Economy & LaborJAN 11, 2024

40 Of The Most Disappointing And Outright Cruel Gifts People Received At Work

Mantas Kačerauskas and Robertas Lisickis

Corporate gifts have become a bit of a standard among many companies in terms of employee motivation. Whether it’s a personalized birthday gift or a gift given to everyone over the holidays, it’s definitely a great way to show the employees that their hard work and loyalty to the company have not been ignored.

Unless you’re like these folk on Reddit who themselves, or their friends and family, had to endure getting gifts that leave much—much—to be desired. It does beg the question of whether getting nothing would’ve been a better choice.

#21

40 Of The Most Disappointing And Outright Cruel Gifts People Received At Work

Starbucks gift card that had no money on it and they had no receipt for it.

SecretSocietyJ, Khadeeja Yasser / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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57points

It helps to add a personal note to the recipient. It doesn’t have to be a long message—heck, it doesn’t even have to be from the boss per se. From management or from the company can suffice, as long as it shows appreciation. Explain why you are sending the gift, make it personal, and sign it.

#22

A coin commemorating a billion dollars in sales.

Junkpunch44, Eduardo Soares / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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56points

#23

Expired food.

AmberStoneGirl, Jez Timms / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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55points

#24

A pack of 10 tissues at the onset of COVID.

Cymorg0001, Kelly Sikkema / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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54points

But if gift cards don’t sound like the best idea, consider compiling a gift box that might include some of the following items:

Hydro Flask, reusable lunch containers, work essentials for remote work, DoorDash coupons, mug warmers, plants like succulents, personalized alcohol, subscriptions to learning or self-development platforms, wireless chargers, books…

#25

Not me but a coworker at last year's raffle got a Nintendo DS cleaning kit. For a normal Nintendo DS, not even a 3DS. They aren't being made anymore.

Adventurous_Yak_9234, Stas Knop / unsplash (nit the actual photo)

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53points

#26

I used to work in a record shop in the UK and usually got a bottle of wine as a Christmas bonus. Then the company was bought by Virgin and our Christmas bonus was a copy of Richard Branson's (Virgin's CEO) autobiography.

TheEvilHypnotist, J. McKinney / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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52points

#27

My last job the company broke all sorts of financial records and gave everyone a very expensive glass thing with a decal of the refinery. Not only did it suck but all employees ended having to pay 75 dollars in taxes on it. So the 'job well done' cost 75 bucks.

Logic_rocks

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52points

… wireless speakers, item tags, noise canceling headphones, beauty and health care packages, eye wear or other accessories, DIY boxes, coffee, tea and anything in between.

And then don’t forget to slap that personal note on top of it and you’re golden. And if not, leave a feedback form and improve upon it.

#28

5 dollar Subway gift card. My boss made me come in on an off day to pick up because, “she did not want me missing the company bonus”. I really wonder if our managers need how much was on the cards? We talked about it for months.

Momnurseteach1014

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51points

#29

A long sleeve denim shirt with the company logo in the front above one of the front pockets..

In Florida. Plus we couldn’t wear denim at work so the only time we’d be able to wear the company shirt is on our own time (not happening) or when we’d have dress down day (again not happening).

When a coworker inquired where we could wear this since we can’t wear it to work they listed places (like a BBQ joint, the movies, etc.) and said we should be grateful since most places don’t give their employees gifts.

It was a call center. Could’ve given a blanket (since it was cold in the center), travel mug, anything except a shirt we can’t wear.

jennabellie

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47points

#30

At a company Christmas party they would raffle off prizes; one prize for each person. They guy in front of me won a Budweiser mini fridge with LED lights. The guy after me won a LG flat-screen TV. My prize? A Pepsi baseball hat with broken snaps.

startinearly

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45points

So, ever got something from your job that made you silently say “what the flip?” Share your experiences and thoughts on anything you’ve read here today in the comment section below!

And if you want more insultingly stupid gifts and perks that companies thought of giving, then look no further than this article.

#31

An email from the boss saying he is donating "on behalf of the company" to a charity he is a chairman of.

jayjayol, Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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45points

#32

A compulsory invitation to the holiday party.

Technically, I wasn't required to attend but it was a career-killer if you didn't. I had to spend money on a dress just for the party since I didn't have anything that was suitable, so not only did it cost *me* money, but I had to spend a precious evening pretending I liked my coworkers.

Particular-Natural12

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44points

#33

A pink slip. And I don't mean lingerie.

TableAssault:

A pink slip (in the US anyway) can be a notice of termination of employment or the title to a vehicle. I’m guessing OP didn’t get a new car as a gift, so… got fired.

ElvinBishop

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43points

#34

A cheap plastic key ring with the company logo on it after working 16-hour days for months to win a massive contract. No overtime paid either.

floydie1962, Kindel Media / unsplash (not the actual photo)

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43points

#35

The first company I worked for out of college gave everyone a “free turkey” around the holidays. It wasn’t really a free turkey, it was a $25 gift certificate to a grocery store that was inconvenient for 75% of the people working there. And $25 didn’t cover a turkey, of course. Turns out, the company owners had a stake in the store.

truthcopy

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42points

#36

A bottle of our restaurant’s “signature” steak sauce that no one really liked and that we all had free access to all day, every day at work. This was instead of the standard $100 cash bonus we normally got yearly.

LadyLixerwyfe

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41points