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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:
cherish123 · 19/12/2019 17:41

I like the idea of it and have thought about buying it myself. I would like it for a present. It really depends on your colleagues. Can't really comment as don't know your colleagues.

InforaPenny7 · 19/12/2019 17:42

They work v well for bread

Boxerbinky · 19/12/2019 17:44

This style wrap keeps coming up on my Insta feed and I’ve nearly bought it! You’ve just convinced me to do so Xmas Smile

Lemoncurd · 19/12/2019 17:47

I have also bought some this year as a gift for someone who I think would appreciate it, but I would worry a bit about giving it to some in case they thought I was trying to make a bit of a statement/judging them.
If your office is hot on reducing waste, it might go down well with your colleagues.

ahmadsmom2015 · 19/12/2019 17:48

Considering your company is progressive that is a very good gift idea and very unique. You never know someone may convert to beeswax in the future due to you. I did not know about this until you mentioned it. Be proud of your unique idea

Superleo837 · 19/12/2019 17:48

Such a nice useful idea. I love useful presents. Spot on! Plus can I come and work with you!?

lovemenorca · 19/12/2019 18:03

Love it
I am a fan
But wow - you were ripped off at £12 a pop

MollyMinniesMum · 19/12/2019 18:08

Lovely idea but blimey you can make them for pennies!

LimaCharlieHotelPapa · 19/12/2019 18:17

It's unconventional and I'd probably be a bit surprised to receive it, but I'd be delighted with it. Haven't even heard these were a thing but will definitely be buying some! In my team we generally spend about £10 in secret Santa as we like each other, but we are only buying for one person each. If you don't mind spending that amount then why not?

Ilovemyshoppingtrolley · 19/12/2019 18:29

I have made these this year for Christmas craft markets and sold lots. I have overheard and been asked for certain patterns on fabrics not just for ladies and children but for men too.

Elphame · 19/12/2019 18:35

I'd rather have the chocolate. I was given beeswax wrap last year and gave it away. I don't use cling film and cover bowls etc with plates. You can't use it in the microwave for obvious reasons.

Horrible faff to wash (got to be cold water as hot melts the wax) and awkward to store.

AndwhenyougetthereFoffsomemore · 19/12/2019 18:37

I've gave these as Christmas presents last year and they were very well received and I absolutely love mine: very, very rarely use cling film now. In a NFP with a sustainability approach it sounds like an absolutely sensible and appropriate gift to me.

VanGoghsDog · 19/12/2019 18:48

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

Yes, I find it such a horrible faff to turn on the cold tap.

mathanxiety · 19/12/2019 18:53

The $12 price in the US is actually really good. Maybe they are cheaper in the UK?

nuxe1984 · 19/12/2019 18:54

Perfect present .... and so much better than the standard chocolates!

nononever · 19/12/2019 18:55

I would be very pleased if I got that as a gift.

mathanxiety · 19/12/2019 18:55

That's £12. Forgot to ctrl0163.

Arthritica · 19/12/2019 19:06

I made these wraps at home and am giving them to my neighbours instead of christmas cards.

manicmij · 19/12/2019 19:14

Lovely gift but £12 each for 12 colleagues is a bit hefty.

catwithflowers · 19/12/2019 19:21

I would love this. Almost bought one for a friend for Christmas but thought she might already have one. Our local craft market sell them and some of the patterns on the fabrics are beautiful.

catwithflowers · 19/12/2019 19:22

How do you make them @Arthritica ?

BennyTheBall · 19/12/2019 19:26

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 · 19/12/2019 19:33

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

AftonGlen · 19/12/2019 19:40

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

Arthritica · 19/12/2019 19:46

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