Is it bad form to spend more than you are supposed to on a secret santa?

[laweaselmys]

The person I have been randomly allocated to give to is firstly my boss (which makes it a bit scary) also somebody I don't know very well, and thirdly hugely stressed at the moment.

What I would really like to give them is a holiday but obviously there is no way I am going to sneak that under the ten pound limit! Have thought about doing a relaxing day at home set but none of it looks right/tbh, she would probably just not do it and it would just gather dust somewhere.

So have instead found some lovely jewellery but it's all a few quid more than the limit and would probably spend more like 15. Does it matter? Will anyone notice? Just want to get something really nice as they deserve it, but don't want to look like I am trying too hard to impress or show up other people that spend less either!

Why is gift buying so difficult sometimes?!

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to spend a little more to get something she would really appreciate but if you are worried what others think, then why not buy her a book voucher for £10.

I don't think she's much of a reader, nice idea though. I had thought about a spa treatment but couldn't find any at the right price range and locally.

What sort of things is she into? Does she have a PA or secretary who may be able to give you some ideas?

If you know she uses a spa/beauty salon, you could always get her a £10 voucher and she could use it towards a manicure, wax, etc..

Pretend you have a £5 limit. And then you'll find something nice for a tenner.

A nice scarf, when indoubt about what to buy,a nice scarf does the trick everytime

no, no PA it's a small company. I did think about a money off voucher kind of thing but then that seemed a bit rude saying well, it's a gift - but you can only have it if you buy the rest of it! I'm not sure that she does go to them normally, but I'm sure she would enjoy it if she did.

She doesn't wear scarves! I don't know why...

If she wears jewellery, why not try and find a lovely bracelet?

Think about jewellery is that the really nice stuff does cost more than ten pounds. I can easily find nice things that don't cost much more, but it's still more.

Which is why I'm pondering if it matters, or if I should just buy it anyway and nobody will notice/it will be blaggable if they do.

I would say yes, because it makes everyone else feel like a cheapskate. Plus its also much easier to find more expensive things that are nice, so people will also resent the fact that they put loads of effort into getting something under the limit...

I think you may be right cat64. I will keep looking and try to be useful now in the meantime!

well I always spend less....it's the thought that counts and I am not made of money.

Yes, bad form. the point is to keep it cheap.

We got it wrong last year at a children's club, we hadn't had the letter about sticking to £1 so our presents cost £5-7 and it did make the others feel uncomfortable, it was commented on.

Though it was anonymous so I didn't have to own up to the social gaffe.