TIFU by buying an offensive gift for secret Santa.

This was actually 7-8 years ago, shortly after starting my first job.

TIFU by committing a grave error at my first secret Santa that made me feel like a complete idiot. It was my first job, 6 months in. As a shy and reserved person, I was hesitant about participating in the Secret Santa, but I finally gathered the courage to take part in the festivities.

I was thrilled to draw buy a fun-loving girl who often joked about her weight with me. I regularly workout, we had some good laughs.

I thought I had the ideal gift when I bought her a protein shake, a bottle of alcohol, and a "diet spoon" with a hole in the end of the bowl section. I thought she would find the gift funny and appreciate the gesture, but I was wrong.

On the day of the gift exchange, everyone's presents were laid out in the middle of the office, labeled "To x, from Santa." As people began opening their gifts, the room was filled with laughter. However, when it was my Secret Santa's turn, things took a turn for the worse.

She opened the gift and fell silent. The room was filled with an awkward tension, and all eyes were on her as she looked around at everyone with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. She abruptly stood up and stormed off to her desk, leaving me feeling like a complete idiot. As the girls in the office soon turned into detectives, trying to figure out who had given the gift, I was consumed with panic and regret. I was sweating profusely and felt like the prime suspect in a workplace scandal.

Finally, I saw an opportunity to make amends when the receiver was alone at her desk, looking upset. I rushed over to her, apologizing profusely and explaining that the presents were from me and that I had meant them to be a joke. To my relief, she burst out laughing, relieving me of my shame. She was upset because she had thought the presents were from a colleague who she didn’t get along with.

From that day on, I learned my lesson and made sure to stick to the safe and traditional options when it came to future Secret Santas (usually chocolate and a drink). So, if you're ever in doubt about what to get, remember this cautionary tale and avoid the risky and offensive gifts. And always remember, it's not worth the risk of causing a workplace scandal!

TLDR: I bought a risky and offensive gift for my first Secret Santa, leaving her feeling angry. I learned my lesson and stuck to traditional options for future Secret Santas, and you should too.