topic Re: Gift for Co-worker in Community Chat

Gift for Co-worker

joann1218 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:16:24 GMT

I have been out of work for medical reasons for two months. I will be returning to work on next Monday. My co-worker picked up a lot of my work. When I return, I would like to give her something for doing all of my work. She also collected money from others to give to me to help with dinner for my family. Any suggestions? And, what money amount should I spend on her. Thanks for any ideas?

Re: Gift for Co-worker

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:20:39 GMT

Since she collected money from co-workers, she knew you would appreciate the financial help.. I would enclose a heartfelt, handwritten note with a plate of your favorite brownies or cookies.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

VaBelle35 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:22:57 GMT

My company has ethical guidelines that we have to adhere to, so we cannot gift each other for things related to work product.

If you don't have such rules where you work, flowers might be nice if it has been a long winter where you are.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Caligurll — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:27:56 GMT

Flower/plant and/or a small denomination gift card (Starbucks, or a place she likes to have lunch) and a card.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:29:51 GMT

I had a co- worker who had to work with a temp who was filling in for me. I knew that she had to work her butt off, so I got a lovely gift bag and filled it with things I knew she liked. Pretty socks that she would never have spent the money on , coffee gift card, fancy truffles etc.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

gidgetgh — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:31:46 GMT

Take her out for lunch one day the week you return and give her a sincere thank you.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:37:43 GMT

I like the idea of taking her to lunch.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Group 5 minus 1 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:40:24 GMT

I no longer think food is a good gift. How about a gift card?

Re: Gift for Co-worker

handygal2 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:44:56 GMT

I would give her a long-lasting plant.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Havarti — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 22:28:04 GMT

I’d quietly give her a gift certificate to a spa for a massage, or mani/pedi, etc. along with a note telling her how much her efforts helped you relaxed & get well in your down time and that you want to reciprocate and give her a relaxing treat for all her hard work & caring on your behalf. You don’t want to make a big deal of it at work so other workers who contributed feel snubbed – just make it a quiet gesture between the two of you for the extra measure of friendship she extended as your co-worker.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

PurpleBunny — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 22:37:54 GMT

A plant for her office with a really heart-felt note.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

SXMGirl — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 22:55:28 GMT

I would write a sincere thank you note, take her to lunch, maybe give her a gift bag of things that you know that she would like, tickets to the theatre or spa. or something that you know that she would really enjoy. While I always enjoy getting a gift certificate for a massage, many of my friends would never get one, so make sure it is something that you know she would enjoy, especially since she probably does not expect anything.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

GCR18 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:01:01 GMT

I was out of work for six months. I was sent a daily card by a different co-worker, received a card with the cash collection and had some co-workers clean my house, grocery shop, mow the lawn, etc. I sent an email to the card crowd thanking them all. They are spread all over the building, so a card wouldn't work. Sent a card with a note to the immediate team. The five that were more involved, I gave each a gift bag with various things that I knew they'd like. Contents were around $100. I gave it to them outside of work. They really went out of their way for me. I couldn't have survived without them.

I think I'd give her a card with a note and a $25 gift card to her favorite coffee or lunch spot. People doing nice things do it because it makes them feel good. I'd give her the card at the end of the day and say thank you, a little something for you to open when you get home.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Drythe — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:10:53 GMT

The idea mentioned up stream - a gift card for a massage seems synchronistic to me.

She worked extra to help you, now you're helping her relax, just seems to go together.

I'm sure she'll be pleased with your choice.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Love my grandkids — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:21:47 GMT

Some good ideas *but* I'd skip the massage. I am one of those people (and there are a lot of us) who hate the idea of a massage. Same goes for a mani-pedi. Unless you KNOW she would like it, a waste of money.

Plants: Not unless you know she likes them.

Lots of other nice ideas posted.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Nomorebirthdays — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:37:12 GMT

I think I would treat the whole office since they all gave via collection. A new coffee pot, coffee, teas. Candy ?? Pizza? Something they all could share. Movie tickets?

Re: Gift for Co-worker

KathyPet — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:37:32 GMT

I like the idea of taking her to lunch and then a gift card for a certain dollar amount to a day spa. SHe can use the gift card for any service she wants, pedicure, massage, facial, waxing. WHatever she would like.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

Nataliesgramma — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 23:40:04 GMT

@KathyPet wrote:
I like the idea of taking her to lunch and then a gift card for a certain dollar amount to a day spa. SHe can use the gift card for any service she wants, pedicure, massage, facial, waxing. WHatever she would like.

I like this idea too...

Re: Gift for Co-worker

IMW — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:13:34 GMT

If she enjoys eating out a gift certificate for dinner for two in a fancy restaurant.

Re: Gift for Co-worker

gidgetgh — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:10:02 GMT

@Love my grandkids wrote:
Some good ideas *but* I'd skip the massage. I am one of those people (and there are a lot of us) who hate the idea of a massage. Same goes for a mani-pedi. Unless you KNOW she would like it, a waste of money.

Plants: Not unless you know she likes them.

Lots of other nice ideas posted.

@Love my grandkids- I agree! As I was reading all these really nice suggestions, and I mean that sincerely, I kept thinking that I wouldn't like some of the things and have come to the conclusion that I'm a hard person to buy for. I don't like massages at all. I've never had a manicure or pedicure. I might try a manicure, but no pedicure for me. I wouldn't want a Starbucks gift card and please don't give me anything live that I have to take of, like a plant.

Years ago, I was out on medical leave for a time. My office sent me a Harry and David basket, LOADED with pears. Tons of pears. Pears upon pears. Very nice, but I don't care for pears and neither does my husband. I felt horrible about it. I never let on of course and thanked them profusely, but it was wasted on me.

I think it's hard to come up with things in many situations like gift draws and stuff.

In this situation I just would really stick with something safe like a card and a lunch, at a place of her choosing. If you know her really well and know her tastes, then it would be easier to think of a more personal gift. If you go the gift card route, I'd stick with Visa or American Express.