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Original poster

What are you buying for work secret santa?

69 replies

KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 11:22

I don't really like buying for the sake of it but felt I should join in so as not to be a miserable bastard.

However, I don't know what to buy. Budget is £5-10. What are you getting for yours?

OP posts:
GoldenSyrupLion · 02/12/2018 11:23

I opted out this year. I'm just no good at it and noone seems to like the gifts I buy.

BeeFarseer · 02/12/2018 11:26

I have no idea. I have to spend £10 on someone I don't know.

I need ideas too.

AwkwardSquad · 02/12/2018 11:28

I hate Secret Santa and I’ve been guilted into joining in this year. And of course I got the member of the team I least want to spend any time or effort on. Bah humbug.

Interested in this thread?

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Christmas
GreenTulips · 02/12/2018 11:28

Some nicer thermed mugs about
Chocolates - nice but boring try Hotel Chocolate
Books - some great funny ones in WHSimths

Who are you buying for and what are they like?

willowpillow · 02/12/2018 11:28

Over the years I have bought scratch cards, mini bottles of alcohol and a mug with initials on.

Cheekylittlenumber · 02/12/2018 11:30

This year I got a friend who loves cats and has endometrias (probably spelt that wrong!) so I happened to find a cat shaped hot water bottle in New Look for a tenner.

I usually try and be more witty than that, but I just couldn’t think.

ggirl · 02/12/2018 11:32

I know very little about the person I am buying for .

I may give some nice boxed socks ..boring I know but I love socks .

Queenofthedrivensnow · 02/12/2018 11:32

Last year I bought a mug with an initial on it which was white and navy and a little wooden puzzle in a tin because I thought it would be a handy fiddle toy - we are sw with children. That colleague left the team and left both gifts behind. I'm still offended!!!

The team is a lot less toxic this year so I'm optimistic. I was given a hoodie with cat ears on the hood it's great!

Queenofthedrivensnow · 02/12/2018 11:34

I would be happy to receive anything f except that Baylis and Harding stuff.

I might give something from lush Smile

DisplayPurposesOnly · 02/12/2018 11:34

I opted out this year because I always get someone I don't really know and I can't do generic Christmas presents well.

Previous gifts:
Phil Spector Christmas album CD (for young whippersnapper colleague who would never have heard of it and IMHO it's an essential Christmas classic)
handbag-sized perfume atomiser (for colleague who wore many perfumes (not all at once...))
Monsoon fancy going-out purse (for colleague who liked accessorising and going out).

Who have you got and what do they like?

Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 11:35

I've got the Senior Manager. She is lovely, 50. Don't know what she likes.

One year someone had a massive tantrum because they received a bubble bath set. The rest of the office agreed how outrageous it was and someone bought her an alternative gift Grin.

I really don't enjoy this so don't know why I've done this.

I do know my boss will be gracious about whatever I get her though.

OP posts:
Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 11:36

The person is a nurse.

OP posts:
Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 11:36

MH.

OP posts:
mycatplotsdeath · 02/12/2018 11:38

I cheated and made sure I got myself.
I've bought myself some lovely hand cream 😀

DisplayPurposesOnly · 02/12/2018 11:55

If in doubt, pay cash or get a gift receipt, so they can be suitably gracious to your face then exchange at their leisure Grin

(I do this for all gifts to my SIL...)

DisplayPurposesOnly · 02/12/2018 11:56

And put the receipt in with the present, I meant to say.

Teladi · 02/12/2018 11:59

I went to HomeSense and got a little box of truffles, a scented candle, a little notebook and some hand cream for my £10. I don't know my recipient at all but hopefully she will like some of it at least.

Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 11:59

mycat I like your style Grin.

DisplayI think that's the problem but if I buy something I like and include a receipt then she can exchange or regift.

I'm normally ok with gifts and choose something I really like but this feels like a chore!

OP posts:
Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 12:01

Teladi that sounds really nice. I would love that and if they don't they are a miserable arse.

My giftee does wear earrings but I've only seen her wear silver hoops. Too risky?

OP posts:
HerSymphonyAndSong · 02/12/2018 12:05

M&S have some little jugs with a kit for growing bulbs in them for £7. The jug itself is quite pretty and potting up the bulbs is an easy job. My recipient will like it and I’ve also bought her some chocolates (I know her well so I know her tastes)

QuestionableMouse · 02/12/2018 12:07

I'd be thrilled with a nice pen, some good hand cream and maybe some chocolate.

Is she on Facebook so you can have a look?

Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 12:07

Sounds lovely Symphony

OP posts:
Original poster
KittyMarrion · 02/12/2018 12:09

Nice pen is a good idea Mouse. Can you get one for £10?

OP posts:
gottachangethename1 · 02/12/2018 12:23

Bottle of Prosecco and mini choc box. I got the big boss this year. I’ve seen colleagues receiving some awful gifts in the past. ‘Novelty gifts’ are a definite no no in my opinion so I always play it safe. One year someone received a lingerie set Confused.

Queenofthedrivensnow · 02/12/2018 12:23

@mycatplotsdeath Grin