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Office gift exchanges can spark joy or lead to awkward moments, depending on the thoughtfulness behind the gifts. With the modern workplace evolving, it’s crucial to understand what employees truly desire during these exchanges.
Surveys show that gift cards have emerged as the preferred choice over traditional gifts like office supplies. This article explores the latest insights into office gift exchanges, revealing preferences and some truly unforgettable gift blunders.
Interesting Facts About Office Gift Exchanges
- A significant 47% of respondents believe that office supplies are the least desirable gift during exchanges.
- 31% of employees opt out of participating in office gift exchanges altogether.
- Most participants (46%) typically spend between $10-$25 on gifts for colleagues.
- Only 1% of employees are willing to splurge $100 or more on gifts.
- Just 2% of people indicated that receiving a useful gift was the worst gift they could get.
- A majority, 43%, expressed a preference for receiving gift cards in these exchanges.
- Despite the general contempt for office supplies, 1% of respondents believed they would make a great gift.
- While only 6% of people thought an experience gift would be the worst, merely 1% considered it the best gift.
- The runner-up for the most desired gift is cash, with 23% of participants hoping for it.
- Only 26% of employees actively participate in their office gift exchange.
Everyone Wants An Amazon Gift Card
While supporting local businesses is commendable, it seems employees prefer the versatility that comes with Amazon gift cards. In fact, 65% of coworkers favor Amazon gift cards, making it the go-to gift in today’s workplace.
Some of the Worst Gifts Given in the History of Giving Gifts
Some gifts are simply unforgettable—though for all the wrong reasons. From political memorabilia to broken items, these gifts have left recipients bewildered. Here are some of the most infamous responses from our survey:
- An IOU—(they forgot my gift).
- A $3 gift card to Subway.
- A plain card with no message or gift.
- A broken cup.
- Used makeup.
- A self-portrait of a fellow employee.
- A broken Santa Claus.
- An old toilet seat.
- A book with drugs hidden inside.
- A check that came with a warning not to cash it.
- A toy toilet that made funny noises.
- A painted rock.
If you’re considering gifting any of these items, it might be best to skip the exchange altogether.
METHODOLOGY
Zippia.com conducted a survey involving 500 workers, excluding participants from Alaska and Hawaii. Each respondent answered a series of questions aimed at understanding their views on office gift exchanges.
To Give or Not to Give
Thoughtful gifts can enhance workplace camaraderie, while poorly considered ones can lead to embarrassment. As preferences evolve, it’s clear that many employees now lean towards gift cards for their simplicity and versatility. The table below illustrates what gifts each state desires and what they want to avoid during office White Elephant exchanges.
What Gift Each State Wants (and Doesn’t) at Gift Exchanges
| State | Wanted Gift | Gifts Not Wanted |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Money | Money |
| Arizona | Money | Gift Card |
| Arkansas | Money | Office Supplies |
| California | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| Colorado | Money | Experience |
| Connecticut | Money | Money |
| Delaware | Gift Card | Experience |
| Florida | Useful | Office Supplies |
| Georgia | Gift Card | Money |
| Idaho | Money | Decorative |
| Illinois | Money | Experience |
| Indiana | Decorative | Money |
| Iowa | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| Kansas | Useful | Decorative |
| Kentucky | Gift Card | Experience |
| Louisiana | Decorative | Experience |
| Maine | Gift Card | Experience |
| Maryland | Gift Card | Experience |
| Massachusetts | Experience | Office Supplies |
| Michigan | Gift Card | Gift Card |
| Minnesota | Gift Card | Money |
| Mississippi | Money | Office Supplies |
| Missouri | Gift Card | Experience |
| Montana | Personal/Sentimental | Decorative |
| Nebraska | Gift Card | Experience |
| Nevada | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| New Hampshire | Money | Office Supplies |
| New Jersey | Gift Card | Money |
| New Mexico | Money | Office Supplies |
| New York | Experience | Gift Card |
| North Carolina | Gift Card | Money |
| North Dakota | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| Ohio | Gift Card | Experience |
| Oklahoma | Gift Card | Decorative |
| Oregon | Gift Card | Experience |
| Pennsylvania | Money | Experience |
| Rhode Island | Gift Card | Experience |
| South Carolina | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| South Dakota | Money | Experience |
| Tennessee | Gift Card | Experience |
| Texas | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| Utah | Money | Gift Card |
| Vermont | Personal/Sentimental | Office Supplies |
| Virginia | Money | Office Supplies |
| Washington | Decorative | Experience |
| West Virginia | Money | Experience |
| Wisconsin | Gift Card | Office Supplies |
| Wyoming | Decorative | Experience |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
