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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I'm learning that it's very common for people in my firm to give cash gifts to their secretaries for the holidays... Is this common? It feels weird for me to give my secretary a card with money in it, but it's apparently the norm. I was thinking I could do a Visa or Amex gift card, but if cash is what would be preferred, I can go that way, too. I'm assuming cash would always be appreciated, right?
At the same time, it seems very weird to me that one would give cash as a gift on a professional level... but that is apparently the norm here and, from what I've gathered from friends, at other large firms as well.
(Last year, I only had my secretary for about a week when the holidays rolled around, so I got her a nice bottle of wine and Godiva... this year's a little different as I've had my current secretary for a while...)
Your thoughts?
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Posted 12/19/07 2:10 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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nylisa
My Children
Member since 5/05 7905 total posts
Name:
MaMa
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I am a secretary at a large law firm and mostly all the attorneys I work for give me cash. Those that don't, they usually give Amex gift cards, gc, etc.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:12 PM |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I think that if everyone else in your firm is doing it--you might as well jump on the train. I too would feel better giving a visa or amex gift card--but cash could be better for them to be able to use.
Might as well stick with what works in the office...i'm sure your Sec/AA would be happy no matter what.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:12 PM |
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Wendy
Wheeee!
Member since 5/05 13736 total posts
Name:
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I definitely would have preferred ca$h over the Lord & Taylor gift card I got 
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:12 PM |
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kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Def, Def, Def give cash. I'm giving my assistant $100 tomorrow. And when I ws an assistant I appreciated the cash as well.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:13 PM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
Member since 1/07 5213 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I am giving my assistant either cash or an Amex giftgard. I think I may put a small gift with it. It seems to be the norm at this firm and at my last firm.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:14 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Posted by nylisa
I am a secretary at a large law firm and mostly all the attorneys I work for give me cash. Those that don't, they usually give Amex gift cards, gc, etc.
You'd be the one to ask then!  
Thanks for answering! If cash is the norm and the most appreciated, I will go that route!
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:14 PM |
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DonnaJoe708
Hello
Member since 5/05 4002 total posts
Name:
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I've been an Executive Assistant for 10 years, and I've never received cash as a gift. (Not that I would turn it down if I did!) I've received many gift cards, spa gift certificates, wine, chocolate, etc. over the years and I don't think any of the other assistants that I've worked with ever received cash either.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:15 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Posted by Kara
but that is apparently the norm here and, from what I've gathered from friends, at other large firms as well.
In financial firms, most especially trading desks, admins are usually given their bonus, and additional monetary compensation. The additional is usually taken from the Head Trader's "profit" and out of pocket.
I wasn't an admin, but two years ago, the trader I worked for gave me a significant bonus and instead of an out-of-pocket gift, he bought me an LV bag...that was above $1K.
Now, in regards to your situation - Of course it's greatly appreciated, no matter what you give them, but remember it's "in addition" to her bonus, if she did receive one. I would ask other department heads what they give their admins, and go from there.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:15 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Posted by KrisT
I am giving my assistant either cash or an Amex giftgard. I think I may put a small gift with it. It seems to be the norm at this firm and at my last firm.
I'm going to give a bottle of wine and some baked goodies with the cash, too... I can't just give her an envelope. I know that's silly, but it feels funny! LOL
It seems like it's the norm at law firms, which is what I just wanted to confirm... so I feel less weird about it now.
Thanks all!
Message edited 12/19/2007 2:17:47 PM.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:16 PM |
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Carolyn
.....
Member since 5/07 5351 total posts
Name:
Twin mommy
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I am very close with my secretary so I bought her a gift (Burberry umbrella) and I will also give her a small Amex gift card.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:19 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I usually get a check from my boss, the other one gives me a half case of great wine. Mostly, a small gift and money is the norm here.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:28 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
My brother's a lawyer at a big firm and I know that last year he gave his asst cash and a coffee gift set. I think giving something small along with the cash is always nice.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:51 PM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I work for 3 attorneys in a very large firm... last year I got cash from the partner I work for and gift cards to stores that I like from the other two.
This year one of them bought gifts off my baby registry for me, but asked me first if I would mind gifts for the baby or if I wanted something specifically for me. Baby all the way. 
If you don't know what they like then cash is the way to go IMO.
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| Posted 12/19/07 2:51 PM |
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toni-mike
???????
Member since 10/07 1196 total posts
Name:
Toni
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I have been a secy/admin asst/glorified secy  most of my life. & I have always gotten mostly $$$ gifts. Once in a while I get a gift card , but its from someone who knows what store i like. Money is always appreciated hth
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:09 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I'm giving a gift card. I would feel strange giving cash even though a gift card is virtually the same thing.
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:11 PM |
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Dani922
Here's to new beginnings
Member since 10/07 7260 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I'm a secretary in a real estate office & last Christmas I did get mostly cash gifts. I also got a couple of gift cards, cute little knick-knacks, and Godiva gift basket (YUM!). I appreciated all of the gifts I recieved because everyone was so thoughtful & generous.
If your not comfortable with cash, a gift card or a nice gift basket would be just fine IMHO.
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:20 PM |
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Preguntas
it's pretty precious
Member since 1/07 3839 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Gie he rsingles so she can hit the strip clubs.
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:21 PM |
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Laura1976
Member since 5/05 5754 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I work in a brokerage firm all the assistants are usually given cash from their bosses. Nothing else is really acceptable.
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:42 PM |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Posted by Preguntas
Gie he rsingles so she can hit the strip clubs.
I never realized that people give their admins cash as a holiday gift. I worked at a mid-sized firm and no one ever did that.
I work for a much smaller firm now. I mainly gave my work to one secretary, but she left 2 months ago. I have no idea if I'm supposed to buy gifts for people and there's no one here I can ask about that. 
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:50 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
Posted by Preguntas
Gie he rsingles so she can hit the strip clubs.
Perrrrfect!
I'm off to the bank to cash a check. I can't wait to see the look on the teller's face when she asks me how I want that, and I say "singles."
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| Posted 12/19/07 3:53 PM |
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Reese32
LIF Adult
Member since 7/07 3631 total posts
Name:
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
When I was a legal secretary, the attorneys I worked for gave me cash (and some also gave me a small gift) and it was greatly appreciated.
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| Posted 12/19/07 4:15 PM |
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MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I worked for a Stock Firm, and i was given A check from the owner, plus the brokers gave me mostly cash, and other brokers gave me nice gifts. wich was thoughtful, cause they are men, and most just threw crumpled up cash at me....Which i gladly took!
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| Posted 12/19/07 4:31 PM |
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Jessee
LIF Adult
Member since 3/06 1260 total posts
Name:
Jessee
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
I'm doing a Saks Gift Card.
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| Posted 12/19/07 4:39 PM |
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BlondeJD
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 1068 total posts
Name:
Me!!!
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Re: cash gift for secretaries / admin assistants
At my firm, it seems like everyone gives cash or a gift card. Our big debate (among my group of friends) was always how much we should give. Theoretically, it's supposed to increase each year you're at the firm.
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| Posted 12/19/07 4:56 PM |
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