Quick and Cheap Christmas Ideas for Co-Workers

If you thought family was hard to shop for, just wait until it's Secret Santa time at work. Choosing the right gift for anyone is hard, it may even be more difficult if you end up having to buy a gift for someone you barely know. Or it could be a good friend, either way, gift giving isn't always easy. But here are a few ideas, and some tips to consider.

First, give yourself a budget, some rules of office gift giving might have a price range already set. That makes it a little easier. Next, think to yourself, "What is this person like? What are they into?". Look around their desk, or locker, and check if they have anything personal in plain sight. This could help you determine what they are into, and you could just buy a gift that compliments that item. Examine that person's look, what clothes do they wear, what accessories do they have on, and just add to their collection. Purchasing something useful and that they may use on a regular basis is always a good idea. Hard to go wrong with an item that is used often and makes their routine easier.

Gift Cards. If you know their hobbies, a gift card is easy and useful. For example, if your co-worker is usually spending her break reading books, then perhaps a gift card to a book store will be suitable. Or if you know the reciepient's hobbies, like maybe woodworking or home remodeling, a Lowe's gift card will come in handy. Movie junkie or music buff, even video games and gadgets, a BestBuy gift card is perfect to give them a variety of items to choose from. A low amount will help add some money and they can get what they want, just like a discount.

Home-made bath salt. Ladies enjoy pampering themselves! Making your own bath salts is cheap, easy, and gift worthy. All you need is a box of epsom salt, scented oil, ziploc bag, and a tight sealing jar. Mix the salt and oil into the bag, mix by hand. Get it well scented and then place a good amount into the jar, and it turns out to be an instant gift! You can even add a few decorative soaps and lotions to make a gift basket.

Hot Cocoa mix. Easy and cheap. During the cold weather, hot chocolate is a treat. You can buy cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, add some chocolate chips and place them all in a jar. Tie a ribbon and you have a gift that you can even make for several people.

Put a bow on these and purchase a Season's Greeting's card to go with each one, and you have great inexpensive gifts for who ever you choose. Or spread the joy around and you can even give one to each of your employees.