Gift giving at work...

OK, I am still fairly new here but really, really like it despite the normal issues everyone has with work. ANYWAY...I have an assistant and two art directors I work with mostly. I bought each of them a nice bottle of wine with a card. They're all dudes. My assistant was very sweet and thanked me and the other two guys came in and hugged me and told me how thoughtful it was. Now, they didn't get me anything but that is FINE. Truly. I didn't do it to get something back; I did it b/c they have really opened their arms to me here.
Now, a sales person in Florida sent me a lovely gift and will be in NY tonight for our party. I didn't get anything for her and of course, I feel awful! I just went out to Ann Taylor and bought her a pretty candle set. How come I can't see things how I do...truly not needing a gift back in return? Instead, I feel terrible I didn't buy this woman something and ran out like a chicken without a head during lunch! I guess I'm just figuring out what people do here since it's my first year. Most people also don't buy for the bosses; I have worked SO much overtime I am just hoping for a phat bonus tonight!

Re: Gift giving at work...

Don't beat yourself up about it! Just be happy that you were able to run out and get something so that you don't feel uncomfortable. (I know that gift giving isn't something that you do because you want to and should not feel obligated to reciprocate, but unfortunately that's just how it is).

I hope you get that bonus you deserve!

Re: Gift giving at work...

Last year a lady in my office (we are both coordinators but for different depts) bought me a gift. We converse about stuff a lot, but don't work directly together at all. She just picked something up for me because "I'm always so nice to her" as she said.

I didn't run out and buy her something b/c I figured that would be obvious. So I got her something this year, as a "Thank you" for the gift she got me last year.

Message edited 12/12/2007 2:41:02 PM.

Re: Gift giving at work...

Posted by TreAnt427

Last year a lady in my office (we are both coordinators but for different depts) bought me a gift. We converse about stuff a lot, but don't work directly together at all. She just picked something up for me because "I'm always so nice to her" as she said.

I didn't run out and buy her something b/c I figured that would be obvious. So I got her something this year, as a "Thank you" for the gift she got me last year.