BlogHer - In Search For That One Great Gift For Co-Workers - Comments

Consumables

Jillbert — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:32:08 -0600

I agree that consumables are the way to go ---- nothing beats home made ---- especially in our ready made world. Taking the time to bake cookies, fresh bread is a gift of love. I am also a big fan of handmade crafty items. I know some frown upon them as cheesy or "cheap" but, being a crafter myself, I know that it takes more time to hand make something than to go shopping. Besides, everything handmade has a bit of the maker in it --- again, a gift of love from yourself.

Consumables

MrsWsKitchen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:34:18 -0600

When I was working, it was all about consumables for my coworkers. For the gals who went home to families, something homemade--I made a large focaccia for a friend who took it home for supper with her husband that evening. Another friend who has a foodie husband got a gorgeous flan. Other coworkers got things like homemade biscotti, candles, etc. They always seemed to appreciate the gifts.

Amanda
Mrs.W's Kitchen

Check what is available locally

KatieBeez — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:53:44 -0600

I usually bring in home-made whatever, for holidays or anytime, depending on my mood to bake. If there's an exchange I usually participate also, but in general I've never been at a place where giving gifts for Christmas was expected.

One idea is to think about is what treat is available locally and in season? (I.e. less expensive)

For example, where I work now is not so far from a Lindt chocolate factory. Every Christmas each employee receives a small bag of mixed wrapped and unwrapped chocolates, which are the discounted bags from the factory.

At an another job I had, in Florida, we would often be "treated" with oranges and grapefruits, or even key limes.

Every year I make gingerbread.

kazari — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:44:41 -0600

Depending on the workplace, I have either individually wrapped and distributed the gingerbread, or taken it to a work morning tea, or just left the tin on my desk with a 'help yourself' sign. It's always well accepted. People like the individual effort.

I think I have a recipe for that...

Seems to be a trend

Elana Centor — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:10:28 -0600

On Thursday, Maysie wrote a comment on a post I had written about Holiday Office parties a how her office is forgoing an office party and using the party money to donate to a food shelf or homeless shelter.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with having a party or giving traditional gifts it does seem that this year, more than years in the past, people want to give gifts that truly make a difference in someone's life.

elana
Blogher Contributing Editor,Business&CareersFunnyBusiness

Gift fo co-workers

Sarcasmom — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:20:57 -0600

I struggle with this every year. I have about 15 people to buy for, male and female of various ages. It was tough to keep it "even" and affordable. They usually pool their money and get me a gift card. I have wanted to suggest we make a charitable donation in lieu of gifts, but never did beause I was the one with the most to save. I took advantage of the economic downturn and made the suggestion this year. It was overwhelmingly accepted.

In Search For That One Great Gift For Co-Workers

Elana Centor — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:57:30 -0600

When it comes to gift giving, I come from a one-gift tradition. Growing up, my parents gave the same gift for birthdays, Hanukkah, graduation, or random celebrations: cold hard cash.

No wrapping paper, no pretty bows, no anticipation of whether or not they got me what I really really wanted, and definitely no surprise because I knew exactly how much money I would be getting for each special occasion.

My parents follow the one gift money rule to this day because they have never found anyone who is disappointed with a greenback.I guess they were the recipient of too many gifts that they didn't want. Or, they were part of too many conversations where people made fun, rolled their eyes, or dissed the gifts that someone took the time to give them.

What they instilled in me with their one -gift rule was there was nothing worse than giving someone a gift that they didn't want/like/or need.

As a result, I have gift-phobia.

I fret that whatever gift I give is not gift enough. With my kids this was never an issue because I always knew exactly what they wanted because they told me over and over again.

My gift-phobia creeps in when I want to give a gift to friends, professional associates/coworkers.Just thinking about giving a gift to this particular cohort can send me hyperventilation which is why I've been struggling ever since Denise sent me an email asking that I write about one great gift for co-workers.

It's been three weeks since Denise sent that email and for three weeks I've been searching for inspiration.

First I used the Golden Rule Approach - Give Unto Others, As You Would Want Them To Give Unto You.

What I really like from friends is homemade treats. Granola, vinegar,cookies, fudge--I love everything and anything that is homemade.

Here is the recipe I use for Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream. I do give it to friends and if I had co-workers I would probably give it to them as well. Bailey's Irish Cream

1 c Light cream

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 2/3 c Irish Whiskey

1 tsp Instant coffee

2 tb Hershey's chocolate syrup

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Almond extract

Combine all the ingredients in a blender set on high speed for 30 seconds. Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate. The liqueur will keep for at least 2 months if kept cool. Be sure to shake the bottle well before serving.
Makes 4 cups.

But then the gift-phobia kicked in and I thought what if people don't like this treat? Is there a universal gift that co-workers around the world would appreciate and cherish?

Is it even possible to have one great gift that every co-worker would enjoy?As it turns out a colleague, Dan H. gave me such a gift via voicemail this Thursday. It was a very simple message.

"Hello Elana, this is Dan. I am just calling several of the people who I am thankful to have in my life. Sorry I didn't reach you in person."

Now maybe for someone that would not be the perfect gift. But personally, I can't think of anything more joyous then knowing I am important in someone's life. So if you have a co-worker that you appreciate, let them know. Send your appreciation via voice mail, virtual card, traditional card--however you want to do it your words will be one of the best gifts they get all season.

Oh, and because I am a gift-a-phobe and that idea may not crank your motor, here are some links for more traditional gift ideas.

From Quiver And Quill, The Social Media Gift Guide

SCORE Women's Success Blog offers up Gift Giving Holiday Etiquette 101

Please add to the list. What is the one gift you would like from your co-workers?

Elana blogs about business culture at FunnyBusiness