Returning the favor

December 21, 2004 12:34 PM

So I completely underestimated the generosity of my co-workers. I'm a part-time employee, still in school, and not exactly at the top of the food chain. But a bunch of people I work with (some above me, some in different departments) gave me holiday gifts. Keep in mind that I'm making just enough to make ends meet. What should I give them in return?

BTW, I work in the accounting department of a medium to large company. Very much office/cubicle setting, but far more low-key than your average corporation.

posted by SeizeTheDay to society & culture (19 comments total)

If you don't give them anything, you'll be able to break the cycle.
posted by orange clock at 12:40 PM on December 21, 2004

Sugar cookies. They cost virtually nothing to make and decorate, and are apparently much appreciated.
posted by Sheppagus at 12:47 PM on December 21, 2004

To be honest, I don't think you need to reciprocate holiday gifts to your co-workers, especially to people above you. I can see why a manager might be encouraged/expected to give tokens to employees around the holidays (as part of morale building, or what have you). However, if you're "down on the food chain" and your co-workers realize you are working part-time and still in school, they can't possibly expect you to return the favor.

That said, the sugar cookies idea is a good one if you really feel that you must reciprocate.
posted by handful of rain at 12:52 PM on December 21, 2004

First, a nice thank you note. If you work with them, they probably know you cannot reciprocate too much.

Cookies or other baked goods are good, too. Also depending on your relationship, let them know you are happy to help them with a move, cutting down a tree, or any other of a million things that people need help with outside of work.

Many people are uncomfortable asking workmates to help in a situation like that. Making sure they know you would be willing to help them out in the future means more than the chintzy cube trinket you could probably afford.
posted by ..ooOOoo....ooOOoo.. at 12:55 PM on December 21, 2004

Oh, and the help out option is for those equal or so on the food chain. Bosses just need a short thank you note.
posted by ..ooOOoo....ooOOoo.. at 12:56 PM on December 21, 2004

Send them your thanks, in written format as well as in person. I'm willing to bet that honest appreciation of their generosity would be a more effective and well-received response than whatever little knickknack or tchotchke you might give in return. Giftgiving is not, and should not be, a thinly veiled barter system.
posted by majick at 1:02 PM on December 21, 2004

SeizeTheDay, don't give them anything. They wanted to give you something, and they did. There are still people in the world who enjoy giving presents, without expecting anything in return. Enjoy the gifts, and send thank you notes. I bought a nifty soy candle and some Lush body powder for the 16 year old girl who works here part time, because I really like her, and I love giving people presents. If she reciprocated, I'd be mortified - I'm old enough to be her mom, and also old enough to know that she makes minimum wage, and is saving up for a car. I also bought a few nice gifts for my daughter's boyfriend, but again, if he gave me anything, I would feel very awkward.

Oddly, while I was typing this, my daughter came into the room to tell me that her bf is burning my husband and me a CD of his favorite Christmas music, which is great, and an entirely appropriate gift, since it won't cost him anything, and it's something personal. Maybe you could do that too, if you really really really feel like you have to do something, although I think your gratitude is the best present any of them could get, as hokey as that sounds.
posted by iconomy at 1:09 PM on December 21, 2004

As a staff, we too bought something for someone towards your end of the food chain. Heh.

And quite honestly, none of us are expecting or want anything in return. Just smile, be grateful, and perhaps help out a bit more. Perhaps ask if anyone would like a cup of coffee on your way to a coffee break.

And remember the people on your end of the food chain when you reach the top of the food chain.
posted by icontemplate at 1:19 PM on December 21, 2004

Send thanks, and have a bowl of candies, cookies, or some other blood-sugar enhancing treat on your desk to share.
posted by Coffeemate at 1:22 PM on December 21, 2004

Baked goods--or some other gift where you invest time and care instead of a lot of money--is all you really need to do.
posted by LairBob at 2:05 PM on December 21, 2004

Send a note.

I used to work for peanuts at this progressive school. When I asked for help with this very problem, many people would say "Make 'em some cookies!" What those people did not realize is that when you are truly scraping along and trying to make ends meet, cookies are not that cheap. You need to buy butter, eggs, sometimes chocolate or nuts, and extract -- the makings of 1 batch of cookies can easily come to ten or fifteen bucks without even trying. Even a mix -though cheaper - still needs eggs and oil.

And remember the people on your end of the food chain when you reach the top of the food chain.

Amen. Exactly why I took my staff out to lunch today.
posted by Miko at 2:05 PM on December 21, 2004

What should I give them in return?

Your sincere thanks and perhaps a personal thank you card is all that is necessary.
posted by jessamyn at 2:10 PM on December 21, 2004

A bag of pretzels and some chocolate bark....melt the bark and dip the pretzels in it. Put in a plastic bag with a ribbon scrounged from another gift.

Also, cake mix cookies are cheap. One cake mix, add two eggs and half a cup of oil. No water. If you have chocolate chips or nuts, throw them in. Bake and there you go. My daughter did this and added some sprinkles on top to make em festive.
posted by konolia at 2:24 PM on December 21, 2004

Cheap sugar cookies? You can make a couple dozen for under $10.

Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough costs ~$3.00 (in a grocery store).
Icing? Mix powdered sugar + milk (+ food coloring) =~$3.
Note: I personally would avoid fabricated foods, but you know, it works if you're on a budget.
posted by fourstar at 2:42 PM on December 21, 2004

I agree with cookies, but (IMHO) it's important they be home made (Though, that's probably a no brainer)
posted by absalom at 7:28 PM on December 21, 2004

I just whipped up a batch of coffee fudge. Its cheap, quick, and tasty. People love the tasty.
posted by sadie01221975 at 9:47 PM on December 21, 2004

Thanks for all the advice folks. If I were a better cook (and had a working oven) I'd go the cookie route. But I'll probably just send out thank-you cards. Thanks again.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:53 AM on December 22, 2004

Donation. Make a donation to a worthy cause in honor of your co-workers, then give them each a card thanking them for their gift and saying that you've made a donation in their honor to the worthy cause.
posted by Sidhedevil at 10:06 AM on December 22, 2004

The Human Fund!
posted by Miko at 1:07 PM on December 22, 2004