topic Re: Birthdays in Home

Birthdays

Liz123 — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 18:08:39 GMT

I will be having a new position at work and I'd like to do something for birthdays. A card would be great, but I'm not sure what to add to that that isn't too expensive. There will be 70-80 people through the year, so maybe just a small snack treat?

Ideas if you have done something similar?

Re: Birthdays

curlywhitedog — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 18:13:16 GMT

Liz: How about a lottery ticket? That's my "go to" gift when I want something more than a card but am not looking at a wrapped gift, per se. Not sure you can get anything else for less than the $1 cost of a ticket or a scratch off but most people would rather have a chance at big winnings then anything else you could give them. Just a thought...

Maria

Re: Birthdays

Mary Bailey — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 18:43:43 GMT

at my office they decorate the cubicle, have everyone sign a card & give candy.

Re: Birthdays

GCR18 — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:16:17 GMT

It makes it hard with treats because then you would have to know everyone's preference. I.e. no nuts, sugar free, gluten free, and the list goes on. How about a $5 Starbucks card. They are well received where I work.

Re: Birthdays

lolakimono — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:29:44 GMT

Not sure about your work environment, but you could do the following:

a tea bag with a note to take some time to enjoy their day

a gel pen

a packet of seeds for veggies/flowers

a 'happy birthday' message pencil

a joke of the day on a little card

a magnet (assuming they have an office or a metal file cabinet)

a "coupon" for you to do a task on their day (again, not sure where you work)

On my birthday, I was THRILLED when a co worker watched my class so that I could take a bathroom break!

Re: Birthdays

Meeras — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:39:18 GMT

some snack. ..

Re: Birthdays

Mominohio — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:50:37 GMT

I was wondering if this was from you, or from the company/group for each individual.

I tend to find it tedious to have a birthday "remembrance" for each person in such a large environment, so I would suggest it be very simple and very inexpensive.

It would be easiest to do the same thing for everyone, but that does lead to individual needs/tastes and the conflict that can arise. Some don't eat sweets, some would have no use for that Starbucks's gift card (me), and it goes on.

Is there something that everyone there needs/uses on a daily basis. Pens (a nicer than the company normally provides kind), a card, or something else specific to the job or field in which you work, that would be useful, and not depend on someone's diet, allergies, likes/dislikes etc.

I like balloons, and they can be had for $1 each at Dollar Tree. That is something that is bright and happy, but doesn't even have to be taken home.

Re: Birthdays

~moxie~ — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:39:25 GMT

I bought a bunch of joy pens from paper mate off of Amazon. I got different colors and everyone that I have given one to for a special occasion or just because has loved the pens. I love mine for sure.

Re: Birthdays

Liz123 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 03:17:01 GMT

Thanks for the ideas! I work at a school, so some of the ideas like the pens, would be perfect.

Re: Birthdays

Big Sister — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 09:15:35 GMT

Do you really want to celebrate 80 birthdays every year? Would you consider doing one per month for those whose birthdays fall within that month?

Re: Birthdays

Liz123 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 17:16:07 GMT

I'm going to be the principal, so I can't just pick a few. I'm leaning towards the pens, and that's very reasonable.

Re: Birthdays

151949 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 17:33:22 GMT

A second vote for the lottery ticket.

Re: Birthdays

rac71 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 18:01:45 GMT

One request: please acknowledge summer break birthdays. My old school used to give a birthday pen to all teachers, and included half-birthdays to include us summer breakers. My current school only acknowledges birthdays that occur during the school term, with elaborate balloons and other goodies. All mid-June through late-August staff are excluded.

Re: Birthdays

Liz123 — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 18:15:19 GMT

That's sad. That's why I'm doing all birthdays.

Re: Birthdays

Sooner — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 19:46:46 GMT

I think the best thing would be to send a Happy Birthday e-mail! That way, others don't really feel obligated to take up the wishes and do something too. Birthdays get out of hand and become a real pain at work. Best to just wish them well and go on.