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Not-much-discussed but greatly missed casualties of last years' lockdown are Secret Santa and Christmas gifts for coworkers, especially when corporate gifting is concerned. It's a happy game where a group of coworkers picks names from a hat to see who they have to buy a gift for. It's one of the potent weapons of diluting the office's otherwise stressed and pale atmosphere and developing a lasting bond between employees.
Some offices also practice Pollyanna gift exchanges while implementing Christmas gifts for coworkers. This is a change from the traditional secret Santa gifting, wherein each employee is called to purchase a gift, wrap it, and place it under the Christmas tree.
When the time comes for unboxing, each person can choose and open a gift or claim a gift already opened by somebody else. This ritual is not as personal as the traditional method, but if managed well, your team or coworkers will have a fun way of exchanging gifts.
But with normalcy making a comeback after the pandemic-struck huge lull, the much-missed tradition is all set to sneak into the office corridors this Christmas and commence the merriment. We have listed out Secret Santa gift ideas for bosses, colleagues, employees, and interns, with a classy touch of innovation and personalization to make them memorable.
And as you know that Christmas gifts go hand in hand with a sweet and personalized christmas message. So, don't forget to read through our blogs with 26 Best Christmas Wishes for Colleagues & Coworkers.
Things to keep in mind while planning Christmas gifts for coworkers
The truth is no one wants to be on the receiving end of a wrong gift or the centerpiece of an awkward situation. And nobody wants to be the giver of a bad gift either. And that's why finding a perfect gift for colleagues is a lot of pressure and a tad-bit taxing too, like a canvas wall art.
What's more daunting is that even spending hours and hours with your coworkers doesn't ensure that you know them chorally. The guesswork will always be there, making the question loom large: Will my gift bring a smile on their lips? Will my gift make me awkward?
If you don't want "Awkward" to be your middle name in giving Christmas gifts to your coworkers, here's what you need to do.
- Firstly, keep a budget and follow it. You don't want to present a cheap gift—people will know. Nor would you want to go overboard. Setting some expense limits will help you narrow down your purchase.
- Don't buy gifts that can be taken as a token of self-promotion. Additionally, don't get gifts that could be construed as inappropriate in any way.
- Don't try to flatter someone with a gift, especially if they are higher up on the corporate ladder. Remember: There is a difference between expressing your genuine feelings and sycophancy.
- Don't gift clothes. Why? Simply because you could go wrong with the size or the fashion styles. There is also the chance of the coworker finding the gift too informal.
- Take time to do a little research about your recipient's interests. This will give you a clue as to what they would like as a gift.
20 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Coworkers
Now that we have got the do nots’ nailed down, let’s take a look at what can be done. Since a perfect gift from Secret Santa combines utility and thoughtfulness in equal parts, here are some Christmas gift ideas for secret Santa that you can look into this winter.
1. Gift Cards
Are you the kind who doesn’t like to spend time shopping for gifts? Pondering over what to buy or what your co-worker’s interests are? This anxiety can be effectively assuaged by presenting them with a gift card and letting them buy whatever makes them happy.
2. French Press
Who doesn’t like to start the morning with a hot mug of coffee? Coffee, by and large, is the lifeline by which some people get through their busy schedules. They would love to get a French press in their gift box. And they would love you too for ideating this as a coworker's Christmas gift.
3. Perfumes
You cannot go wrong with a bottle of perfume. Only the office doors don't care what they smell like; everyone else at work loves to feel fresh and fragrant throughout the day.
Perfumes are also relatively inexpensive gifts. With some rad packaging, this can feel like a luxurious Christmas gift for coworkers.
4. Mini Humidifier
A Mini Humidifier is a cozy gift that will go well with the gift recipient’s workstation. Apart from being a piece of decor, your coworker can benefit from the hydrating effects on the dry winter air.
5. A Smart Charging Hub
A desk with charging cables snaking through the files and keyboard looks messy. Get your giftee a wireless charging hub to maximize workstation space. Smart charging hubs are the perfect Christmas gifts for coworkers, as they have enough space to charge a phone, earpod, and smartwatch simultaneously.
