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dietcokejunkee
PeaAddict
PeaNut 37,211
April 2002
Posts: 1,307
Layouts: 0
Loc: Chicago suburbs (SW)
 |  Posted: 12/4/2012 2:21:38 PM
I have to buy a gift for the 17 secretaries in our athletic conference. The budget is $40 each. In the past we have received restaurant gift cards, weird ornaments from Pier One and a Christmas platter.
I was thinking a platter and towel or cheese spreader (or similar type thing) from Pier One or William Sonoma, etc. or maybe a Cheesecake Factory gift card? There's a new one opening tomorrow in the big mall in the area (convenient to all but one of the secretaries...but she could get up here, she's just more rural).
I could do an Amex/Visa, gift card...
Spa gift card?
What would you like to receive if this was for you? We are an ethnically diverse group in the south suburbs of Chicago. Most are over 40, several over 50yo, if that helps.
I appreciate any suggestion!
Also, I am not going to do any candles, etc as one lady is super allergic/sensitive to everything, especially scents. | |
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peaname
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 510,579
June 2011
Posts: 2,547
Layouts: 0
Loc: The Land of Steady Habits
 |  Posted: 12/4/2012 2:23:19 PM
I would love to get a Cheesecake Factory gift crd. At my age I have all the kitchen 'stuff' ill ever need. |
| "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character." - Ralph Waldo Emerson | |
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MerryMom937
PeaFixture
PeaNut 472,567
June 2010
Posts: 3,135
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:26:50 PM
I would more appreciate the VISA gift card to use at the store of my choice.
I'm probably in the minority here, but I really don't care for Cheesecake Factory (gasp). | |
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Nancie52
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 452,927
January 2010
Posts: 2,926
Layouts: 23
Loc: Mass
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 2:29:04 PM
I second the Cheescake Factory gift card... I'm sure it's hard to get something that will fit everyone, but eating out is always a good thing!!
Spa with mani/pedi also good..
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katebroccoli
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 325,160
July 2007
Posts: 2,930
Layouts: 24
Loc: Well, I'm here, aren't I?
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 2:31:30 PM
The Visa or spa gift cards would be  for me.
I actually don't like Cheesecake Factory, either  (but I am certainly in the minority with that opinion among my friends and family).
I have never in my life used a cheese spreader, though if you don't want to go the gift card route, I would certainly appreciate the thought behind the platter and/or towel. |
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finally~a~mama
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 438,682
September 2009
Posts: 2,617
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:31:47 PM
AmEx/visa gift card. Surely that would be something everyone could use & no one could complain about.  |
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myboysnme
one of those "entitled" peas
PeaNut 69,081
February 2003
Posts: 6,823
Layouts: 1
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 2:33:03 PM
I can't imagine a secretary who couldn't use and appreciate a Visa gift card. That is perfect. |
My choice is to not take it personally - people have opinions. Particularly people here.-Peabay 12/29/11
I know this is assuming, but I'm really starting to think you are one of those "entitled" peas - Dalayney 4/2/12
profile pic courtesy of GreenEyedLady Designs at Scrap ARt Studio.
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pennyring
Thrift Ninja
PeaNut 226,011
October 2005
Posts: 22,492
Layouts: 40
Loc: Rite Aid
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 2:35:34 PM
Visa gift cards are always appreciated!
Personally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Diamond candles. Not everyone does, but I've converted a ton of my girlfriends.
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Momof1sweet-lil-lad
& the Velcro dog
PeaNut 133,429
February 2004
Posts: 9,156
Layouts: 0
Loc: With my Shadow
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 2:38:38 PM
Visa gift card.
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The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. ~Albert Einstein | |
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Peal
Hello, is this thing on?
PeaNut 60,761
January 2003
Posts: 8,529
Layouts: 28
Loc: Who's asking?
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:39:28 PM
Amex/Visa gift card. If not that than movie tickets gift card.
I know I would not want a spa certificate. I have never been comfortable with spa treatments, even a mani/pedi. I don't think I am the only one. |
Christina
You can't argue with popularity. Well, you could, but you'd be wrong.
