It is the most wonderful time of year, but for many, there is one tradition that can add a bit of stress: Gifting. In. the. Workplace!
Shopping for an inoffensive, meaningful and “appropriate” gift that is unique, useful or fun, yet not too personal, can take some time and thought.
With many businesses relaxing and actually encouraging their gifting policies, I reached outside the box rounding up some ideas that won’t break the bank.
Most can be sourced from Amazon so you won’t need to leave your screen or your office, or take time away from home. The ideas are categorized and run the gamut from functional, comical and novelty, with a few intended to lighten the mood of your celebration, break the ice or generate a smile from your most reserved co-workers!
A majority of the items are economically friendly, so pairing a couple would make an ideal gift. On a side note, if you have a perfect gift in mind that exceeds a reasonable amount or the established spending limit in your office or department, co-sharing a gift is something many are doing, especially for the boss.
Be sure to attach a personal note of appreciation, have it wrapped nicely and enjoy the celebration… along with a wonderful glass of eggnog!
Two options for the ultimate sports fan
A hot air popcorn popper that is an exact replica of the Stanley Cup will please any NHL fan. $79.99 at Amazon.com
A hardcover edition of “League of Denial,” the controversial book based on exclusive interviews, undisclosed documents and private emails about the NFL crisis surrounding concussions. $14 at Amazon.com
For the staff member who’s always at the water cooler
With an estimated 50 billion plastic bottles dumped in U.S. landfill sites yearly and over 200 billion globally, S’well Bottles are functionally practical as well as a feel-good gift. They keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. $35 at Swell.com
For a colleague with teenagers
Pause It is a stylish box that encourages, creates and empowers quality phone-free time for families. When you put everyone’s phones inside, Pause It blocks all Wi-Fi signals, incoming calls and text messages. Simply brilliant! $40 at IndieGoGo.com
Two options for the co-worker who loves taking selfies
A Prynt Phone Case prints instantly from any smartphone, anytime and anywhere. $139.99 at Prynt.com
Lumee Cases allow selfie enthusiasts to say goodbye to filters thanks to its brilliantly front-lit case that provides perfect lighting for selfies or video chats (it’s a Kardashian family secret). $24.98 at Lumee.com
For the non-conversational millennial
Table Topics holds a stack of 135 conversation starter cards with a single question. I recommend the “What Would You Do” Edition. $25 at Uncommongoods.com
For the intern you’d like to hire
A great way to announce you’d like to officially hire an Intern by gifting him or her with an embossed metal Business Card Case pre-filled with their own business cards. $9 at Amazon.com
For the crazy cat fanatic
Every office has a feline fanatic, and there are several cat sock options on Amazon that will proclaim your colleague’s love of cats. $10-$15 per pack at Amazon.com
For the foodie
A lump of coal is a great gift as long as it’s something you’d never buy yourself but would use. The Kuro Cube purifies air and absorbs odors in refrigerators, cars or closets, and it remains active for one year. Save the baking soda for baking! $21 at Carbonbeauty.com
For staff members who are sticky-note fanatics
Although there are apps for note-taking, for many, it’s still easier to jot something down on a sticky note. Paperback Phone Adhesives fit most iPhone models. Besides note-taking, they are great for that “meeting moment” when a quick sketch is needed to share your vision or get a point across. $7.95 at Ilovehandles.com
For the techie
A Bluetooth-powered tag and companion app to keep easy-to-misplace items on the radar. $40 at Uncommongoods.com
Three options for the boss
For the boss going completely paperless, it just got easier with the Boogie Board LCD tablet (each of my team members will receive one!). $29.97 at Amazon.com
Personality desk signs are sassy but still appropriate and fun to give. $28 at Uncommongoods.com
This Adopt an Italian Olive Tree is a great co-share gift (possibly from the entire department) for the boss who appears to have everything. My favorite option allows you to adopt a tree from a region of your choice where growers will harvest the olives from your tree and handcraft small-batch olive oils, which they’ll ship to you in April. $225 at Bambeco.com
