What do you think of people in the workplace who don't bring in gifts?

I never get into the office gift giving, mostly because I already feel I am underpaid as it is and can't afford to bring in gifts for the people I work with on a daily basis. Is this so bad?





I think gifts should be reserved only for friends and family.

What do you think of people in the workplace who don't bring in gifts?
I'm one of those who don't give gifts. When I worked in an office with two other ladies, we exchanged. When I worked for Tyson there was about 10 of us who always ate lunch together, and walked on our breaks. We drew names and bought a small gag gift.


But, in the cases I listed above, we were all friends. I don't believe in buying gifts for someone just because we happen to work in the same place. Helll, I wouldn't pee on some of the people I work with if they were on fire.
Reply:I've never heard of giving gifts at work on a daily basis.


The Bible says we should give and share...I believe it's nice to bring in something and share with co-workers from time to time. A cake or donuts or a birthday cake for someone. Where I once worked; we always had a birthday cake for each person's birthday. Everybody put in a little to pay for it. We always looked forward to birthdays.


We always gave a retirement gift or a wedding gift.


Once, back in 1985 one of our co-workers was dying of cancer and always wanted to go to Hawaii. We all pitched in about $10 or so a piece and paid for her to go. It was a very good thing to do. She loved it.
Reply:I agree with you.
Reply:no you're not obligated to bring in gifts. it would only be rude if the office did a secret santa thing and you didn't bring in a gift for who you were supposed to bring one
Reply:Define gift.


You could bring in a box of donuts and some coffee and put a note on the box saying "Merry Cristmas from..."
Reply:I give to my family and friends. I don't believe people should feel obligated to give to bosses and co-workers simply because they work with them. If these are people that if you no longer worked with them you would lose contact, why would you purchase gifts?
Reply:This is entirely up to you.It can depend on your pay check.Some people like to give something whether it be small or whatever.Decision is yours.
Reply:I understand. I work for a company that I do not get paid that well and thank goodness I start a better job in Jan. So if you do not have the money to gift give at work don't worry about it. You are right, your family comes 1st.
Reply:Gift giving isn't necessary, but sometimes a delightful surprise. If someone has gone out of their way to help you, or has made your experience pleasant, you can give them something without spending a lot of money. If you are pleasant or thoughtful, people will return the gesture.





It seems like you kind of feel guilty about it, or that maybe you should do something to thank someone but have been too lazy to do it. It seems as though you are trying to justify your actions.





I am underpaid and don't like my work place. I am trying to find something else, but in the mean time, there are individuals that try to help me, or are interested in me and my well being. I have brought little "happies" as I call them from time to time and it is amazing how extending a little gesture can dramatically change the way people treat you.





Cheap, but happy thoughtful things to show appreciation of those around you:


-Bake cookies


-Home Depot often has mini plants that cost between $.99-$1.99


-Card that has a little note to say thank you, just wanted to make you smile...
Reply:No it is not bad at all. It is totally your choice. Here in my office we used to love exchanging gifts at Christmas, but we are not doing it this year, because of one girl having an especially tight finance situation.





And mainly, because of one girl who came in last year telling us all about how her husband raided the gifts we gave her, taking what he liked for himself, giving the rest to other people he knew. We lost the desire to give her more this year.
Reply:I agree with you 100%.