Nope, nothing like the stock or commodity exchange that you might be more familiar with. I am referring to the usual party organised during this time of the year by your company, which includes exchanging gifts amongst colleagues.
Well, we all love receiving gifts, don’t we? But getting a gift for someone else, yup, that could be quite a headache for some of us.
So what’s the issue?
It’s tough enough getting a gift for someone you know really well, let alone office colleagues who are just, ermm.. people that you work with.
Plus, there’s always the issue of how much should you spend on this gift? In usual cases, the organiser will clearly state a minimum value for the gift (so as to ensure no one gets a 3 dollars worth of chocolate wrapped in coloured paper).
Here are some quick thoughts on the safest bets for the gift.
- Always get a gender-insensitive gift. Get things that are not used specifically just by a man or a woman, unless you know who will be receiving your gift.
- Get a functional gift. Things that everyone, anyone can use.
- Get a good ‘quality’ item - the gift leaves an impression about the kind of person you are. Give something from a $2 shop, even though you buy a few items (to make up for the minimum $10 budget), may not exactly ‘reflect’ positively on you.
- If you can afford it, always get a gift that cost more than the budget. Imagine the surprise and appreciation of the receiver when they get that gift!
- Get it wrapped up nicely, with a little note on it, with some kind wishes for the receiver. Make it ‘personalised’ if you know who will be getting that gift - eg. “Dear Sarah, thanks for always extending a helping hand. Happy New Year!” signed Yours Truly.
So now, on to the real issue, what gift to get? Here are some timeless ideas.
- Mugs. As cheesy and boring this may sound, a good mug, with some motivational or funny quote is always a safe idea. If budget is not an issue, get them the Starbucks kind. Drooooollll...
- How about a bath towel? Everyone needs to have a change of a new towel from time to time, and a good towel is always welcome.
- Some cash vouchers make the receiver smile ear to ear. My favourite would be IKEA, KFC or AEON vouchers. Oh, a movie voucher is nice too - is there such a thing? Ever thought of a hotel voucher? Of course, that’s on the high end of the budget but a one-night stay at a cosy hotel in town would make a be fabulous gift, don’t you think?
- If a bookworm is getting your gift, well, get him or her a book! Don’t know what book to get? Get a (few) good bookmark(s) then!
- Gadgets can be surprisingly ‘cheap’ too sometimes, only if you know where to get it from. One of my favourite gifts was a $20 portable mini radio.
Well, there you go, some thoughts for the gifts, as well as things to consider when getting a gift for your colleagues.
Here’s wishing you a great party! May you be crowned as the best party gift-er this time around!
Oh, and Happy, happiest New Year to you! Here’s to a brand new 2019!