The Easiest Christmas Gift for Co-Workers

Everyone has the same thought this time of year, "What am I going to get for my co-workers?" I have the answer.

Fortunately, I work in a small company, employing under 20 people. That number includes all part time workers as well. Being a part-timer myself, I wondered for the last few weeks what I could give each and every one of my co-workers, without killing my bank account.

While at the pharmacy, waiting for a refill, I found the answer. On the counter, right by the lottery machine, were little gift envelopes, just big enough for a $1 scratch off ticket. I quickly snagged up 20 of them and put them in my purse. Then went back and grabbed 5 more to be safe.

Putting a lottery ticket, or as I like to call them, 'scratchies', in a cute holiday envelope with a co-workers name on, is almost ingenious. For $1 each, you have a quick little gift and your recipient has the opportunity to gain a lot more!

For the co-workers you work directly with, or work with more often, you can always put more than one in each envelope. I now have seen bigger envelopes that will enable a $3, $5, or even up to a $20 ticket fit nicely inside.

This idea does not only apply well to your co-workers, it can also apply to many other groups in your social life. Have a big family? Your 'girls night out' group would be another great group to give lottery tickets. My favorite, the other members of the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). Maybe your child's school teacher did something very nice for your son or daughter this year, throw a lottery ticket in a thank you card.

I have also found this idea helpful in 'Secret Santa' situations. Who really knows what to get for someone they have rarely talked to? There is usually a monetary limit to a Secret Santa as well. Lottery tickets can solve any monetary limitation.

Now, on the more humorous side of things, you can also get fake lottery tickets. Someone gave me one a few years ago. Being and avid scratcher, I didn't recognize the ticket, so I was able to notice it wasn't real. In any case, the fake lottery tickets usually will show the recipient that they have won a large amount of money. In my case, it was $100,000. I wouldn't recommend giving one of these to someone with serious financial difficulties, it may upset them.

My Holiday Tip of the Year: Give Scratchies and at the same time, you will be benefiting the people to whom the proceeds go to. In the case of my state, Pennsylvania, proceeds benefit older Pennsylvanians. Keep on scratching!Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery Ticket sales benefit older Pennsylvanians.