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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
