To be having buyers remorse for gifts for office employees

[TowerRavenSeven]

I work in a non profit charity office, was hired a little over two months ago. The company is progressive and really tries to cut down on waste, plastic, etc. There are 12 of us, ranging from 22 - 50 for context.

I got for each one of my co-workers a roll (cut to size) beeswax fabric that you use instead of plastic wrap on bowls, etc. I use it and haven’t used plastic wrap in a year, and it really does a good job and you just wipe it clean between uses. It has a decorative label explaining what it is and how to use it, the fabrics are solid red, green and navy. Each one was about £12.

I’m now rethinking this gift. Would you think this an odd gift? It’s either this or nice chocolates. I use mine all the time and would think maybe it’s something that would be handy but you wouldn’t buy yourself so would be a good gift (Or at least not an awful gift)

Yabu = You’d think this gift odd
Yanbu = You’d think this gift a bit unconventional but a nice idea

[Shufflebumnessie]

I'd be delighted to receive that. I was looking at a pack the other day but couldn't justify the £22 for 1 piece price tag!

[Peppapeppapeppapeppa]

I like it as a concept and it's a nice gift for most people, but I have these and cannot make them work. They don't cling. They don't do anything really except take up space in my drawer next to actual cling film.

[SurpriseSparDay]

Point of order:

The OP stated very clearly in her first post that there were 12 of us including herself in the office. Therefore she would have bought 11 gifts.

But unless the charity has some specific connection to food/cooking I would still find it a rather singular thing to be given.

[MerchantOfVenom]

ragged - it's obviously some sort of agreed arrangement - not the OP being weirdly or inappropriately generous.

[ragged]

I wouldn't use it so not going to suit me. (I use other waste plastic bags in place of cellophane).
Adult DC would be too lazy to use it.
DH would forget he even had it.

I'd be upset if a colleague who only met me 2 months ago spent £7.50 on me, and then I'd feel obliged to get them 'something' and wouldn't know what to buy so you'd just be putting stress on me with the whole thing.

[Monkeynuts18]

Another one who thinks it’s a great gift. And sounds very appropriate in the context of your work. I’d be thrilled to receive that. Very generous of you too.

[Flythedragons]

What a great gift! I would love to receive this!

[MerchantOfVenom]

It's probably worth moving on from the shock of the cost of them.

Nowhere has the OP said she has any issue with the cost. Clearly she can afford it, and it's not a problem.

[FredaFrogspawn]

Let us know how they went down OP - and I really hope they’re appreciated and that you get some thoughtful gifts back.

[skyblu]

Just seen they weren’t £12 each but more like £7.50.

That’s still £90 on work colleagues

[skyblu]

The gift itself is a nice thing and in line/relevant with your work, so no problem there.

But you got one for everyone? That’s £144 just on your work colleagues!! That’s the bit that OTT.

[Catwaving]

Good idea
I've bought a few soap bars as small gifts, really lovely to use and so much better than the plastic pumps that get sent to landfill

[itgetshardereveryday]

Ooh can you send me one please?

[Commonwasher]

Great idea. Most people are swimming in chocolates at Christmas — much prefer something practical.

[countrybump]

I'd love to get this as a gift!

[RidingMyBike]

I’d be delighted to get this as a gift!

[Elbeagle]

Horrible faff to wash (got to be cold water as hot melts the wax)

why is it harder to wash using the cold tap than it is using the hot tap?

All the people saying ‘£12 a pop is insane’... probably best to RTFT. The OP got her maths wrong and they were closer to £7.50.

It’s not something I would use OP (I don’t use cling film) but it sounds like a decent gift to me. Hope they like them.

[FredaFrogspawn]

It wasn’t £12 as it turns out, it was about £7.50.

Op had her maths wrong.

I also think it’s a brilliant idea for a gift and would be delighted to receive it.

[NewName73]

i work in a similar place and would think this a perfect and thoughtful gift.

[Arthritica]

Beeswax for water and oil proofing, jojoba oil to stop it being brittle, pine resin so it sticks to itself when warm

[Arthritica]

I followed the tutorial here, @catwithflowers
blog.mountainroseherbs.com/the-complete-guide-to-diy-beeswax-wraps-including-a-beeless-vegan-food-wrap

[AftonGlen]

If your office is keen on reducing waste it seems a bit counter productive if everyone gives each other a present at Christmas, especially if you are questioning whether your colleagues will appreciate the gift. Less consumption = less waste

[catwithflowers]

Is it as simple as melting beeswax and painting it onto fabric?

[BennyTheBall]

Too worthy for me, I'm afraid.

I wouldn't do it as a gift - it's too dull. The sort of thing people should buy themselves.

[catwithflowers]

How do you make them @Arthritica ?