To ask if your manager gets you a Christmas present

[Merryoldgoat]

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?

Thank you everyone - alcohol and chocolate are clear winners so that’s what I’ll do!

One has literally just had a baby so I’ll get the baby a little something.

There were a few questions I think:

Yes - it’s my money

Wine and chocolate is coming from the company which is why I was worried it was a bit boring.

We have a paid for lunch from the company

We already get the days between Xmas and New Year as additional leave not from our allowance. I couldn’t approve additional leave

Very nice to hear about some of your lovely gifts.

Mine gets us all a bottle of either wine/non-alc alternative and something personal. He got me a ginormous coffee thermos last year with some fancy coffee beans and coffee chocolate. And a hand written card with a lovely message in. As we're not having a christmas do he's arranged for hampers to be sent to us all. He's a very good man, and does it from his own pocket

Last year the big boss of my old company bought me a nice bottle of champagne. This year I'm a teacher with a rather questionable head, I doubt I'll be getting anything!

I know I'm boring, but its wine and chocs here. A decent red and Lindor for my direct reports, and champagne and Hotel Chocolat for my PA. I work in a hospital so have almost 400 staff so also spend an fairly hefty whack on boxes of biscuits, tins of chocolates and crates of fizzy pop. It always feels like 'not much' but I spend a lot just on this.

If they dont like them, they can regift but at least it's not something that is polarising as a gift that some people would hate.

My manager also buys champagne and chocolates and I'm fine with that. My last manager didnt even bother with a card

I usually buy everyone a Christmas tree decoration (handmade local glass artist).

However, my team has doubled in size this year so I have decided that it will be cards only. Senior local government role.

I've had a present from my boss twice in over 10 years. Two different bosses and companies.

One was a tin of nice biscuits - everyone got the same and he said he was going to get us wine but then didn't because I was pregnant!

The other, a few years later was a nice bottle of wine and a thank you in a Christmas card, which probably meant more.

Never had a present in my current job (2 bosses in 5 years). But I normally buy my small team something each. Just need to work out how this year.

Yes. She does a christmas ornament every year and a good bottle of wine. For my direct reports I do a themed Christmas ornament and a stocking with treats -- usually a gift card for coffee from their coffee place of choice (several different ones) and sweets.

I'm support staff in a school, my boss is the head of science so a slightly different dynamic to an office. He buys me bonkers Christmas presents - the last few years have been a slate cheeseboard, a set of Christmas cotton napkins, and a set of tea light holders I don't suggest you follow his example !

@Livpool

Never had anything from a manager - tight bastards

Charming.

Despite being senior at work I am a single parent with one income. My 12 direct reports have a bigger household income than mine!

I get my direct reports Selfridges vouchers.

No tension over some getting “better” presents and means everyone can chose what they want.

My boss doesn’t get me anything but I typically don’t see him near Christmas

My boss doesn’t get me anything but I typically don’t see him near Christmas

And perhaps more significantly I’m better off than him.

Nope. Not even a card

I’m sending flowers to my direct reports this year as we won’t be meeting up in person before Christmas.

Not but I buy gifts for my staff. Depends on circumstances and how well I know the individual. If I’m stuck I stick with Amazon voucher rather than buying something they don’t like. But I tend to take note throughout the year whenever anyone mentions liking a particular wine or other booze or specific edible treats.

@PollyannaWhittier I'd love a slate cheeseboard! 😄

I get my team members a token gift each. This year it was a gift bag with a poinsettia, a small Hotel Chocolat and a Christmas card. The company gives everyone a £££ voucher at Christmas too.

[quote SymbollocksInteractionism]@PollyannaWhittier I'd love a slate cheeseboard! 😄[/quote]
I mean, it's lovely, and he probably spent £20 - £30 on it, but I was about 24 at the time, live with my parents and have no need and no space for festive (or any other !) tableware 😆

I never know what to get and my small team has a combination of vegans and non-drinkers which knocks out alcohol and chocolates so I usually pick something I like and order multiples for everyone! This year it is those huge hoodies/blankets (I don’t want to give the brand name but you know). I wanted one, heating costs are going up, and we are currently working from home. The best you can say about my gifting ability is… it is the thought that counts!!! (I also write a nice thank you note for their hard work over the year in each card🤷‍♀️)

All these people saying they get nothing in the public sector; note to managers you can spend your own money you know..

We get a company gift (either lunch bought for us or in wfh times a £10 supermarket voucher). I also get a gift from my line manager (usually Prosecco) and I always get my 3 direct reports something but I get them all something different that suits them and is relevant to their lives. I spend £15 each (plus postage this year)

I buy my gifts for my team with my own money btw.

Have done secret santa in previous years with team and manager included so all got one gift for £10.

Other years I have got nothing, or a bottle of fizz and chocolate.

I'm buying my own manager a Christmas present this year because he's had a tough time lately and has been a real support to me in the last few months due some MH issues, but this is probably the first boss I have ever bought for (mainly due to secret santa). He's got a Modern Toss coaster and some sweary pens. I may get him a Christmas tshirt if I can find a funny one.

Nope nothing.

Retail so we absolutely bust our arses off long long days and nights so our manager can enjoy his bonus .

I get all my team a National Lottery scratch card, nobody’s won more than £20 yet but we keep hoping!