The holidays are a time of celebration and gift-giving. And so it's good to be prepared with some fantastic Christmas gift ideas for your colleagues. But what to get? The truth is that most times, the pressure is on to find just that right gift for our colleagues.
Figuring out the perfect present can be so tricky. Several aspects have to be considered when buying something for someone at work, especially if you don't socialize outside work, and you only see that person at the office (and maybe outside around the coffee machine). Or perhaps you're buying as part of a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange?
If you’re looking for the perfect Secret Santa gift for your colleagues, look no further! We’ve put together a list of some great gift ideas that are all under $100. The thing is, if you aren't really good at these sorts of things or don't want to spend too much time thinking about what gifts you might get your coworkers, this list should help streamline things.
These are perfect Secret Santa gifts that will be perfect for any of your colleagues. And without further ado, the gift ideas and gifting dynamics!
Gifting Dynamics
Now that we know the relationship dynamics matter when gifting, here are a few types of office relationships and the appropriate gift for each type.
The Work Wife/Husband
If you're close with your work wife or husband, a great Secret Santa gift option is something personal. A nice perfume or cologne can be a great choice, especially if you know their favorite scent. If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, why not go for a set of matching mugs or desk ornaments? Desk ornaments are always a popular choice for Secret Santa gifts because they can be used year after year. They also make great desk accessories!
Another personal option is to give the gift of experiences. This could mean anything from theater tickets to a day at the spa. Experiences make great gifts because they're unique and memorable. Plus, who wouldn't love getting a day off from work?
The Rival
We all have that one person in the office who we just can't seem to get along with. Buying them a gift is probably the last thing on your mind, but it's still important to show some holiday cheer. If you're feeling stumped, why not try something funny? Gag gifts can be a great way to lighten the mood and put a smile on your rival's face. Just make sure that they're not too offensive!
Another option is to give them something useful. This could be something like a nice pen or stationery set. It might not be the most exciting gift, but it's definitely something that they'll use every day.
The Coworker
If you don't know much about your coworker, buying a Secret Santa gift can be tough. You want to get something that they'll like but not too personal or expensive that it would make them feel uncomfortable receiving it from a stranger. This is why the gift of experiences is the best choice for this scenario.
Just pick a random activity and go with it! It could be as simple as going on a walk together or going out for drinks one night after work. All you have to do is ask, and you might even make a new friend in the process.
The Gift Ideas!
Here we've compiled a list of awesome gift ideas for less than $100 that your colleagues will love!
Gift Card/ Gift Voucher
Gift cards have traditionally been the leading holiday gift choice for employees. The good thing with gift cards is that they're versatile, allowing your employee or co-worker to redeem them for whatever they want. Gift cards are also perfect for remote employees, as they can easily be mailed, arriving within the stipulated time. You could also choose a digital version of the gift card if you literally have no time to mail it.
You'll never go wrong with a gift card, and here are some great options:
Spa Day Voucher
A spa day voucher is a perfect gift for someone who needs some relaxation. It allows them to enjoy a day of pampering at a spa of their choice or one that’s within your budget.
A Voucher for a Yoga or Meditation Class:
This is an excellent gift for someone looking to de-stress and find some inner peace. Yoga and meditation classes often provide many benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, boosting energy levels, etc.
A Voucher for a Healthy Meal
A healthy meal voucher is perfect for someone who wants to start eating healthier but doesn't know where to start. It can also be a great way to introduce new healthy foods into their diet.
A Voucher for a Consultation with a Health Coach
Many people struggle with making changes to their lifestyle because they don't have professional guidance, so this can be highly beneficial!
A Voucher for Personal Training Session/Gym Membership:
Personal training sessions provide measurable results - unlike yoga or meditation classes geared towards self-discovery. Private training sessions allow you and/or your employees to focus on specific areas such as weight loss, toning up, gaining muscle mass, or improving general fitness. If your colleague is already quite active, then a gym membership may be a better option for them.
Modern Table Lamp
Another great gift option is a beautiful modern table lamp. This stylish gift will add some pop to any boring desk. The best part about Flexispot’s Modern Table Lamp is that it is minimalistic in design and style and will go with any office decor. This plug-in lamp will brighten up your colleague’s working space, improving their mood and productivity. And for $79.99, you’re sure not to break the bank with this gift.
Galaxy Light Projector 001
This star projector is perfect for anyone who loves all things space-related. It creates a realistic galaxy display right on your wall or ceiling and can be set to various colors and modes. With an in-built Bluetooth speaker and remote control light changing function, this device is sure to add some intrigue to your colleague’s room. They will also enjoy the 360-degree rotation and 120-degree adjustment that assures a wide projection coverage.
