A former primary school teacher has ignited a fierce online debate after executing a perfectly petty revenge on colleagues who openly mocked her Secret Santa gift during a chaotic office swap.
The Thoughtful Gift That Backfired
The woman, who shared her story on Reddit, explained she always puts considerable effort into her Secret Santa presents. She ensures they are slightly over the agreed price limit and are easily re-giftable should the recipient not appreciate them. Having received some lacklustre gifts herself in the past—including a dented tin of expired butterscotch and a pair of fuzzy pink handcuffs—she was determined to be generous.
For last year's exchange, which her school had morphed into a "Yankee Swap" (where participants can steal already-opened gifts), she chose a Disney Villains Stained Glass mindfulness colouring book. It featured intricate designs of characters like Hades and Maleficent. "I hoped someone would love it," she wrote.
A Public Snub and a Swift Retaliation
Her hopes were dashed when the teacher who unwrapped her gift reacted with palpable scorn, rolling their eyes in disdain. "I was crestfallen," the poster admitted. However, she quickly devised a plan for retribution.
When her own turn came, she had opened a bottle of cheap body wash. Seeing her chance, she used her swap turn to reclaim the colouring book. "'I’ll take…that, please!' I smiled, pointing at my colouring book," she recounted. The scornful colleague's "face fell" as they were left with the unwanted body wash instead.
The original giver kept the book, stating she would never give it up and now smirks like a "pre-epiphany Grinch" when she sees it. Her final verdict on the situation? "Bah humbug, baby."
The Court of Public Opinion: Who Was in the Wrong?
The story has divided readers, sparking a broader conversation about gift-swap etiquette and appropriate workplace behaviour.
Many sided with the teacher, advocating a self-preservation strategy. One commenter advised, "Whenever I do a swap... my rule is that the gift I bring must be something I would be happy to go home with." Another criticised the inherent flaw in low-budget swaps, where people bring items of vastly different value and quality.
However, others felt the gift itself was the problem. "A colouring book? I would definitely put that in the category of a sad gag gift," argued one user, suggesting the body wash was preferable. Another conceded that while a teacher might not want a Disney colouring book, the colleague's overt contempt was unacceptable.
The consensus highlights a tension between thoughtful giving and practical expectations, especially when a Yankee Swap introduces a competitive, public element to holiday gift-giving. The incident serves as a stark reminder that office festivities can sometimes reveal more about workplace dynamics than holiday cheer.
