If you work in an office, you’ve no doubt had your share of Secret Santa picks. Secret Santa is a fun and festive tradition, but it can be tricky when you work for a large company and don’t know your recipient very well. Or, it could be that you drew a person whom you don’t like very much and would rather not shop for. A friend of mine just shared that at a recent party her friends hosted, one woman had to buy a present for her ex-boyfriend’s new wife, who was also at the gathering. How awkward!
Of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be awkward. If you’re stumped about what to buy a person, simply think about what you might like. In a work environment, having a nice leather business card holder, cool office supplies, or a journal with a beautiful cover would be well-received by anyone. One of the best Secret Santa gifts I’ve ever received was a coffee mug with my name inscribed on the inside. It was perfect for the office, and made me feel good. I felt like the person made an effort to get something a bit more special without going over his budget.
I would steer clear of bottles of alcohol, unless it’s someone you know well. A Starbucks gift card is a no-brainer gift for most people. Even an iTunes gift card could come in handy for techy types who always seem to have the latest apps.
This is a chance to make someone feel good, so don’t just pop down to the CVS next door and buy a last-minute gift. Make the most of it!