An Office Holiday Gift Idea
Finding Gifts for CoWorkers

If you need the secrets to finding a great office holiday gift idea, you've come to the right place! Once a year I get to hear the continued saga of office gift giving from my brother-in-law, Steve, who works in the financial department of a health clinic.

With every year comes the same questions - Do you have to buy a gift for the co-workers you don't like? Are you supposed to get something for your boss? What if everyone else wants to do Secret Santa, but you hate the gifts they give every year? Would you like to get everyone something, but don't have much to spend?

These guidelines and office holiday gift ideas will help you decide what you would like to give your co-workers this year:

Take the opportunity to let people know you appreciate them. During regular business and dining, you tip people who assist you. Office gift giving is similar. Even a simple card with a handwritten message can show your recognition and gratitude. Be sincere and write something like `It's been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to next year.' or 'You have helped me through many challenging projects in the last few months. I'm glad to be on the same team.' You can include a gift card from a nearby coffee shop or deli for five or ten dollars.

Give because of pleasure, not because of pressure. If you don't feel comfortable joining the established office gift giving rituals, start your own. I like these ideas: A gift for the whole group like a toaster oven for the break room or live plants for the workspace, cappuccinos and pastries brought in one morning, traditional holiday food you have prepared, crates of Clementine oranges (which are usually on sale during the winter holidays), or a donation to charity in the name of the whole team.

If you are giving individual office holiday gift ideas, give something small. Remember the idea of a tip - just a token of appreciation to pave the way for future dealings. Give tickets to a professional seminar, a subscription to a magazine, small lunch cooler with sports drinks inside, gift certifcate to bookstore or used bookstore, a travel comfort kit (horseshoe shaped neck pillow, eye and ear plugs, etc.), something for his/her desk like an organizer, lamp, fun mouse pad, mini vacuum, personalized stamp, or a set of strong magnets. Also see the Gift Basket Idea page.

If you want to give a special gift to a person you are closer to, do it privately. Don't risk hurting other co-workers feelings. Give a gift to this friend at lunch one day or invite them to your home for a party. I would still recommend keeping the gift small unless you have a friendship that extends outside the workplace. Look at Cheap Holiday Gift Ideas for friends and family.

Also see:
What to Get the Boss

A Secret Santa Gift Idea - 25 Surreptitious Holiday Gifts



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