6. A portable speaker
Does that music-loving, tune-humming coworker of yours sway to some unheard rhythm all day long? Get them a small Bluetooth speaker and see them take the swaying to a whole new level!
7. Reusable Carry Bags
With single-use plastics being frowned upon due to their anti-environment characteristics, trendy, reusable carry bags can make great Christmas gifts for coworkers. Get clever with varied patterns, materials, and colors that would talk to your gift recipient!
8. Travel Mug
Be it for pleasure or work, traveling has become unavoidable for business executives. Travel mug is ideal for regular travellers and those who love to sip on hot beverages on the go. The newest additions are also leak-proof and have a seal that will lock in the contents securely. So, coffee spills on your laptop or important documents, be gone!
9. Mini backpack
Minimalism is all the rage now. Go for mini-backpacks that look cool but can be beasts when it comes to holding tons of everyday utilities securely. They are incredibly useful Christmas gifts for coworkers, especially for daily commuters or frequent travelers.
10. Custom Leather Keychains
Every office has that one person who is frequently misplacing their keys or IDs. This leather keychain with its name or initials etched on the strap would be the perfect gift to go for. You can get these chains in striking colors as well, customized to fit your coworker’s style.
personalized corporate christmas gifts
11. Essential Oils
Has it been a hectic year? Has your coworker been bearing some unbearable stress-bearing of late? Then they deserve to be pampered. Gift them a pack of essential oils, and watch them thank you (silently, since they don’t know it was you) for the rest of the year. There are many essential oils to choose from, and apart from the pleasant aroma, they also provide a wide range of health benefits.
12. Succulent Plants
Small potted succulents are trotting their way back to office corners and aisles. They don’t just look adorable, but they spread serenity and bring a sense of calmness - making them perfect Christmas gifts for coworkers.
13. Cord Keeper
The mess of cables and earphones strewn across your coworker’s desk can give you major OCD vibes. Gift a handmade cord keeper. They will keep the cables neat and tangle-free. Besides, these are handmade, letting them emit an exotic feel as well.
14. Cord Protectors
Everyone would have encountered the problems with their cable breaking off at the joints at some point in their lives. If you know your coworker is experiencing such splitting issues, give them a pack of cord protectors. The vibrant colors will add to the aesthetics.
15. Smartphone Projector
That person in your team whose interest piques whenever you talk about movies? Watch their eyes light up when you give them a projector as Christmas gifts for coworkers. Here again, there are expensive models with varied features, but you can get a decent projector without shelling out big bucks. Don’t go overboard with this one.
16. Leather Mouse Pad
Looking for a sophisticated and practical gift? The leather mouse pad is the key. It provides a smooth surface for your co-worker’s mouse, and with time, the leather will weather to give a more polished look.
17. Smartphone Lens Kit
We all have shutterbugs among us who keep clicking away with their smartphones and raining it on their Instagram grids. Get them a handy smartphone lens kit in their gift box. A standard kit would include macro, comprehensive, and fisheye lenses, along with a compatible clip with most smartphone brands. Watch out for more photographic activities with this one.
18. Books
Books are balms to the souls and sharpeners to the brains. For a coworker who is a bibliophile, gift them a valuable addition to their bookshelves.
19. Laptop Sleeves
Hulk or Thor? Or just a colorful pattern? Whatever you go for, remember, laptop sleeves are a fashion statement. From the sleek, leather sleeves to tacky prints, laptop sleeves are available in all forms and colors - and they should top your list while deciding Christmas gifts for coworkers.
20. Springtime Paint-by-Number Kit
Even a person with relatively lesser artistic skills can follow along with this paint-by-number set and make a frame-worthy work of art. Gift it to a colleague who is inclined to hobbies and art - and he will appreciate it to no end.
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Corporate Christmas Gifts at Xoxoday
These were just a few ideas to get you up and running, but this is not all. You can check out Xoxoday's extensive catalog full of well-curated meaningful gifts to delight your workforce this Christmas.
