secret Santa advise needed...

sharksfan

Let me start by saying that the bump is now blocked at work, so I am using the mobile site. I apologize for any typos!

I have about 50 people that work for me, and I always get them all a Starbucks gift card or something at Christmas time, but I always feel uncomfortable when any of them give me something. I just don't think it's necessary, and I know how much they make...many don't need to be spending money on their boss, we all know that teachers aren't exactly the highest paid people! Well this year I decided to do a voluntary secret Santa with a 15 max budget, thinking this would make people think twice before getting me something. Well, that was an epic fail. The person who had me got me something for 90. I know Because the gift receipt had the dollar amount on it. I cannot in good conscience accept that. What are your thoughts on me exchanging it for something closer to the budget, and getting the remaining amount put on a gift card. Then I was thinking of giving that gift card back to her with a thank you note and encouraging her to buy something nice for herself.

What would you do?

LatteLady5

That's a tough situation Sharks...I honestly wouldn't return it. I know it's a lot of money but I think returning the gift would be insulting. Maybe you could get her a nice gift card or something additional rather than not accepting her gift. At least you know your employees like you

missyishere

If she is trying to kiss azz, then she gets a major side eye. Keep the gift since it was given, but you could still give her a basic thank you card just to be courteous. It's not as if an expensive gift would keep you from not firing her from her job. Enjoy the gift and keep your post its handy.

LatteLady5

PappsMcgee:

sharksfan:

Thanks for your input, ladies. Would your answer change if you knew this was an employee on the verge of being fired? She's broken a lot of company policies, is habitually late or calls in "sick" a lot of Mondays and Fridays, and has basically been put on notice that she improves or loses her job. I'm afraid the expensive gift was given as a sort of bribe...

Yes, 100%!!! I would take the gift, and give her a $5 like everyone else. I can't stand that shiit. What a kiss asss!

Sorry a $90 Christmas gift does not mean she gets a pass for being a slacker. 

cantalopes24

I would give the gift back and tell her you feel uncomfortable accepting it. I might also hint that she's going to need the money in the near future.

LatteLady5

PappsMcgee:

LatteLady5:

PappsMcgee:

sharksfan:

Thanks for your input, ladies. Would your answer change if you knew this was an employee on the verge of being fired? She's broken a lot of company policies, is habitually late or calls in "sick" a lot of Mondays and Fridays, and has basically been put on notice that she improves or loses her job. I'm afraid the expensive gift was given as a sort of bribe...

Yes, 100%!!! I would take the gift, and give her a $5 like everyone else. I can't stand that shiit. What a kiss asss!

Sorry a $90 Christmas gift does not mean she gets a pass for being a slacker. 

Oh no, that's not what I meant! I just meant to not buy her more than the $5 everyone else is getting. (If she's doing to just try and keep her job). Either that or just give it back all together and tell her she can't accept it. I changed my mind from what I said before  

I was agreeing with you exactly Papps . I just did not make myself clear :P I think that sharks should keep the gift and give her the same thing she gets everybody else. I was saying that a $90 Christmas gift does not get her out of months of crappy work. I think we're on the same page I just didn't articulate my thoughts well

sharksfan

Thanks again, guys! I've asked my HR rep what she recommends, so I'll see what she has to say. I've also made a mental note NOT to do secret Santa again!