Holiday "gift" exchanges (business and/or organization)
 

Is there a way to make them "fun" and "fair"?

If I had my preferences, they would be completely banned - and some other activities could replace the "gift" part of the celebration. That would/could depend on the organization - what they have available for funding, philosophical/religious aims, etc.

If people want to donate to some particular organization or individual, I think that should be a private matter - because selecting which organization to contribute to could be divisive/disruptive.

I do feel that "sharing the wealth" is a good thing - but I prefer to do it on my own terms.

I belong to a few groups that do gift exchanges, but they make it clear that they are voluntary. If you don't wish to participate, you don't. I usually don't, but I enjoy seeing other people who do enjoy that activity.

One of the neighborhood ladies has regular bunco parties. I don't care for bunco, but I do enjoy the company of the other ladies who come to the parties, so I always try to attend. Some of the prizes are little trinkets/knick knacks that the hostess picks up here and there (maybe through gift exchanges with other groups???). When I win one I have to pretend to be pleased, but in reality I'm trying to figure out what to do with the object when I get home. Most go to Goodwill, or into the trash can. I don't need more junk! That's the main reason I don't usually participate in gift exchanges.

Our group stopped the gift exchange several years ago and now try to do something for others instead. We have collected items for a men's shelter, Baby items for a pregnancy center and items for those struggling. It works out better and no pressure to give if you can't or have other priorities.

I think all gift giving should be banned from the work place. That was always a nightmare when I worked. A good food table is plenty for the office. One time a co worker made a donation for everyone in our office as her gift. Several employees got very upset their name was on the list of donors to an organization they did not want to support even though it was a well known charity.

My small sew group exchanges gifts but it's not expected. Some give gifts one year and may not the next. We go out to eat, go to quilt shops and have a great day out.

Our gift exchange at the guild was 15 dollars and you did not have to participate if you did not want to. How ever this year they changed it to exchange of one yard of quality fabric. Well this is not fun! I will keep mine and you keep yours. I did not say anything but it is just not the same. You wrap the gif and then go and pick one when they call on you or your table.

The only gift giving I like is when the business gives out gifts. I don't like "gift exchanges" with other employees or club members. I feel like it's a waste of money.

I've never had gift giving anywhere I worked. I used to be part of a small American Sewing Guild group that did a Christmas exchange. After a few years, I quit taking part. I would wrap up some nice useable fabric, but there was one woman who would just toss some scraps in a box and give them. After the first couple years, she figured out who would give the best fabrics and then go after their boxes. I got tired of donating a nice couple yards of fabric and leaving with a bag of useless scraps. Why is it there always seems to be one person who doesn't play nice?

I like the idea of donating to a charity or some place where it's really needed. Most of us have way too much as it is and I don't usually like what I'm gifted. Donating to a worthy cause is so much better for me.

As a retail store manager, my staff varied in size from 10-15 women over the years. Each year I gave "my girls" gifts. Each year the wrapping was different, as in a stocking, photo box, or tote bag. I filled it with a personalized ornament, and all sorts of goodies and trinkets. They did Secret Santa, and Starting Dec. 1st, each week they left a gift for their person. We truly had a lot of fun and laughter over the gifts and trying to figure out who had who. In addition, we also picked one item every year to collect and donate. Gloves, mittens, hats, personal care products, scarves, men's socks...over the years it was so much fun! I think it depends on the staff, and the friendships that are made. They were much more that just my staff/team. I've been retired for almost 10 years, but my closest group of friends, my posse, my gal pals, travel buddies are 6 of those women. We still group text almost daily, and see each other monthly. Every Christmas I still put together a goodie bag for them. So far they've received mug rugs, table runners, wine cozies, star ornaments, boxy bags, and wall hangings. (This year I'm making tote bags.) I think it depends on your organization, and the people that are involved how fun/fair it is.

I vote “no”. Speaking for myself, I have enough family to shop for and maybe participate in a “giving” tree which helps someone less fortunate. I give cash to the mailman, trash man, church janitor, beauty operator, etc. co-workers are special but a good food table at work (as mentioned here) is my choice.