Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Co-workers

[published in Manila Bulletin, December 2011]

I did my Christmas shopping early this year. I didn't want to join the December madness, brave through the heavy traffic and rush to buy gifts from crowded stores. This year, I was prepared with my shopping list and I was able to get cool stuff at good prices in a leisurely manner. Aside from retail shopping, I even researched online and got good deals.

Since I'm done with my buying and some of you may just be starting this week, let me share with you a few gift ideas that you can give your friends at work.

Personalized Items

Simple things like towels, mugs, pens, shirts, stationary and bags can be made special by just adding the name of your recipient on it. When you choose personalized gifts, it shows your friend that you took the time to plan your gift and it was made especially for him or her. The best part is, with today's technology, you don't have to wait too long to have this done. Most personalized items can be done in less than an hour or so if there isn't a lot of pending jobs. You can have this done and shop while you wait.

Novelty Items

Interesting and unique novelty items like statement shirts, couple statement pillows, toothpaste tissue holders, keyboard style bowls, animal shaped lamps or coin banks add the fun factor in gift-giving. One of the memorable gifts my husband and I received is a towel set that says “The Boss” on one and “The Bigger Boss” on the other. We had a blast deciding which of us should take the bigger one. There are many stores that carry these interesting items. Not only will you amuse your co-worker, you will also have fun shopping for these gifts items.

Decorative Items

Decorative items add personality and warmth to the workplace. Indoor plants, photo frames, mobile phone holders, decorative cork boards, bottled scents with sticks are lovely gifts that your co-worker can display in their cubicles and remember you by. These gifts will surely brighten your friend’s year and best of all, it won't deplete your budget since most of them are very affordable.

Practical Office Things

Anything that your co-works can use to make their work more efficient always make good gifts. Daily planners, memo pad set, business card holders, calendar mats, desk sets are very useful for work.

You can also give your co-workers something they can wear to work such as neck ties, polo shirts, belts, watches, handkerchief for men or shawls, jackets, office bags for women.

Utility items also make practical gifts such as water jugs, airtight food containers, lunch boxes, toiletry bags and umbrellas. This are things they can bring to work.

These things are so useful. Most of these do not end up as recycled gifts because you can never have enough of these. People use it all the time.

Goodies and Sweets

Yum. These things will only last a few minutes, but they surely will be well appreciated. There are many baked goodies that are being sold during the holiday season. But I would veer away from fruitcakes unless your recipient loves it. These things get passed on from one person to another and they are so yesterday (as in 1980's yesterday).

You can go for interesting treats like colourful French macaroons or cake pops with Christmas designs. Last September, I personally grabbed an exciting coupon deal at half the price for cake pops---dozens of bite-size cake lollies that you can have custom designed. They make for fun and tasty gifts.

You can also go for classic baked goodies and treats such as hot fudge brownies, food for the gods, lemon squares or Filipino favourites like polvoron, ensaimada, lengua de gato or creamy cassava cakes. Mmmm... I’m getting hungry just writing about it.

Goodies and sweets are great gifts for clients, group of people in departments and important people in your line of work.

Gift Baskets

If you have the budget and time you can even make gift baskets for special people at work. There are many unique themes that you can do, so you don't have to limit yourself to the grocery basket variety. For movie lovers, how about a movie night basket filled with DVDs and popcorn. For dog lovers, why not create a pet care basket with treats and toys for the dog. For spa lovers, an aromatherapy basket with a good book would be great.

This type of gift is relatively more expensive so reserve it to important customers or friends you hold very dear.

Cocktails, Wines and Spirits

This is my go-to gift for men or older couples whom I have no idea on what to give. Red wines or sparkling wines are good. But since I'm no wine connoisseur, I often end up giving non-alcoholic beverages in wine-like bottles to be on the safe, but slightly boring side. Hey, some of us like those grape sparkling juice. And those bottles are inexpensive too!

There are so many things that you can give colleagues, business associates and customers. Whether you choose to give gifts or choose to send simple greetings instead, the point of Christmas gift-giving is to show that you are thinking about your co-worker and you care enough to share your Christmas Spirit with them. Happy shopping!