Seasons Greetings!
So I have my first white elephant gift exchange coming up at work and I had NO IDEA what to buy! I don’t think I even know what a white elephant is, but I do know some gift stealing is involved (which doesn’t sound so fun to me). So I plan to approach it like a Secret Santa and just wing it! I am sure the rules will be easy enough to follow once I get to the holiday party.
Anywho, what the heck do you get people that you work with that are all different? One thought was to go the gag gift route to give everyone a good laugh, but then that isn’t very practical. Then I figured give something I would want, but I can honestly say everyone who will be there is very different from me. So as I searched the internet high and low, I figured I’d share some of my ideas with you all since I am sure I am not the only one stumped on buying work-related holiday gifts.
Poo Pourri in a pinch pack
Let’s be honest, some of us has that one or 10 people who consistently blows up the shared bathroom on your floor. There is no shame in that, when you gotta go you gotta go. BUT why not give a gift that keeps on giving! They can poo in peace AND clear the air for everyone else. Its a win-win!
This would also be useful at home or when they travel. So giving one with variety and travel-sized is the way to go.
Buy Poo Pourri in a pinch pack here
What do you meme? game
Buying for people who are not in your friendship circles or family can be tricky. Why not give something light-hearted like a game. This “What do you meme?” game is an adult game that is sure to bring on the laughs.
Buy “What do you meme?” game here
Dog shaming calendar
I don’t know about anyone else, but I LOVE to see all Pinterest’s funniest dog shaming memes and images. I can scroll on and on for days. So why not get the same hilarity in a calendar? The recipient can put it on their office wall by their desk, if they have one, and have a source of happiness on the stressful days.
Potty putter game
We all go, so why not make it fun! This is more of a funny gift because we surely do not need to play games while on the can. Even if it is a silly one, there is someone who would appreciate this gift.
Muffin top cupcake cups
It’s a cute spin on the work muffin top! Give this to the baker of the group and watch their faces light up!
buy muffin top cupcake baking cups here
Echo Dot (2nd generation)
This nifty little piece of technology would surely be stolen while playing White Elephant! The Echo products are super hot right now and very handy. During this time, they are extremely affordable and would make you King/Queen of gift-giving in your office! You can snag this one for just under $30!
Foot hammock
I personally keep a small file box under my work desk to use as a footrest. I bet I am not the only one who likes to be comfortable while working so give the gift of cozy! Its a small, inexpensive product but the reward is HUGE.
Blanket scarf
You can not go wrong with a unisex blanket scarf if you work in a place where it gets super cold in the winter. Keep it a neutral color and simple pattern so that it can be enjoyed by people of different fashion senses. If anyone in my lab is reading this, it is on my Christmas list *wink wink*.
Duel screen clip
Who needs to keep looking down at the phone and then back up at the computer while multitasking at work when you can make them both at eye level. You can use it to add some enjoyment next to your work, or as a duel screen for work. This is genius.
Microwave popcorn popper
Who doesn’t like popcorn? Instead of heating up those greasy microwavable bagged popcorn, make it fresh and quick! Its microwavable so it makes the process so easy! Add the kernels, add the butter, and press a button. SIMPLE! And its small so cleanup is a breeze. It will be much healthier for you than its alternative.
Get microwave popcorn popper here
What do you think about some of these White Elephant or Secret Santa gifts? It can be difficult to know what a colleague likes but getting something that is universally liked is the best way to go. You can always do a Starbucks or restaurant gift card, but you may not be the only one in the group who gifts that. Be the person who gets the funny yet useful gift out of the group. For example, popcorn is enjoyed by most people and not many people actually have a microwave popcorn popper in their kitchen. And even if they themselves don’t eat much popcorn, their children might OR they can re-gift it!
I hope this is helpful and PLEASE leave a comment with your favorite White Elephant or Secret Santa gift for the workplace.
Until next time!
With love,
CoCo