I gave my last boss gifts, because she was an excellent boss and because we became good friends even while working in that relationship. Drew, I hope the ranting isn't pinging you, because you obviously don't have the straight hierarchical corporate relationship with your people, and more power to you.
But this is different. This is some bizarre "boss gave traditional boss gift so we all have to turn around and wow her with something cool and amazing and yadda yadda..." Like payback for the gift, which, whatever. Plus some bitterness over the "ooh, [Boss] bought a condo, we have to get her something" shit, and the general "take up collections at every opportunity for some people and not for others."
(Also, hee! Reply all email from the "Steph" referenced above: "FYI - I am against the housewarming gift idea and am upset that my name got dragged into this.")
People, stop buying your bosses gifts!! It's craxy!
Hey, my bosses just gave me a Christmas flower and pine branch arrangement today (well, all my co-workers at this office are women so I guess it makes sense), and announced last week that I'd be getting a bonus that will cover my moving expenses. I don't feel too put-upon chipping in a few bucks toward the office gift.
Back in the olden days when I had employees (never again, hopefully--not their fault, just so much more stress to take from above and nowhere to shunt it) they gave me impulse gifts, which was perfectly okay. Honestly, I'd never judge anyone for not giving me a gift. I just thought it was sweet when some did. And since I was managing IT in Michigan, it was very Benetton-like. I have a sari I may never wear and some lovely Chinese silk as well as teas and other foodstuffs people would get me showing me their cultures.
Aha! No, that's totally what I do. I'll cheerfully give a boss Blue Mountain coffee.
Once.
First time's free.
I give my boss a Christmas gift, but she's cool. This year it's BTVS Season 2 DVDs - she discovered it a couple of years ago and I got her S1 last year. She gives me good stuff, too. Last year it was a box of LUSH goodies!!!
They have now responded with "it is a holiday, here's a link to our holiday page"--where it states that December 24th is not observed as holiday!
I'd do a screen print of the page and offer to fax it.
UPS 800‑742‑5877. If you just keep pressing 0 at each prompt, you'll eventually get a person.
One of my co-workers did infused vodka for everyone this year, using stuff he grows in his garden. We each got to pick two (small bottles) and I got a basil and tomato and a berry one. YUM!
I want to make ginger infused vodka, have a party with a ginger themed drink, then give out little bottles as take home gifts. Of course, knowing my drunk-assed friends, I'd have to have someone guard the table so no one will scoop them up!
He did a ginger and something else one. Also a kumquat and cranberry and a red pepper and something else one. They are really pretty and I can't wait to make a bloody Mary with the basil/tomato one!
I got a good sized year end bonus from my boss today. Best gift ever!
I gave him 6-months of hard working! mostly.
I'm worried that someone is stealing my mail. The last few days I've gotten, like, one piece of mail each day! And no freaking xmas cards at all!!! I caught someone stealing mail on the street a couple of years ago but I hadn't heard it's been a problem lately and I haven't seen the lady around who I caught the last time. This is making me verrry uneasy and i'm not sure what to do because I can't prove anything is missing.
