5 must-buy Secret Santa gifts for the workplace

Employees everywhere are scratching their heads this time of year over the annual Secret Santa gift-giving exchange. Strike the right balance of professionalism, fun and, of course, the right price, with a perfectly picked item from our list of the top five office-friendly Secret Santa gifts. (An extra tip: For a truly personal gift, check out sites such as Etsy and Scoutmob which feature a collection of handmade, vintage, and/or other unusual gifts.)

1. Funky Stapler

As the ideal one-size-fits-all office gift, the stapler offers the perfect vehicle for creativity and personalization! Best of all, everyone needs one. Choose from a vast selection of themed staplers available online. Some of our favorites include: a funky lucite option from Anthropologie for the office trendsetter; a Bull and Bear faceoff-themed stapler for the financial guru; and the stainless steel, ultra modern Akto stapler for the in-house art aficionado.

2. Creative Card Holder

Whether you opt for a desktop business card holder or a convenient carry-with-you design, business card holders are equal parts personal and professional. Staples offers super-simple and inexpensive options, such as this basic wooden business card holder, and this tiered option. But why not find one that suits your colleague’s personality? Check out the Giselle Silk Business Card Holder, an elegant option from Joss & Main; a stately brass elephant holder from Amazon; and the porcelain Feathers Business Card Holder from online boutique, Furbish.

3. Charitable Intentions

Has your colleague campaigned around the office for a certain charity? Have you discussed a cause that’s close to her heart? Consider donating to her favorite charitable organization. (Just be certain that she still supports the organization before making your donation!) Learn more about online donations at JustGive, or contact your colleague’s charity directly.

4. Artisanal Allure

Support local artisans — and brighten up your colleague’s office space — with a unique gift from Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade retailer. A litany of gorgeous crafts includes some of our must-haves: a greeting card set handmade in India; a selection of candleholders, such as this stone globe candleholder as well as one made of onyx; a thoughtful collection of bookends, and desktop items like this Vietnam-made goldfish paperweight and a Newton’s apple rendered in onyx and brass. Best of all, the proceeds from these inexpensive items help support communities around the world.

5. Sweet and Salty

When all else fails — you don’t know the person whose name you drew, for example — opt for tasty treats. (In one worst-case scenario, your gift recipient won’t like your taste… and will be compelled to leave the goodies out in the kitchen for all to partake.) Barring any food allergies or diet restrictions, some of the best food gifts out there include: collections from California-based chocolatier, See’s Chocolates; baked goods galore from Tate’s Bakery; and a mouthwatering array of popcorn options from The Popcorn Factory.