Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Share #1 Posted November 30, 2019 Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #2 Posted November 30, 2019 Thankfully my workplace is big enough where I can eschew those things. You poor bastard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #3 Posted November 30, 2019 2 minutes ago, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? Stars and Stripes Dildo Trump Teddy Bear Nice bottle of wine 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted November 30, 2019 Share #4 Posted November 30, 2019 They want you to spend $35 on a gift for coworkers? That is sorta nutty. We have done the white elephant thing, but it was a ten dollar cap. I bought a gal a candle once and she threw a fit. She said "Someone stayed well under the ten dollars. How cheap!" Bitch, you are not my family and I don't even like participating in this stuff. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted November 30, 2019 Share #5 Posted November 30, 2019 11 minutes ago, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? that seems quite expensive. Regift something. A potted Christmas mini tree. Now if a person can't appreciate that.... Have RO decorate it with some fun, crazy decorations. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share #6 Posted November 30, 2019 5 minutes ago, jsharr said: Stars and Stripes Dildo Trump Teddy Bear Nice bottle of wine None of that would play here. The Chinese are not big drinkers, but I might get wine if I can't come up with anything else. 3 minutes ago, Dirtyhip said: They want you to spend $35 on a gift for coworkers? That is sorta nutty. We have done the white elephant thing, but it was a ten dollar cap. I bought a gal a candle once and she threw a fit. She said "Someone stayed well under the ten dollars. How cheap!" Bitch, you are not my family and I don't even like participating in this stuff. $35 did seem like an awful lot to me, too, but I guess in years past it was $50. I would much rather get RO gifts with that kind of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted November 30, 2019 Share #7 Posted November 30, 2019 1 minute ago, Randomguy said: $35 did seem like an awful lot to me, too, but I guess in years past it was $50. I would much rather get RO gifts with that kind of money. Is it forced or voluntary. I don't think your employer can force anyone to buy Xmas gifts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #8 Posted November 30, 2019 Lottery scratch tickets are always fun Starbucks mug and gift card Bag of candy and Movie theater gift card Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted November 30, 2019 Share #9 Posted November 30, 2019 19 minutes ago, Randomguy said: None of that would play here. The Chinese are not big drinkers, but I might get wine if I can't come up with anything else. $35 did seem like an awful lot to me, too, but I guess in years past it was $50. I would much rather get RO gifts with that kind of money. I would agree...a lot of Chinese ...aren't big drinkers. You could always get a wreath..discounted the last minute. Or a box of elegant cookies or little cakelets, from a bakery. I really mean that. Gourmet baked desserts ARE appreciated by Chinese world wide and in North America. Remember coming from a culture that is so food based for centuries with a long tradition of incredible regional cuisines across the country, then fine European gourmet baking is appreciated because more people will share amongst some lovely desserts. Presentation of such desserts would be viewed as "special". Just to give an idea, I bought 2 artisanal pies --blueberry and raspberry ...for my family. That's over 20 people. Only 1 pie got eaten during the evening. I didn't worry, my sister has 2 big adult sons.. So even 1 elegantly presented artisanal pie might do it.. (for cake: mango, matcha and of course chocolate (just make sure it's not fudgy...., hazelnut, almond, etc.) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted November 30, 2019 Share #10 Posted November 30, 2019 18 minutes ago, Dirtyhip said: Bitch, you are not my family and I don't even like participating in this stuff. Word. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #11 Posted November 30, 2019 One of my friends won the day at her family gift exchange...you know where you throw dice get a present and then swap....she had bought and wrapped a case of windshield washer fluid..big heavy box that everyone wanted. They are talking secret Santa here with a $25 limit...oh joy! ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilbur ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #12 Posted November 30, 2019 I would buy a race card. I mean, you are the only white guy in a Chinese company. