Advice on overly generous coworker

[cowplanet]

Hopefully you ladies can help me out here. One of my coworkers, a very sweet woman, has gone above and beyond on baby gifts. At the baby shower, she constructed a ship (nautical theme) and stuffed it full of baby goodies. We were overwhelmed by it all, but then yesterday she gave me another bag full of Carter's nautical baby line. I'm sure she's spent well over $100, maybe even $200, at this point. I thanked her profusely at the shower and also said she went overboard, and now we've got another big load from her.

Husband wants to make her take it back, but would that be insulting? Should we just be grateful and find a way to reciprocate (without being obvious that's what we're doing) in the near future? She's an aunt to many babies and said she just can't pass up cute baby stuff. MH is nervous that she's obsessing over our baby, but I know it's not us specifically, she's been going hog wild on all her family's babies this year.

Just ... advice? Thoughts? Perspective? I feel guilty. I don't want to take advantage, but I don't want to accidentally insult her, either!

[yummeecookee]

I wouldn't try and give it back to her. That may be perceived as insulting. I mean it is a little weird that she's going so crazy (unless you 2 are really close?). Maybe she just loves babies. I had ppl I never met before, friends of my MIL, send us gifts. Just bc I think old women have fun baby shopping- some ppl really love it.

I would continue to thank her, as you have, and write a hand written thank you if you haven't already. Maybe as a kind gesture you could offer to pick up some sbux for her on your way in the office?

[cowplanet]

yummeecookee - She just really loves babies (and is done having her own). Her Keurig in the office died, and she bought another (Mr. Coffee) but is thinking of returning it. If I can time it right, I'll buy her the next one, or if she beats me to it, then I'll get her a nice K-cup holder, since she's currently using a little cardboard box. Hopefully that, along with the thank you card, works!

[ECB]

Yes, what you wrote is the route I'd go. I would NOT "make" her take it back. yes, that would be insulting and rude. I get it that she's gone overboard but that's HER choice. Let her have her fun.

[moonandback]

Definitely just a handwritten thank you and a small act of kindness would be fine. She is likely just excited for you. Bring the baby in to meet her when he is born!

[junewife]

Jul 24, 2015 21:20:53 GMT -5 pineapplesmoothie said:

Maybe a nice basket with a bunch of kcups and a new mug or some snacks she likes? When you give it to her be like, "I've just been so overwhelmed by your generosity, I wanted to find a way to say thank you! Now, seriously NO MORE GiFTs! You're spoiling me and its just too much!" I'd probably make it like I was kidding and jokey, be like, seriously, stahp! No seriously.

This is perfect advice, along with a thoughtful hand written thank you note, and later a picture of the baby in one of the outfits she bought.