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Where do you draw the line on gift giving?

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While we were running the October Challenge, Anne, one of our participants asked a question about where to draw the line on gifts.

What I’m getting stuck on is what to do about school staff. I was already thinking of making some baked goods to be easier on my budget but my question is where to stop in terms of people. My son is special needs so there are A LOT of people that work with him at school (regular teacher, spec ed teacher, personal aide, speech therapist, occupational therapist). Because the school is smaller a lot of people have gotten to know him & everyone is so great with him that I’m thinking should I also include the principal, secretary, yard duty, student specialist, etc….See my problem? Where do I stop? I don’t want people to feel left out or unappreciated but I also don’t want to be overwhelmed with baking. Any suggestions?

Giving is supposed to be a great satisfaction. Looking at the other person’s face and actually enjoying their surprise and pleasure can be amazing. But when a gift is an obligation, it may be time to think twice about how we spend our money and who we choose to give to. Christmas holidays have rapidly become one of those times in which we have to spend a lot and, instead of enjoying the act of giving, we become worried about credit cards and expenses. The true meaning of a present is lost when instead of joy, we become troubled. So, when should we stop on gift giving?

Where Do You Stop? A Great Suggestion

Ultimately, you are the only one who can decide where to stop. But in situations like Anne’s it can be especially difficult to decide where and how to draw the line. A fellow participant shared this idea:

What I usually do is bake some goods (1 or 2 cakes, cookies, savory pies) and set them all in a big basket, add some flowers and candies, a beautiful thank you card and send that to the school as a gift for all the staff. Something they can enjoy all together at the coffee-break, for instance.

What do you think? Where do you draw the line on gift-giving? What would you do if you were in Anne’s shoes?

Posted by Sarah on Nov 30, 2012 print article e-mail to a friend

jhan

I have a similar situtation with my grandmother, whose gift giving I manage for her (she’s 99 yrs old so needless to say doesn’t get out to shop much!) She lives in an assisted care home, so there is a lot of staff who know her well and adore her, and are great to her all through the year. So I actually do the suggestion above. I get a gift for the staff as a whole and also get a gift for the other 20 residents as a whole and left it in the common room with a gift tag from my grandmother. Last year it was sweets and chocolates, and this year probably baked goods. It truly IS the thought that counts in situations with these kind of relationships- just a gesture to recognize that they are appreciated. For some of the residents or staff she is particularly close to I might give a little something extra to, like a card and coffee card, or smaller item, but thats limited to only her closest connections. In your son’s case, perhaps that would apply to perhaps the teachers that interact with him the most closely, like his teacher and personal aide? Good luck!
Betsy Mae

Are you open to giving a non-baked gift? I use a recipe for seasoned salt that I put into nice salt shakers. I tie a note around the shaker with pretty ribbon, and the note says “May your life always have flavor”. Are you open to giving a non-baked gift? I use a recipe for seasoned salt that I put into nice salt shakers. I tie a note around the shaker with pretty ribbon, and the note says “May your life always have flavor”. seem to really like the taste. There’s no baking required, and it is quick, easy, and delicious. And it makes A LOT.

I hope this helps, and if you’re interested, I can somehow send you the recipe.
Betsy Mae

Sorry about duplicating part of my comment below!
SarahButtonedUp

No worries at all – and thank you for sharing such a lovely gift idea!!
SarahButtonedUp

Thanks so much for sharing @disqus_fwkmgD5z5z:disqus. It is helpful to see how it applies to both ends of the spectrum.
http://www.facebook.com/kara.durkee Kara Durkee

I have two in school this year. We get small gifts, therefore reducing the cost. I spend around $30 in all and cover 10 gifts by giving a $1 onriment and homemade lavender bath salts. Gifts are well received and both kids get to give to the staff members they are close to, which include 4 teachers, 2 secretarys, bus driver, music, speech, and librarian.
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