My son just found out his new coworkers in his office will be giving small gifts. They are twenty and thirty something men and women.
Any ideas?
What is “small”? Would a $10 bottle of wine do?
Ugh. So glad my office didn’t do that. Does he know if there is a price target or doe she have his own? What occupation/industry is it?
He’s the low man on the totem pole with slightly older, more well-paid coworkers. (he’s 25) It is a writer’s room in NYC. He may go the wine route. Since he keeps emailing me to ask for any ideas I thought I’d ask you folks.
That’s a tough one. In the department I manage, we draw a name and only gift to that person. This year no price limit was put on it, which I don’t like. I figure since I’m the boss I need to go at the high end, whatever that is! I always give a fairly nice gift to the admin I share with my boss and some other folks. We made it clear to her several years ago that she wasn’t to “gift up” to us. She usually bakes treats and gives us each a small tin. I would hate to have to come up with “small” gifts for a number of co-workers.
He’s so new to this intimidating workplace. Obviously, he doesn’t want to overdo it, but he also doesn’t want to be the only one not gifting. I told him to maybe bring in a really delicious treat from a great bakery to share.
So he intends to give an item to each man/woman? Is that correct? How many are there?
I’d fill a basket with wine, ground coffee and maybe a can of good hot chocolate mix . Put a bow on each one and let people pick the one they like.
(That is my answer to “not everyone likes/drinks/serves wine in their house”.)
There are five men and one woman all in their thirties. I like that idea! I’m sending these along to him.
H just got a bluetooth speaker in his work gift exchange.
Personally I would go with wine.
If he knows his audience well enough to know they will appreciate wine, fine. But if he doesn’t, people shouldn’t assume a bottle of alcohol is something appreciated by everyone.
Not to mention that “bottle of wine” is the fall back for many so they might end up with 4-5 bottles of wine to take home among the five gifts. That might make someone really happy! Others, nope!
How about a bottle of sparkling cider for each person? The idea of a gift basket with an assortment and each one with a ribbon is a nice one. Cider is my default because I’m a nondrinker and know many who are similar.
Fruit basket with festive bags for everyone to take a few fruits home?
Is he sure he is supposed to participate? It is late to have let him know he needs to buy 5 gifts. How new is he?
If you I get a bottle of wine I don’t want, I regift, so I still appreciate it. lol
He’s been there since September. One of his coworkers mentioned the Christmas gifts he’s giving and another one replied with “oh no, are we doing that this year?” He got a vibe that small gifts will be given.
I’d go with something consumable, a gourmet food item. Doesn’t have to be expensive. Something like this is hot/trendy right now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LWRBES/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
If there is an good food item from his hometown area, he can give it as his “local” find. 
Peppermint bark? Many retailers are discounting holiday treats now. Teas/coffees?
The “oh no!” says it all doesn’t it?! 
I also think he could def just buy something for the office to enjoy during one of days before the New Year. Sweets, bagels, fruit, veggie tray…
Costco has gourmet popcorn, cookies, candy at good prices. Sam’s has honeycrisp apple chips.
I agree an edible/consumable is easy and can easily be consumed or regifted during holiday season.
When I worked, the universal favorite by a mile was Enstrom’s toffee.
Since he’s in NYC, I’d suggest one of those cupcake, doughnut or whatever is trending places and get something nicely boxed for each. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-cupcakes-in-nyc
http://www.grubstreet.com/bestofnewyork/best-doughnuts-in-nyc.html
DH stopped participating in the office gift swap a few years ago. We don’t drink and every item brought in was alcohol except for whatever he brought, so he would end up bringing it back home.
If there is a restaurant nearby that delivers lunch, gift cards to it might be appreciated.