i love pink pineapple, yum

Pink pineapple? Hell, I live so far back in the woods, I cannot even get yellow potatoes!!!

I should have mentioned that my DH drinks out of a Yeti cup all day, every day. I don’t even know why we have glasses in the cupboard sometimes. My go-to is a floral print big Tervis cup. He has the tumbler style Yeti cup.

DH drinks out of this all day, every day.

My kids aren't fans of monograms or sayings but I think they'd think a single lowercase letter from the first name would be cool on a Yeti. Something personal but different.

Our Aldi has pink pineapple all summer and it is not only delicious, it’s pretty— which kind of makes it the perfect fruit.

No throws for me, either. When I get them as gifts I groan inwardly and regift asap.

Funky, I think your plan to give them something that can be used while at work is spot on.

My Yeti is 20oz (Stanley is a huge 40oz)

PS I drink out of my yetis all day long too if I am alone! Diff ones for different drinks.

Sue, my favorite for men (especially fiances or bf's the girls bring to Christmas eve) is the same as your DHs but in graphite ... which is sadly no longer produced. It is sooo handsome. A yeti tumbler with a starbucks or dunkin gift card inside makes a great gift for a guy you do not know!

The young girls also like these slim colesters -- they fit the white claws and similar cans. I won't drink out of a can but they are great by the pool.

For the gals, Yeti has ones with handles now. A spin of off the Stanleys, I want one because when my 30 oz is full it can be hard to grasp and pick up. Old lady grip problems!

Do you know anyone with a Criciut? You could have a single initial put on the cup with vinyl but it could be removed if they didn't like it. Takes a little work but not impossible to remove.

OK, i think I am back to the yetis ...

no monograms ... and while I think the lowercase initial is cute, I don't know that it fits all the women and I don't think it's a look that works for men. These aren't especially young adults.. the youngest are 27 and 28. All but one is married and most have kids.

So i think I am hearing no engraving? Correct? I thought the quote above is the least icky of inspirational quotes-- and I thought it reflected how I value the team but I am good to drop it. I also hear a loud no to anything representing our project (which btw is for a client-- not our company).

Do I go tumblers or water bottles? We are not all coffee drinkers ... some are tea drinkers. Water bottles seem most flexible to me however, I use my tumblers way more than my water bottles.

Again, thanks for all the input. I really need to get this wrapped up so I can focus on family gifts ... sorry if that sounds insensitive to my team members but it's the truth!

Rnmom ... good thought on the cricut but honestly, it is too much hassle for this month. Interesting on the handled cups. I don't like them but you are right that the stanley cups have become popular. It is an option.

When I hear office, I think of Coffee or Tea.
Glad that your finalizing your decision. Don’t second guess it again. It’s a gift from you and how thoughtful. What they do with it, after you give it to them is up to them. They will remember the note from you always.

By the way, I think it’s a great gift and if you have extras, send one my way😁

It isn't that I don't like Yeti containers it's just that I am very fussy as to what I use as a water bottle when running and hiking. I have two yeti coffee mugs in the cupboard and never used.

When at home I drink my tea/coffee out of pretty mugs and my water out of nice glasses.

I know you said no food but thought I'd throw it out there anyway - My 30-something kids and their partners are active and Christmas stockings always includes gluten free energy bars, a tube of electrolyte tablets (Nuun) for those longer runs or backcountry days, and a container/package of trail mix and, if I can find it, a package of dried fruit.

FWIW, DSIL, who I think is pretty cool, likes the wide mouth, chug cap over the straw cap. 26 oz or 36 oz size.

We have tumblers, and a GIANT water bottle that looks like small fire extinguisher (it’s red,) and dh LOVES his small low-ball size tumbler. It keeps ice in his cocktail from melting when we are tailgating or at an outdoor party. He even uses one to drink his milk before bed! 🤣

I actually think the lidded (large) tumbler is the most useful. I use it for tennis to the exclusion of all my other cups and water bottles.

While we don't have Yeti's, DH and I have a couple of tumbler types we use (the larger the better for water) and a couple of mug types for coffee that we use less often. DSs uses both also - larger (30 oz range) for water and smaller (20 oz?) for coffee. DS1 an DIL use water bottles. They either drink coffee at home or go out and get it. They don't carry it with them.

