I'm not into the gift thing at work either. I like the lunch idea because you get extra time away from work and it's everyone for them selves to pay for it. The gift thing just adds another bill to life's expenses and when you're not getting raises and are at risk of loosing your job due to downsizing, it makes it harder to afford. It seems people complain about not having enough money through out the year but at christmas time everyone wants gift exchanges. Where did they all of the sudden come with all this money? As for paying for your own lunch if you can't afford for yourself you don't feel bad, but not being able to afford these gift exchanges can make some folks feel a little guilty. Stick with the lunch thing and ditch the gifts.