I have a department "director" (I use that title loosely) whom I never see due to schedule differences. I found out he gave holiday gifts to the employees whose schedules are the same as his. He works days and some of us work evenings. It's not just a matter of a co-worker giving gifts. He is the overall department DIRECTOR. I think it is inappropriate to give gifts to just some. Is it just unethical or do I really have a right to be hurt? Should I take it up with him or even with HR? Or do I just let it die? He certainly knows who we are when he needs something from us, yet failed to contact us in any way (phone, email, via another management person) to even wish us "others" happy holidays. I'm feeling like this is his way of saying look for employment elsewhere. (And believe me, the ones he left out are good employees, the whole lot of them feeling hurt.)

If he used company funds to buy gifts, or wrote it off as a business expense, which I don't know how you would find out, then you have a complaint.
Otherwise this is not your concern. Giving a gift is a personal act.
It is neither inappropriate nor unethical to give gifts to a select few, regardless of managerial role in the company.

As for sending a message to quit? Totally off the wall.

He isn't obligated to give gifts and I don't think it means look for employment elsewhere. I would think you should be happy you have employment in these tough times. Just let it lie or your unhappiness with this situation may be construed as not being happy in your job, and you may be out in the cold with no money to buy for those you care for

Unless this was company gifts, it is none of your business who he gives gifts to. He knows the other workers better, and most likely has a more personal relationship with them. So if he did this with his own money. You are being silly. A gift is just that, something person that is given.