Secret Santa gifts for coworkers

What makes a coworker gift appropriate

A work gift should be safe to open in front of other people and safe to put on a desk. That rules out anything about appearance, health, relationships or religion, and anything with a joke that depends on inside knowledge. It also rules out alcohol in many workplaces, so check your policy.

The safest picks are food, drink, desk items and small comforts. They work for a new hire and for a person you have known for ten years.

How to buy for someone you barely know

1. Read their questionnaire or wishlist if they filled one in.
2. Ask one question in the anonymous chat, such as coffee or tea, sweet or salty. People answer quickly when the question is easy.
3. Notice what is on their desk: a plant, a mug, a team logo, a water bottle. Build on it.
4. Pick one item. Wrap it. Add a short note with no inside jokes.

What to avoid

• Clothing, perfume, skincare or anything related to body or weight.
• Alcohol, unless the group has agreed and everyone drinks.
• Gag gifts that target a person's habit, such as always being late.
• Anything pricier than the limit. Cost differences get noticed at work.
• Items with political or religious messaging.

If the recipient is your manager, read gifts for your boss first. The rules shift when someone is above you.

Making the exchange smooth

Set a simple limit and a swap date in Hollyhush so nobody has to chase. The tool does not send email reminders, so share the date in the team channel too. If you are organizing, Secret Santa for the office covers setup, and the rules page covers what to say about limits and opt-outs.

Create a work group, share one link, and nobody needs an app or an account. Create your group, free

Items that live on a desk or in a bag.

Check for allergies and diets before you buy.

Funny without getting personal.