Secret Santa etiquette

[Pandabuzz]

Needing some advice please!
My work’s SS has a budget of £5-7 so I was planning to get something this price. I spoke to a colleague today who has bought her person a bottle of gin (full size, not a miniature) and a box of chocolates! Surely that’s at least £15?! They aren’t friends outside or work or anything.
What am I supposed to do? Is it the done thing to set a budget but everyone knows to spend more?

I think it's generally up to you whether you want to spend more or not, but I wouldn't deviate too much. If you do overspend, don't expect the same in return. Expect a £5-£7 gift.

Sometimes SS budgets are set quite low to be more inclusive, but it can be a struggle to get anything decent with the lower end budgets that aren't just chocolate or socks (for example!) I've tended to go a bit over budget before if it's been something I know they'll like, rather than just something generic.

My advice is if you can try and find something big in size. I don’t know why I just feel it always looks so much better than some tiny little present. I usually try and stick to the budget if I can. But a fiver is not a lot granted!!

I definitely wouldn't go over £10 & if I could find a great gift for £5-7 I'd be happy with that. A full sized bottle of gin sounds a lot, I'm thinking maybe she was passing on an unwanted gift.

Thanks everyone