My Blog
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TheBiscuitScraps
Bubbie is my most prized title.
PeaNut 99,833
August 2003
Posts: 5,226
Layouts: 2
Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:41:49 PM
There something that says you really care when you give Tiffany. Everyone should be able to say they received Tiffany, at least, once. This little crystal bowl has stars on it and you can write something about how your secretatries are "stars". These are $35. Opening that little blue box is so exciting.
Tiffany Crystal Bowl |
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scrapper100
Budletsmom
PeaNut 65,877
January 2003
Posts: 12,592
Layouts: 30
Loc: So CA
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:47:55 PM
I would say the Visa or Amex gift card as most probably already have all the kitchen stuff they could want. Not all will go to the spa - wasted $100 for my MIL once and she refused to go. While I love Cheesecake Factory (but then again it has been more than 9 years since I have been) obviously not everyone does. |
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SmartyPants71
MTB Pea
PeaNut 53,328
October 2002
Posts: 5,550
Layouts: 2
Loc: Bellaire, TX
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:49:08 PM
I would prefer a Visa or Target gift card and maybe something little like a nice dark chocolate bar. Just be careful with the fees on the Visa gift card. We just bought a $100 Visa gc as a wedding gift, and in small print it said that it charged $4.95 to activate. I don't think all of them do that, but we bought ours from CVS. | |
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maryannscraps
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 75,215
March 2003
Posts: 6,451
Layouts: 2
Loc: massachusetts
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:56:25 PM
I would have said gc, but that Tiffany bowl is adorable. I'd keep it on my dresser and keep my rings in it. | |
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Hi-D
BucketHead
PeaNut 323,105
June 2007
Posts: 935
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/4/2012 2:56:58 PM
I'd love the Tiffany bowl one of the previous posters suggested. Something I would never buy for myself.
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AnneMD
PeaAddict
PeaNut 321,764
June 2007
Posts: 1,203
Layouts: 15
Loc: Northwest Washington State
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 3:04:58 PM
I'd definitely go with the Tiffany bowl! That is something special that they would not buy themselves - and it just seems more personal. I'd LOVE a little blue box under my tree... |
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liya
BucketHead
PeaNut 311,281
April 2007
Posts: 568
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/4/2012 3:14:34 PM
I agree that everyone loves the little blue box from Tiffany's. A Visa gift card would be nice too (and yup I think they do have an activation fee that was mentioned.) | |
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kimberly38
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 198,401
March 2005
Posts: 6,159
Layouts: 0
Loc: Wernersville, PA
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 3:15:09 PM
I don't recommend the Visa card, because you have to pay a fee to activate the card. Usually 3-5 dollars. Do on top of your forty, that is another 3-5 dollars or deduct that from the forty.
I would love a cheesecake factory giftcard, but you never know with people's diets.
I say a Walmart or Target gift card. I would love one of these because I could then turn around and buy something for myself or possibly for someone else.
As much as I love the crystal bowl, I do not need something else to dust. | |
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Ms. GreenGenes
PeaFixture
PeaNut 140,500
April 2004
Posts: 3,697
Layouts: 44
Loc: Just this side of crazy!
| Posted: 12/4/2012 3:19:49 PM
As much as I'd love to open a Tiffany box, I don't want a knickknack. I want jewelry.
I'd go for the restaurant GC or similar gift card. |
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sues
"Surrounded by thugs."
PeaNut 16,228
June 2001
Posts: 32,481
Layouts: 71
Loc: SW Chicago suburbs
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 3:25:32 PM
Hey- you must be near me. I was just at the mall yesterday (which is only a mile from me)and the flurry of activity around the CF while they get ready to open tomorrow is something to behold. I'm happy they're opening here.
