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 think it's a good gift idea, but as a vegan I'd not be happy to receive it. I'd quietly pass it on to someone else though. You can get vegan versions though and if you went out of your way to get me that instead I'd think you were amazing!

Can you link these I’d like to get some!

Its not really properly washable though is it? If I use it to wrap tuna its going to stink of fish forever more.

Sorry but I wouldn’t want these. We don’t use cling film anyway, use lunchboxes, Tupperware or a plate over a bowl. All of which can be properly washed. They don’t seem very hygienic as you can only wipe them.

Definitely wouldn’t give to a vegan.

Could you buy the roll and cut it, as you've said, then hand-write or print off some more labels by copying the wording on the original?

I'd definitely use this if someone bought me it. I love a practical present.

I got some of the sets of three different sizes as gifts for friends, great little presents!
But yes I agree, don't give one to a vegan.

Wow great idea and I would love that gift!!

I think this is a fab gift!

Great gift - I got given one as a kitchen warming present, and use it regularly.

I hope you can manage to ignore the inevitable miseries / Grinches who always, always come out of the woodwork on threads like this. 🎅🏻🎄✨

You’re in the US so maybe gifting to colleagues is different there. Here it tends to be a Secret Santa, or nothing. My friend bought some of those at an upmarket Christmas craft fair recently, about £18 for 6 so yours sound a bit expensive. Makes a change from toiletries of chocs!

As long as no one is vegan 👍🏼

I wouldn’t like this gift, I prefer to use tupperware so it would go to the charity shop. Sorry!

I haven’t RTFT but what a great idea! Where did you get it from @TowerRavenSeven I really want to get some :)

Nope, wouldn't be my cup of tea. The gift is supposed to be about the receipent not the giver. Already one person in your workplace is unlikely to be able to use it, I'd be a bit eyerollery about the idea in general. We use tupperware or a plate over a bowl if something is being kept in the fridge.

I have just also bought some on Ebay for my daughters stocking as she is very anti-plastic. Hope you are not anti-consumerism OP as I think you have just caused a rush!

@Decidewhattobeandgobeit the UK ones www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk/

What I bought was also £2.49 for a small and a medium cloth so do think you paid a lot. If they are any good I will lose the cling film in the house too.

@TowerRavenSeven I hold you fully responsible for the amount I’m about to spend. I’ve found bread wraps, a kitchen pack, lunch packs and bags!

Nice gift but I already have and use this. I could regift it though.
Buying for everyone is insane!

Its not really properly washable though is it? If I use it to wrap tuna its going to stink of fish forever more.

It doesn't though.

YANBU.

Perfect choice for your new working environment, funky, useful, & generous given the number of staff (but perhaps you are senior, & this is expected / not unusual).

I would LOVE it! Send any rejects (there won't be any) to me please 😄

I'd love this gift, because I've looked at them and wished I could afford them!

Without even really searching for them, they are easy to find online for a lot cheaper than what you've paid.

A lot of people who aren't vegan/vegetarian are also opposed to the use of beeswax in the same way they are against the use of palm oil.

I've never bought clingfilm as I have suitable alternatives already, containers with lids, pan lids, plates, dishes, takeaway containers etc. The only time they get replaced is when broken.

So would be useless and I wouldn't know anyone to give it to either.

I would think it was shit and preachy. I would never use it as I have tubs and never make sandwiches to take out.

Mind you, I think the office gifting idea is rubbish too and would want to opt out. There is no way I would want to either give or receive 12 presents.