Stumped on work gifts?

Back in my ad and web dev days everyone was good with a bottle of wine. I remember my dad in days of yore stocking the cabinet around the holidays with various dark liquors.

These non Mad Men days alcohol is no longer a go to and depending on your industry some may want to skew healthier than others. Whether you’re doing a nondenominational secret santa (elfster?) or looking to hand something out to your team, there are a variety of options. I was brainstorming with someone about possible work gifts and thought I would share with you.

It doesn’t hurt to lean in to either your personality (I love a grid rule/spiral bound notebook so I often give those) or something fun in your industry vibe. If I really don’t know I tend to err toward consumable or other gifts that feel like they’ll get used one way or the other.

And for the record the rule is gift down but not up and don’t go too extravagant, it is the thought that counts.

• Food stuffs: Depending on your peeps and industry, food items can still be a nice treat, candy, coffees/teas, fruit preserves, olive oils, or condimenty things like flavored salts.
• Upscale office supplies: Stickies, pens or pencils, Screen cleaner, cable organizer, or notebooks/pads.
• Self care: Also in the used up category depending on your audience these can be winners soaps, lotions, and candles.
• Desk items: When you feel like it would hit, word a day calendar or a plant/succulent/airplant.
• For beverages: Thermos, mugs, or water bottles​
• Funny work things: Coloring book, conference call bingo, stress relievers, or nameplates (Note we do want to keep work funny light and not in the “I’m so miserable here, ha ha” kind of way.)
• Gift certificates: While not as personal these are a nice way to let people get what they want or go for a local lunch or coffee place.

And who can resist a few coachy things:

• Books: Again you can go industry specific topic, coffee table artsy, or a few of my favorites Atomic Habits, Designing Your Life, The Coaching Habit, or Do Breathe.
• Journals: Any book will do, I personally got a few people hooked on The Five-Minute Diary which I used to get myself into the journaling habit.
• To-do lists: I’ve been using some stickies from Appointed but don’t see them on the site, here’s a more elaborate version, what I like is the daily top three priorities.
• Meditation apps: I’m currently in a 10% Happier phase but also have a Calm subscription which I like.

Are you work gifting this year? What has been your fave gift to give or get?