2007 Secret Santa Gift-Giving Guide: iTunes Cards, Store Gift Baskets Are Big Hits

It's time for that annual tradition in offices around the country of picking names out of a hat hoping you know the person well enough to get a present they may like. In my decade and some change of working for the man, the average Secret Santa gift costs between $25 and $50. Here is a good rundown of things to get (so your gift doesn't stink):

Itunes Gift Cards - Between $10 and $50

For those music lovers in the office, you can buy these cards just about anywhere these days including the Apple stores or www.apple.com. As a side note, this obviously won't work if the person is using a Zune or their phone to play their music. If that is the case, you can go that respective site and get a gift card there.

Ties/Scarves -- Between $15 and $50

This can be a bit tough depending on the style of the person for whom you are gifting. A general rule of thumb for both ties and scarves is to keep it simple and do not offend. Try to keep it all a bit on the conservative side, the colors solid, and no crazy designs!

Plants - Between $15 and $25
I know it may sound a bit "dorkey". But giving a fellow office worker a plant is actually a great idea. You can get a fern from a local florist. Ask for something that doesn't mind the florescent light we are all used to and one that doesn't require major watering. My co-worker received a plant last year and those in his "cube-farm" had a good time naming it and taking care of it throughout the year.

Writing Instruments- - Between $20 and $50

Even at the office where we constantly are stealing pens from each other, a decent pen with engraving can be had for under $50. Even if it isn't a Mont Blanc, a nice silver colored pen with a person's name engraved tends to make the person feel special.

Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts "Coffee Lovers" Gift Baskets - Between $15 and $40

Go to your local major chain coffee house and buy the following: A branded travel mug, a gift card with some money on it, and a pound or two of the best ground beans. Place all of the contents into the popcorn bucket, wrap it in some colorful clear plastic, and tie it together with a Bow.

"Night at the Movies" Popcorn Buckets - Between $15 and $50

This is one of my personal favorites to give. It can be a bit risky however unless you have a bit of knowledge about the person you are gifting. Go to your local market and purchase the following: A Popcorn bucket, a box of microwave popcorn (with movie popcorn butter topping), several large boxes of Milk Duds, Goobers, Raisinettes, and a few movies. If you are completely unsure of a movie selection, privately ask a co-worker who knows the person. This way you don't get them something they hate. Or if you want to spend a bit more, go with a Netflix subscription. A 3 month two at a time is ~$40. This will allow the gifted person to pick their own movies. (go to www.netflix.com for more information on gifting Netflix subscriptions). Place all of the contents into the popcorn bucket, wrap it in some colorful clear plastic, and tie it together with a Bow.

I personally have always been nervous with the Secret Santa gift giving, as I've never wanted to give a bad gift. After more than a decade in the game, this list should be a decent start for Secret Santa gifting this Holiday Season. (And if my Secret Santa is reading - I love horror movies, but the Notebook was pretty good too)