Gifts for colleagues

[EmmaStone]

Having seen what happens for birthdays in my new team, it looks like I'm going to need to buy some Xmas gifts this year (at my last place, we did a Secret Santa - this place I reckon could be a company-wide Secret Santa, but I'm pretty certain they will be buying each other individual gifts too). I have 4 direct reports, all women ranging in age from mid 20s to mid 60s, plus my boss, another woman. I'd quite like to just get everyone the same gift.

Was thinking maybe a pannetone each? But actually, one has some dietary restrictions, I think she tries to avoid gluten. Although it's easily re-gifted? Is it rubbish? I don't want to spend more than £10 each at most (although would much prefer NOT to be spending £50 on work Xmas gifts TBH...).

I get everyone apart from direct reports a tin of biscuits from Fortnum and Mason’s (including gluten free for those who need it). It’s a total waste of money but for £6-7 a head, they come in a pretty Christmas tin and it feels a little bit luxurious.

I got mine last year these mugs and filled them with Lindor balls. They usually do 20% off everything for Black Friday so I got them for only £8 each

Do you actually want to do this? Just thinking there is every reason not to, with the cost of living crisis/sustainability concerns. Some people might struggle and the more people do this, the more difficult it can be to opt out. Why not suggest that, instead of buying gifts, people might (or might not) like to donate to charity or buy a gift to donate through a scheme for people in need?

I don't particularly want to do it, but am the only team member with dependents, the others seem to have endless disposable cash to spend on each other (and some of the team are very close, so an added complication). I'm only assuming at this stage, but got into trouble over a recent team member's birthday - I'd been told we would buy her lunch (split between the team), and the company would buy some fizz and cakes for the office. On the day, the rest of the team came in with bottles of fizz etc, and I was the only one who didn't have a present - I had to do an emergency gift purchase v quickly. I know if I ask I'll be told it's not a big deal and 'I only do it because I've known Sheila for so long', but I don't want to look like a miser.

I like the F&M biscuits idea. Look a bit luxurious, but not too expensive.

Last year I did a Molton Brown bauble in the 20% off sale, so £8ish. They went down really well. Am wondering if I can get away with it again in a guise of starting a tradition? I have about 20 direct reports and it really adds up!

Molton brown bauble . Beautifully presented and everyone has to shower .

Great minds . I'm picking up two today as table gifts

@hattie43 are they on offer somewhere?

@EmmaStone what about a coffee shop voucher for a local business? enough to cover coffee and cake for one?

No I haven't seen them on offer , £14 each from John Lewis .

Do you have The Works near you? I've done a paperback novel (can get good ones there from 50p-£3), mini bottle of Prosecco, a candle and some chocolate for a £10 secret Santa budget before.

Another one was a mason jar mug, hot chocolate, marshmallows and a mini bottle of baileys for £5.

One year I did everyone a mason jar mug (this was when they were fashionable!!), alcohol miniature, mixer and small bag of snacks.

Or how about a personalised Christmas bauble each and a bottle of Prosecco or wine? These look like they cost more than they do: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/659861432/christmas-personalised-reindeer?ref=sharev44_lx

I love the fortnum biscuits idea-it is something you'd never buy yourself

If you want to save more money Fortnums jam, marmalade and lemon curd is £5 a jar and looks a luxury gift! (I bought them for my team last year!)

I like to get some of those cellophane bags with Christmas design on, fill with a face mask, tinned alcoholic drink and a handful of quality street, tie up with a ribbon.
Thoughtful and can work out inexpensive if you go to home bargains or something similar!

A hanging Christmas decoration each for their Christmas trees at home

Wine glass filled with Lindor balls and a mini bottle of wine. You get decent. glasses in boxes of 4 or 6.

Lindt Teddy/Santa/Reindeer and a Costa voucher or from an independent coffee shop if you have one near work.

I would avoid anything smelly as people can be fussy about scent or cremes.

christmas plant (e.g. poinsettia) gifted at the start of the month - should be easily done for £5 - £8 a head.