Employer's gifts

[DreamingOfSoftWhiteSand]

If you get Christmas gifts from your employer, what was the one you liked best? I've been asked to buy gifts (the same for everyone) for our staff. Currently it's all women (30 - 50 age range) and the budget is £100 per person. Apparently they've already done make up bags, passport covers, scarves, candles, vouchers, etc. Please do not suggest money as they also get Xmas bonuses already. Help please as I have no idea what to get! Thank you.

If you all use laptops, what about a really nice laptop bag personalised or really good power banks- portable chargers.

Nice key chain.
Cashmere anything
Really good insulated cups.
Benton style lunch boxes with water bottles.

I liked Champagne, fancy skincare and a nice wallet. That was at my old job. My new one I get no bonus, no gift and no party 🙄

If vouchers are not possible then I would go for hampers. You can always try and order at a shop in the location the recipient lives if postage is a problem. I have colleagues in Germany and we just order from a German company and get it as a domestic delivery.

Unless you know a person really, really well than actual gifts can backfire. When I read suggestions here, I often think, that most of these gifts would end at a charity shop.

We can't have candles unless utterly unscented. I don't wear scarves. Gloves never fit, I hate handbags, I am very fussy about lotions/bath gifts, I don't use a paper diary or calendar and jewellery is also very personal.

What gift wouldn’t need posting?

That also isn’t a gift voucher?

Gown? One size fits 8-18

onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/one-hundred-stars-gowns

There is a gift card that can then be converted into a gift card from a preferred retailer. We did these at work last year and people loved it as they could turn it into Amazon, Costa, whatever they liked vouchers.

I think it's called Prezzee

Definitely a voucher - John Lewis would be my fave.

www.prezzee.uk/

I think whatever you get probably about 50% are going to be disappointed. Corporate gifting just seems a massive waste, I'd hoped as companies get more eco conscious they'd do away with things that are likely to go to waste/straight to charity.

Agree @DarkMatternix . Of the things in the OP (make up bags, passport covers, scarves, candles) none of those interest me and £100 spent on any of those would be a total waste of money and resources and I fit bang in the middle of the demographic. Made up hampers are usually terrible value for money too.

I'd strongly suggest vouchers - if you go for John Lewis or M&S they can buy food with them and then spend the cash elsewhere if they don't want a 'thing' from one of those shops.

Or if it has to be an item, how about picking a small selection and ask them to choose what they'd like.

Mailing anything post Brexit is a nightmare - surely that would be the case whatever you bought unless you sourced locally for each country?

For £100 or the local equivalent you can get really good hampers.

For £100 or the local equivalent you can get really good hampers

Irrational I know, but as a coeliac it makes me feel really unappreciated. Look here's a hamper of stuff you cannot eat, Merry Christmas. It feels worse than getting nothing.

Mentioning that the gifts need posting around the world would have been handy info to actually put in the OP!

Do those in other countries NEED to have the exact same as those in the UK? Could you order from a local supplier in each country instead?

I agree- people are bound to be disappointed, but you can't please all.

• I was thinking earrings- but not everyone will have pierced ears or like the style
• voucher to a restaurant in their country?

OP has said no vouchers in her update and literally every response since has said a voucher

Are most of the countries cold or warm climate? Maybe cashmere gloves or shawl, or heated blanket for working from home?

Do they travel for work, personalised cabin bag or travel bag?

Apple airtags? Headphones ? A kindle?

Fortnums have a corporate hamper service which makes it so easy. You just fill out one form with the chosen hampers, address and greeting and they sort it.

i used to have to arrange hampers to go to clients in HK, UAE and Europe and it was never an issue. From memory you could only ship the hampers with no alcohol.

How about an advent calendar? You could do something like this and a bottle of champagne? www.johnlewis.com/rituals-the-ritual-of-advent-2d-beauty-advent-calendar/p109279153

You’d avoid a Christmas overload, provide lasting enjoyment and with lots of different fragrances, shower gels and candles you’d maximise appeal ?

Well I can't be the only person who'd see £100 gone on gloves, a shawl or a blanket as a massive waste of money.

I already have luggage and a kindle. I have no idea what airtags are and as I don't own any Apple products likely to be useless to me, although out of all those things, I'd probably most likely be able to sell it for somewhere like full value. I'd never use headphones either.

I think you're destined to disappoint people:

I'd love a cashmere scarf or shawl for example but would feel like £100 of candle was a total waste. But a vegan might be utterly horrified by a scarf or shawl.

I did like the 100 stars robes but I would WAY rather choose the robe if someone was spending that much on me.

Are you allowed to adapt gifts for lifestyle requirements e.g. veganism etc or do they have to be completely identical?

Also do they have to be a surprise?

I bet if you did a Google form of:

Fortnum's hamper (UK only)
100 stars gown (either specifying the print or letting them choose)
Cashmere scarf
Case of wine (red/white/mixed)

It would give people agency, let them get really excited and mean everyone actually wanted what they got?

Yep. DM worked for the same company for 18 years. She is very open that she doesn't drink alcohol as she is a recovering alcoholic. Every year she got a case of wine at Christmas. It was ok when it was from M&S as she'd swap it for clothes. Then they started using a wine merchant!

I got a lovely biscuit tin with these amazing hand made biscuits in so so lovely! Check out the biscuiteers. I've also sent them since to other people and all recipients have loved them.

@DreamingOfSoftWhiteSand

How many people and in how many locations are involved in this?

Look fantastic advent calender

Kindle is a nice idea. I'd always be happy with a cashmere scarf or skincare set.

Neom gift set?
Bettys hamper
Your never going to please all the recipients