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2005-11-07 7:38 PM

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: Workplace Gift Exchange
Well, today I received the formal invitation to my company's holiday party - actually, my company is rather large, so it's a department party, there will be about 80 of us. In any case, attending the party requires participation in the gift exchange. When we return our reply cards, we must list three items that we would like to receive for Christmas this year. And, much to my dismay, we are not allowed to include gift certificates or movie passes as one of our items. (Apparently they want everyone to show up at the party with a box/bag in hand, and not just an envelope.) My reply card will then be given to someone in my department (at random) and he or she will have to buy me one of my items. There is a $30 limit.

Unfortunately, I can't think of anything I need/want this holiday season except for swim, bike, run stuff. Do you guys have any suggestions of things that cost less than $30 and that wouldn't be too difficult for someone that barely knows me (i.e., has no knowledge I do triathlons) or has a clue about swimming, biking, and running to buy? I don't want someone to feel nervous/out of place by visiting a bike shop or something, so I'd like them to be able to go to a regular sporting goods store, etc. I am having trouble thinking of something since almost everything I need right now costs more than $30. I know I'll probably sound like such a weirdo to the person that gets my card, but I already have bars and gels listed (exact brands and flavors, and the name of the store right up the road from where I work that they can get them at)...hey $30 worth of that stuff would be a nice treat!!

This is my first Christmas with the company, so I wasn't aware of this tradition. Had I known, I would have been thinking about it throughout the year. Unfortunately, I am drawing a blank, but our cards are due later this week.

Please tell me I'm not the only one out there that can't think of anything besides tri stuff for their xmas list!!! I do have a digital camera on there, but that costs more than $30 and my parents are already taking care of it.

Any ideas are much appreciated. Thanks for your help!!!!


2005-11-07 7:44 PM
in reply to: #280079

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Master
1249
100010010025
Lexington, Kentucky
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange

goggles

socks (no, really, I wanted them!)

water bottles.

Include a url for your favorite reseller in your card - after all, they're asking.

2005-11-07 7:46 PM
in reply to: #280079

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2005-11-07 7:49 PM
in reply to: #280079

Giver
18427
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Powerbars or the like.
2005-11-07 8:17 PM
in reply to: #280079

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I do already have powerbars and gels on the list. I was thinking about books too, but I don't know which one would be the best one to put on the list (I'd imagine I could only get one for the budget)...any ideas??

The goggles did cross my mind, but I could just picture someone who never purchased goggles before in their life going to the local sporting goods store and staring at a wall of hundreds of goggles and trying to find the specific pair I listed....haha, I can see it now...But, putting ALL the details of the pair I want could help - they can just ask an associate to find it.

Thanks again!
2005-11-07 8:57 PM
in reply to: #280079

Pro
4612
20002000500100
MA
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange

See if you can suggest people to include a receipt with the gigt, just in case the item doesn't fit you, so you can get a replacement at the store.



2005-11-07 9:16 PM
in reply to: #280079

Champion
5183
5000100252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
carmichael training dvd?

swim fins?

specifc cookbooks for athletes?

yoga or pilates DVD's or equipment (mats, props, balance ball, etc)?

a subscription to a tri mag (if they are clever they will wrap up the most current newsstand copy)

a new gym bag, or toiletry kit for the gym?

a photo album (that you can put all your race shots in)?

disposable cameras (to take to races)?

deck shoes (flip flops/after race footwear)

small dumbbells in the weights of your choice, or exerbands.

cd's of great disco oldies (or your preferred w/o music)

a lot of this stuff is easy-peasy to get online.
and now I have something to think about instead of counting sheep tonight...
2005-11-07 9:29 PM
in reply to: #280079

Champion
11641
50005000100050010025
Fairport, NY
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange

Tubes
CO2 cartridges
running shorts
 

2005-11-07 10:19 PM
in reply to: #280079

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Thanks guys, lots of great ideas. I was thinking of running shorts or tops. But, the last thing I need is our CMO standing in Dick's trying to figure out which running shorts would be best for me... I already have the assortment of bars and gels on the list, I think I will go w/ one more triathlon-related thing, and then try to come up with a third item not related to sports and something someone can just run to the mall or Target to get.......now I have to brainstorm some more.

