How can I bring Kris Kringle to the workplace?

As giving a present to everyone you know in your workplace could bankrupt you, Kris Kringle/Secret Santa’s have become the most popular way for festive gift giving to take place within companies.

So what is it, how much should you spend, and most importantly, what should you buy?

There are a couple of popular methods which can be used:

• Classic - Participants' names are placed in a hat, and each person draws a name for whom they are to buy a gift. There is usually a gift-giving occasion (possibly at the Christmas party) where all the presents are placed on a table, marked with the name of the receiver but not the giver.
• Random – Rather than having a specific person to buy a gift for, participants must all buy a gift and place it in a large bag. Each person then picks out a random gift. This is a more difficult method to buy for as you can’t even tailor the gift to a particular sex.

For both methods there is usually a limit to how much can be spent on the present (around €5-€10) to make parity whether you’re the Office Junior of the Managing Director.

As much fun as this can be, there are possible problems with any gift giving that has caused arguments, tears and sackings.

The worst thing you could possibly do is give something that oversteps the mark, whether it’s something with sexual connotations, or related to an unpleasant nickname somebody has. A pair of edible knickers may be hilarious to you, but sexual harassment law may think differently. Even if you think it’s anonymous, it’s not impossible to work out who bought which present.

Vouchers are the safest option, but safe could also mean boring. Here’s a few of the many gift options you could go for:

• Mugs – You can have pretty much whatever you like printed on a mug, so choose something to personalise the gift for your recipient so they enjoy their cup that little bit more.
• Calendar – Do you know your recipients favourite football club or pop star? Get them a gift that they can enjoy for a full 365 days.
• Grow your own – seeds, a pot, some soil, regular water and bit of patience will (hopefully) turn into a lovely plant they can look after.
• Desk toys – finger drums, silly putty, mini punch bags, and thousands of other gadgets are available that are usually enjoyed until mid January when the initial novelty wears off.
• Betting slip – Choose a horse running on Boxing Day and put a wager on it. Your money could actually become much more valuable.
• Beauty products – most high street shops come up with little collections of soaps, oils and fragrances that provide a foolproof gift for the ladies.

Books, t-shirts, gloves, scarves, jewellery, candles, chocolates, and hundreds of other options are all ideal, so have a think about who you’re buying for and make a choice. Don’t worry too much about what you select, there’s very few people in the world who don’t like getting a present – it’s the thought that counts!

When you get your gift, be grateful. It’s very easy to forget about the thought and effort that has gone into the purchase and you could easily offend your Santa if you shrug it off and stick it straight in your pocket never to be seen again.