Trying to find a Secret Santa gift for a work colleague can feel like a challenge, particularly if someone gets a coworker they don't know very well. But it is possible to come up with a gift they will enjoy rather than throw in their bottom drawer to gather dust.
Secret Santas – also known as Kris Kringles – are a holiday tradition where family members, friends, or in this case, work colleagues, put their name in a hat and select someone to anonymously give a gift. There is often a limit on how much the Secret Santa can spend, with $10 and $20 common amounts.
Finding Secret Santa Gifts Under 10 or 20 Dollars
While the budget may seem restrictive, there is a surprising amount out there in the world that costs less than 10 or 20 dollars. An increasing number of gift websites have pages dedicated to office Christmas presents, and allow users to select spending limits.
Items such business card cases, emergency phone chargers, picture frames for their desk, mood clocks, and USB Cup Warmers are among a long list of suggested gifts.
By subtly observing the colleague, it is possible to come up with something they could actually use. If the office has a kitchen, and they always eat out of plastic takeaway containers at their desk, why not buy a great bowl and some cutlery for them to use at work. Do they use Styrofoam cups? A quality mug is much nicer to drink from, and replacing water bottles with a stylish reusable one will help save the environment.
The co-worker who is always nibbling on chocolate will welcome a selection of top shelf truffles or handmade chocolates. The coffee addict will find a very good home for quality coffee and a tea-loving colleague will enjoy saying goodbye to teabags with their own office teapot set.
Secret Santas Who Give the Gift of Music Rock
For those who love their music and are technologically savvy enough to download a tune or two, a digital music gift voucher is the way to go. Rather than unwrapping a single CD that they may already have, or simply not like, the recipient can choose from an entire digital music library to add to their collection.
If the colleague is an Apple user or has an iPod or iPhone, then an iTunes gift certificate is a winner. As well as music, they can be used to download audiobooks, TV shows, movies and more.
Introduce Gift Suggestions to the Work Secret Santa Tradition
One way to take the guess work out of what a colleague would like for Christmas is to allow them to suggest some gifts. Some workplaces allow people to put a list of ideas into the hat with their name, to point their Secret Santa in the right direction. While it may seem churlish to give a wish list to a Secret Santa, it can be very useful, especially when the person doesn’t know the colleague they are going shopping for.
What Not To Give as an Office Secret Santa Present
Secret Santas may be secret, but the person who receives the gift is not, so don't take the opportunity to make a pointed comment about a co-worker, no matter how unpleasant they may be to work with. Deodorants, breath fresheners, or one-way train tickets are not appropriate.
As social psychologist Sydney Crown told the BBC, "Gifts are loaded with meaning as people reflect their true feelings in the present they send. Secret Santa may be good for hiding the identity of the sender but it can't hide your reputation."
Don’t re-gift a dull Secret Santa gift from another work colleague the year before, no matter how tempting it might be. Some colleagues have long memories for such things and offenders are likely to get caught out.
While it may seem obvious, it’s worth remembering that sexual gifts are often considered inappropriate, and that in some companies human resources would consider them a grave offence. Alcohol can also offend some people. A co-worker could be a recovering alcoholic, or may not be able to drink due to religious or medical reasons.
Enjoying the Office Secret Santa Swap
It may seem corny to some, but sharing a Secret Santa with work mates can be a way to lighten the mood and add a little festive cheer to the working day. So enjoy the experience.
And remember, if there’s a cap on the amount that can be spent, it’s a cap on the price, not the value of the gift. There’s a lot to be said for cheating and hitting some sales or a discount store and picking up something special that’s had its price slashed. Then keep them guessing as to who the generous Secret Santa was and whether they’ll be back next year.
Share the Best and Worst Secret Santa Gifts
Ever received a Secret Santa present that got it just right? How about one that was so shockingly bad, it deserves points for creating a good story to tell friends over Christmas drinks? Why not share your best and worst Secret Santa Gifts below. Just click on the comment box, and give readers a few more tips on what to buy – and what to avoid – this Christmas.
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Amanda Woods - Amanda Woods is a journalist and producer with more than 15 years experience in radio, television and print. She now enjoys sharing her ...
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