I thought of another option, especially if you think these employees may already have favorite water bottles -- a water bottle carrier. I do not know this seller and I know there are others -- I just searched Etsy because I know some are sold there aw well as at craft fairs, festivals, holiday marts, etc. but I know this pattern and a few variations on it are popular. They are sold displayed with water bottles, wine bottles, etc. and could be gifted that way as well. Apparently Oprah listed a mass market one on her favorite things -- a puffer jacket look, but I've been watching people make these since the pattern originated and you can get any level of customization you want out there -- even custom fabric.

Another popular item with the young and active crowd is a a cell phone strap -- a crossbody strap, probably has a zip pouch for carrying keys, cards, etc. in the front, and lanyard end with a cell phone tether. The tether is a piece that slips in the back of the phone case and has a part that extends out through the charging opening. That allows the phone to be clipped securely onto the end of the strap. All your essentials in a minimalist, hands free way and no need to dig into a bag if the phone rings, etc. I haven't made either of these yet but the reports in the group are that these 2 items and a mini backpack are the bestsellers for those who are making them to sell.

Big Yeti fan here. Only observation is that the larger bottles/cups are too big for my hands to hold and use comfortably.

As the recipient of 40+ years worth of corporate/networking/swag, please give a gift card or a donation. I shudder to think of the amount of "reusable" water bottles in the land fills.

DD just asked for a 40 oz hydroflask travel tumbler and I thought of this thread. And yes, her xmas list is illustrated LOL.

I’m probably the only person on here that doesnt use a yeti, etc. I dont like the feel of the aluminum or plastic. My husband does have one but it is rarely used. I guess we are old school.

I love Yeti and Stanley bottles, cups, tumblers etc. Consumables are always thrown away around here. Sorry that is such an individual thing and to me just a cop out like no thought was put into the gift and that is maybe because I have dietary restrictions so it is clear if you give it to me you didn't consider me. However getting a Yeti has always been appreciated, I have three all gifted and they get regular use. All other water bottles have gotten recycled to our charity thrift store. I'm not a fan of the Hydroflask - they don't keep things cold/hot the same as Yeti and Stanley and have been given away. Although all are dishwasher safe which is an important factor for me. My Yeti all have a logo on them, however I would appreciate it without an engraving and I think the idea of no engraving with a personalized note would be the best choice. As to bottle or tumbler - I don't think it matters. I do like having a bottle for when out and about so it doesn't spill vs. the tumbler is more in home use.

I am a teacher and i really need no more yeti or hydroflask tumblers. I find storing more than a few a PITA and I hate anything with a plastic top. Although I appreciate the generous nature of the gift I always end up donating 10 to 20 per year to good will. So not everyone appreciates them, sorry.

I prefer flowers, edibles and blankets at christmas. My best ever gift was an assembled lego bouquet.

I like it all so my favorite gift is something like the Louis Sherry chocolates that come with a decorative tin. They have so many different designs and the chocolates can be shared if one does not enjoy them. Once empty the tins are decorative and useful.

ETA: I think a personal note of appreciation is a wonderful idea regardless of any gift you may or may not choose. You are so thoughtful.

@roarah i can certainly understand how it is as a teacher with a whole classroom of kids giving gifts. That's not the situation here -- and as I noted, many employers in our industry don't give any gifts.

We are a consulting company and while most of my team members are employees vs contractors, they come from a contractor background and gifts/promos etc are rare. I want to foster a team environment -- and that is even more challenging given we are all fully remote. These are not highly personal gifts ... but rather gifts of appreciation.

Rubyclaire, I do love the Louis Sherry tins but they don't feel quite right for this group. So many of them have young children, I'd give something more family oriented If I were to give a food item. For now though, I would like to stick with something desk/work or travel related.

Thanks Lyfia and Sue and everyone else who has weighed in. I am noting that a lot of the women like the large handled tumblers... I don't but it is true that the larger ones are harder to handle (and I have big hands). I haven't used stanley but I agree that no other keeps ice cold like a yeti. It's why I use them even at home-- I would prefer a glass but the yeti keeps my drink cold and ice intact for a full afternoon/long meeting.

@Funkyart - The Stanley keeps ice in it for 24hrs. I fill my daughter's every morning and have to dump out some the next morning that is still not melted. I do like the handle on the tall Stanley tumbler, but like I mentioned prefer to have something that doesn't leak if it will fall over if I'm taking it with me.

