If you manage a team, do you buy them a gift?

[itsallbowlsbaby]

I manage a team of five. Two in the UK, two in Singapore and one in France (important as I can just buy small token gifts). They're all great and have been very welcoming so I'd like to buy them something. But what? Is an Amazon voucher ok? Or should I just send them all a nice card each? They won't get anything from the company.

I have 6 direct reports over a team of 35.
I buy my direct reports a small gift and card (hand cream, wine, nice biscuits etc) and then a big boxes of biscuits for the whole team to share.

Yes I do- i write a personalised card and then the gift I tend to go the generic route eg wine/ Chocs/ voucher plant.
I also see if I can give them an early finish or longer lunch.

Last year was the first year with a new manager, he totally caught us all out by giving us a little chocolate gift, so then it was mega stressful trying to quickly organise something for him in return as it hadn’t occurred to us.

i wish he hadn’t tbh, this year it’s just one more thing to organise and I’m already drowning in Christmas admin

I have a staff of around 30. I tend to buy a load of small bottles of prosecco, cans of cocktail, beers, etc and loads of chocolate, set them out on the staffroom table and put a sign asking everyone to help themselves to a drink and chocolate. I know it's not a massive deal but everyone seems to appreciate it.

I’ve always given team small gifts and there’s never been a gift in return, or an expectation of a gift in return, I receive gifts from a couple of team members I work most closely with and knowon a more personal level.

so no you don’t need to get a gift for the manager.

I feel uncomfortable not getting him
one in return though

Yes I manage a team of 3 and get them each a token gift at Christmas. I don't expect anything in return.

I had 6 direct reports and under them- another 30. The team was very multi-cultural, so not everyone celebrated Christmas. I didn't give out individual gifts, but often bought in a tub of celebrations, mince pies, bowls of fruit etc.

Could you give your staff an extra day off? Or allow them to start later or leave earlier 1 day?