Gifts for work colleagues who I only see on Saturdays

[Poppins17]

I started a new Saturday job 5 weeks ago, and one of the ladies yesterday mentioned I was on her Christmas gift lift.

There’s the big boss, her deputy and two others like me.

It never occurred to me I’d have to buy them a gift, in fact I’ve taken the Saturday job to try and earn some extra cash not to spend more!

However, I don’t want to look mean and so want to pick something up for them.. the issue is that they have more expensive taste than me.. think White Company wrapping paper and bows (mine are B&M) and Charlotte tilbury make up (mine is Rimmel)… any ideas?

I won’t be suggesting secret Santa as sounds like the lady I was speaking to has already bought her gifts.

Thanks!

I think buying presents for someone you work with once a week and for such a short amount of time is crazy.

Make a big tray of Rocky road or chocolate bark and package nicely? (Aldi choceur in cardboard wrapping is cheap but very lovely)

You don't need to buy them a gift! If they want to buy you a gift that's fine (but weird in my opinion) but you definitely do not need to buy them one.
If she mentions it again just say, "oh no, save your money for your family and friends, that's what I'm doing".

I wouldn't be buying presents in this scenario either, at most would take in a tin of celebrations or something for everyone to share.

Don't feel obligated to buy a gift just because someone else is going it. It's their choice. Also I'd generally not expect you to spend your money on your manager or people who earn more than you.

If you want to do something you could take in a box of chocs for the team to share. I know a few people who do that instead of sending xmas cards too.

I wouldn't bother op

I make it clear that I don't do adult presents. I also don't do cards. I'd take them aside and say that you won't be joining in with the present buying. You'll end up working a day to just pay for their gifts.

I work in a small office (just 4 of us) most part-time - all with young DC or GDC. The jobs are quite stressful and we do support each other. Last year I bought Xmas shaped hand-washes - from a local shop (#shoplocal) and also seemed appropriate with Covid. Everyone loved them - £2-99 each?

This year I have bought a £50 chocolate bar (£1 each from the pound shop) and will add a Xmas decoration.

My colleague does beautiful cards with a little bauble or mini candy cane attached. Maybe do that?

This year I have bought a £50 chocolate bar (£1 each from the pound shop)

£50?

I don’t think you should feel forced into buying anything. You barely know them. At my workplace we’ve known each other for a really long time and don’t even give cards, let alone presents.

If you feel like you must get them something, perhaps a small Christmas chocolate from Hotel Chocolate or similar?

Thanks everyone… it’s a real pain.. what I might do is just pick up a nice Christmas decoration each from Homesense or TK Max say £3.99 each then on wrap it in nice tissue and a gift bag just as a token gift…. Does that sound naff?

@HollowTalk

This year I have bought a £50 chocolate bar (£1 each from the pound shop)

£50?

Yes the cardboard wrapper as a £50 note. You can also get tissues and paper napkins. I thought the kids would all enjoy it, although probably the chocolate isnt the best!!

This is the style www.amazon.co.uk/Fifty-pound-Bank-England-Chocolate/dp/B00OHWNDHO?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Oh that's disappointing! I thought the bar of chocolate cost £50!

@Poppins17

Thanks everyone… it’s a real pain.. what I might do is just pick up a nice Christmas decoration each from Homesense or TK Max say £3.99 each then on wrap it in nice tissue and a gift bag just as a token gift…. Does that sound naff?

But that’s going to cost you £20 in total, just because one lady said you’re on her gift list. Are you very keen to ‘fit in’?

I often buy a mini panetonne each. Some of them have lovely packaging and flavours too.

@SparklingLime yes of course… who wouldn’t want to fit in anywhere they work

Great idea @Tiredteacher100

I think a nice decoration is a good idea OP - but I would honestly think of the chocolate bark idea too- Lidl have some nice chocolate (get a bar of the milk and bar of the plain) B and M often have christmas sprinkles for about £1.50 or you can get some jelly sweets and smarties or something else pretty. It's as easy as melting, putting sprinkles on then the fridge- then cut into chunks. Treat bags are in poundland (plastic see through ones) and there are free printable tags online- or you may even have tags and ribbons etc. You can even wrap the bark in greaseproof paper - that looks lovely too if you don't have bags . I think you could spend about £5/6 and have 4 gifts to give out. I can see why you want to give a gift, and in previous years, I have also had to be really canny with cheap gifts that look a bit more special. Also, remember the rule that if you don't know someone too well, a consumable gift is often better than another ornament.
If you don't want to make anything or don't feel confident- A Christmas mug (poundland) with a Maltesers reindeer or likewise on soem tissue paper is another nice token.

I just wouldn’t even start with this , give them a card and be done with it . The likelihood is that the others don’t buy for each other anyway .

I agree with others don't buy but perhaps on the last day you work with them before Christmas take in a tray of brownies or something you can all share together.

No the decoration does not sound naff at all.

I did some volunteer reading in the children's reception/year 1 class and both years the class teacher bought us a Christmas decoration. One year it was a glass angel and another was a felt robin. They were beautifully wrapped in tissue paper with ribbons. And every year my children (now teenagers) say oh this is the one from Mrs XXX.

I have stolen this idea - Asda have cheap individual ornaments but the good ones go early. IKEA has unusual ornaments usually in 4s or 6s. Don't be afraid to split a pack it can be cheaper, you can change string for nice ribbon, add a bell or personalise it if you have the time.

[quote Poppins17]@SparklingLime yes of course… who wouldn’t want to fit in anywhere they work [/quote]
Why do you want to fit in with people who you hardly know and do things that make no sense?

You've taken on extra work to earn more money. It's utterly stupid to spend a good chunk of that exchanging tat with people you barely know.

Like others have said, just take in a tub of chocolates or make mince pies to share etc. There's no need to buy them expensive Christmas decorations or anything else. If anyone says anything, just say you don't do adult gifts or mention environmental concerns.

Something hand made, like spiced nuts or candied nuts, or Christmas cookies. I make cinnamon pecans and also some candies. I’ve also baked cranberry orange bread as a gift. Inexpensive, personal and a nice holiday gift, when wrapped nicely.

@MadCattery

Something hand made, like spiced nuts or candied nuts, or Christmas cookies. I make cinnamon pecans and also some candies. I’ve also baked cranberry orange bread as a gift. Inexpensive, personal and a nice holiday gift, when wrapped nicely.

Sound lovely. Recipes would be much appreciated.