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

I really wanted to get the smaller sets - mine came sm/med/lg to the set, but they didn’t carry them so I had to settle for the (more expensive) roll. I could use pinking shears and cut them myself to make smaller sets but then I couldn’t use the label that came with it. I was really hoping they said they didn’t do presents not because I’m cheap but it’s hard to find a one size fits all gift for a group.

I’d find it very odd if any one of my colleagues bought the whole team a gift; maybe the manager buying wine/ flowers at the end of the year but I’ve never heard of colleagues buying gifts for an entire office of people at the same level. We’re doing a secret Santa in work.

You’re giving prices in $ though so I guess you’re not in the UK - is gift buying for everyone the norm in your country? Seems bizarre to me.

My dd2 (aged 23) has these on her 'Santa List'!

I think it’s a great gift but you have spent too much money on colleagues.

Should also say I’d feel really awkward because I don’t buy my colleagues anything so don’t expect anything either.

YANBU but they’re so expensive! I’ll happily take one off your hands if you decide to go with something else though

Our manager doesn’t even buy us a box of biscuits to share, or a card between the team.I would be astonished to receive this. It’s not something I would buy for myself, but it is a very kind gesture.

I think here (US) every workplace is different. My husband works in a large office and will be giving out about 25 small presents this year. My last place of work we did not buy for the bosses or co workers.

Sheesh. Glad I work for myself.

One of my colleagues got these for our team last year. We all use them, it’s a Fab idea.

I would love this. I didn't know it existed and will be looking into it now.

As an idea, I love it, but I’m happily trying to reduce my waste in general.
I would be thrilled to be given the opportunity to try it personally.

In th UK we don’t typically buy colleagues gifts for Christmas, which may be skewing the results you are getting on here. Because, unless there is an agreed secret Santa, or an agreed amount to be spent, it’s not something that generally happens.
I hope your colleagues are appreciative-I would be!

Love it. I always take my bags with me, I try to use my own coffee cup when buying coffee, I have metal straws in my bag and I'm no longer putting my fruit and veg in bags at the shop. I'd appreciate something environmentally responsible like that. Even if only a few employees use it, you have made a difference.

I’d love to receive that gift.

@purplelilla2
Exactly this. You've been there two months and you are planning on spending £144. On Christmas gifts. Can I work with you

I think it sounds wonderful. I need to buy 15 presents and have gone down the chocolates route, wish I’d been more creative like you.

I just googled them and now I need to buy some. Thanks a bunch

It’s a great present - I want some too. It’s also very generous. If you gave me it I’d be really embarrassed as there’s no way I’d have bought anything at least not anything that expensive! But then my colleagues are a stingy bunch who rarely even chip in for a leaving gift!

I bought two beeswax ones from our farm shop, bloody love them and use them all the time, I would be VERY appreciative!

l've bought one of my friends a lovely eco friendly sandwich wrap for Christmas from Not On the High Street. lt's a really pretty fabric with little bees on it, and the inside is silver fabric. l assume it's some kind of material which will keep the sandwich cool for longer.

Yes one vegan, but I don’t think he is too strict.

Either he is a vegan or he a vegetarian. If he is a vegan, then you’ve effectively bought him an unusable gift as he’ll be reluctant to regift it, for obvious reasons. Hopefully he’ll just give it to charity, if he’s a vegan.

Blimey, I'm retiring next year and I've never worked anywhere that ordinary colleagues give Christmas gifts to each other

Only the senior managers fork out for gifts and / or dinners where I've worked

It’s a nice gift but seems OTT to spend that much on co-workers that you have known for two months. Are you sure this is the norm in your office?

I think it’s a great gift, in fact I’ve bought some beeswax wraps for a friend for Christmas as I love mine :)

Pleased don’t give it to a vegan. That’s inappropriate.
Otherwise... I don’t understand why they don’t end up minging. But each to their own, I suppose.