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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if your manager gets you a Christmas present

99 replies

Merryoldgoat · 09/12/2021 16:16

and if so, what is it?

I’ve only got 2 direct reports so it’s not extravagant.

Wine and chocolates - bit naff?
Nice toiletries?
Candle? I like them but there’s a limit…

Bah. I’m thinking option 1 might be best. But that’s what the company are buying us so it’s a bit boring to get it twice.

£20 in an envelope?

OP posts:
Ducksareruiningmypatio · 09/12/2021 18:45

We get a £50 waitrose voucher in a handwritten card thanking us for the year.
It's absolutely lovely Smile

KnitFastDieWarm · 09/12/2021 18:52

I work for a fairly hipsterish medium-sized media company. We get our choice of chocs, wine, beer, or a charity donation, plus 75 quid per person for a christmas meal out, plus a big bonus and christmas eve off. I’m very lucky!

CristinaYangismySpiritAnimal · 09/12/2021 18:54

Public sector and yes, she does. Nice bottle of booze.

Lipsandlashes · 09/12/2021 19:00

I’m public sector, so usually nothing but my manager gifted me a box of Hotel Chocolat today. We’ve had such an unbelievably busy time and she wanted to thank me - I was thrilled.

ShinyMe · 09/12/2021 19:01

My manager usually gives me a box of biscuits or chocolates or something. She has maybe 4 people she does this for. We're in education.

TractorAndHeadphones · 09/12/2021 19:02

Nothing. Work has a Christmas budget and we have a big party out of that

blueplan · 09/12/2021 19:03

I don't know what is worse - current boss who doesn't even give us a Christmas card (but happily appropriates all the 'team' gifts given by our clients), or a previous boss who thought they were going above and beyond by splashing out on a single box of after dinner mints to be shared between everyone in our department of 15 people.

BillyAndTheSillies · 09/12/2021 19:03

Last year was a Sainsbury's voucher. Meant I could afford the Christmas food shop so very much appreciated.

lucascriesalot · 09/12/2021 19:05

my managed got me a dildo once

lucascriesalot · 09/12/2021 19:07

that was meant to say manager

I8toys · 09/12/2021 19:15

I've worked with these people for 20+ years so -
Manager 1 gets me Molton Brown handwash or candle set
Manager 2 £300 vouchers M&S/Next
Usually get various bottles of fizz from people I work with or chocolates. I buy receptionist and others small gifts just to say thank you.

I get my manager- kids presents and food hamper. I believe in also giving and not just taking.

I've bought my direct report this year a Hotel Chocolat family dipping thing but usually get a family M&S Hamper

Returnoftheowl · 09/12/2021 19:27

I get my team tins of Heros/celebrations. I have previously done wine, but have a few team members who either don't drink or only drink wine well out of my price range, so have moved to chocolates. It's not the biggest gift, but I've got a fair sized team so it can add up.

My manager doesn't get me or the people on my level a gift.

CaitoftheCantii · 09/12/2021 19:31

My last manager would take us for breakfast…the office sycophants would then insist we each gave £10 so that they could buy her a hamper…

WestendVBroadway · 09/12/2021 19:35

Our manager gets us a tub of Heroes/ Roses etc. Well 1 tub is put in the office for all 20 odd staff to share. Grin

Nextstationpaddington · 09/12/2021 19:36

I have been in the same place for past 10 years and always got £1,500 cash in an envelope. Plus a full on paid for Xmas lunch including lots of drinks in a posh restaurant. We are a small company of only 7/8 people. I have had 3 maternity leaves during this period and still received the same. Actually they are generous people.

HoseMeDownWithHolyWater · 09/12/2021 19:37

Last year my manager sent us all (3 reports) a hamper. It was lovely and a massive surprise.

JacquelineCarlyle · 09/12/2021 19:40

@catgirl1976

I’ve just finished putting 12 bottles of wine and Prosecco into gift bags for my team. It’s not imaginative but it’s a little something and fairly safe. If someone didn’t drink it would be chocolates. Naff I know and not exactly thoughtful but….
I do exactly the same!
repottingthescabious · 09/12/2021 19:56

My ideal gift was always to be given half day leave.

4 hours to myself to get last minute stuff done including an hour in a coffee shop - just some peace, the newspaper, coffee and cake!

Others may wish to go out with the family or a friend.

Time is the most valuable thing you can give to someone because you can never get it back.

Peccary · 09/12/2021 19:57

I get a bottle wine (manager pays) I have two reports and last year sent flapjacks from a local baker

JacquelineCarlyle · 09/12/2021 20:02

@repottingthescabious

My ideal gift was always to be given half day leave.

4 hours to myself to get last minute stuff done including an hour in a coffee shop - just some peace, the newspaper, coffee and cake!

Others may wish to go out with the family or a friend.

Time is the most valuable thing you can give to someone because you can never get it back.

Unless you own the company though, a manager can't buy that with their own money.
Drywhitefruitycidergin · 09/12/2021 20:25

@repottingthescabious - I suggested this to my boss when he said he didn't fancy 8hrs on teams for our rearranged team day on Monday. Still waiting for a response....

repottingthescabious · 09/12/2021 20:35

that was when i was in the public sector (never again). The boss used to man the teams phones and we all left a midday.

she never did gifts but frankly i preferred the time off

Special Educ Needs for an LA.

OldTotty · 09/12/2021 20:46

@Nextstationpaddington
Wow, lucky you.
My boss is a multi millionaire, no such generosity.

Cheerbear24 · 09/12/2021 21:13

No but there are 7 of us. One person insists we club together and get the manager a present though. I think he’s embarrassed and would prefer not to though!

Livpool · 09/12/2021 21:15

Never had anything from a manager - tight bastards