Author Topic: Christmas gift for bosses?  (Read 1894 times)

use2betrix

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Christmas gift for bosses?
« on: December 07, 2018, 11:28:44 AM »
I’m very fortunate to have some great bosses. I work as a contractor and they really take care of me. They’ve given me free tickets to pro sporting events (box seats) they’ve invited me to hang out with them and their spouses on many occasions. A couple weeks ago, they gave me about a $40k raise starting next year that I didn’t even ask for and already felt greatly compensated. I’ve only been on the team about 6 months but have worked with them in the past.

Would it be odd to get them a Christmas gift? They just go so above and beyond for me, and aside from my hard work, I feel like it would be nice to find another way to show my gratitude. I have worked many terrible jobs over the year, and still have struggles at this job (outside their control) but am very fortunate for where I’m at.

So - thoughts? Just keep my nose down? They like to eat at nice restaurants, but I feel a gift card might be too direct/impersonal. Maybe I could take them out to dinner?

Chris22

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2018, 12:41:34 PM »
If you're a contractor, chances are gifts over a certain threshold are considered inappropriate and must be turned down (usually $25).

I would do something token (a bag of holiday themed candy like Lindt truffles or Ghirardelli squares is my go to) that can be shared with others if the boss feels more comfortable that way.  I have a contractor who works for me that periodically brings in bagels for the team, that also feels appropriate.

More than that is not IMO.

sonjak

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2018, 01:01:51 PM »
According to Ask a Manager you should NEVER gift up.  Over the years, I often bake for people on my team (cookie/quick bread / candy gift bags) and included my boss in these gifts.  I think it's in the gray area that doesn't violate the issues she mentions because it's inexpensive and more "personal" without being weird. 

I like the team gift idea that Chris22 mentioned too.

use2betrix

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2018, 01:26:37 PM »
Thank you both for the suggestions. Those are some good ideas I hadn’t considered. My wife often bakes me treats to bring to work (she loves baking) and they are often a big hit. Things along that line seem to be excellent.

ElleFiji

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2018, 01:27:18 PM »
For everyone at one work I made a big batch of orange vinegar. Boss included. Since your bosses seem to be very generous, they'd probably prefer to see you give everyone something. And I think in most cases that allows you to skirt the don't gift up rule

okits

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2018, 08:36:18 PM »
Hand write a heartfelt but professional card to each manager, expressing how you appreciate their support and leadership.  Use good quality stationary.  Low cost but they will probably treasure the correspondence.  No real ethical issues (you could be accused of being a kiss-ass, but not to the same extent as buying them an expensive dinner or gift).

Modest, homemade gifts for everyone are also a nice approach.  If your wife likes to bake, a bag of cookies for each person in the team wouldn't seem amiss.

LifePhaseTwo

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2018, 08:56:53 PM »
Hand write a heartfelt but professional card to each manager, expressing how you appreciate their support and leadership.  Use good quality stationary.  Low cost but they will probably treasure the correspondence.  No real ethical issues (you could be accused of being a kiss-ass, but not to the same extent as buying them an expensive dinner or gift).

Modest, homemade gifts for everyone are also a nice approach.  If your wife likes to bake, a bag of cookies for each person in the team wouldn't seem amiss.

+1.  The truly heartfelt cards of thanks / appreciation that I received from various staff members who reported to me were very meaningful to me and are pretty much the only mementos I kept from my preFIRE career.

ObviouslyNotAGolfer

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Re: Christmas gift for bosses?
« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2018, 12:08:34 AM »
In grad school, and in my first postdoc, I had some really brilliant and great people as advisors. In my first "real job" (sort of a postdoc really), I ended up working for three utter trash human beings. It really colored my outlook on life and work. I'm trying not to be too cynical, but now, my gift to my bosses is lying low, flying under the radar, while still doing a great job (as attested in my yearly performance evals). In turn, their gift to me is not planting a knife in my back (or my front). Same goes for co-workers. I expect nothing more out of work at this point. I am always courteous, polite, and professional, but there is almost zero socializing (don't care about their kids' latest amazing accomplishments in fact!). Given that my position is nearly that of a consultant (even though I'm paid on a W2 basis), this t is not really out of line with anyone's expectations.

I'll play the game until I FIRE them. LOL. Overall, however, things are not too bad, and I have an actual pension, great benefits, in addition to several other retirement accts, and a nice office with a view of beautiful TREEEEEES! ( I LOVE TREES!) so can't complain too much

« Last Edit: December 08, 2018, 12:19:04 AM by ObviouslyNotAGolfer »