Secret Santa Gift Ideas

It's bound to come up in most every office you work in during the holidays-the Secret Santa gift exchange. Sure, you may not be required to participate, but it's likely you will end up doing so anyway. It can be a fun activity, but what if you don't know much about the co-worker you're shopping for? Here are a few ideas that would be good for just about anyone.

#1: Gift cards Most offices generally have a spending limit of $20 per person, and if you are unable to think of a specific gift for your co-worker, a gift card to a store or restaurant usually works for everyone. Notice that your co-worker gets lunch from Subway everyday? Give them a $20 Subway gift card, and you'll pay for a few days worth of lunches.

#2: Movie tickets I worked at an organization where several of the offices worked across town from one another, yet our holiday events were all held in one location, with all offices participating. I had only met the co-worker who I had chosen as a Secret Santa once, so I was puzzled at what to get her. After asking her friends what she might like, I learned that she liked movies. Rather than buy a movie I think she might have enjoyed, I decided to go to a local theater and buy her two movie passes. This way, she was able to pick her own movie to see, and could take a friend. I wrapped the gift with a theater-sized box of candy, to add a special touch. She loved it!

#3: Coffee I know it might seem stereotypical, but most of my co-workers (including myself) drink coffee every morning. A good gift idea would be to buy a nice coffee cup that your co-worker could use, and add a bag of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in a gift bag to give them options for their morning ritual. It will likely be a big hit if the coffee runs out one morning in your office, and your co-worker will thank you for the gesture!

#4: Magazine subscriptions Magazines are the gifts that keep on giving once each month, and is something that many people might not think about to give as a gift. Obviously, this would be a good gift for a co-worker that you know well, as you would need their personal interests and permission to use their home address. It will be a gift that they'll receive once a month, and they will think of you each time they read their new magazine.

#5: iTunes gift card Many of your co-workers likely bring their iPods or other mp3 players into the workplace, or have their radios on while working throughout the day. If you know they're a music fan, an iTunes gift card might not be a bad idea. This way, your co-worker can download a specific amount of songs throughout the year, and will have the opportunity to choose what they would like. You can purchase these gift cards online or at Wal-Mart, among other retail stores.

#6: Snack gift bags Mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack breaks can leave us all wandering toward the vending machine, but if food is in your desk, you can save yourself both money and time. Find out what your co-worker likes, and fill a gift bag or basket with small snacks. These can include the following: crackers, fruit snacks, cookies, chips, candy, or trail mix. Is your co-worker dieting? Simply substitute the full-fat options for various 100-calorie packs and drink mixes that can be added to a bottle of water. Your co-worker will be thankful when he's ready for a snack!

These Secret Santa gifts will allow you to spend a small amount of money, but give a gift that your co-workers will likely use rather than put in their bottom desk drawer. They all take a small amount of effort, but are creative and can be as thoughtful as you make them. Each could be ideal for co-workers that you've only known for a few months, or those you've worked alongside for several years. Happy shopping!