Do you have a gift exchange at work?

[ilikefree]

We've been doing one every year I've been there. We draw names just before Thanksgiving break then have our exchange the last day before Christmas break. Since there are only 7 of us, chances of getting a name you've already had are pretty good. We normally just write our name on a piece of paper and some things we like. That's still pretty tough, especially since we have 2 new workers this year, not really knowing them yet or what they're into. So I took our Secret Santa questionnaire and made a few changes to that and will suggest using that this year. Knowing their favorite candy or snack will make it easier for leaving little things for them through the week. Do you have an exchange where you work and how do you do it? I'm always looking for a way to change ours up.

[Gator Pam]

I work as a clerical substitute for two local school districts. The schools all do gift exchanges; I can't answer for the administration or warehouse locations. I wouldn't be surprised if they did, though.

 

As a short term substitute, I've never been included in these. I suspect long term teachers or office workers may be invited to take part.

[jesusluvu]

We use to but with covid we haven't. I sent my team electronic gift cards last year and this year looks like I will be doing the same thing. 

[Bopeep]

In the past, we've sometimes done Christmas parties where we played Dirty Santa. For a couple years in a row, I organized an ornament exchange. But, last Christmas and this most of us work from home so we won't do anything.  The company will give us all a gift card, and I will buy for the 4 folks that directly report to me, and I'll take them to their homes.

[freesia39]

We just informally get gifts for everyone, but nothing too crazy - we're a team of 9 (and soon to be 10!) I usually try to do something a little extra for the three (soon to be four) that report directly to me. Still trying to think of ideas for this year - I thought maybe of personalized notebooks for everyone this year.

[hillbillyswife]

Unfortunately no

[bluebear]

We do not. I've been at my job 17 years, and we never have. When we were smaller we'd have a party and do white elephant. But now we are too big and our parties have been replaced with a "mid-year meeting".

Also when we were smaller, we would adopt a family or some seniors and get together as a small group to sort donations. That was nice and better than an exchange.

 

My son started a new job this spring. They are actually doing a Halloween gift exchange, which I thought was unique, and probably helpful to not have another gift to worry about at Christmas. It is $25 limit, so like a holiday exchange.

[tracy0504]

My department is pretty small and pre-Covid who ever wanted to participate we would... Sometimes we drew names, other times we used Elfster.com... we are still working remotely so we won't be participating in that... and job #2 is at one of the big box stores... I have never seen anyone do a gift exchange in the almost 2 yrs I've been there... but there is usually a name tree for less fortunate children if anyone wants to participate in that...

[Elmck]

We draw names and have a price limit. I usually have a small something for all my coworkers I’m sure I’ve already bought those but I can’t remember what it is

[avsfan]

This year we are each bringing a wrapped gift (haven't decided on price yet) and we're going to play Bingo. The gifts will be the prizes. As the supervisor, I'll bring a couple extra as consolation prizes.

[HanShotFirst]

This year we are each bringing a wrapped gift (haven't decided on price yet) and we're going to play Bingo. The gifts will be the prizes. As the supervisor, I'll bring a couple extra as consolation prizes.

Thats a great idea for an exchange!