I’ve known this co-worker for 2 months and haven’t really interacted much with him outside of work. I know next to nothing about him.
This week was his birthday, and next week he’s inviting everyone on the team (6-7 people) to a restaurant. Nothing fancy, we’re going for pizza at a bistro.
Should I get him a present? I don’t really get invited anywhere and I don’t know what’s socially appropriate. I don’t want to be the only one who brings a gift, but I don’t want to be the only one who doesn’t either.
14 comments
Nothing big. Maybe a small fun token for his desk?
Bring something small that fits in your pocket/closed fist/hand bag, and then based on others/the flow of the event decide when and how to best give him. Don’t bring a present that you have to carry/lug around in your hands because it’ll be obvious when you show up that you got him a present and you might be the only one.
I wouldn’t a gift in this situation, there’s no need at all.
Ask others going if they all want to put a bit together and get a joint gift 🙂
No. Go, have a good time. Raise a glass.
Nothing is fine. Or funny card and some small token like a favorite snack, mini bottle of champagne, etc works if you prefer to give something.
I would go for a joint gift with the other gift, if you know who they are.
You can also always offer to buy them a drink or something similar.
Something appropriate would be a mug for coffee, a token for his desk or just telling him happy birthday is fine enough. As an adult you’re not obligated to get him anything. I have so much family that we don’t even throw parties or get each other gifts, we just shoot a text to each other that says happy birthday. At most we might give each other a 20 dollar gift card to a fast food place, but that’s it, nothing special.
Ask your colleagues
A gift card for coffee or lunch near the office will be appropriate and kind I this situation.
Yes, it is the polite thing to do. If no one else does it will just make you look like a more compassionate person.
Get them something small and useful. Leave in your car while your at dinner and give it to them in private. Everyone deserve something for their bday especially people planning their own bday party.
IMHO. And I’m not the gift type and despise spending money and time on greeting cards……. buy him a drink, show up.