So you're at work and the entire office is participating in that annual holiday tradition known as the "Secret Pal" or the "Secret Santa" draw. Someone organizes the event, and everyone draws a name from a hat. You never know who you'll get -- or who gets you as a Secret Pal -- and finding an office gift within the budget of the Secret Pal gift exchange can be maddening. Here are some great, simple, last minute gift ideas for your office gift pool.
Secret Pal Gifts You Can Buy Today
If you're on the train or in the car and suddenly remember that the Secret Pal gift exchange is today, try these very last minute gift ideas:
- Chocolate - buy some high-quality Lindt chocolates, Green and Black's, or Hershey's 70 percent Cacao. Even mainstream drug stores such as CVS, Walgreen's and Rite Aid carry these finer versions of chocolate. Buy a nice gift bag for $3 or so and look for a holiday theme, complete with tissue paper. Fill the bag with the chocolate and you're good to go.
- Fine soaps - Check out your local Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or major drug store chain for finer soaps such as Dr. Bronner's or Crabtree & Evelyn. Get a simple gift bag with tissue paper and buy eight to 10 bars of nice soap. Everyone uses soap, so the gift will be appreciated, and this might be a great hint if your Secret pal has that terrible odor problem everyone - including your manager - is too embarrassed to discuss.
- Wine - Be careful with any wine gifts, as you never know if a coworker is an alcoholic or avoids wine for religious reasons. If you know in advance that they drink (if they participate in Karaoke at other social events, it's a good hint) then a few bottles of fine red or white wine will do the trick as a Secret Pal gift. For something a little more unusual, try a dessert wine or some Chilean wines from the Maipu valley. Most liquor stores carry nice wine gift bags made of velvet for a more finished look.
Secret Santa Ideas Under $25
Most office gift exchanges set a budget of anywhere from $10 to $50 for Secret Santa exchanges; the average seems to be around $25. So what can you get your gift exchange pal for $25 or less that isn't too personal, or that you can buy not knowing too much about your work colleague? Here are some specific suggestions that will make your present seem thoughtful without being too personal:
- Lottery tickets. Buy $25 in scratch tickets and slip them in a card. They're fun, but be prepared in advance if your coworker wins a pile of money from your gift.
- Fruit basket. Yes, it's not very imaginative, but if your Secret Pal is trying to lose weight or be healthier, this is a much-appreciated gift.
- Coffee travel mug with coffee and tea. Hedge your bets and give a nice travel mug, one box of green tea, and one bag of Starbuck's Breakfast Blend.
- Gift card to the local movie theater. You can give two tickets and a $5 gift card for snacks.
- Bookstore gift card. Don't try to find the right book - let your secret pal find his or her own.
- Solar-powered cell phone charger. You can find these for under $25 these days, and anyone with a dead cell battery knows how valuable this simple, slim item can be.
- SD Cards or Thumb Drives. Everyone loses them. Every worker needs more. It's a simple, useful techie gift for Secret Santa programs.
Related Secret Santa Last Minute Office Gifts Articles
To read more about Secret Pal and Secret Santa gift ideas, please check out the following articles:
- Best Secret Santa Gifts - need more ideas? Read about a variety of thoughtful gifts for office parties and more.
- Best Gluten Free Gift Baskets - is your Secret Pal on a gluten free diet? Explore these gluten free holiday gift ideas.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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