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Finding the perfect gift for a colleague during the annual Secret Santa can be a challenge. It can be particularly difficult if you want to put in a bit of effort but don’t know the colleague in question very well. But luckily for you, I happen to be pretty good at gift-getting (most of the time) and in this post I am going to share a few tips with you.
First things first, before you buy a gift it can help to find out a little bit about the person who you are buying a gift for. There are three main ways to do this:
- The most obvious way to do this would be, you know, to actually speak to them yourself. Chat to them in the kitchen as they make a brew and if you think you can be subtle enough, maybe bring up Christmas and see if you can casually slip gifts into the converation somehow without revealing that you’re their Secret Santa.
- If this doesn’t work, or you’re not exactly a smooth operator when it comes to subtlety, your next option is to stalk them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google to find out what makes them tick. Perhaps they regularly tweet their runs, they like tons of bands from the 70s on Facebook, or they have a Pinterest board full or quirky pieces of home decor.
- If this doesn’t inspire you, or they’re not that into social media, you could send a sneaky email to the people who sit nearest to them in the office. Explain your situation and ask if they can pass on some words of wisdom. They’re likely to know at least a little about the person in question and so should be able to help at least a little.
Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of your giftee, take a look at a few of my gift suggestions below.
You’ll be glad to know that each gift idea costs £10 or less 🙂
The Artist or The Jetsetter
Globe Pencil Case And Pencils, £5, Joy
Maybe you work with someone who is constantly on their travels? Whether they’re jet setting off to Paris, Bruges or Marrakesh, this is a sweet little gift to keep them occupied on the plane and encourage their inner artist.
The Statement Maker
Blue Gemstone Tortoiseshell Necklace, £7.50, New Look
If you can refrain from buying this necklace from yourself, it’d make a gorgeous gift for a colleague who loves to make a statement. It’d also look fab teamed with an LBD at the Christmas do. Snap it up quick though, it’s on sale at just £7.50!
The Tennis Lover
Desktop Tennis Set, £10, Urban Outfitters
Maybe you have a tennis lover in your office, or just someone who likes to have a bit of a mess about at break time. I love this gift and I can’t believe it’s only £10! Once it’s been unwrapped this is bound to entertain the whole office for what…at least an hour?
Office Paparazzi
Camera Photo Frame, £7, Joy
This is a lovely gift for the colleague who is always taking photos. It also offers the recipient an added incentive to actually print out a picture or two to present it in a frame. I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I looked at a photo of someone without the help of a mobile or laptop screen.
Office Wino
Save Water Drink Wine Tea Towel, £9.99, Not On The High Street
We all have that colleague who loves to tweet memes of wine-loving housewives from the fifties, and this tea towel is perfect for them. After all, alcohol won’t solve your problems, but neither will water or milk!
The Dare Devil
World’s Hottest Chilli Powders In A Matchbox, £6, Not On The High Street
If you don’t have an office daredevil, you’re sure to have an office gobsh*** who is all talk when it comes to how tough they are 😉 Call them out on their bluff by presenting them with this gift. Is it possible to die from eating ghost chillis? I hope not. But if it is, then I take no responsibility for this…
The Nail Artist
Candy Cane Nail Polish, £6, Urban Outfitters
This festive sequinned polish is perfect for the girl in your office who always has stunning nails.
The One Who Eats Lunch At 12pm Without Fail
Yay Lunchbox, £8, Urban Outfitters
I am this person! By 12pm my stomach is rumbling and I skip along to the kitchen and fill my face with food.
The Record Lover
Record Frame, £8.50, Not On The High Street
If your giftee is a big music lover with a record player at home, why not buy them one of these classic record frames. A frame alone may not seem like enough, so venture on down to your nearest charity shop or record store and sift through the vinyl to see if you can find the perfect one.
The Cyclist
Personalised Bike Notebook, £9, Not On The High Street
Like most bike owners, I’m obsessed with absolutely anything with bikes on, and if I didn’t have enough notebooks already, I’d snap this up myself! You can personalise this too, making it extra special.
The Queen Bee
Queen of Everything Mug, £9, Urban Outfitters
The Cake Connoisseur
Victoria Sponge Cake Tin, £4, Joy
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Let me know how you get on with your Secret Santa shopping in the comments below.
If you’re still struggling, and can’t seem to spot the perfect gift for your colleague in the ideas above, please tell us a bit about them, and myself and other readers will see what we can do to help you find something special 🙂