That said, I'd prefer a Visa gift card over a specific store/restaurant gift card. You can package it with a cute, inexpensive ornament if you want, to make it more festive. | |
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Carolann
BucketHead
PeaNut 3,033
February 2000
Posts: 693
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 3:30:55 PM
Speaking as a secretary, I would appreciate the Visa card; I could then spend it for something that I really wanted. Perhaps it could be packaged with some candy. I also like the Tiffany bowl but I know a lot of people don't like "dust catchers" sitting around. | |
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Creativegirl
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 180,283
December 2004
Posts: 2,841
Layouts: 18
Loc: California
| Posted: 12/4/2012 3:31:48 PM
I would prefer a Visa or Target gift card and maybe something little like a nice dark chocolate bar. Just be careful with the fees on the Visa gift card. We just bought a $100 Visa gc as a wedding gift, and in small print it said that it charged $4.95 to activate
I agree- I'd go with a Target gift card packaged in a cute way (with a simple ornament or treat) unless you can find one of the credit card types with no fee - even a few dollars each will really add up when you are purchasing 17 of them! |
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Gsquaredmom
PeaNut 259,367
April 2006
Posts: 7,986
Layouts: 0
Loc: Midwest
| Posted: 12/4/2012 3:58:16 PM
Amex /Visa or Target gift card. Easy for you and sure to please such a diverse group of people with many different needs and interests. |
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dietcokejunkee
PeaAddict
PeaNut 37,211
April 2002
Posts: 1,307
Layouts: 0
Loc: Chicago suburbs (SW)
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:04:50 PM
Thanks everyone for the ideas! I LOVE the Tiffany idea! Oh, how I would love a little blue box. I called the closest Tiffany's and they only 4 in stock. They ship for free, but I have the tax exempt thing to deal with and getting a check from school district office, etc. Not sure if I have enough time and how that works but I'll call them and check.
Sues, I work at Sandburg and live in Oak Forest. I've never been in CF so it's more of a selfish reaason I wanted to buy the gc from there  ...but one school is in Bradley/Bourbonnais and that's a hike to the mall.
Boss didn't seem too keen on the gc only idea, maybe I can get a small ornament or mug to go with it. I'll run these ideas past him in the morning.
Thanks again everyone! | |
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ginacivey
prey-sniffing bully
PeaNut 32,477
March 2002
Posts: 24,679
Layouts: 32
Loc: Out in the boondocks
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:15:03 PM
Etched popcorn bowl!
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sues
"Surrounded by thugs."
PeaNut 16,228
June 2001
Posts: 32,481
Layouts: 71
Loc: SW Chicago suburbs
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:17:28 PM
Gina... don't steal my idea! LOL
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ksuheather
low-information individual
PeaNut 190,373
February 2005
Posts: 7,972
Layouts: 0
Loc: wherever the army sends us
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:55:07 PM
I love the Tiffany bowl. |
A veteran is someone who, at one
point in his life, wrote a blank check
made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
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peasful1
Needs a New Pea Title
PeaNut 44,870
August 2002
Posts: 14,222
Layouts: 1
Loc: Valley of the Sun
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:56:41 PM
For mass gifting I think generic gift card is the way to go, like a Visa/MC GC. I got a $50 Kirkland's card two or three years ago now and I have yet to use it. Nothing I like or want in that store. |
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"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." -- Wayne Dyer
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Nicole in TX
The Peas did what we do and went insane over it
PeaNut 16,696
June 2001
Posts: 18,282
Layouts: 65
Loc: Not so obvious
| Posted: 12/4/2012 6:15:50 PM
I wouldn't care for the bowl. It isn't something that I would ever use. A VISA gift card would be lovely. |
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2boysandwill
My turn to hit the PEAnata!!!
PeaNut 121,208
December 2003
Posts: 13,134
Layouts: 71
Loc: SCV, CA
| Posted: 12/4/2012 6:19:48 PM
I'd do the bowl... | |
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Sister BDSQ
Fatty McWeirdboob
PeaNut 319,914
June 2007
Posts: 11,509
Layouts: 0
Loc: Chicago-ish
| Posted: 12/4/2012 6:24:55 PM
I love the bowl idea. Or a Coach item. | |
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Cindy March
BucketHead
PeaNut 487,105
November 2010
Posts: 807
Layouts: 0
Loc: Long Island, New York
| Posted: 12/4/2012 7:18:04 PM
How about a gift/fruit basket from Harry & David?
