Re: Going Away Gift Sugggestions for Co-worker

brewhaha · ‎07-25-2010

A gift card always is appreciated.

Allegheny · ‎03-19-2010

Joann12, you've gotten many excellent suggestions, however you know this person the best. I see nothing wrong with your ideas if you feel it is something she will enjoy.

Years back one of our departing residents bought little gifts for staff. She gave me a Donut Connection travel mug. I was touched, because she was aware enough to see that everyday I came into work with my Donut Connection coffee in a take out styro cup.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

On 6/12/2014 vabreeze said:
On 6/12/2014 imaclotheshog said:
On 6/12/2014 ennui1 said:
If she's going to be unemployed, take up a collection and get her a Visa gift card.

That would probably be what I would do.

If she's not leaving by choice, it may be that she may soon be in a financial bind.

A Visa, MasterCard or AmExpress gift card would be great gift, she could use it at the grocery, a restaurant or wherever she chose.

This is definitely what I would do. Actually, I did do this once for a part-time security officer who was let go unexpectedly. I also was in shock when the officer told me of her termination because my observations indicated that she was an asset. The officer would always check on me when making her night rounds because I often worked late and was the only person in my building, walked with me to my car, wrote summons for persons parked in handicapped areas, did not allow drivers to double-park and impede the traffic on the campus, etc. I knew she would be financially strapped and she had guardiansip of her teenaged grand-son. As a p-t employee, she had no benefits. I gave her a check for $100.00 and she cried (so did I) while expressing her gratitude. I only wished I could have given her more because of the concern she exhibited for my safety and for her visibility on the campus. I later wrote a character reference letter for her but subsequently lost contact with her. The ironic thing about the termination was that she had recently applied for the FT security officer position in her department and was optimistic about the possibility of being offered it.

As a lunchroom aide, we can assume her salary is peanuts. I would think she could use the VISA card to help out with lean days that may be ahead of her-- it could possibly be the money used to put gas in her car to get to a job interview one day.

the OP may want to look at the term of the Visa or other gift cards I was going to get one for myself to use but they could incur monthly fees....

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

I love your gift card idea for Dunkin Donuts. What a nice way for her to start her day now that she won't be going to work.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 6/12/2014 Skylands said:
On 6/12/2014 mominohio said:
On 6/12/2014 Skylands said:
On 6/12/2014 mominohio said:
I have to concur that you must know her likes to consider the DD gift card and lottery tickets, as those don't seem just random choices. If those are things you know she enjoys/uses, she will be touched that you know her well enough to get her something that is specific to her, not just a generic gift.

I'd like to offer up one suggestion to all who ask/answer these various gift threads for help. So often, Starbucks gift cards are suggested. People seem to assume that it is a perfect "one size fits all" gift. There are many of us out here who would never use such a thing. Don't drink coffee, or wouldn't enjoy anything offered there. I know there is more than coffee, but I fail to understand how some think everyone likes coffee in general, overpriced fancy coffee on top of that. To me, it is like assuming that a carton of cigarettes is a good, one size fits all gift.

I'm sure she will be happy to just be remembered.

Fyi...................Caffeine is the most used legal drug today. Cigarette smoking has dropped considerably.

Not sure I understand your point. I wasn't considering either as a drug, or bad, just that as there is a whole world of people out there who don't smoke, there is a whole world of people who don't drink coffee. Neither one would be a proper gift for many out there. There are some "one size fits all" gifts out there (Visa gift card for example) and other that just aren't and I was making the point that the often suggested Starbucks gift card isn't one size fits all.

Yes, I get it. It's just your analogy was wonky. There are Starbucks on every corner of the city. I don't see the same for cigarettes. Most people love caffeine. You don't and the price is to high for your taste. So be it.

Now you are the wonky one, as there are cigarettes on every corner as well (think gas stations), but seems you just want to argue, rather than admit that just because someone thinks a Starbucks gift card isn't a universally loved gift, they need to be called out.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

Does she work while students are there (serving lunch, cleaning tables, checking students out at the register)? If so, perhaps some students would write a note, sign a card, or draw a picture for her.