Christmas gift from work

[LajesticVantrashell]

So, I've been given the unenviable task of coming up with suggestions for work gifts.

There are around 100 of us, geographically spread out. Every year, my company throws a big bash, gives us the afternoon off, free food and drinks. Most people go. It's enjoyed by all.

We obviously can't do that this year so they want to give everyone a gift (budget £75-£100 each). The MD wanted to give everyone a bottle of whiskey from the distillery next to us, but I've pushed back on that as not everyone drinks, and not everyone drinks whisky!

They're not sold on vouchers or hampers, but I think this is the best option as it gives people choice. I keep reiterating that it's not a thank you if you're given something you don't want or can't use.

So with that budget, what would you appreciate most from your company??

What about Etsy or notonthehighstreet vouchers? Then the individuals can support smaller businesses and pick what they want.

You might want to cap it at £50. (Trivial Benefits threshold)

Otherwise it'll be taxable / NI so cost more than the day/meal out equivalent (which is exempt)

Food gifts, vouchers or cash will need to go on payroll or P11D so will incur an extra cost for both employee and employer. It's not my area of expertise but you might want to check with the company accountant.

I'd appreciate a voucher, but maybe one of those ones that gives you multiple options for spending it, I think they're called 'one for all' or something similar? There's about 30 places you can spend it, days out, restaurants and shops.

I've just looked and the one 4 all vouchers can be spent online and places like Butlins etc accept them too. There's a massive choice for where to spend it.

Pre loaded MasterCard vouchers.

@Doodiesbear

I've just looked and the one 4 all vouchers can be spent online and places like Butlins etc accept them too. There's a massive choice for where to spend it.

That's a great idea. Vouchers can be very divisive otherwise - not everyone shops at M&S or John Lewis etc. so vouchers for a specific shop are not a good idea unless you know the person's spending preferences.

Afternoon off I'd not want personally just because work is always to hectic it would just mean that, like other leave, the work just gets compressed to the rest of the week, meaning you actually do the same amount of work just under more stressed conditions (and unpaid overtime).

All the suggestion are awesome - but your point about eg not everyone drinking, and not everyone drinking whisky, is a good one. How about deciding on three options and submitting a 'menu' for people to select from eg whisky, spa voucher, supermarket voucher? Then each can get something roughly customised to their taste and feel their needs are being considered?
PS fabulous and very generous gesture by the way, that will probably mean a lot to the employees in these hard times!

I think in these straitened times, I'd prefer the cash to be honest! Maybe a one-off Christmas bonus (making it clear this is in lieu of the meal and won't be repeated next year) with a (small) box of chocolates per person if they really want to give a gift? Costco do some bulk-buying corporate gift options.

M and s food voucher

Hamper is the only solution and can't offend anyone.

Try a company called "motivates" - they are doing something for our employees where they can choose a voucher or hamper - the employee gets to choose.

Get everyone to make suggestions then give a range of five options (i.e. john lewis gift voucher, bottle of whisky, hamper, etc.).

Everyone gets to choose what they want.

I organised the Christmas party a few years ago and did this. I couldn't go for some reason but they all still complained for various reasons. Very difficult to please everyone....

A voucher that can be used in a supermarket of choice or a posh hamper.

Don't do 'Just Eat' - loads of people never have takeaways.

Haven’t RTFT but I think vouchers that can be used for a range of things would definitely be best in the current climate. Either prepaid Visa cards or maybe something that can be used across a brand that offers clothing/foods/electronics/etc.

That way people will be able to use them for what’s actually needed or something that would really make life better/easier for them in December.

Hamper is the only solution and can't offend anyone.

Well - it’s not the only solution and I absolutely wouldn’t want food that had been chosen for me by someone else.

We get a hamper every year and it's quite inclusive. I think most people would appreciate an Amazon or love2shop voucher.

Would it be possible to let people choose a gift E.g. bottle of whiskey or chocolates?

I thought HC chocolates but I suppose there will be people who can't eat those.

Sounds naff but a nice pen?!

Wine and chocolate and a voucher?

I think your idea is good OP. It has made me wonder what my place will do this year!

Hampers are extremely wasteful unless you actually know for a fact that the individual wants one and will use the contents.

We got loads of vouchers from DHs old work that we never spent. I managed to sell some at half face value, but many were just binned. So, if you're doing vouchers, go for the pre loaded Mastercard, or somewhere that has a variety of outlets.
Whatever you do, someone will be unhappy!

Supermarket gift card is the best. That way all employees can pick up their favourite Xmas goodies. They could buy a turkey, chocolates, bottle of spirit and fruit basket for £75. I hate receiving whiskey or gin as neither of us like it so it has to be donated as a draw prize.

@EatPrayYoga A lot of people don’t support Amazon. I would rather something that supports a local enterprise.

Please don't give One4All vouchers! I work at a retailer and these vouchers are notoriously difficult to get to work through the tills. Plus you can never just spend the full amount on the voucher, there has to always be something left on it. They are awful!

LoveToShop vouchers are much easier to use and can be used at a wide variety of retailers

A £75 voucher and the extra £25s to be given to a homeless shelter to do their chrisrmas dinners.

Just give them the money to spend on what they want.

One 4 all vouchers depreciate over time of you don't spend them and we found it hard to spend them in lots of stores that said they took them.