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2peafaithful
People not perfection
PeaNut 35,457
April 2002
Posts: 28,030
Layouts: 0
Loc: Right where I should be
| Posted: 12/4/2012 7:21:04 PM
Gift card for restaurant, spa or mall. | |
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IScrapCrap
PeaAddict
PeaNut 570,639
October 2012
Posts: 1,124
Layouts: 0
Loc: pea formerly known as GIPfunny
| Posted: 12/4/2012 7:23:45 PM
I don't know if a platter would be a popular gift. | |
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AKathy
Peaing From Podunk
PeaNut 45,443
August 2002
Posts: 14,677
Layouts: 93
Loc: North Dakota
| Posted: 12/4/2012 7:24:53 PM
I wouldn't care at all where the bowl came from, it'd still be just a dust collector to me. I'd go for the Visa gift card. That way everyone can get something they'd truly like to have. It'd be impossible to find something that 17 people would honestly want. |
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WinoGirl
PeaAddict
PeaNut 511,446
June 2011
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 0
Loc: Saint Louis
| Posted: 12/4/2012 7:41:55 PM
I know I would not want a spa certificate. I have never been comfortable with spa treatments, even a mani/pedi. I don't think I am the only one.
No you are not the only one; I'm not a spa person either.
gc or that Tiffany bowl is really nice too. Knowing me, I'd keep the Tiffany box it came in too
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renateb
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 15,311
May 2001
Posts: 2,370
Layouts: 292
Loc: illinois
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:31:05 PM
While I'd like a GC to the Cheese Factory (I assume you live near Orland Park since that's the once opening in the S. Sub.), $40 doesn't go far for 2 people there.
Marcus Theater GC can be creatively wrapped. Whole Foods and Trader Joes are nearby. While I don't shop there, if I had a Gift Card, I would go check these stores out and probably be pleasantly surprised.
Mario Tricoci I believe is also nearby. A gift certificate for there would be a gift just for her.
I work at a school, and the favorite gift tends to be Gift Card for Target, Walgreens or CVS (practical). | |
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Gizzard
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 179,066
November 2004
Posts: 2,582
Layouts: 17
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:32:13 PM
Gift card...preferably visa. I need money way more than I need stuff. |
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simplekelly
Loving Life
PeaNut 142,378
April 2004
Posts: 16,343
Layouts: 6
Loc: Why do you want to know?
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:40:51 PM
This is why gift giving sucks. Dust collector. Hate that place. Weird ornament. Impersonal gift card---there is no thought involved. Etc.
I have to buy for teachers and another 30 staff members in my school. Someone always complains. So. What I would do is try for the Tiffany Bowl and make a nice saying about how they help the company reach for the stars. Or they are the star of the office. Etc. I understand completely why your boss doesn't want to do the gift card idea. It IS impersonal when you are giving a gift that you want to express value in their work.
Just my not so humble opinion. LOL |
best,
**Live your dreams, not your fears** | |
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CarolT
Slow Poke Pea
PeaNut 857
June 1999
Posts: 5,130
Layouts: 37
Loc: Central Florida
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:43:33 PM
I hope you can do the Tiffany bowl - it's lovely!
The tax-exempt issue shouldn't be much of a hold up. |
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nathansmommy
AncestralPea
PeaNut 58,582
December 2002
Posts: 4,241
Layouts: 193
Loc: Far from Home in McKinney TX
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:48:37 PM
I'd love that Tiffany bowl, perfect for dropping jewelry in on my bathroom counter. But I also love CF so that would work for me too.
I love gift baskets too but I tend to say to to myself "ooh this is so nice (special hot cocoa/cookies etc) I'll save it for a special time" that they sit around and then never get eaten/used.
Katie |
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scoobers
Why, YES!, I am a princess.
PeaNut 417,049
March 2009
Posts: 12,869
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 12/4/2012 8:50:11 PM
This Tiffany bowl is cute too.
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angievp
Ideay pues?
