Tuesday, December 28, 2010

100 Employees -Gift Ideas Needed?

I'm responsible for coordinating our facility's Christmas party and could use some help this year. What we have always done is more like a luncheon where we all have lunch (company provided) and then pull names at random to receive gifts (purchased by the company). A gift is placed on the table and a name is pulled -you get what you get. It's fun when a guy's name is pulled for a feminine item like a gift set full of beauty stuff an lotions or a lady for a tool box. They always find someone to trade with and it makes it kind of fun that way. I have the lovely honor of figuring out what to buy each year for all the employees. We have 100 people, both genders, various ages, and all walks of life. Finding 100 items that are useful, giftable, and not cheap is difficult. Oh, did I mention that we have a budget of under $20 per gift including tax? Yep, that makes it even harder. In the past, my budget has been slightly higher (approx. $28/per) and I've been very creative in utilizing both sales and coupons with BOGOs to get some great deals and maximize the funds as best I can. Gifts are usually things like store and restaurant GCs, liquor sets, spa gift baskets, massaging chair cushions, foot spas, inexpensive tool sets, NFL themed lounge chairs or throws (blankets), neck massagers, marguerita sets, candelabras, picture frames, etc. One year I even did "meat gift sets" where I purchased stuffed chickens, stuffed pork chops, sausage, etc. and put a few assorted meats into tiny coolers as each set -all for under $25 each! But the problem is, this year the budget is tighter than prior yeras and I'm out of new ideas. I'm looking for gifts under $20 each including tax. It's nearly impossible to find a decent gift for that price. These employees do not get bonuses or any other extras for the holiday so this gift is pretty much it. Company logoed items are out (that's just tacky for an employee gift) and I'd like to keep the quality consistent with prior years. Would anyone have any suggestions?
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How about getting gift cards. You can get a $20 gift card and you do not pay tax on that. I would rather have that than some gift I probably will not use. Everyone can use gift cards. Get restraunt,grocery store, hardware store, massage, manicure etc. It is endless. Have fun doing it.
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