It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to bring out that festive spirit with your best pals and the family! Christmas is everywhere, even in your offices – and most companies conduct yearly Secret Santa gift exchanges to help spread that good cheer among its employees.
Yet sometimes Secret Santa gift exchanges end up matching you with someone you barely know, since you’ve gotta pick out a name at random.
Um. Who’s Linda? What, she’s been sitting next to me for the past year?
Siao liao lor.
It happens – it really does. Unless you can bribe HR, it’s going to be tough emerging from the gift exchange as a thoughtful co-worker and not a thoughtless one.
We feel you, so here are ten gift ideas for your Linda!
GET THEM THEIR NEW FAVOURITE MUG.
A durable mug or tumbler is THE best office companion, especially on Mondays when the coffee deprivation is real. Surprise your co-worker with one of these, possibly customised with their initials for that Secret Santa personal touch!
PREPARE THEM FOR THE YEAR AHEAD WITH A NEW JOURNAL.
With the year ending, a journal for the new year might just be an encouraging and motivating gift. People might just be in need of a new notebook for those meeting minutes! These are also easily customised, and you won’t have to kill your wallet to be a thoughtful Secret Santa.
DON’T YOU GIVE A FORK ANYMORE?
For anyone in an office environment, eating in might be a common occurrence. Especially if they’re turning to FoodPanda or UberEats. Get your co-worker some funky, reusable utensils. Lunch can be fun, and they’ll remember their Secret Santa (aka you) for it!
TREAT YOUR CO-WORKER TO A MASON JAR FULL OF CANDY.
You know how the week starts to feel like a drag once you hit Wednesday? Get your co-worker a pick-me-up in the form of a mason jar filled with candy and chocolate. YUM. (Just make sure they’re not lactose intolerant or avoiding sweet things!)
GET THEM A NEW PET PLANT.
Little terrariums can relieve some of the stress that’s bound to come. Spruce up Linda’s desk with one of these. Findings have shown that having indoor plants around can greatly increase one’s productivity, too.
COMFORT IN ALL PLACES. EVEN THEIR FEET.
Save your co-worker’s feet and find comfy (even hilarious) slippers to fit them. Padding around the office in a pair of these will save the ladies some strain from their heels! Be sure it’s the right sizing, though.
THIS IS SOME BACK-BREAKING WORK. HOW ABOUT A CUSHION?
Bad sitting posture is always a menace, especially if you’re bound to a desk job. Providing that extra comfort with a cushion will help your co-worker out and encourage good posture. Show them you’re a Secret Santa who’s got their back! 😉
BRENDA, HOLD MY PHONE. (IN WHICH YOU GIVE THEM A LITERAL PHONE HOLDER)
https://giphy.com/gifs/phones-JVUJwAeMlXwmQ
Ever lost your phone beneath a stack of papers? Not quite like losing a needle in a haystack, but the frustration is REAL. Save your co-worker the hassle and consider a phone holder/stand to help them keep on top of things and their phone in sight!
ORGANISERS FOR THEIR DESKS.
Minimalist stationery holders and organisers help to give your desk a clean and sleek look, while also keeping it free of unnecessary clutter. This will help with productivity and stress levels too, so consider getting one this Christmas for your co-worker!
SUGAR CUBE? POWERCUBE?
Knowledge is power, and power is… in high demand, sometimes! A powercube is an efficient and neat way to let your co-worker charge and hook up multiple devices at once without having to use the long and messy power trays.
CLASSIC GIFT CARDS: A CLASSIC SECRET SANTA CHOICE.
If you’re REALLY out of ideas, why don’t you buy them a coffee, or some accessories and clothing at your local H&M? Gift cards are a classic gift option and grants your co-worker the freedom to get EXACTLY what they want.
Remember to add a little card for that personal touch, too! Say hello. Maybe you’ll make a new friend in the office this year! How’s that for being Santa for a day?
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