Christmas Gift for My Boss??? - Help!

Ayla · 13-12-2007 2:16pm #1

Does anyone have a suggestion of what I can get my boss and his wife for Christmas?

Our financial consultant company is small (ie: me and the bosses) and my boss & his wife are pretty well off. My first year w/ the company I got them a nice voucher for a local hotel, which they really enjoyed. But now I'm stuck, and they just gave me a very generous bonus/gift.

They've been everywhere in the area, and a meal voucher seems cheap.

I'm not able to spend a lot, but I do want to give them something nice they'll enjoy. And my last day of work is tomorrow before I leave the country for the holidays.

We're in Donegal...does anyone have any ideas??? Help!

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:19pm

a hamper of goodies? nice chocs, wine ect?

inverted_world · 13-12-2007 2:21pm

Pick out a really nice bottle of wine or port, maybe?

Go to a good off licence/wine merchants and ask for recommendations.

Ayla · 13-12-2007 2:22pm

I thought of that, but as a financial consultant he's given cases of wine/alcohol by our sales reps...

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:22pm

tbh when people have alot of money its best to go with nice food/treats/alcohol. my 'rents would be well off and thats the sort of stuff they love to get.

aidan_walsh · 13-12-2007 2:25pm

Ayla wrote: »

I thought of that, but as a financial consultant he's given cases of wine/alcohol by our sales reps...

Are there any good restaurants relatively local that they might enjoy?

Ayla · 13-12-2007 2:27pm

There are, but (and I hate sounding difficult) they've been to all of them *loads* of times. To the point that I'd really hesitate to get a voucher b/c I have no idea which ones they do & don't like.

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:28pm

festive hampers minus alcohol? i really like hampers

Cathmandooo · 13-12-2007 2:29pm

I'm in the same sort of dilemma myself.

I'm hoping to get my boss and his wife a few pictures of Clifden in Galway, they have a cottage there and I think some old framed pictures of the village and surrounding areas might be nice.

I hate giving them wine and sweets, it seems very impersonal and theyre both really good to me.

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:31pm

clifden isnt a village btw its a town...

clifden has its own art festival how about a few framed picturers of the posters? more mod then old photos which are pretty rare and valuable unless they are prints.

Cathmandooo · 13-12-2007 2:32pm

spinandscribble wrote: »

clifden isnt a village btw its a town...

Sorry, it's also spelt with a capital C...if we're going to get technical :rolleyes:

Ayla · 13-12-2007 2:33pm

Cathooo -

Those pics sound nice, good luck to you in finding them.

I agree that sweets/etc seem a bit impersonal. Not bad if you're in a biggish company, but when it's just me and them I feel like I should do something nicer. But what do you get someone who's obviously not *needing* anything, and I wouldn't have a clue what style of decor they'd like (ie: crystal, etc).

That's why I did the hotel voucher before - I thought it'd be good for them to have a night away for themselves b/c they're constantly running and appeared to need a break.

Oryx · 13-12-2007 2:35pm

I used to buy my boss some kind of art. A framed picture or print, depending on my budget.

Miss Fluff · 13-12-2007 2:36pm

What price range and what part of Donegal?

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:37pm

Cathooo wrote: »

Sorry, it's also spelt with a capital C...if we're going to get technical :rolleyes:

i'd just suggest you realise its a town incase one of your bosses is a local, the clifdeners can be a tad touchy on that. anyway, best to forget my advise you clearly dont need any as long as the cap lock works on your computer.

op i know hampers/sweets sound impersonal but when you dont know your boss well enough bto know they're hobbies, interests or fave place to eat, you're causing yourself undo stress trying to be personal. sniff around today for what they're interested in.

Cathmandooo · 13-12-2007 2:39pm

Ayla wrote: »

Cathooo -

Those pics sound nice, good luck to you in finding them.

I agree that sweets/etc seem a bit impersonal. Not bad if you're in a biggish company, but when it's just me and them I feel like I should do something nicer. But what do you get someone who's obviously not *needing* anything, and I wouldn't have a clue what style of decor they'd like (ie: crystal, etc).

That's why I did the hotel voucher before - I thought it'd be good for them to have a night away for themselves b/c they're constantly running and appeared to need a break.

You sound like you work in the exact same office as me, just 4 of us here including husband and wife. They're both always on the go and busy and also dont need anything.

There's a market in Fairyhouse in Co. Meath that do these pictures, my mam got some for a friend who has a cottage in Portnoo in Donegal and I thought they would be perfect for my boss. Hoping to get out there on Sunday to look.

Newbridge silver do all sorts of nice gifts also if you want to add it to some kind of voucher. Beautiful Christmas decorations and candle holders, always acceptable IMO. Best of luck with your search

Lollipops23 · 13-12-2007 2:41pm

How about a really nice xmas decoration?Newbridge do some classy but reasonable pieces. I'm sure that'd go down well?

Cathmandooo · 13-12-2007 2:42pm

spinandscribble wrote: »

i'd just suggest you realise its a town incase one of your bosses is a local, the clifdeners can be a tad touchy on that. anyway, best to forget my advise you clearly dont need any as long as the cap lock works on your computer.

Sorry but your first post just sounded very picky.

My knowledge of Clifden doesnt matter because I won't be writing down village or town or mentioning it to him. But I do appreciate your comment, thank you.

inverted_world · 13-12-2007 2:44pm

If he's getting wine from sales reps, how about a decanter and some glasses?