Coffee/ Tea Mug
Nothing beats having your own unique mug in the office breakroom-a mug that guarantees you’ll have a place to serve your tea or coffee during those coveted breaks. How do you make a mug special enough for gifting?
Adding a Funny Quote
We all drink coffee, and we all love funny sayings and jokes. Why not gift your colleague a mug that can be useful and, at the same time, make them laugh every morning while drinking coffee? E.g., The daily grind or chaos coordinator, produced by caffeine.
A Customized Mug
A personalized mug is a great option for someone who loves to drink coffee or tea. This mug can be customized with all sorts of different things, such as the individual's name, nickname, or even their favorite quote.
Camera Lens Coffee Mug
If you have a coffee/tea-loving colleague who also likes taking pictures, then this mug would be the perfect Secret Santa gift for them! It looks just like a camera lens on the outside and is the perfect disguise for sneaking some coffee to your desk.
An Essential Oil Diffuser
An essential oil diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air. The main purpose of this little item is to use essential oils in order to produce pleasant aromas within one's immediate surroundings. This helps eliminate odors and make everything smell fresh and clean.
There are many benefits of using an essential oil diffuser. For one, it can help improve your mood and create a relaxing atmosphere. It can also help you focus and improve your concentration. Additionally, diffusing essential oils can help purify the air and kill bacteria and viruses.
A Portable Charger
A portable charger is a great gift for any tech-savvy individual. It is convenient to keep your devices charged when you are on the go. There are several different portable chargers on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
One of the best features of a portable charger is that it is small and lightweight. This makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. Additionally, many portable chargers come with built-in cables, so you can plug them directly into your device. This eliminates the need to carry extra cords around with you. Make this the handiest Secret Santa gift this Christmas.
Amazon Echo Dot
The Amazon Echo Dot is a voice-activated assistant that you can control with your voice. It's perfect for people who are always busy or always on the go because you can ask it to play music, set alarms, control your smart home devices, and more. It's a really cool gadget that would make a great Secret Santa gift for any of your colleagues.
Power Strip with USB ports (and outlets)
The simplest Secret Santa gift ever! If any of your colleagues keep running out of outlets to plug things into because there aren't enough, then they'll definitely appreciate having an extra power strip around that has USB ports as well as regular ones. This is such a helpful little thing that could make someone's workday much easier and organized.
Marble Mousepad
A mousepad is another simple but helpful gift idea. A marble one is really chic and stylish and would be great for anyone who wants to add a touch of luxury to their work area. Plus, it's easy to keep clean and won't get stained like some other materials might.
Customized/ Knitted Phone Case
A customized phone case is an excellent gift for someone who loves to show off their personality. You can choose a design and color that matches your colleague’s style.
A knitted phone case is perfect for people who are always cold or just like having something soft to touch when using their phone. You can knit one or buy one made of 100% wool. Get it in a bunch of different colors, as there's definitely a color to match anyone's taste.
Subscription to a Magazine or Newspaper
A subscription to a magazine or newspaper is an excellent gift for someone who loves to stay up-to-date on the latest news. It’s a great way to keep them entertained and informed.
A Good Book When You Need To Unwind
There is nothing like some quality reading time for winding down after a long day at work! Give an office favorite picture book or novel to make your employees' holiday break a little brighter.
Quick, Off-the-shelf Gift Idea
This list serves as a compilation of readily available off-the-shelf gifts if you’ve run out of time to get a customized gift.
Impress your boss with a cashmere scarf for under $50. In the winter months, nothing keeps you warmer, and it'll make your boss look chic at the holiday parties.
What better way to thank your co-workers than a little something from Tiffany's? A sterling silver keyring is a timeless classic at a great price!
Who doesn't love a delicious bottle of wine to share during the holidays?
Pick up a beautiful, handcrafted candle holder. Everybody loves a scented candle burning in their home office, and with the holder, it'll look just as lovely on display.
You can bet your co-workers will be happy to open up their very own Cuyana leather passport case. It's the perfect accompaniment for business trips.
A beautiful vase is an easy way to add a pop of color and life to the office.
A leather laptop case is understated enough for any gender or age.
Loaded with festive red and green M&Ms – what could be more fun than giving your colleague their very own jar of custom candy?! You can even customize it with their name or initials for that extra special touch.
Final Say!
Finding the perfect Secret Santa gift for your colleagues can be a daunting task. You want something that is unique and interesting but also affordable. We hope that this list has given you some ideas for the perfect Secret Santa gift! No matter what profession, there is sure to be a gift on this list that they will appreciate. Happy shopping!