Is a voucher at the place you work acceptable?

[Twirlyhoo]

My brother lives in Birmingham and has always talked about this independent coffee shop he goes to. I thought a voucher for the coffee shop would be a nice idea for Christmas so I ordered it yesterday.

Only found out today, this place is one of the 3 places he works part time at!

Do you still think this is an ok gift? I'll get him something else as well.

If he works there, does he get a staff discount or x many free drinks anyway?
Getting him a voucher for where he works feels a little unimaginative!

How did you not know he works there?

I don't think it's a good gift either. Can you look for a nice coffee? Some flavoured syrups that kind of thing would be better.

This ^^ Durley he mentioned working there at some point.

I suspect he will get a discount of some kind as a staff member and to be honest it seems like a really random gift to give someone a voucher to where they work so I wouldn't give him the voucher.

Sorry but no that's a rubbish gift.

Yeah I think I'm going to try and return it.

He lives quite far from me and we speak every couple of months. He's a musician so does a lot of retail/hospitality jobs on the side to keep him going. I noticed on Instagram that he goes there sometimes so I thought it would be thoughtful and unexpected to treat him to coffee and cake somewhere he likes.

Now I know he works though, I do think it's a bit naff.

Sorry but no

That would be a bit weird for a coffee shop.

Ended up fessing up to my brother about this. He was really nice about it and said -

I mean I can still use it, I get free coffees and food while I'm there but we can still buy coffee to have at home, I don't get that for free!x
Very thoughtful idea and funny coincidence 😆
Or I can just get you a refund, whatever you prefer tbh 😊

Ahh I guess that's my brother giving me a refund on his own gift then 😂