It is that time of year where it is time once again to try to figure out what to do for the people who work for/with me. Last year we had a great Open House in Manhattan, but for obvious reasons that won't be happening this year.

So what ideas can you come up with for gifts for a A) Personal Secretary, B) Lawyers who work for me, C) other secretaries who sometimes fill in?

One of the lawyers is a Yankees fan, so he is easy to deal with. I am always stumped about the others. If I was creative, I'd make something - but I have no creative bones in my body. So I have to shop (UGH - I HATE shopping at this time of year).

So what do you all do?

Thanks

For Personal Secretary - The World Cruise (I'm sure she keeps your office running like a fine Swiss watch!).

Other Secretaries who fill in - A B2B cruise, each! - They have to pick up where your right hand, Personal Secretary, left off!

Lawyers who work for you - Being Lawyers, they can afford their own cruises!

Kidding aside, how about gift certs for the ladies to a really nice spa for a day of pampering?

I like Denise's idea the best but just incase that doesn't fit into the budget...I think a gift certificate to a nice NY restaurant would be great or theater tickets if they're so inclined.

Or even an american express gift certificate.

I vote for spa time too. Some men actually love it as well. What could be bad about a nice massage?

Interesting candles...they must be VERY nice...are always big hits. Omaha Steaks...gift baskets....

For women....scarves....jewelry if you know them.

Interesting books or CDs if you know the person.

Nothing says 'thanks' like a Nordstrom gift certificate, if you have one of those stores locally.

I like the other ideas as well. Pears from Harry and David are divine and I mean divine.

MarnaLou

I LOVE the Royal Riviera pears from Harry and David ... :)

Masaki

Leckerli????????

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Leckerli
Yield: about 5 dozen cookies

Herme learned to make these chewy, nutty cookies flavored with spices and candied citrus rind from his father, an Alsatian baker, who picked up the recipe in Switzerland.

3/4 cup acacia honey
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground ginger
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of freshly ground white pepper
Scant 2/3 cup finely diced candied lemon and orange rind
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (4 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup kirsch (unsweetened cherry liquor)
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
1 1/2 tablespoons water

In a medium saucepan, combine the honey with the granulated sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and white pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey and sugar are melted, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the candied citrus rind, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the almonds and 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of the kirsch. Sift the 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and the baking soda over the mixture and stir to incorporate. Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Scrape the dough onto the plastic and flatten into a disk. Wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

Liberally flour a work surface. Roll out the dough to a 12-inch square about 3/8 inch thick. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and slide the dough onto it. Prick all over with a fork. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup of almonds on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar with the water and the remaining 2 teaspoons of kirsch. Bake the cookie square for 14 minutes, or until golden. Immediately brush the glaze on top. Slide the parchment onto a rack and let the cookie cool completely. On a work surface, using a large, sharp knife, trim the edges of the square, then cut it into four 3-inch-wide strips. Cut each strip into 3/4-inch bars.

Make ahead!
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.

Thanks for the recipe Kathy.
But it certainly was much easier to just ask Andi to bring some back from Basel! :)

Was it on VOF that we were passing them around?

Gil,

I posted it since I had to google it to find out what it was!

I was wondering what it was too! :)

Masaki

Yes, Andi was passing both that and Swiss chocolates around during VOF.

What do you think of the holiday suggestions?

i like the Harry & David idea - my secy happens to be a Fruitaholic!
And I think I am leaning towards a contribution to a charity group like LICares (Group started by Harry Chapin to provide food to those who can't afford it) in the name of each of the people who do not work for me, but just backup occasionally.

Good idea, Gil.

Leckerli is a Swiss cookie. Depending on the recipe, it can be hard (like Biscotti) or chewy. Either you love it or hate it. It is like a hard Christmas fruitcake, with lots of chunks of fruit in it. There is a new version this year which I prefer....Ginger leckerli. It has a tang to it. I am a Leckerli lover, but prefer the grocery store, not bakery versions.

Good choices, Gil. I especially like the charitable contribution!

i love the idea of the donation to LICares. and for your secy yes, i think it's a good choice for the fruit. :)

10% discount coupon for Harry and David came in a credit card statement for a client today:

Coupon Code H-17 - offer 941600
One discount per order limited to the first $1000.

Oooooh!!

Masaki

Kathy - thanks for that information. I wonder if it is "Kosher" to use that #, or was it to a very specific, defined customer?

Gil: When I read 'Kosher" I thought I was on that other thread - Joanna

As a law school professor of mine used to say "It's all the same case." So isn't this Board just one large thread.

(BTW - That professor also said that there would NEVER be a role for computers in the law! )

Gil,

It was a coupon stuffer in a Sparkeletts Water Bill and was generic.

I just remembered when I went there to order some cookies that I like Mrs. Beasley's, too. They do mail-order baked things. The chocolate truffle cookies are indescribable.

I just ordered Aunt Ruth a box of Royal Rivieras from Harry and David and some chocolate truffle cookies from Mrs. B's. She'll be a happy girl.

MarnaLou

You are a nice niece!! Joanna

Speaking of coupons, my Joanna e-mailed me last night that if you google a store with the search words "coupon code", you might be able to get a coupon to print out. She did this at Ann Taylor and saved $50!

Thanks, Olivia...I am in coupon Nirvana!

http://www.coupon-codes.net/

http://www.webbuyingguide.com/coupons/?var=5

http://www.coupons-coupon-codes.com/