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share #13 Posted November 30, 2019 13 minutes ago, Dirtyhip said: Is it forced or voluntary. I don't think your employer can force anyone to buy Xmas gifts. Compulsory, implied at least. Unless there is a good reason not, to, everybody is in. 12 minutes ago, jsharr said: Lottery scratch tickets are always fun Starbucks mug and gift card Bag of candy and Movie theater gift card These are excellent ideas, but gift cards are forbidden. I think I will include candy corn with any gifting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #14 Posted November 30, 2019 I thought this thread was going to be about feminine hygiene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share #15 Posted November 30, 2019 2 minutes ago, Don Cherry said: I would buy a race card. I mean, you are the only white guy in a Chinese company. Nah, there are 4 white guys, 1 black guy, two hispanic,s and two mixes I can't even guess at. Kind of diverse. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Road Runner Posted November 30, 2019 Share #16 Posted November 30, 2019 I would ask other people at work what to buy. They have needed experience in this sort of thing. Most of us are idiots. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share #17 Posted November 30, 2019 9 minutes ago, Road Runner said: I would ask other people at work what to buy. They have needed experience in this sort of thing. Most of us are idiots. I asked one person, who said "just get something you would want to get", That wasn't super helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilbur ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #18 Posted November 30, 2019 1 minute ago, Randomguy said: I asked one person, who said "just get something you would want to get", That wasn't super helpful. Then just go to Times Square and buy an I ❤️NY teeshirt, a snow globe and a fridge magnet. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Road Runner Posted November 30, 2019 Share #19 Posted November 30, 2019 I would just get something that you would want to get. Easy-peasy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted November 30, 2019 Share #20 Posted November 30, 2019 Food is always appreciated but I also like the little tree idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Popular Post Share #21 Posted November 30, 2019 16 minutes ago, Airehead said: Food is always appreciated but I also like the little tree idea. I like Shootie's idea about the sweet treats, these people are nuts about sugar. I could put a regiftable basket together, that could be cool. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted November 30, 2019 Share #22 Posted November 30, 2019 9 minutes ago, Randomguy said: I like Shootie's idea about the sweet treats, these people are nuts about sugar. I could put a regiftable basket together, that could be cool. I could give you a recipe for easy fudge. Are homemade gifts acceptable for this? Like, could a cookie basket be a thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #23 Posted November 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? If you are still working for the Chinese, a good bottle of booze would go well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoseySusan Posted November 30, 2019 Share #24 Posted November 30, 2019 Game Night stuffed gift bag. Crimes Against Humanity style game, candy, popcorn, nuts. Stuffed into a tasteful cloth/canvas bag that can be reused for grocery shopping. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #25 Posted November 30, 2019 I would go with a nice assortment of baked goods and or nuts...they can eat it or regift it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Chris... Posted November 30, 2019 Popular Post Share #26 Posted November 30, 2019 I could make you a t shirt with your face on it 1 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted November 30, 2019 Share #27 Posted November 30, 2019 1 hour ago, roadsue said: Game Night stuffed gift bag. Crimes Against Humanity style game, candy, popcorn, nuts. Stuffed into a tasteful cloth/canvas bag that can be reused for grocery shopping. I will be stealing this idea. Excellent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randomguy Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share #28 Posted November 30, 2019 1 hour ago, Chris... said: I could make you a t shirt with your face on it Yes! Yes! Yes! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted November 30, 2019 Share #29 Posted November 30, 2019 A bike tire. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted November 30, 2019 Share #30 Posted November 30, 2019 A Christmas classic? Fruit cake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #31 Posted November 30, 2019 A case of Zima. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #32 Posted November 30, 2019 32 minutes ago, dennis said: A case of Zima. Perfect, since they don;t drink much! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted November 30, 2019 Share #33 Posted November 30, 2019 I would go with either a portable power bank (one with built in cords is extra helpful) Here's one on amazon, but you can pick up different ones in most drug stores (usually without cords) for even cheaper. Lezchi has some nice models on Amazon with built in plug and built in cords. Anker is a usually reliable brand for power banks. A nice insulated travel mug or water bottle is also good for almost anyone. REI has hydroflask on sale for under $30 at the moment. Zojirushi or Timolino are also very good brands that keep hot/cold for an incredibly long time and you can pick up many models for $25-30 on Amazon. