It's about that time. Time when the first office invites start to hit for holiday parties.
And that means giving up a night of fun (or a night on the couch in front of the TV catching up on The Walking Dead). And it means being on your best behavior for even more hours in the week.
And... it means bringing a gift. Because you don't already have enough to buy with family and friends and kids and teachers and your manager and the neighbor across the street who took care of your dog when you went out of town and... it's just all a little overwhelming this time of year, isn't it?
You could re-gift that bottle of wine you got at last year's office party, except that you can't remember who gave it to you, and it would be just your luck that the person who bought it would get it back.
You could go with a gift card, but that's just so boring. You have a reputation to uphold, after all.
Try this list of "20 Secret Santa Ideas and Gifts Your Office Friends Will Actually Want." Curated by Bustle, this compilation will make you:
- Smile
- Laugh
- Shop (in that order)
"'Tis the season... when you're asked to get a coworker you may barely know a gift that's inexpensive and not lame. (Because you have nothing else to do, right?) Here are 20 presents under $20 that fulfill that tall order," says Bustle.
We couldn't agree more. Check out a few of their suggestions below, with a few of ours thrown in, and you'll have the best Secret Santa gifts around.
The Practical Yet Pretty Gift
We especially like the paperweight that's perfect for "your new boss, whose tastes you aren't familiar with at all. Why? Because the Two's Company Lanier Globe Paperweight "looks way more expensive than it is" and goes with anything, and everybody. $12 at Berings.com.
The Silly Yet Swoon-Worthy Gift
For every female you know, regardless of age, race, or marital status, Bustle says you might want to consider these Ryan Gosling studs. "Ryan Gosling" and "stud" is redundant, you say? Exactly. $12 on Etsy.com.
The Cheap and Chic Gift
We all know someone who loves to be outside but who is always chained to their desk. You can't move their workstation outside, but you can bring a little of the outdoors in, for less than it costs for a sub sandwich, with these mini bud vases. $1.95 – 2.50 at CB2.
The Winter Doldrums Gift
Embrace winter? Bustle thinks boots and scarves are enough (and so do we!). Give a light, fresh-scented and you're giving the gift of summer days. Daydream-y mint and watermelon may be all the recipient needs to make it through the next few months with a smile. $19.95 at Crate and Barrel.
The Inner Geek Gift
Perhaps the perfect geek gift and the perfect guy gift (it even made Esquire's list of best Secret Santa gifts!), this binary clock may just be the thing to get for the person who you have no idea what else to get. $19.95 at Think Geek.
If You've Got a Bit of Money to Burn... and a Great Sense of Humor
It's the gift that will keep on giving every year. The one that will make you a hero. The one that puts the ugliest of ugly sweaters to shame. It's the ugly sneaker.
Spectacularly hideous and being released just in time for Christmas, the Nike SB Dunk High "Ugly Christmas Sweater" will be available on Dec. 14. $108 at Nike.com.
See anything on this list you can't live without... or live without giving to someone else?
Also See: Where to Score the Best Black Friday Deals on the Hottest Holiday Items
