Mumsnet Talk

Does anyone do this when they return to work? If so, what sort of thing? I don't want to belittle their work in my absence with something insulting, yet can't afford much. Maybe nothing is better than something wrong.
(I manage a small dept in a big company. My maternity leave wasn't covered by another person. The team has chipped in and my deputy has 'acted up' for a small addition to her salary).

Apologies if this has been covered before. I've been avoiding this topic in denial of the inevitable!

I don't think it's normal/common to buy gifts like this. It is a lovely thought - how about a basket of tea/coffee/biscuits/cakes if your company doesn't provide these things along with a thank you card?

I was off at short notice for two months with hyperemisis last year. The same week I went off , the girl I jobshare with started her maternity leave early as her baby was early.

When I got back to work, everything was in order, and there were only 3 emails needing attention. The person who was landed with covering us did a perfect job. It didn't cross my mind to get him a present, but I did email his line manager, copied to HR (and him) saying what a good job he did. He really appreciated the recognition.

I dont think that this would be expected, or usual.