Secret Santa - don’t want to do it!

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Joannas wrote: »

Won’t let me edit posts. No one would be left out, I would be telling them I’m out so I don’t know where you got that from? And no one’s bought anything yet so no issue there.

They've already given the names out. You could ask to be withdrawn, but it might be too late by now.

chesky

If you 'chickened out' first time around, are you going to feel strong enough when you announce you're withdrawing? You'll be much more unpopular then.
I usually work on the principle that, if I've said I'll do something, then I'll carry it through. But I'll know not to do it next time.
I agree about the double figures though. Buy something really rubbish for less than a fiver. This is just the situation that the Tiger shops were invented for.

Red-Squirrel_2

chesky wrote: »

If you 'chickened out' first time around, are you going to feel strong enough when you announce you're withdrawing? You'll be much more unpopular then.
I usually work on the principle that, if I've said I'll do something, then I'll carry it through. But I'll know not to do it next time.
I agree about the double figures though. Buy something really rubbish for less than a fiver. This is just the situation that the Tiger shops were invented for.

If a figure was agreed on before the OP opted in, she should stick with that.

A tenner is double figures, it’s not that much, and if everybody else sticks with the plan and she gets some £1 tat that’s not fair at all on the person who’s name she’s drawn. It’ll look personal too and make her seem just as bad as the rest.

Sea_Shell

Just buy something inoffensive, for whatever you want to spend, regardless of what the "agreed" budget is. Unless you've all agreed £50 or whatever. If its a tenner, so what if you only spend £8.

All you can do is then hope that no one buys you an "offensive" gift in return (you'll probably just get tat though!!)

I so wished i'd pulled my own name out the hat - that way I could get myself something nice (some people in the office did, and fessed up, and re-picked. I'd have kept quiet!!)

Also, in clique offices, the "secret" part doesn't usually last that long....someone always blabs...so stick to something "boring" and you'll be OK.

Pollycat

Joannas wrote: »

Hi,

Very first world problem, but I work in a section of an office that is less than friendly. I got asked in front of them if I would do secret Santa and reluctantly said yes :mad: It’s not my thing, and I barely have a relationship with them despite my efforts (they’re known for this).

Anyway, the hat goes round and one manager wanted to swap describing them as “even worse” than their last pick, other management were openly moaning about their selections to the point of borderline throwing a tantrum. Another person described another person’s pick as a “crap one”. I’ve never encountered such rudeness and would rather just not bother now.

I don’t like Secret Santa but don’t want to be wasting double figures on a bunch of people who don’t like me and are so openly mean! The numbers won’t be affected and I doubt they’d even miss me. In other places I’ve worked an email will go out and you’ll sign up to go in the hat - no pressure - but I’ve never heard people slag off their choices like this? Would you take your name out and risk being one of the choices they’ve openly moaned about or just play along?

Looking at the bits in your post that I've marked as bold, I think I would have just said 'no, thanks' when first asked.


But I think it's too late now.
Suck it up for this year and put on your big girl pants next year (if you're still there).

Keep_pedalling

The real problem here is not the secret Santa but the fact that you hate your job. Do the secret Santa, and in the new year find a new job

Indy315

I've been in this situation before and the best thing to buy is chocolate, its not a personal gift and from places such as B&M you can buy good gift sets for under £10

kazwookie

Go and buy a bottle of wine for £10 or a box of chocolates

Find a new job in the new year.

Flugelhorn

I said NO this year - fed up of putting effort into finding something suitable then getting something back that was <insert description> and cost <much less than the stated amount>.

More fun to go out and buy yourself something with the money - consider it a "gift from work" and therefore justified spending

MushyPeas

I've said no this year, but it helps I'm not in the office on the day all the gifts get distributed!