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:45pm

at the end of the day op its the thought that counts and nice picture frames, decorations and anything that could be wrapped up nicely always go down a treat

Ayla · 13-12-2007 2:47pm

spinandscribble wrote: »

op i know hampers/sweets sound impersonal but when you dont know your boss well enough bto know they're hobbies, interests or fave place to eat, you're causing yourself undo stress trying to be personal. sniff around today for what they're interested in.

Spin - you've touched a bit of a nerve here, b/c I've worked with them for over 2 years (minus maternity leave) and I feel that I do know them on some level. I know what they enjoy doing and I know I can't afford anything having to do with these interests.

I know they have a lot of style & taste, but I wouldn't presume to know what restaurant they prefer over any other, nor would I have *any idea* of any sort of gifty decor for their home, etc that they would really like.

I dislike shopping for gifts b/c I hate the idea that whatever I get won't be really liked (and then the recipient will be obliged to act happy). This is why I prefer to get things for them to do (versus look at).

Miss Fluff - we're in southern Donegal.

wutra · 13-12-2007 2:51pm

How about personalised hankerchiefs so they can wipe their ar*es after you kiss them! only kiddin.

what are they into?

Golf? get lessons from a pro golfer, or vouchers (shopping experience) for new golf wear.

Gardening? a new power tool or something.

Tickets to an upcoming show

Massage or body care/treatment vouchers.

Have they ever had or would like a helicopter ride?

Upgrade their phones

Miss Fluff · 13-12-2007 2:52pm

OK well OP I can help. I know South Donegal very well, just tell me what is your max budget and I can help. What is nearest town? Donegal Town/Killybegs/Glenties/Ballyshannon. I have impeccable taste....help me out here!

spinandscribble · 13-12-2007 2:57pm

Ayla wrote: »

Spin - you've touched a bit of a nerve here, b/c I've worked with them for over 2 years (minus maternity leave) and I feel that I do know them on some level. I know what they enjoy doing and I know I can't afford anything having to do with these interests.
QUOTE]

im sorry you've taken offence to a innocently meant comment. i was only trying to stress theres no point worrying about it, its the thought that counts and clearly you get on since they gave you a big bonus.
the vouchers suggested is a good idea also if their interests are expensive you can still show them you know them and hell, since they know you're pay cheque they know they cant expect the world!

13-12-2007 2:59pm

Get him a year subscription to Setanta Sports !

Beruthiel · 13-12-2007 3:00pm

Not a PI.
Moved.
B

13-12-2007 3:01pm

this guys photos are amazing and this one is from Clifden...

http://www.philpankov.com/-/philpankov/detail.asp?photoID=1222830&cat=18916

boris george · 13-12-2007 3:03pm

Bizzarely enough an employee of mine got me a subsription to setanta sports last year and i have to say i was delighted with it.
Much better than your bottle of wine and cigars effort i normally recieve.
This present lasted the whole year!

Cathmandooo · 13-12-2007 3:06pm

glasso wrote: »

this guys photos are amazing and this one is from Clifden...

http://www.philpankov.com/-/philpankov/detail.asp?photoID=1222830&cat=18916

Wow thanks a million, I'll have a flick through his pictures, cheers

boris george · 13-12-2007 3:09pm

Yeah nothing says thanks for employing me and merry xmas like a year's setanta!
That dre as in dray speaks alot of sense!
Give Setanta this christmas,the gift that keeps on giving!!

Clifden!Does that place even exist?
rubbish.

Ayla · 13-12-2007 3:10pm

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments...

Most importantly, I decided (and have since) gotten a voucher for our theatre which is always running plays/dance/music/etc. Now they'll be able to do something together, for themselves, that they get to pick out.

Done and dusted! Thanks again all.

But, I have to add, Beruthiel, I completely disagree with your statement that this isn't a personal issue. If the only type of discussion that can come under the heading of "personal" is about sex, relationships or depression, then perhaps the forum name needs to change.

Personal issues are about *lots* of things...

boris george · 13-12-2007 3:12pm

You go girl!!
Meow!!

Mr. Presentable · 13-12-2007 3:13pm

Give him a full day's work!

inverted_world · 13-12-2007 3:48pm

Ayla wrote: »

I decided (and have since) gotten a voucher for our theatre which is always running plays/dance/music/etc. Now they'll be able to do something together, for themselves, that they get to pick out.

That's a really lovely gift, well done! I'm sure they'll love it!

13-12-2007 3:51pm

nipplenuts wrote: »

Give him a full day's work!

HAHA , yeah spend less time on boards :P

Ayla · 13-12-2007 4:03pm

Ah, but then I'd miss out on the riviting conversations held by everyone else who are also supposed to be working...;)

diamondp · 13-12-2007 5:02pm

Well if they get bottles of wine off the reps they will need something to open them with. Newbridge silver do a great range in wine openers and table ware so if they like to have people over for dinner you could get a matching wine opener with salt and pepper shakers and napkin rings. ive gotten them for my step mother (who has just about everything) and they go down a real treat and there not as expensive as you'd think. €100 would get you salt and peper set, wine and cork set and 6 napkin rings and you'd still have change. you can buy these on line if you dont have a shop near you that stock the range.

Christmas Gift for My Boss??? - Help!

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