Fun Gifts for Your Office Christmas Party

Holiday gift giving can be challenging no matter who you’re exchanging with, as we’ve all been on the giving or receiving end of a “You shouldn’t have” moment. Add to that the stress of exchanging gifts with coworkers and it’s enough to send you over the edge. It doesn’t have to be as stressful as figuring out your expense report. We know it’s a ways off, but Christmas will be here before you know it.

Follow these tips for finding fun gifts for your office Christmas party, and you’ll never be on the “naughty” list again. Whether you work in a laid back environment or you’re in the “suit and tie” crowd, there are common ways to make the gift giving experience fun.

Ho Ho Ho-lidays

There aren’t many people who hate Christmas and, if you know someone who does, run (don’t walk) in the other direction. Don’t fight the beauty of this holiday—embrace it when it comes to gift giving. Think about something fun and festive like these hilarious Tipsy Elves Christmas suits, or even Christmas pajamas (we just love these Grinch PJs from GrinchMania.com). An ornament that reflects something personal to your company or the city in which you love would also go a long way, and there’s nothing better than the smell of a candle that conjures up the smell of this wonderful holiday.

Suggest a White Elephant Theme

White elephant parties are always a blast, as the premise is that everyone brings a gift under a certain amount of money to put in a community pot. Every person draws a number and is then allowed to choose from the pile of gifts. Don’t assume that beautifully wrapped one is the best, by the way. The best gifts are often lurking in those gently reused bags. You can either choose from the pile or forego this opportunity to “steal” from someone who already has a gift you want. It works best to decide ahead of time how many steals will be allowed. Hilarity ensues (no, really, we mean it), and (typically!) everyone loves his or her gifts.

As for what to buy, go for gifts that will actually get used. Avoid gag gifts unless this is agreed upon, as there is nothing worse than the party in which only one person gets the joke present. Although we do poo-poo the gag gifts, a funny mug (with delicious coffee) would go over well, as would a Personalized Bobblehead from AmazingBobbleheads.com. Scarves make great gifts, too, as they are stylish and usually inexpensive. Jewelry is another thing that women love, and a cute pair of earrings or a nice set of bangles will often get stolen time and time again. Wine and/or a nice wine opener are also universally loved. If you’re seeking out something gender neutral, go for a bottle of booze, movie tickets, a set of wine glasses or whiskey tumblers, or a gift card to a nearby restaurant.

Gifts for the Boss

If you’re trying to make yourself indispensable, there’s nothing better than a gift for the head honcho. We know, we know, this is blatant brown-nosing but, hey, nearly everyone does it. This certainly means you don’t want to be the only one who doesn’t! In fact, the best idea when attempting this is to gather a group, as that way no one feels bad or guilty. Set a reasonable amount per person and go in on something that you know your boss loves—tickets to the theater, a gift card to her favorite restaurant or spa, or a tech gadget you know she has wanted for a while. Try to base it upon something you know she likes or has expressed interest in, as that way you really make it personal.

Forego the Gift and Treat Yo’Selves

Perhaps every year you’ve gotten each other little tokens of appreciation but this year you’ve decided to go a different route. Consider pooling your money to enjoy a dinner and night out on the town. Even a bowling night would surely be a blast, or invest in a suite or box at your local stadium to catch a raucous sporting event. It doesn’t have to be called “team building” to do just that.

Follow these tips for fun gifts for your Christmas party and you’ll surely win employee of the month.