6 great ideas for office gift exchanges

teammates exchange presents at the office gift swap

 

The holiday season is in full swing! And whether you are ready for the hoopla or not, offices across the country are gearing up for their end-of-the-year parties and gift exchanges.

Whether you are participating in a secret gift exchange or want to get a little something for your entire practice, here are some ideas to get you inspired.

 

For secret gift exchanges

If you drew names out of a hat and are unsure of what to get the person you selected, here are some ideas sure to please anybody.

  • Gift cards: Sure, you could go with the big box option and call it a day. But shopping locally can feel much more personal and give community businesses a boost. Think coffee shops, independent bookstores, zoos, museums, cafes and hobby shops.

  • Lunch gifts: If your recipient brings their lunch or coffee to work, travel gear is a thoughtful gift. A nice, insulated lunch bag, a cooling pack and or a quality thermal mug will get plenty of use.

  • Local delicacies: From candies and coffees to hot sauces and olive oils, there are sure to be locally-made treats made right in your own backyard.

 

For office-wide gifts

If you’re looking to give a gift to give each of your fellow teammates, we have some ideas that are thoughtful but won’t break the bank.

  • Homemade treats: For a tasty and inexpensive gift, look for recipes that can be made in big batches (like this homemade granola) and presented in a festive packaging. 

  • Desk plants: For just a few dollars, you can give the gift of green to your teammates. If your office lighting isn’t conducive to plant life, fake ones give the same vibe with no care required. 

  • Device chargers: How many times have we scrambled to find somewhere to charge our phones? Give the gift that keeps on giving with a portable charger that can be plugged into a wall outlet or a USB port.

     

The bottom line: With all the other holiday hustle and bustle, it can be a challenge to try and come up with a gift for co-workers, too. With a little creative thinking, you can gift something meaningful that won’t break your holiday budget.