PeaNut 143,106
April 2004
Posts: 6,690
Layouts: 36
Loc: Miami
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:56:22 PM
Visa gift card. | |
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seasonscraps
PeaAddict
PeaNut 113,955
October 2003
Posts: 1,462
Layouts: 17
| Posted: 12/4/2012 8:56:27 PM
I think an Amex or visa gift card are good choices since they can use them anywhere they want. I think Amex is having a special where the fees are waived if you order the gift cards online. |
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*Delphinium Twinkle*
I'm just a pea:)
PeaNut 163,613
August 2004
Posts: 68,997
Layouts: 236
Loc: *Sunny Southern California*
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:10:26 PM
I  the Tiffany bowl.
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dietcokejunkee
PeaAddict
PeaNut 37,211
April 2002
Posts: 1,307
Layouts: 0
Loc: Chicago suburbs (SW)
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:15:55 PM
I walked around the mall and couldn't find any other options. William Sonoma had a great deal on their holiday soaps, lotions and candles, but scents don't appeal to everyone (although the clerk swore up and down ladies fight over this stuff in the store). There's just some tougher personalities in our group. Where I can see 3/4 liking the Tiffany bowl, I can see 1/4 looking at it crossed-eyed (and perhaps not even recognizing the so-called significance of the Tiffany blue box).
I totally agree with you simplekelly! I want to give a gift, not a gift card. Where 3/4 would like a GC to Whole Foods or CF or TJ's, 1/4 will not. I think Visa is the easy way out...like I walked across the street 15 minutes ago and this is all they had at Walgreen's...although I LOVE a gift card, sometimes I think it's the easy way out (yet sure to please?)
I am so glad I only have to do this for one year! Hopefully I'll be gone/retired before my time comes up again in 17 years...
BTW, I spoke to 2 secretaries in our conference. ONe would love a gc anywhere (she thinks it would be funny to call each secretary and ask and have personalized gc's for all) and the other said CF card is first choice, then Tiffany, and than any other gc. | |
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Georgiapea
Mom to the Wild Things.
PeaNut 96,783
July 2003
Posts: 26,500
Layouts: 0
Loc: Poss-a-Dillo Hill, Ozark, AL
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:16:47 PM
I would love a $40.00 gift card to Pier One. I'd much prefer a gift card from a specific store, than a generic Visa gift card. I'd be very disappointed at receiving a Cheesecake Factory gift card. | |
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MINascarScrapper
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 143,487
April 2004
Posts: 5,803
Layouts: 244
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:19:56 PM
Coming from someone who is a senior branch office admin that has gotten a similar Tiffany bowl from my company...go with the gift card! My bowl is still in the pretty little blue box - sitting on the back of a shelf in my closet, where it's been for 12 years! |
"Thats the story of my life...right there in black and white"
~ "In Color" by Jamey Johnson | |
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myboysnme
one of those "entitled" peas
PeaNut 69,081
February 2003
Posts: 6,823
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:28:59 PM
Visa gift cards are not impersonal. It says to me, "I want you to have something you want. I can't give you a Christmas bonus, so this is the next best thing."
My boss gives us each a gift card with a lovely handwritten note telling each of us something she appreciates about us. We have 2 staff who never used the cards she gave to Barnes and Noble or local restaurants. They just weren't interested in those. But when she started giving the Visa gift card, they could use it at lunch, at the coffee shop for a latte, at the convenience store; whereever they happened to go.
Secretaries often don't make a whole lot, so having that little bonus to pick up some things for yourself that you see, or to just be able to treat yourself to lunch or whatever is really a good thing, and not impersonal at all when you consider that gifts are for the recipient.
Adorable Tiffany bowl that I would definately regift. I don't need another item to sit around, and if it comes in a box it would be immediately given to someone on my own list. |
My choice is to not take it personally - people have opinions. Particularly people here.-Peabay 12/29/11
I know this is assuming, but I'm really starting to think you are one of those "entitled" peas - Dalayney 4/2/12
profile pic courtesy of GreenEyedLady Designs at Scrap ARt Studio.
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writermom1
Thrift Whisperer
PeaNut 114,407
November 2003
Posts: 22,401
Layouts: 66
Loc: At the intersection of Hooterville and Stars Hollow
| Posted: 12/4/2012 9:34:15 PM
Visa gift card and a note detailing what specifically is special about her. |
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