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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be having buyers remorse for gifts for office employees

220 replies

TowerRavenSeven · 17/12/2019 21:32

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

OP posts:
Cornishclio · 17/12/2019 22:04

I have just bought some of this for myself from a Christmas market so I think it is a nice gift. Never did co workers gifts though.

TokyoSushi · 17/12/2019 22:05

Unusual, but something that I'd love!

SinglePringle · 17/12/2019 22:05

To begin with I’d probably be a bit Confused.

Then I’d get it home, properly investigate and then be fucking delighted with it. The sort of thing one wants in a stocking / secret Santa and you’ve just made me order some for my mum.

golfbuggy · 17/12/2019 22:05

Er yes, you've multiplied the wrong way round. $10 is about £7.60.

I'm with others - nice enough gift, but way too extravgant for office colleagues, let alone ones you hardly know!

AhoyMrBeaver · 17/12/2019 22:06

Is it worth holding off to see what other people give before committing?

The wax fabric thing does sound better than crocheted socks though!

2018SoFarSoGreat · 17/12/2019 22:06

Fabulous present. Great choice, OP.

Chocolatemouse84 · 17/12/2019 22:07

I'd love to recieve this, if fact I was considering buying some as a gift for my sister this year. I love practical and useful presents tho.

RainbowMum11 · 17/12/2019 22:08

This is exactly what my DF has asked her MIL for this year! Great idea!

Original poster
TowerRavenSeven · 17/12/2019 22:08

Yes one vegan, but I don’t think he is too strict. If he had any qualms I’m sure he would give it to someone that could use it, we distribute to needy children & teachers so I’m sure he could find someone to give it to.

OP posts:
Knowhowufeel · 17/12/2019 22:08

I have some and think it's a great idea for a gift.

Originally, I was really hesitant about buying it for myself as wasn't sure I'd like it, and it wasn't cheap, but I'm glad I did. Being able to try it out without having bought it myself would've been even better.

Dutchesss · 17/12/2019 22:08

I'd love it.
People look at me like I'm crazy though when I suggest using paper wrap instead of foil/glitter etc.

TheProdigalKittensReturn · 17/12/2019 22:09

I'd think it was a lovely gift and appreciate that it was a bit unusual. People will be getting plenty of chocolate, soap etc so may appreciate getting something different!

viccat · 17/12/2019 22:10

Sounds like a great gift. I assume the office culture must be very different where you are if everyone gets each other a gift though!

I was also going to mention about vegans like a PP said, beeswax is not vegan... there are similar wraps made with vegan materials.

Disfordarkchocolate · 17/12/2019 22:10

I'd love this, much nicer than wine, chocolate or biscuits.

AhoyMrBeaver · 17/12/2019 22:10

It would be unfair to give it to the vegan I think. He could find it very difficult to either accept or give away an animal product.

InsertFunnyUsername · 17/12/2019 22:12

I agree with you that it's a present you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself (obviously some people do) but would come in handy and be a useful gift. So YANBU.

PinkiOcelot · 17/12/2019 22:12

Do they actually “cling” like cling film?

WitchDancer · 17/12/2019 22:12

I think it's a lovely gift, you are overthinking it!

Lifeinaplasticbox · 17/12/2019 22:12

I wouldn’t appreciate that as a gift and also would wonder why you’d spend that amount on colleagues.

Bowerbird5 · 17/12/2019 22:12

I think it is a really novel idea I would love it!

BuzzShitbagBobbly · 17/12/2019 22:13

£144 on work colleagues is a bit much?

That's putting it mildly.

PinkiOcelot · 17/12/2019 22:13

Sorry didn’t answer your question. Like a PP, is probably think it was weird, but then take it home and love it.

EnglishRose13 · 17/12/2019 22:13

I'd be happy with that too. In fact, I might buy some for my mums stocking. Thanks!

why0why · 17/12/2019 22:13

I voted YANBU as it's a present I'd be happy to receive, however I'd be a bit surprised to receive this if you weren't
A) a manager
B) making them yourself (and kinda treating it like a promo)
C) wealthy and the kind of person who randomly spends a chunk to treat everyone on a whim

We currently do presents-for-everybody as secret santa is awful, I'm spending £40 on 12 people as I'm getting 4x 3-for-£10, and I'm probably spending more than average for my workplace.
After just 2 months this seems very expensive.

Butterfly84 · 17/12/2019 22:14

That is too much to spend on colleagues IMO.

I would use it and appreciate it but I think it is too much of a practical gift, like buying someone a hairdryer or toaster for Christmas.