We had our office party today. The bosses had a great Mexican food place cater our lunch (chicken & beef fajitas, taquitos and all the fixins). Plus alot of us all brought in homemade goodies for dessert. Our editor brought in reindeer antlers for us all to wear and we played a joke on him by everyone showing up in a Hawaiian shirt and/or Lei. He was like..."what the heck is up with this?" He got a good laugh just knowing that we care enough to pick on him. We drew names for the gift exchange (we stick to the $10-15 range). I gave everyone a $1.00 lottery scratch off ticket. The editor gave everyone a small bottle of wine. Such debauchery! So we had lots of food, fun and laughs. I made out like a bandit! office gifts ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) My "Secret Santa" gave me the Bird Garden Picks and chocolate Santa. Too cute! The office manager gave me the Garden Journal. The editor gave me the wine and tequila chocolate candies. One of the sales staff gave me the $50. This is where my question about etiquette comes in. Although I appreciate her generosity, I think the gift was way too excessive. I feel guilty about accepting it. I don't want to hurt her feelings or seem ungrateful... but I'm thinking maybe I could donate half or all to a local charity in her name? Or wait and buy her something really nice for her birthday? Thoughts?
I'd tell her that I was bowled over by her generosity, and give half to a charity that she supports or is one of her interests (Humane Society, local hospital, Red Gate Farm, ???). Waiting and giving her a really great $50 birthday gift might just escalate the whole thing. Your office party/gift exchange sounds like a lot of fun, and I'm glad you made out like a bandit!
I would take it and shop for plants. Really though, she knew that there was a price limit on the gifts and gave that amount because she wanted to. Most people in the sales department of a company will give more expensive gifts than people in other departments because the success of their job depends on the work done by the office people. A sales person can't sell a quality product if the office people don't back them up by providing a quality product. The sales department of many businesses think it's all about them and treat the 'real workers' with very little respect but it sounds like your sales department knows the importance of working together and she is showing her appreciation.
I'm with Toni, sales and after sales support is very important. Anyway Great food, Great people, Great fun .... ENJOY!!!
I think I would accept it graciously. She knew what she was giving you. Tell her thank you and you will use it wisely. Then use it for something you believe is wisely. dooley
Good advice Dolley and that's what I'd suggest you do too Cheryl. She obviously appreciates you and wants you to get something nice for yourself.
I agree with eileen and dooley, It's proper and being gracious. A, thank you, and telling her you will get something very special with it, is just right. You lucky girl.
I think you are being rewarded for a job well done ... a pat on the back. Accept it and buy yourself something nice
The lady gave you $50. She thought about it and gave it to you. She did not give it to a charity, not does she expect to get it back from you at a later date in the form of a prezzy paid for with her own money. That, it seems to me, would not go down well....I mean she gave it to YOU. It was meant for you and you alone to do something nice for yourself with. I do not know what sort of person she is, so I can only make remarks in terms of how I am and what my perspective would be, had I given you the 50. I feel that since the woman is an adult and could afford to give you this gift, that you ought to give her the pleasure of giving ...and gracefully accept it. You know Cheryl--gifts are as much about giving as about receiving...perhaps MORE. I would accept the gift, thank the giver and move on.
Thank you all for you words of wisdom. Since she is already gone for the holidays, I sent her a very nice email and thanked her for the gift and told her that I would do something very special with it. I plan on donating half to an organization at the church that helps the needy with food... and I'll buy something for myself with the other half. I think she will like that. Thanks again.... you all are the best!