Yeah, I have heard that about Stanley-- and I know all the tiktok girls love them. I'll stick with Yeti .. I know the styles and the quality. Not that I question Stanley but I have become much more brand loyal in my old age ... though they do have many more colors.

Do guys like stanley too or is it more of a girl thing? (not that I am being swayed lol.. but I am keeping a partially open mind)

I think you are safer with Yeti for guys…the Stanley has almost become a girl accessory, at least on TikTok. 🤣

Teacher or not I guess i am really just of the opinion that yeti gifting is no different than giving a mug. People who use and like water bottles likely have enough already. A yeti is the mug gift of the 2020s.

Ouch, ok @roarah -- what kind of gift would you like? I am not giving blankets or legos -- I agree they can be nice gifts but don't think either is appropriate for this group. Is there an edible that stands out for you?

I will be giving goodkarmals to some local business owners but it doesnt seem right for this group. I have given prindables chocolate/nut apples in the past but they don't seem all that inspired.

I am giving mariebelle hot chocolate in a gift exchange but i think you need to really love rich cholate to appreciate it-- and it isn't a "family friendly" hot chocolate ime.

I'd like to lean less sugary -- someone suggested protein bars but I just don't see that as a "gift".

I guess I am uninspired by edibles ... what have you liked?

There are edibles and there are edibles…

LOL .. indeed!

Spices? Penzeys has that great seasoned salt and California black pepper.

Because of these threads, I’m giving those waxed amarylis bulbs with a card to my very small team. We do comoany wide bonuses and gift cards, but you’ve inspired me to say a personal thank you!

I am sure your team will love the thought, Legomom!

I do love to give spices as a gift and I have a local artisan spice company that does a nice gift package -- but i have an international team who cook/eat different cuisines-- and some who do not cook at all.

I also have a great local creamery who make some interesting cheeses (so I am told lol.. I don't eat them) but, again, the tastes of my team vary so much. Also, I am sensitive to those who don't eat cheese (but have no idea if that applies to any of my team).

I am just stumped. I am sure there is a great food gift out there..

I do keep coming back to the pink pineapples. It kind of fits my style of gift giving.. something *I* like and that is a little unexpected, unusual and special. I am not sure all would appreciate it-- but it is currently in the running. I'd be more inclined to go this path if i could find a combination fruit basket with pink pineapple and other interesting fruits UNDER $75..

I think something food/fruit whatever related is much harder to do as a group thing and as mentioned I hate those kind of gifts and they go in the trash because I have a picky family as well. Things I've liked receiving in the past

- LL Bean zip jacket - it's the kind you can wear just sitting at home when cold working at my computer, or out hiking/running when cold - it is not a winter jacket, outside is not fleece, but it looks like a fleece jacket in style and inside is a bit fuzzy, but not fleece either. Of course something like this would require you to know their size.

- Technical gadgets.

Like small portable phone charger pack that lasts for 8hrs of charging or a USB hub plug that can take many cords of both USB-C and regular USB 2x. The charger may be more appreciated by me than others though because I use my phone as my insulin pump and bloodsugar meter so it is important for me to have it charged. I think it is a Ankara or something like it and it lasts for weeks without me needing to re-charge it. It is great for all day hikes or overnight hikes or travel, or when I'm going to an event and forgot to charge my device.

Aw, Funky, I’m going to be the cheap old curmudgeon again and suggest that you to just write the notes. Sincere, heartfelt, hand-written notes on beautiful stationery, perhaps even illustrated by you, are more likely to be remembered-even treasured- than any gift, no matter how hard you try to get it right. The international members especially may be more likely to appreciate something like that than one more ”thing.”

I know how much thought you put into selecting the right gift for your team. You want the recipient to like it but you also want them to know that you value them. That's a difficult task considering they're international, spread out and work remotely. I think the personal note is key here. It gives you the opportunity to individualize it by commenting on something they've done or suggested or discussed. It shows that you recognize their contribution.

It's obvious that water containers are popular, my kids have several, Yetis and other brands. However I'm guessing most people who like them already have one or two. If you decide to give Yetis I'm in the group that says to omit a quote or initials. We've received many corporate gifts over the years - car blankets, mugs, Yetis, wine glasses, vases, leather goods and usually donate them. At least if they're plain they could always pass it along.

