ALT-1 Christmas 2010 Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Coworkers
The season is upon us once again, when our hearts turn to giving. While wallets are feeling the crunch of unstable economies, affordable gifting has become the norm, especially when considering co-workers. Here are some affordable gift ideas for your consideration in your 2010 Secret Santa festivities.
1. Coffee and Donuts: In many office and retail environments, coffee breaks are longed for and much appreciated. There is no doubt your work place's favorite coffee shop has a host of affordable gift ideas that are both affordable and attractive. Many offer samples in decorative mugs, tea for two sets, etc. Prices typically range from $9.95 and up, and there are many that will usually fall well within the spending limits put on most gift exchange events.
2. Engraved novelty items: For many, the extra steps taken to have an inexpensive gift personalized is worth its weight in gold. While the gift itself may be as simple as a key chain, the effort you have taken to have the item personalized for its receiver will long be remembered. For the note taker, a writing pen makes a wonderful gift and in most office environments, hanging on to a good pen can be difficult. Having ones name engraved, especially for the chronic note taker, is a gift that is priceless.
3. Photo Keepsakes: In this digital era, it can be relatively easy to dig up some wonderful shots of past workplace events. A small album highlighting these workplace moments is both inexpensive and considered quite thoughtful. The response of your coworkers will be pleasing to all as you flip through its pages, remembering the good times that were had.
4. Wine: Depending on you work place regulations and policies, a nice bottle of wine with toasting glasses is a fantastic gift. Despite many misconceptions, it is not necessary to break the bank in order to provide a wonderful treat for the holidays. There are numerous wines on the market, priced from $10-$20 that will impress, and the addition of the glasses completes the gift. Visit your local dollar store, where you'll no doubt find a great assortment of usable and unique glass pieces at a cost that will allow you to keep to your holiday budget.
5. Homemade Treats & Goodies: Who doesn't love shortbread cookies and caramel corn? This year, when your helping the kids with their contribution to the class Christmas party, keep your coworkers in mind. Nothing says Christmas like the Holiday tin, filled to the brim with shortbread Santas and silverbells, that smell just like they came from Grandma's kitchen.
Christmas is a time of giving. A time when helping those in need must come to the front of our priority list. For the coworker who has everything, why not consider a charitable donation in their name? Whether it be a toy for a Caring and Sharing Tree, a basket of dried goods for the local food bank, or a monetary donation to the charity of their choice, it will be a gift that will be applauded and fondly remembered.
Ultimately, if your only concern is budget, you will miss the joy of giving. With a little thought and lots of imagination, gifting for your coworkers this holiday season could be the easiest on your list.
