Tips and Gift Recommendations for Your Office Secret Santa

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching and before you know it you will be eyeballs deep in Christmas wrapping and supplies. So, to take a little bit of the pressure off I have compiled a Secret Santa Tip list where I will include some tips on shopping for your Secret Santa recipient like what to buy, where to shop, and how much to spend.

First, it is important when Christmas shopping for anyone to think about the person you are buying for. Nothing is worse than getting something that you do not like or can not use especially if it is inappropriate. Giving a co-worker lingerie or a close friend cash (unless he/she requests it) is not only in bad taste but may add feelings of resentment and/or hurt to the relationship.

Secondly, you want to take a good look at the person you are buying for - are they music buffs, coffee lovers, or sports fanatics? It is always nice to receive a gift that represents something you really love.

Last, consider the price. Usually for Secret Santa gifts a price limit and/or price range is recommended but when it is not $10 - $15 is usually a safe amount. Unless it is an extremely rare company or the circumstances are exceptional, most people won't be spending more than $20 on the Secret Santa gift for the office.

Should you have a hard time figuring out something to buy I have provided a short list of some of my favorite Secret Santa gifts to give, how much they cost, and why I think they are great Secret Santa gifts.

1. Humorous Desk or Wall Calendar - $5 to $15 - Everyone needs a calendar! Whether it is a tear off desk calendar or one they can hang on their wall they will surely remember your gift the whole year through. And if it adds some humor to their day, all the better!
2. Gift Certificate to local restaurant or coffee shop - any amount - There are always days that lunch and/or cash is forgotten so having a gift card handy for a local restaurant or coffee shop can definitely make someone's day!
3. Travel Mug - $5 to $10 - Even though not every one drinks coffee or hot tea a travel mug is always a great gift for someone who works in an office. They can always put cold beverages or pencils in it!
4. Lottery Tickets - $5 to $10 - This is one of my favorite Secret Santa gifts whether I am giving or receiving. Even though it is a cheap purchase it could be worth a whole lot more that just the couple dollars you spent on it! Don't ask the recipient to share the winnings tho - it is tacky!
5. Christmas Ornament - $5 - Ornaments and/or small Christmas decorations are usually a big hit with office workers because they can be saved for the following year to make the work space nice and festive!
6. Decorative Office Supplies - $5 to $15 - Who doesn't need office supplies and who doesn't want nicer ones than the business usually provides. Because the office products supplied by the business are usually simple and plain give your co-worker some that are not. Post-Its, pens, and notepads are easy to find in decorative and fun shapes and colors!