4 Tips for Buying Holiday Presents for Co-workers

While I’m typically ahead of all key deadlines and events in my life (thanks to my masterful To Do List), I always forget about holiday presents for my coworkers.  It’s not until they start showing up on my desk that I realize I have dropped the ball.  Year after year this happens.  Until, I made myself a calendar reminder this year!  Even with advanced awareness, it’s an awkward thing to negotiate:  what holiday (if any) do they celebrate?  what level of spend is appropriate?  what if they have allergies I don’t know about?  The purpose of this post is to give suggestions on holiday presents for co-workers.

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Mrs. Type A’s Tips for Holiday Presents for Co-workers

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I categorize the options into 4 buckets:

1. DIY

This is the easy and cheap approach holiday presents for co-workers.  Many people at my work make cookies (perhaps with their kids) and then wrap them in some nice cellophane.  This is a really nice holiday gift as it feels more from the heart when made by the individual.

The only hesitation I have is that you have to be a fairly good baker / chef in order to pull this off to give as presents to co-workers.  It would be very awkward to hand out holiday cookies that are gross!  Also, I would be worried someone may get sick and think it was from the items I baked…eek.  Or, worse, someone has an allergic reaction because — while you thought it was nut-free — there was some nut residue.  Yikes!

I’ve also seen people make hand-made soaps, lotions, fragrances, etc as presents for co-workers.  These are also nice options, but you do also have to consider your talent in these areas.   Here are some options to look into:

• The 2-Ingredient Handmade Gift That’s As Beautiful As It Is Easy (Apartment Therapy)
• 16 DIY Soap Projects (Brit & Co)

In general, this one is off limits for me because I do not trust my talents!  But, if you can pull it off, I think it’s a nice option that isn’t too expensive!

2.  Pre-packaged baked goods

Similar to the above, but they are sold in a store or bakery.  I’ve seen this work really well when someone goes to a local bakery he/she really likes and chooses some small cookies or muffins.  Or, you can order baked goods from big box stores like Neiman Marcus and Williams Sonoma.

This option is a little less risky than DIY since someone else is making and packaging them.

Here are some suggestions:

I like that these are not too “holiday” themed.  Just sends a nice “I appreciate working with you” signal.  If, for some reason, they hate chocolate (or whatever else is in there), they can store them for when company comes over or even — gasp — re-gift to someone else.

3.  Small tokens

In this category are items such as purchased soaps, lotions, candles, etc.  Essentially non-food odds and ends.  They’re generally targeted towards females, it’s just the nature of the category.  In most cases, like the pre-packaged baked goods above, they are generic enough to be re-gifted if necessary.

Here are some examples:

A wall calendar is — in general — a really safe option.  Hard to offend anyone with this.  No gender specificity.  Usually reasonably priced.  Who wouldn’t want to look at Ansel Adams images?!

 

I worry giving someone soap could be misinterpreted as “you smell.”  That said, as long as it seems like it’s intended to be guest soap, or the person is a fan of soaps, it should be ok.

I think I’ve spoken before about my love of Beautycounter.  They make lovely non-toxic beauty and  personal care items.  Beautycounter has a few limited edition holiday sets, like this lotion set:

 

They actually are not too “holiday themed” which I think is a good thing.  But, they are pricey and may not fit into your budget for presents for co-workers.

4.  No gift (just a card)

This is often overlooked but, I think, a great option.  Writing a personalized note about someone’s contributions and importance to you goes a really long way.  Much more than something purchased.

You could also couple this with a charity donation and indicate that you have made a donation to XYZ charity instead of a gift.  I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t find this a great way to celebrate the holiday spirit.  I’ve done this for a few years now, mostly because I’ve forgotten until the last minute to actually go out and buy stuff.  But, I feel very good about it and it’s always met with warmth by my colleagues.

Honestly, this is probably the fastest and easiest option.  You can always print extras so you have some on hand should you forget someone on your list.  It does take time to think of a personal message to write, but I think that is better time spent vs. pouring over the internet looking at different cookie options!  One thing I’ve learned over my many years in management is that a simple “thank you” goes further than most other forms of rewards.

Any additional tips, Mrs. Type A?

Yes, my dear.  While I think I covered the major categories above, here are some additional things to keep in mind when you are thinking about holiday presents for co-workers:

• I would avoid any presents, wrapping paper and cards that are too “holiday themed” so you don’t run the risk of offending anyone who is not celebrating any of the major holidays.   If I choose anything with a theme, it is usually “winter” or “end of year” related.
• I’d caution about spending too much money.  It could be a bit awkward.
• Get a few extra gifts just in case you forgot someone! This could prevent an awkward situation!

I hope you liked this information!  I’d love to hear what holiday presents you are getting for your co-workers below in the comments!