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickinMD ★ Posted November 30, 2019 Share #34 Posted November 30, 2019 6 hours ago, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? We've got the same thing at the family Christmas party for the adults. I'll probably end up with a $40 version of something where I already own a $100 version. UPDATED, 11/30, 5:45 pm EST: In our case, it's not supposed to be a joke gift as some of these gift exchanges are, just a usable unisex gift for around $40. I decided on a set of cool coffee mugs that are like the ones from Two and a Half Men. This one below is real close to the TV shows mugs and they did use the same brand, "Sedona," on the show (for $29.99, I paid $31.79 just now with state sales tax). It's not Prime deliverable (1-2 days) but the checkout says I'll get it between Dec. 5 and 10 which gives me lots of wiggle room. I decided to get it without further thought because the gift game allows later gift getters to pass on an new gift and "steal" the gift someone earlier got and someone is going to really like these mugs. Additionally, there are various other Sedona dinnerware items that go with this set if someone wants to build around them. 2nd pic is Charlie holding a virtually identical mug found in a separate search. This is a 4 cup set (16 oz. - 14 oz. real max, microwavable and dishwasher safe, comments say handles stays cool but cup gets hot, a couple comments say it chips easily but most don't mention it): https://www.amazon.com/Tabletop-Lifestyles-Sedona-16-Ounce-Mug/dp/B001IARWR0/ Typical comments on the set: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted November 30, 2019 Share #35 Posted November 30, 2019 A gallon of mayo makes a nice gift 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris... Posted December 1, 2019 Share #36 Posted December 1, 2019 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Karen_Cooper_Incident Posted December 1, 2019 Share #37 Posted December 1, 2019 Atomic Dildo. Mudkipz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirwickWithCheese Posted December 1, 2019 Share #38 Posted December 1, 2019 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Randomguy Posted December 21, 2019 Author Popular Post Share #39 Posted December 21, 2019 Update: wild success, and a story the frugal people here will love. I went to Best Buy, and found a well-reviewed waterproof Bluetooth speaker that was on deep sale, spent $43 with tax (MSRP $100). I figured someone would be really happy with it, and that made me feel good. When it was my turn to pick and open a gift, I got some sort of Echo View 5 thing; someone later ‘stole’ it. The rules said that I now had an option to either select an unopened gift or steal someone else’s gift, so I stole my Bluetooth speaker. While I would really like the speaker, it is going back to Best Buy today for a full refund. Yay! 3 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtyhip Posted December 21, 2019 Share #40 Posted December 21, 2019 I love this story. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted December 21, 2019 Share #41 Posted December 21, 2019 Fancy hand soap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Far ★ Posted December 21, 2019 Share #42 Posted December 21, 2019 We didn’t do anything other than eat lunch & go back to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted December 21, 2019 Share #43 Posted December 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Randomguy said: Update: wild success, and a story the frugal people here will love. I went to Best Buy, and found a well-reviewed waterproof Bluetooth speaker that was on deep sale, spent $43 with tax (MSRP $100). I figured someone would be really happy with it, and that made me feel good. When it was my turn to pick and open a gift, I got some sort of Echo View 5 thing; someone later ‘stole’ it. The rules said that I now had an option to either select an unopened gift or steal someone else’s gift, so I stole my Bluetooth speaker. While I would really like the speaker, it is going back to Best Buy today for a full refund. Yay! So much fucking win!!! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
