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Super Contributor
Posts: 302
Registered: ‎12-19-2010

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?

Valued Contributor
Posts: 822
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

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

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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,374
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

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

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,892
Registered: ‎07-03-2013

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,451
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

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!

Super Contributor
Posts: 958
Registered: ‎02-06-2014

some snack. ..

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,019
Registered: ‎08-08-2010

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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 1,113
Registered: ‎08-13-2013

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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 302
Registered: ‎12-19-2010

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

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,279
Registered: ‎05-15-2010

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?