Giving edibles to your team sounds like a difficult task. Have you considered a Goldbelly gift certificate? There's enough variety that your team members would probably find something they would enjoy. I'm assuming you plan on wrapping these yourself since you want to include a note with each one. You could package the GC in a little box with attractive wrapping to make it more presentable.

I hope you find something that meets your requirements. For someone as thoughtful as you are it is not simple.

Maire

Funky, you are so sweet to put so much thought into these gifts. I haven't read all the replies, but for me the personal note would be wonderful. If you feel you must add a gift, I agree with Maire regarding some type of gift certificate or maybe even a Visa gift card. Rather than receiving something they will not use, why not give something that enables them to buy something they want. It's especially hard since your group is scattered all over and you may not know personal tastes/likes of each one. Good luck!!

I appreciate everyone's suggestions and opinions. I have allowed this thread to go on too far. I just need to make a decision and go with it. I am sorry I've dragged you all down with me lol.

I'll figure it out ... but I will give a gift of some sort. That is my intention and my wish. Something between $5 and $75 lol. I don't think the dollar amount matters but I do have a budget lol.

Feel free to post additional ideas if you want but I am not going to keep asking questions or opinions... it just keeps this thread going and I don't want to be any more of an annoyance than I have already been LOL.

Thanks for indulging me thus far. :)

You haven’t been an annoyance at all, @Funkyart. I suspect that we posters have been a little. I think your situation is pretty tough and I’m sorry we haven’t come up with just the right thing for you. The fact that we haven’t just goes to show how difficult your quest is. Good luck to you. I hope inspiration strikes before it’s too late.

Something between $5 and $75……. Visa GC

Everyone thinks that’s a great gift.

Good luck finding the right gift.

<<Everyone thinks that’s a great gift. >>

Everyone but me.

With very few exceptions, I don't like giving them or receiving them. Still. that may be the path I go.

How about a Trtl travel pillow?

No, i bought one and they are kinda weird. i felt like i was faking whiplash for insurance fraud.

^😂

I posted this on the other Christmas Ideas thread. I have given these to co-workers for Christmas and they love them. you can get them on esty in many different fabrics and they are microwaveable and inexpensive. Here’s mine!

Yeti is my vote, medium size. I do like Dee's idea of their first name initial in lower case print. Kind of cool, actually.

Funky, you're such a kind and thoughtful person! I'll bet you're amazing to work alongside.

I don't dislike the Yeti bottle idea. Heck, I gave a few personalized Yeti bottles as gifts myself last holiday season. I added first names on one side, and chose from the Yeti "picture" options indicating the recipient's interest for the other side - one was a cool mountain scene, another a certain breed of dog. That said, I kinda have a love/hate thing going on with Yeti. I have a handled/lidded tumbler that was given to me a few years ago, and I just don't like to use it. Everything about it feels awkward in my hands. A decently-sized Yeti bottle is heavy and feels cumbersome to me. I use an Iron Flask that's very similar to the Yeti bottle though, and kind of can't do without it. (I actually have one at the office at one at home.)

I will suggest that a handwritten note expressing your gratitude might be a great accompaniment with whatever item you decide to go with, but I personally wouldn't give a note and consider it alone to be a "gift."

I say go with the Yeti. Some of your team will love it, some may say eh. Just like the members here. You're never going to get the perfect gift for a team that everyone loves. I think it's an appropriate gift.

What about giving them some seasoned nuts you make yourself? Really easy to do, has a personal touch, consumable, regiftable, shareable and no commitment. I have this book, but the internet is filled with sweet and savory nut mix ideas. There is one from Stop & Smell the Rosemary that has been very popular. And a Union Street one. I made up one for the holidays with black pepper, orange zest, dried cranberries and pecans, roasted to glaze. You beat an egg white until frothy to coat everything, add some sugar to taste and I used a little paprika to lessen the frosty white appearance of egg white and sugar alone, but it isn't necessary. You can put them in anything from a mason jar to a fancy jar or tin. Even a pretty stem, or dare I say, something like this. DS gave us a set of these one year and honestly, they are used more as ice cream dishes than stemware. Ice cream does not melt before you can eat it. It's amazing how cold it can remain in a Texas summer. This is the brand I mentioned the other son loves because they lid is leakproof for his coffee in the morning, but it all started with those ice cream dishes, I mean MargTini glasses (they will definitely keep a margarita or martini cold too).