My work mug was given to me by a coworker. I don't love the mug, but I love the coworker. So 3+ years later, even though we're on different sites now and I only see him at company events, I still happily use this mug. He probably doesn't even remember giving it to me.
I now abstain from these gift swaps after receiving way too many mugs. Apparently the only thing people know about me is that I drink coffee. And it has never occured to them that, as someone who drinks a lot of coffee, I already own a mug.
I organised my family's KK this year. I got my brother in law. He put the exact bottle of whiskey he wanted on his wish list. I bought it. Job done.
My nan got me (I set up my nan's login because she doesn't have or do any internet, so getting me was the perfect outcome). I just told her to get me a Dan Murphy's gift card. Bam. Easy.
It's such a sterile process though lol
Ask for what you want, get it. Not much thought goes into it unless you go outside the wishlist.
It was more directed at the office kk. I've always worked for smaller companies so I know everyone but my husband has worked for larger companies where he's pulled a name out of a hat and gone "who the fuck is that?".