So every year my boss invites all the other Attorneys in the office and myself (the only staff member) out to dinner. Every year my boss has handed out a bonus to everyone while the other Attorneys hand out gifts as well. I always feel really bad because each year I am struggling around this time of year. Especially this year because I am saving up for maternity leave, since my work doesnt offer any sort. One year I was able to get them all 20.00 starbucks cards which totaled in 100.00, it doesnt sound so bad but it kind of is (for me!). I also felt like compared to the gifts they give out $20 at starbucks isnt much. Last year I wasnt able to do ANYTHING for them and I felt soooo bad when they were all handing out gifts and I just sat there accepting them. A friend said I should bake them a gift but when they get cookies from someone in the office like a client, or a vendor - they end up giving the cookies to me or just putting them in the community kitchen. What to do!!? Should I at least do the Starbucks gift cards?
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I would write them a really personal, heartfelt card and/or homemade gift!
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I second Mr.Bee's idea and/or a combo of that and the Starbucks giftcards. I think it's the gesture that counts and any attorney who doesn't appreciate your efforts is a scrooge!
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Mr Bee had a good idea! I think the Starbucks gift card is good too. It doesn't matter the amount of the gift, its the thought and gesture. Plus, $20 at Starbucks is good!
Don't feel bad, we struggle with giving my DH's boss something every year too. Christmas time is hard, and now that I've lost my job, its really hard!
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Do you happen to have any crafting skills like card making or wreath design? You could probably put together a really nice gift with just what is in your home! I like Mrs Bee's idea of the heartfelt card, as well. Thought goes a long way.
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If you would rather not give out $20 and personal notes aren't up your alley, you could maybe give out work versions of "couples coupons."
For example: you could give a co-worker a card that says, "This Card is good for one free coffee from Starbucks, delivered personally by me!" That's a lot cheaper than $20, and the difference is that you provide the free labor and so it feels more meaningful.
Or maybe there's other things you could offer to do at work, that you don't ordinarily provide but might be able to provide as a free extra to a co-worker if they have a coupon?
Just a thought!
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honestly, i don't think they expect anything from you (especially as a staff member). my husband gives out gifts to all his staff and PAs and he expects nothing in return. it's just a lil thank you for the hard work you've done. and to let you know you're appreciated. i say stick with just giving them a christmas card with thanks for the gift.
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one of my favorite gifts from a coworker was a calendar. She gave all of us coworkers calendar's to fit our personalities. Since I'm an artist, I got an art one, a girl who's obsessed with shoes got one with shoes, etc. It was just really fun because it was so personal, you could tell she put lots of thought into it, and we all used them and had them on our desks.
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7 comments