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

[topcat2014]

Mind you I see you are in a charity, whereas I am in a factory.

[Todaythiscouldbe]

This would be a perfect gift for me, and everyone in my office. Much better than more wine or chocolates.

[NotExactlyHappyToHelp]

Lovely idea I think.

Could you link to them please? My best mate would love that as a gift.

[Parkandride]

I'd love that rather than the usual tat

[Bodear]

I’d love it and be really chuffed. It might depend on what age your colleagues are. I probably wouldn’t have loved it at 21.

[victoriashleigh]

Great idea! I actually wanted to ask for some for Christmas myself but thought people wouldn’t like to buy “kitchen stuff” as a gift. Definitely will be buying some in the new year.

[katy1213]

I'd be opting out of buying presents for an entire office, especially when I barely know them. I thought secret santa was pain enough.

[londonrach]

Yabu....giving a gift to people who know less than two months is strange and odd. Maybe box of biscuits for office.

[MintyMabel]

Odd. I’d probably just shove it in a cupboard.

[FrankRattlesnake]

Lovely gift idea, but I am highly allergic to pine resin, often used in beeswax wraps (to make them stick)... so I would be a bit 'meh' about it!

[Fig678]

Love this idea. I’ve seen them but for a few pounds on eBay and they’re great

[Uncompromisingwoman]

Lovely idea - I've gone and bought some!

[mincepiemaven]

I'd love this!

[Luxembourgmama]

Too expensive for work colleagues but otherwise a super idea. I hate tat

[TeachesOfPeaches]

Why have you bought presents for the entire office? Do you not do a Secret Santa?

I've seen these items on Dragons Den or a similar show and thought they looked very good but pricey.

[TowerRavenSeven]

I asked if office usually did gifts for each other and was told yes. Knowing the employees I can see gifts ranging from $5 to $15 US (I’d be happy with a card or nothing honestly) so I thought the price was somewhere in the middle. They were $10 US so thought they’d be around £12. I could be wrong in my math.

[MotherOfWren]

I'd love that as a gift! and would definitely prefer it to chocolate :)

[eaglejulesk]

It's a great idea - I would be happy to get that for a gift.

[Ffsnosexallowed]

I'd love it!

[CottonSock]

I'm getting some for Christmas. Wouldn't spend that much though.

[ChristmasConcert]

You've gone the wrong way, it's about £7.50 GBP so not an unreasonable price at all.

I think it's a fab present and they will all appreciate it. My DD (11) insists on using tinfoil instead of clingfilm for her school packed lunch, and I know her godmother has got her some of that beeswax stuff for Christmas; she'll love it! So would I!

[TowerRavenSeven]

No Secret Santa. Everywhere I’ve worked people get individual gifts for each other. I was going to crochet Christmas socks and put homemade (unscented and no fragrance) soaps in them but I just learned about it yesterday and it is for Thursday, I can’t crochet that fast! I’m part time so kind of out of the loop.

[bigbubbles]

I bought some for about £3 for my niece and DD but I wouldn't really see them as an adult gift personally.

[MarianaMoatedGrange]

Any vegans there? They might not be happy with beeswax products.

[TowerRavenSeven]

I knew I’d screw up the math!