Do you guys have gift exchanges like this at work? I prefer when they have a lower limit (like $15) and when gift certificates are allowed. Heck, I'd have a list of a 20 items if we could put gift certs on there. Thanks again!
2005-11-08 6:07 AM
in reply to: #280099

Giver
18427
5000500050002000100010010010010025
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
How about "Becoming an Ironman"? I've seen it on the shelf at Borders and B&N...

LaurenSU02 - 2005-11-07 8:17 PMThanks for the suggestions so far. I do already have powerbars and gels on the list. I was thinking about books too, but I don't know which one would be the best one to put on the list (I'd imagine I could only get one for the budget)...any ideas??The goggles did cross my mind, but I could just picture someone who never purchased goggles before in their life going to the local sporting goods store and staring at a wall of hundreds of goggles and trying to find the specific pair I listed....haha, I can see it now...But, putting ALL the details of the pair I want could help - they can just ask an associate to find it.Thanks again!
2005-11-08 6:39 AM
in reply to: #280137

Veteran
303
100100100
SF soon!
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Uhhh...what possum said. I don't think you can go wrong with anything from REI, EMS, or Paragon Sports. And if you really, really can't decide, I could use some Nalgene bottles.


2005-11-08 7:41 AM
in reply to: #280079

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
I'm doign a secret santa thing with a bunch of my former floormates because we're all poor and can't buy things for everyone. We too have a 30 dollar limit. I listed the following as things I'd really love to have.

1) new bike gloves!!! (they're usually around 20 bucks, and mine are DEAD)
2005-11-08 7:46 AM
in reply to: #280079

Master
2946
200050010010010010025
Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Just ask for Chipolte gift certificates. MMMMMMmmmmmm.
2005-11-08 2:56 PM
in reply to: #280079

Master
2231
200010010025
Des Moines, Iowa
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange

Ask for some stuff that will freak people out....

1) Vaseline to prevent....well, you know...chafing.

2) A giant container of "Whey Protein"

3) Running shorts with built in underwear (thus begging the question, "You run with no underwear!?"  )

4) A box of vanilla "gu". 

5) Shark Repellent.

6) Dog Mace.

7) Bikers first aid kit (to stop bleeding and to dig gravel out of your skin after crashing and burning during the ride)

8) 3 bottles of glucosomine.

9) The book, "How to train until you PUKE."

10) A case of Gatorade.

Hope that helps!



Edited by shawn barr 2005-11-08 2:57 PM

2005-11-08 3:09 PM
in reply to: #280079

Veteran
407
100100100100
Dallas, Texas
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Hmm...would Bag Balm be too inappropriate for a company function?

Bill
2005-11-08 3:13 PM
in reply to: #280793

Pro
4292
20002000100100252525
Evanston,
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Hilarious suggestions, Shawn! Sure would liven up the party!

Make it "Butt Butt'r" instead of the vaseline.

But, given that the OP is a women, she probably doesn't want to go through all of this humiliation! If it were a guy, TOTALLY different story.

If anyone's wondering what to send ME for Christmas, make that a case of Chocolate Gu.


2005-11-08 3:25 PM
in reply to: #280079

Champion
6786
50001000500100100252525
Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange

smartwool socks!

bike tools like metric allen wrenches, small metric sockets, cable cutters,

bar tape?

gloves have been suggested

2005-11-08 4:41 PM
in reply to: #280213

Elite
2673
20005001002525
Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
run4yrlif - 2005-11-08 6:07 AM

How about "Becoming an Ironman"? I've seen it on the shelf at Borders and B&N...



For what it's worth...this is a GREAT book and a GREAT IDEA. EVERYONE training for or participating in triathlons ought to read this book. It is not a training book...it is a compilation of stories from various IRONMAN participants...from age groupers to DNF'ers, to pro's, etc.

Another idea might be a headlight like http://www.e-headlamps.com/energizer_3_led.aspfor night runs. It can be found at WalMart for the same or less.
2005-11-08 8:01 PM
in reply to: #280897

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: RE: Workplace Gift Exchange
Thanks guys! Lots of great ideas. I hope you all get what's on your Christmas Wish List

Next month, I'll let you know what I got...and who it came from...that can be intresting.
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