Anonymous wrote:Either give them time off, or cash. Nothing else is actually wanted

pizza party /s

Either give them time off, or cash. Nothing else is actually wanted

My favorite gifts from bosses have been:

- on a remote team, asked us each the name of a favorite take out place or local cafe. Sent us each $25 card to that place and organized a team lunch (via zoom). Didn’t care either way about the lunch (was happy do do it though) but loved the personal nature of the gift

- a gift card to a nursery to pick out a plant when I moved (sadly used a general zip code for the area and didn’t realize how far the nursery was from me. I gave it to a friend who lived closer, but loved the idea

- a gift card to bookshop.org. I love that it supports local bookstores

Though time is always the gift I want most! Any time I get given time off for any reason it’s exciting.

As 20 something, we don’t drink. Gift card.

Anonymous wrote:Had a boss who gave us 3 hours off in the middle of the day. Said it was so we could do holiday shopping. There was a certain week ahead of Christmas that he did this, and made sure everyone signed-up for a time slot (middle of the day, not come in late or leave early, that wasn't offered. Which was ok)

Love this!!!

You could do a small box of fancy chocolates or Crumbl cookies, if you want something with the gift card.

I also don't drink. No booze.

Had a boss who gave us 3 hours off in the middle of the day. Said it was so we could do holiday shopping. There was a certain week ahead of Christmas that he did this, and made sure everyone signed-up for a time slot (middle of the day, not come in late or leave early, that wasn't offered. Which was ok)

Agree about not buying alcohol - can be triggering if issues and other reasons. I’d back up a step and unless you have a little money left in your organization’s budget (that they allow for gift for direct report) I wouldn’t get anything for your team for a few reasons. You shouldn’t need to use your personal money for that.

And what are they getting you?

Bonus

Never a good idea to buy alcohol for a direct report!

Agree on gift card and a note.

Gift card. The younger generation doesn't drink as much; plus even for those who do, you don't know what they'd like.

Gift card. I don’t drink.

I’d rather you put the extra money on a gift card so that I can get what I want rather than you spending it on some gift that I probably don’t want. Personal gifts are great for personal relationships, but however great your team gets along in the office, they’re not there as your friends, they’re there for the money. If you want to show you value them personally, write them a note in a card and enclose the gift card (and give them glowing recommendations when they’re up for their annual review).

I would advise you to stop giving alcohol. Personally, I just don’t like the flavor, but others might have more serious problems with it.

I've finally reached a stage in my professional life where I have a real team (and I'm making enough money to get them gifts for the holidays). They are all in their 20s. I usually get them a bottle of nice liquor or wine for their birthdays. For Christmas, was thinking a gift card + something nominal. Should I just go with an Amazon gift card? What can I give besides booze?