OP here. Not a fed. Private industry. Also, this is coming from me, not the company.

Anonymous wrote:Fed- I like my boss and my direct reports a lot, but haven't exchanged gifts ever. My first year I got a jar of peanuts.

Gifts should come from the workplace, not from managers in my opinion.

I’m a Fed and my manager always did a small thing of nice chocolate and a card. I’m aware chocolate isn’t appropriate for some people for various health related reasons. But it can be handed off to spouse, kids, a friend. Anyway, given all the ethics rules, it was a nice gesture.

Anonymous wrote:I don't like gift giving in the workplace. Can you give them a couple extra hours or a day off?

So much this.

Cash. No one wants some crappy gift.

Cash is not appropriate

Fed- I like my boss and my direct reports a lot, but haven't exchanged gifts ever. My first year I got a jar of peanuts.

Gifts should come from the workplace, not from managers in my opinion.

Anonymous wrote:I have two direct reports one is 30 (female, single) and one is about 40 (male, with a young family.). I know the best gift is probably cash but what should I get them That is kind of a little bit better than that? Maybe a small gift and a gift card?

Nothing is better than cash.

Cash or time off. Nobody wants stuff or food.

I will give mine a bag of high quality coffee that references something personal. For one, a blend grown where she did peace corps, for the other a blend named after cats because she loves cats. Will pair the coffee with themed mugs some little things like candies. We have a dollar limit on gifts.

Anonymous wrote:Ditto, no way to Starbucks - won't support that union busting company. Cash is king, people say it for a reason.

Give them a Visa gift card and allow them to decide if it's for a splurge for themself, a meal out with a spouse, gifts for kids, or groceries

op, only virtue-signaling gift cards allowed!!!!

$100 gift card taped to a box of Holiday JoJos.

My boss (CEO) gave us all a nice-ish ($40) bottle of wine.

I’m giving my direct report $100.

Kinda inappropriate.

I don't like gift giving in the workplace. Can you give them a couple extra hours or a day off?

Cash is always a good gift. If you know they go to Starbucks, you can give them gift cards.

The point is to show appreciation, so write them a note to go with the cash. Cash with a thoughtful note is way more personal than a mug with a generic card, so I don’t get why people feel like cash is “impersonal.” Or if the note is too fraught, do cash and something homemade, like cookies. They cost almost nothing but demonstrate effort and care.