The holiday season is here, and that means Secret Santa is probably making its way onto your office calendar. The premise is simple: you draw the name of a colleague, set a budget, and find a fun gift that they will enjoy. But let’s be honest, most office Secret Santas end with a collection of uninspired presents, to say the least, and there’s only so many cups and generic chocolate boxes a person can get. This year, it’s time to make a change and put a bit more effort in making this tradition exciting and memorable. So, here are some excellent gift ideas that fit the budget and that your coworkers will actually love and use.
Desk Games
Emails, phone calls, and spreadsheets are rarely anyone’s definition of “fun”, but even the busiest day can become a bit more bearable with desk games. These things are the ultimate stress-busters, so choose a mini version of classics like foosball, basketball hoops, or even a desktop bowling set to bring some joy and relaxation to your coworker. Such games are compact enough to fit on a desk and fun enough to create instant buzz around the office. Plus, they’re a great way to build team spirit, and you’ll definitely notice your colleagues sneak in a quick game between meetings.
Christmas Ornaments
If you’re paired with a new coworker you don’t know very well or with your boss who already has everything they might ever want, Christmas ornaments are a foolproof choice for a Secret Santa gift. They are festive and will 100% end up being used, adding a touch of holiday cheer without feeling too personal. To make such a basic gift more meaningful, skip the classic red baubles and sparkly decorations and go for a set of Irish-themed ornaments. Unlike the traditional globes, these ornaments feature ancient blessings and traditional symbols like the Claddagh or Celtic knots. You can get them online at https://www.shamrockgift.com/ireland-gifts/irish-christmas-gifts and they will not only celebrate the season but also carry messages of friendship, love, and good luck, all needed in the upcoming year.
Specialty Coffee
Your office most likely runs on caffeine, especially during this time of the year, so get your coworker something that’ll make their coffee habit a little more exciting. Coffee mugs are a big no-no when it comes to Secret Santa gifts, yet you can still elevate their morning with some specialty beans. It can be a bag of gourmet blends, an assortment of unique single-serve coffee pods, or a collection of sweet seasonal coffee, if your coworker prefers their drink with a ton of syrup and milk. This is a gift they will actually use, whether in the office or at home, and enjoy every sip.
Snack Box
There’s no worse feeling than skipping breakfast because of the morning rush and then being all grumpy and hungry until lunch time, and that’s exactly what makes a snack box the best Secret Santa gift. If you know your coworker’s preferences well enough, put together a box filled with their favorite things. Include both savory and sweet options to create a blend of spicy chips, jerky, popcorn, chocolate bars, granola, dried fruit, nuts, as well as some other things that they’ve probably never tried before. Such a box is always a crowd-pleaser, and your colleague will have a delicious quick snack whenever they feel like it.
Portable Humidifier
Office air ranks just below plane air in terms of how harsh it can be, especially in winter: it dries out your skin, leads to chapped lips, and leaves you feeling generally uncomfortable. To avoid this, get your coworker (and yourself, why not) a portable humidifier. These devices are USB-powered, compact, and surprisingly effective at making the workspace more comfortable. This Secret Santa gift will never end up in the “useless and forgotten presents” pile, and your coworker will greatly appreciate it.
