We have one of those secretaries here who, for all intents and purposes, the office would fall into chaos were she not here. She stays on top of everything, is helpful and patient at all times (especially to me), and a s a result, I'd like to get her a Hannukah/Xmas Gift.

Do you think one of those holiday gift-wrapped fruit collages, or candy and exotic cheese baskets, along those lines, would be appropriate?

What is her age bracket?

50's

Maybe a gift certificate to some place for dinner?

Hmmm. That is a good idea.

What a nice thought and what a nice thing to do. How about a gift certificate to a store that carries items on a hobby or interest that she has? If it was me I would not want food and definately not candy. I don't think food and candy show much imagination or thought into what a person likes and has an interest in. Not that you have to go to a lot of trouble but try something more imaginative.

I think a gift certificate to a nice restaurant would be a great idea.

Maybe a spa gift certificate - - I know that I would love that and I'm in my 50's (ok, way to close to 60's but still)

What a nice thought and what a nice thing to do. How about a gift certificate to a store that carries items on a hobby or interest that she has? If it was me I would not want food and definately not candy. Not that you have to go to a lot of trouble but try something more imaginative.
What are her interests?

A gift of food or candy IMO, is only appropriate if you took the time to make it yourself. That said, who wants to see another piece of food by mid-December???

Yes, either a gift certificate to either a very nice restaurant she would nto normally treat herself to, or a spa she normally uses, or comes highly recommended.

My husband has an Admin in their office like that also. What he does is a small 'gift' - like a little snowman ornament, etc; then puts in a Visa Gift Card for $25 - that way, she can use it where ever she want to. Even though she tells him that he shouldn't do it, she appreciates it ever year.

you could always order her a pizza.... or fix her television

Maybe you have some post it notes you have not opened yet...stick a bow and thank you card on that....admins always need note paper!

I think it's important to remember everyone who provides administrative support. A gift certificate or a gift card with an ornament is a great idea. That way they can enjoy the card now and enjoy the ornament for years.

Ok everyone will probably bash me, but I say flowers. Maybe it is thoughtless, but I think every woman loves flowers.

Does she drink coffee? A pre-paid gift card to a coffee place would be great. A pre-paid Visa card is a great idea too.

HOLD UP! Are you sure she celebrates the 'holiday'???

Good point!!!


A Festivus pole might make for a more appropriate gift!

What about a nice Holiday pin like a snowflake or something like that? I notice a lot of ladies wearing pins in the office this time of year.

She celebrates Hannukah, and is kindly opened to XMas though Jewish, so those are not issues.

I think the main consensus is a gift certificate of some sort, either to a restaurant or to adepartment store of some sort.

So if restaurant, how much? Am I being a cheapskate to give a $100 or $150 to Ruth Chris Steak House? Should it be more?

Or $50 to Best Buy or Circuit City. Is that enough or too much?

I think $50 or $100 would be very appreciated without going overboard.

For a restaurant, enough to buy dinner for two, with desert, and two drinks for each, is my rule of thumb.

My co-worker just gave me a great idea. He stated that you do not want to lock someone into going to a particular restaurant if you know not what their opinion is of the restaurant, and same for a particular department store.

So I am going to go with an American Express Gift Card.

$150 cheap? No way! Are you sure she likes that restauraunt tho?

She celebrates Hannukah - Give it to her now.

I think the main consensus is a gift certificate of some sort, either to a restaurant or to adepartment store of some sort. Be careful not to limit her. The Visa and Amex Gift Cards are good pretty much everywhere.

Am I being a cheapskate to give a $100 or $150 to Ruth Chris Steak House? Should it be more? Do you need another Admin - I'm available

That is why I am going with the American Express Gift Card for about $100. This way she can spend on whatever she likes.