Why I Can’t Do The Office Gift Exchange

This afternoon was our annual office holiday luncheon. As is tradition, it included a gift exchange. And for the second year, I bowed out.

Don't get me wrong, office gift exchanges are fun, they just give me anxiety.

There are a couple different ways to run the game, here's how we do it:

• Gifts should be at least $10
• Numbers are handed out to everyone who brought a gift.
• As the numbers are counted off, coworkers choose a gift and open it in front of the group.
• The next person in line can either steal a gift that's already been claimed, or choose one that hasn't been picked yet.
• Once a gift has been stolen three times, it's officially "frozen" and can't be stolen again.

It's a lot of fun to watch. There are some really good gifts (usually alcohol related), and there are some booby prizes (like the large guy who got small slippers).

But here's my problem with it - when I get something that I really want, I get all uptight about someone stealing it from me for the rest of the game. In fact, I get uptight to the point that it gives me anxiety. Especially if I end up with something that I really want to keep.

Again, the game is fun to watch, but over the years I've decided that it's more fun for me as a spectator than it is as a participant.

Does your office do gift exchanges? Do you join in? Tell us your best (or worst) office party prizes in the comments!