Job Discussion Forums

Songbird · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:56 am Post subject: Etiquette at Christmas?

Hey all,

Now that we're getting closer to THAT time of year (okay, kind of, sort of...not quite!), I was wondering something. Last year the FAO and his boss gave all of the foreigners gifts at Christmas on behalf of the college. It was very thoughtful and personally I used my gift, and I know we all got different gifts.

Should I be giving him a gift back? Would he be totally miffed that I didn't get him anything, despite it being on behalf on the COLLEGE and not himself, and that Christmas is not a Chinese tradition?

And if I do, what should I get him and his boss (a woman)? Neither smokes and both drink very little....and both are lovely people!

william wallace · Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 2869 Location: in between

blah blah

ispeakgoodenglish · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:49 am Post subject:

I would say something small like a box of chocolates each... nothing more than that.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Anything consumable is nice - - like the aforementioned chocolates, fruit, a gift basket with snacks, etc. Last year I got the gals in the office a coffee mug each, then filled it with individual packets of teas and coffees and creamers and biscotti. They loved it! Don't forget the winter chill, so instant soups in a basket with some crackers and other biscuits might be a nice gift.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

I'd just give a Christmas card.

OGFT · Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 432

or a tooth brush

Songbird · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:30 am Post subject:

Thanks for the suggestions all, though I don't think George will need the toothbrush, he keeps his teeth quite good Very Happy

OGFT · Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 432

Actually, er, it is for Hu

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

I bake cookies and give them to various people in offices.