giving

Image by Harry Strauss from Pixabay

If you’re like most people, you may not be so sure what to get your co-worker for the office secret Santa gift exchange. Even though you spend every weekday with your coworkers, it’s a challenge to find that one perfect gift that’s sure to please.

To help you get this task out of the way early this year, we’ve compiled a list of several great items any of your coworkers would be thrilled to receive. Don’t stress about secret Santa this year – ROCK IT!

1. Branded Corporate Gifts

What says “I appreciate you” more than a gift that’s actually usable? From USB Memory Pens to durable duffle bags, branded corporate gifts tend to go over well with most people.

The nice thing about these types of gifts is that the receiver can’t forget where the gift came from since it has the name of the company on it, and if you choose wisely, they’ll be able to use the gift regularly.

2. Fun Printed Socks

Everyone wears them, so why not take advantage of this and buy a pair of fun printed socks for your secret Santa? With a wealth of options online to choose from, there’s something for every personality.

Is the person you’re buying for a pizza lover? These pizza printed socks may make the perfect gift!

3. Hi-Tech Cleaning Cloth

Dust, oil, and smudges leave the screens on our devices downright filthy and it’s common to see people cleaning them with tissues, shirttails, and paper towels. All these things can damage the delicate glass, so giving your secret Santa a hi-tech cleaning cloth will help extend the life of their devices.

Designed in a wide array of colors and styles, these smart clothes are dual-sided to clean and polish any device screen surface.

4. Handy Cord Keepers

While technology constantly pushes us toward a more wireless existence, the reality is, everyone owns a pair of corded headphones or two no matter how crazy their tangled cords make us.

Help your coworker stay a tad saner with handy cord keepers. Handmade and designed to be simple to use, a pack of three gives your coworker plenty of ways to keep all the cords in his or her life tangle-free.

5. Adult Coloring Book

Let’s face it – the job can be stressful. Even if your colleague loves her job, the daily grind can get a bit overwhelming at times.

You can give her a stress-reducing gift that’s sure to help her relax with an adult coloring book. While not necessarily work-friendly, this gift is one that your coworker will surely enjoy at home after a tough day at work.

If you decide an adult coloring book is a perfect gift, don’t forget to include a pack of colored pencils or markers to go with it.

6. Have Wheels, Will Gift

If your coworker is into cars, then few things will make them happier than the opportunity to tinker in their garage with new car parts. With everything from garish automotive bling through to blow off valves and other turbo accessories available online, you’re only a couple of easy clicks away from added a few thousand additional revs to your colleague’s festive season.

As the holiday season draws near this year, it’s normal to start worrying about the office secret Santa gift exchange. This year, however, put that worry aside and get a head start on the gift-buying task with the great suggestions listed above. With a gift idea for every budget and personality, this year’s secret Santa will be easier than ever.

Pottery Barn

Image via Flickr by Jeepers Media

The Pottery Barn is known for having a distinctive style that combines neutral tones with flair. It’s also part of a corporation that gives to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, supports the AIDS Walk in San Francisco, and gives grants to organizations across the country that help homeless families and children as well as women escaping from domestic violence. Pottery Barn’s parent corporation also encourages associates to volunteer for their favorite cause and gives them paid time for doing so.

In addition, Pottery Barn gives donations, grants, and sponsorships to shelters of its choice. While it doesn’t accept unsolicited requests from local community organizations, it does seek to help community members gain stability in their lives through the shelters it chooses to support.

JCPenney

The venerable retailer sells attractive furniture at an affordable price and in many different styles. Over the years, JCPenney has built up an internal charitable division that works with organizations like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, No Kid Hungry, and more.

It’s an ethos that began with the founder of JCPenney and has continued for over 100 years. The retailer hires military families and veterans and donates products to help combat hunger, assist with education, and keep people healthy. JCPenney also encourages associates to volunteer with their favorite charity and help that charity earn a grant from the retailer.

Pier 1 Imports

Pier 1 Imports is known for its exotic styles and unusual furniture pieces that make a home or a room feel as if it came from another part of the world. The retailer also engages in philanthropic efforts with both national and international reach.

Over about two decades, Pier 1 Imports has contributed over $42 million to UNICEF in order to help the foundation reach women and children in need. Pier 1 Imports also works with the United Way of Tarrant County, where its corporate headquarters are located. In addition, the company helps a local elementary school by providing clothing to students identified as having a significant need. Associates shop for children and deliver packages directly to the child in need. It’s a unique way of giving back to the community.

Major retailers put their efforts into charitable giving as a way of becoming a part of the community. Those in need benefit from the purchases that you make in these stores. It’s a small but effective way of giving back from the customer and the corporation.