How to purchase a great secret Santa gift for a colleague

It’s the company Christmas party season, which brings with it the pleasure of unwinding with colleagues, as well as the dread of the annual secret Santa gift swap. Many of us have fallen victim to a present faux pas, while some may be guilty of giving a last-minute purchase for the sake of saving face. Here’s some advice for avoiding a festive flop.

US-based etiquette expert Diane Gottsman says it’s important to remember that a secret Santa gift should be fun and festive and suggests the use of best judgement. “Don’t put yourself in a position to offend anyone,” she notes. Items such as office supplies fit this theme.

Coffee and tea-related gifts are always a safe bet, as the British Coffee Association estimates that around 70 million cups of joe are consumed in the UK every day. Try a personalised mug, a cup warmer, or a gift card from a well-known chain of cafés. Even if your recipient isn’t a fan, they’ll most likely know somebody who can put the present to good use.

Vouchers are a great way to let your colleague choose his or her own gift, but be sure to buy one from a national retail chain so it can be used just about anywhere in the country. This also allows for a wide spectrum of options rather than focusing on items they have no need for.

If you really want to impress, try to find out a little about your recipient so you can choose something they’ll love. Only buy alcohol if you’re sure the person drinks it and be mindful of any medical conditions or cultural differences they might have. A diabetic won’t appreciate a box of chocolates, while vegetarians can’t use a voucher for a steak dinner.

Lastly, be mindful of your co-workers’ feelings if you receive a terrible gift. Show gratitude when you open the package. If it’s an item of clothing, wear it to the office at least once out of courtesy and avoid re-gifting within the same company. Anything inappropriate should be reported to the HR department and never taken up with the giver directly.

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