I started at a new school in September so I did not know how the holidays ran there. At my old school we were lucky to get a card from the principal, aps. The chairperson got us each a candle. Well apparently at my new school everyone goes all out. Everyone gave cards and many gave little presents. I got 3 gift cards, two trays of cookies, and jewelry from people in my department. The only people I bought anything for was the two people I carpool with. I do feel bad, but I was just wondering if this is normal workplace etiquette? I think I may just bring in a try of cookies of cupcakes when we get back from break.
drpepper318
Posted:
Member since
Re: Co-workers and Gifts
The school I work at is like your old school, there's not much gift exchange at all. You shouldn't feel bad.. how were you supposed to know it would be different there? Just thank those you got you something (if you want you could even tell them you didn't realize you would be exchanging gifts), and keep it in mind for next year.
donegal419
Posted:
Member since
Re: Co-workers and Gifts
people at my school tend to go all out too and my first year i felt bad also! but what we have done lately is collect money as a wing and pool all that money to go to the custodians and secretaries. then, people that are closer to each other or work together often give each other a little something. i am a special ed. teacher so i baked for the gen ed. teacher i work with and some of my sp. ed. colleagues. my T.A. does a lot for me so i bought her an actual gift. i sent cards to other people in the school that i like.
i think people understand that you can't possibly buy for everyone, so while people exchange it's nothing extravagant and it's usually within grade level only.
