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Original poster

Secret Santa...would you like this

84 replies

Pippipumpkin · 05/12/2023 20:51

Sorry this has probably been done to death. Work secret Santa. £10 budget. I have picked a female, about 45-50 in age. Don't know her that well as she is new to the team. Not sure if/what she drinks etc.
I am hopeless at this. I find it quite stressful. Last year everyone seemed to exchange candles, which is fine, I don't mind a candle and that is probably my back-up plan. But saw this browsing m&s. What are your thoughts? Are initials on things desirable or childish? I wouldn't mind receiving that as my secret Santa, but that's cos its inoffensive and practical (to me). Cons are it can't be easily re-gifted. Thanks!

Secret Santa...would you like this
OP posts:
Borris · 05/12/2023 21:18

I'd give it with a gift receipt but I think it is nice and I have definitely received a lot worse!

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 05/12/2023 21:18

I’d be happier with that than a candle. I really don’t like candles.

LightSpeeds · 05/12/2023 21:19

I wouldn't want it. Sorry. I think consumables are always a good idea (toiletries, booze, chocs) as a lot of people don't want more stuff to store.

Hastae · 05/12/2023 21:19

Go for it. There is literally nothing you can get that would please everyone, so I’d give up trying. I think vouchers are great, but others think they’re boring. There was someone on a recent thread adamant that if they got an Amazon voucher it wouldn’t be used or even apparently regifted. I probably wouldn’t use this bag, but I can see it’s nice so I’d appreciate the thought. The worst that will happen is that it goes to a charity shop where I’m sure it would be snapped up. Equally, it may be really appreciated.

Original poster
Pippipumpkin · 05/12/2023 21:20

It's so interesting some would hate a candle, some would love it, same with the bag.

I am fairly sure she would hate a book or a plant. She is not outdoorsy in any way either.

As mentioned earlier not sure what her drink of choice would be.

Budget is £10

Good call re: gift receipt. I would never know, nor object if she changed it for an M&S sandwich or two tbh.

OP posts:
BabyYoshke · 05/12/2023 21:21

I wouldn’t like it sorry. I’d love someone to get me a £10 voucher for Costa or somewhere like that

Original poster
Pippipumpkin · 05/12/2023 21:21

Thanks for all your thoughts though!

OP posts:
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 05/12/2023 21:21

I would avoid alcohol unless you know what she likes. I used to get gifted alcohol all the time and I’m tee-total. Meant that gift was instantly handed to DH or to a raffle so never felt like a gift.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 05/12/2023 21:24

I would imagine any woman in her mid to late 40's has more than enough make-up bags. I'm in my 50's and have a lifetime supply.

As pp's have said, consumables are the way to go for most people. A candle, chocolate, a plant (those hyacinths in water require no effort), wine.

How about a charity donation in her name? I'd like that. No crap to bring home and dispose of and it does some good too.

SleepingStandingUp · 05/12/2023 21:24

How long is it? I don't wear make up but would use it for stationary probably. I'd Def get the gift receipt tho and inc it. She knows the price anyway

SirenSays · 05/12/2023 21:24

Beautiful colour and significantly better than lots of the secret santa gifts I've received over the years.

wherethewildtbingsgo · 05/12/2023 21:24

I love that. I would be thrilled. Lovely choice.

crumpet · 05/12/2023 21:25

I’d prefer a candle to this bag, which although nice, isn’t my style

OneFrenchEgg · 05/12/2023 21:25

I'm 50 and I would like fluffy indoor socks and a bag of gold coins if you have got me. Initial is S.

InTheRainOnATrain · 05/12/2023 21:29

I got something similar in a work secret santa about 8 years ago and still have it. It’s the only non edible one I’ve ever been pleased to receive because usually secret Santa means getting utter tat. So I’d vote for yes, great gift!

SeanMean · 05/12/2023 21:31

I’d be happy with that!

Mirrormeback · 05/12/2023 21:36

I got one of these in a secret Santa with a small lip balm or something like that inside

I was happy with it

jimbort · 05/12/2023 21:37

I'm 46 and would love some warm cosy socks or gloves

Circlingthesun · 05/12/2023 21:37

I'd hate it but I hate bags in general apart from rucksacks and much prefer using pockets. Would much prefer a candle, or fluffy socks as pp suggested

NerdyBird · 05/12/2023 21:43

I'm mid 40s, I'm in need of a new makeup bag so I'd like it. Not fond of candles and I'm allergic to an ingredient commonly found in toiletries so that wouldn't be a good option for me.

Food/drink is hard if you don't know what they like or if they have restrictions.

Alternatively, how about a nice christmas decoration?

But get a gift reciept whatever you buy!

PostmansKnock · 05/12/2023 21:45

BabyYoshke · 05/12/2023 21:21

I wouldn’t like it sorry. I’d love someone to get me a £10 voucher for Costa or somewhere like that

I don't see the point of saying you will do Secret Santa if you are just going to give someone a voucher. Just don't do it and keep your ten pounds.

ChateauDuMont · 05/12/2023 21:46

I wouldn't buy a gift with an initial because if they don't like it it's harder for them to regift.

If it was plain then it would be ok.

ActDottie · 05/12/2023 21:56

I’d go for a perishable item tbh, I like this but wouldn’t have a use for it so it would never get used.

A candle I’d use when my current ones are burnt out, nice shower gel etc. I’d use, food and drink I’d use.

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 05/12/2023 21:57

Realistically, given you don't know her well, there's going to be a fairly large amount of guessing, and you're never going to find something that everyone would like.

I think it's quite nice, and I'd put in the gift receipt to be safe.

kikisparks · 05/12/2023 22:00

I just found something similar to this with my initial on in a cupboard upstairs, still with the tag on, think I got it for Christmas 6 years ago! But I didn’t dislike receiving it at the time I just haven’t found a use for it.