 am
i don't know that any of us have an iPod .....
It is not appropriate for me to ask questions about what they would like.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Kymberli0529 on December 14, 2009, 12:10:49 pm
A gift card to walmart? Gas gift card?
I like the mug idea.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: dreamyxo on December 14, 2009, 12:48:08 pm
Give him a gift card to Best Buy or some other kind of electronic gadget store that men like.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: resebel on December 14, 2009, 02:32:04 pm
Hey can I be your co-worker too? I'd love to accept your $10 gift in any form?  ;D
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: JinxdParadox on December 14, 2009, 03:43:30 pm
Oo, been in that position before.

Giftcards (including to online retailers), food/candy/drinks are always an excellent way to go.

Another gender-neutral idea is small office supply stuff, like calenders, pens, notepads, etc.

The person(s) that suggested the gas card - that's a really great idea.  :)

Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 14, 2009, 05:50:51 pm
although they all have cars - many live in the metro area and take public transit (which our job pays for) so ..... the gas card may not be as popular as you think.  Although i only have one male on the staff -- I believe in keeping the gifts exactly the same.

I think i'll definately do the office supplies next year I love that idea! 
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Gemz09 on December 14, 2009, 06:01:41 pm
If you are my co-worker u dont have to give any gifts for me just be nice to me thats good enough... :angel12:
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 15, 2009, 06:14:03 am
we have a good working team and they are well respected as employees and they get rewarded throughout the year for their accomplishments, both individually and has a group --- it's a nice place.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: mrisha on December 15, 2009, 07:00:23 am
You should have known better than to give a man lotion of all things as a gift.  Give him a gift card and he can use it as he wish.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Valerie1979 on December 15, 2009, 07:14:07 am
in my defense, there was more to the gift than just hand lotion.
 we also work in an environment where he is washing his hands multiple times a day so the lotion is really not necessarily a "BAD" idea!  :)
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: Kymberli0529 on December 15, 2009, 06:38:43 pm
I don't think the lotion was a bad idea either.  My husband is in management and every year we give the same things...lotion, facial cleanser, gum, toothpaste, etc.  Things important to hygiene as they're all interacting with people all day.
Title: Re: appropriate gifts
Post by: mgarmstrong on December 19, 2009, 05:13:38 am
If you go w/ a gift card for only the male worker, the female will be upset then.  Best to find something to fit all.