late Posted December 21, 2019 Share #44 Posted December 21, 2019 On 11/30/2019 at 11:05 AM, shootingstar said: Gourmet baked desserts ARE appreciated by Chinese world wide and in North America. Remember coming from a culture that is so food based for centuries with a long tradition of incredible regional cuisines across the country, then fine European gourmet baking is appreciated because more people will share amongst some lovely desserts. Presentation of such desserts would be viewed as "special". Great advice. Didn't know I had that in common with the Chinese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted December 21, 2019 Share #45 Posted December 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Randomguy said: Update: wild success, and a story the frugal people here will love. I went to Best Buy, and found a well-reviewed waterproof Bluetooth speaker that was on deep sale, spent $43 with tax (MSRP $100). I figured someone would be really happy with it, and that made me feel good. When it was my turn to pick and open a gift, I got some sort of Echo View 5 thing; someone later ‘stole’ it. The rules said that I now had an option to either select an unopened gift or steal someone else’s gift, so I stole my Bluetooth speaker. While I would really like the speaker, it is going back to Best Buy today for a full refund. Yay! Well played my friend, well played. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted December 21, 2019 Share #46 Posted December 21, 2019 10 minutes ago, Airehead said: Well played my friend, well played. I read his post to my wife along with a back story about RG. I laughed out loud when I read it, very frugal and nobody was the wiser. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickinMD ★ Posted December 21, 2019 Share #47 Posted December 21, 2019 On 11/30/2019 at 10:42 AM, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? We're having one with a $40 limit. Some of these White Elephant things are supposed to be impractical gifts but ours is not. I got a set of four Sedona 16 oz striped coffee mugs (microwavable) that were made famous and constantly used on 2 1/2 Men at Amazon for $29.99. It's good for all sexes and ages. This listing, where I got it, now says "arrives after Christmas" but a Google search may find it elsewhere or it may be in local stores since it's apparently a popular item: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IARWR0/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted December 22, 2019 Share #48 Posted December 22, 2019 On 11/30/2019 at 10:42 AM, Randomguy said: Ok, the Christmas party at work will be a white elephant thing, and we are supposed to spend $35 or so. I have no idea what to go with, any suggestions? I think a "personal massager" - available at Walmart - is a winner no matter where you work. Folks are stressed this time of year, and what says "relax and let the stress disappear" like their own personal massage? The Plus One Vibrating Massager brings pleasure to a new level. With two motors and independently vibrating tips, there is a setting for every mood. The rechargeable massager is whisper quiet with super soft silicone, making it discrete and comfortable to use. The massager charges for up to three hours of fun at a time. It comes with a rechargable lithium ion battery and a USB charging cable. It has a solid tone that is highly visible, making it simple to find when you have time to relax. This massager is waterproof as well, offering flexibility in where you use it. 11 hours ago, Randomguy said: Update: wild success, and a story the frugal people here will love. I went to Best Buy, and found a well-reviewed waterproof Bluetooth speaker that was on deep sale, spent $43 with tax (MSRP $100). I figured someone would be really happy with it, and that made me feel good. When it was my turn to pick and open a gift, I got some sort of Echo View 5 thing; someone later ‘stole’ it. The rules said that I now had an option to either select an unopened gift or steal someone else’s gift, so I stole my Bluetooth speaker. While I would really like the speaker, it is going back to Best Buy today for a full refund. Yay! Great luck! But I bet you would have kept the personal massager 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted December 22, 2019 Share #49 Posted December 22, 2019 I laughed out loud at the ending to this story! We ended up doing one at work and I got a hippo shaped ceramic ornament. My art history major friend tells me it's William the mascot from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. it made me feel less bad about giving a travel mug that does a medium job of keeping things warm, although the gift I donated was "stolen" so I guess someone liked it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoseySusan Posted December 22, 2019 Share #50 Posted December 22, 2019 I got a small crock pot and stewing sauce packages. For awhile I had a Whole Foods gift card, Amazon Echo dot, and Yeti travel mug. But the crock pot is the right size for three people. I gave a wooden bingo game set because the box was the right size for hiding a set of ugly ceramic mugs that are truly the department white elephant. Nobody ever wants them, and it’s a creative exercise to hide them. I made a sticker for the box that says “Hostile Takeover Version.” People were like what’s hostile takeover bingo? Then the person who chose it opened the box and found the mugs. She said her kids love the bingo game and think the mugs are fun. All win. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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