vsa3janes Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Last year the department I work closely with invited me to be a part of the gift exchange. The limit is $35.00. Since I just started the job in October, after being out of work for 11 months, they understood when I thanked them but declined. I made them all a gift bag with chocolate pretzels. This year they are already talking about drawing names again. Money isn't an issue to them since they are young, single and most live at home. I am sorta the office mom so I hate not to particapate, but, this is more than I spend on family members. I don't have a problem telling them the limit is out of my comfort zone but don't want to alienate them by not accepting their offer a 2nd time. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
dmmiller Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Yeah, $35 is a bit steep for an office exchange. We usually do $15. But would you be comfortable with 20? Also, if you hang out here enough, you'll find some really good deals, and they will think you spent more than $35. :)
carheel Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 there are 6 of use that celevrate christmas so i bought 6 porclean oranments that i paided a total of 35.00 i also think 35 is alot for one person, i would just tell them sorry but i just cant swing that much money.
shopping mom Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 Try to make sure you get a woman and use the coupons for The Limited you can spend 2-3 dollars but it will be the equivalent of $35. Just don't share the coupon with your co-workers. MY DIL was very impressed the other day when I used the coupons there, she asked me to print her some and I think she will soon join this site.
conj Posted October 22, 2007 Posted October 22, 2007 the limit is $35, not the minimum, right? I would tell them the limit is out of your comfort zone, and pick a number that is reasonable to you. We have a $10 limit in our office... amazing what $10 can buy!
CocoaDiva43 Posted October 23, 2007 Posted October 23, 2007 At www.lenox.com I purchase most all my christmas items when they had christmas in july sale they will have another great sale starting in november again,they're worth more than $35.00 but not spending that much..check out that site:)
kselzer Posted October 23, 2007 Posted October 23, 2007 $35 is quite high for an office exchange. one of my family exchanges limit is only $30.
jarerice Posted October 24, 2007 Posted October 24, 2007 I think it is set to high as well. Try to remember that it's not the price of the gift that matters. And if all else fails go to Target and pick up a 35.00 item on clearence. I know thats bad, but you got to do what you go to do!
leefamily23 Posted October 30, 2007 Posted October 30, 2007 My new job I started this summer is big on Birthday's and Holiday's I'm finding out. It really is out of my comfort zone. But it's a small office and I feel forced to participate. The thing being I'm the only one w/ kids. They are all middle aged- double income no kids-- and have the money. I'm single income (my husband is the stay home dad) and kid's.
pogiporkchop Posted October 30, 2007 Posted October 30, 2007 I understand feeling the "need" to participate, but if it were me I'd tell them that unless the limit was much lower I unfortunately wouldn't be able to participate. You said the "limit" was $35. That doesn't mean you have to spend that much... if someone can't appreciate the thought then they need to remind themselves of what's really important :)
vsa3janes Posted October 30, 2007 Author Posted October 30, 2007 Update - The minimum is $35 and I just found out they have a wish list along with their name. So if you pick a name you are to "gift" them from the wish list. I mentioned the limit was a little steep for me and several replied "what can you get for less." Apparently they are not Target clearance shopper. I am bowing out of this gift exchange. I think will make cookies and bring them in for everyone to share the day of the exchange.
pogiporkchop Posted October 30, 2007 Posted October 30, 2007 good choice... you need to do what you're comfortable with :)
mgmckny Posted October 30, 2007 Posted October 30, 2007 I think that a minimum of 35.00 was also insane. I don't think the little tokens I did for the entire team of people I work with (around 18) was much more than that last year and they were thrilled to be remembered....
mrn8 Posted October 30, 2007 Posted October 30, 2007 You could pick up a gift certificate from Restaurant.com and use the 70% off coupon code for it. ("TREATS", exp 10/31/07)
AndreaInNC Posted October 31, 2007 Posted October 31, 2007 Bring in a Buddah statue and plop it down on your desk. That should get you off the hook without hurting anyone's feelings .... lol
christib327 Posted October 31, 2007 Posted October 31, 2007 Seriously? They give a list too? For work people??? Wow. I think that's a little crazy. Not to mention the $35 was too much too. I think you made the right decision.
PerkynPunctual Posted October 31, 2007 Posted October 31, 2007 Wow, that's crazy. I applaud you for being honest with them. I would not have participated either. I hope they enjoy your baked goods!
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