by Erim Sarbuland

Created on: October 12, 2009

Your company's annual Secret Santa gift exchange is one of those Christmas have to's. Most of the time we put it off until the night before and grab a mug or coffee card at the last minute. The good news is there are many things you get could get a co-worker that they could actually use and would put a smile on their face.

Framed co-worker picture: Make use of that office outing, or funny Halloween picture of your co-workers and put in a nice frame. The truth is you spend a lot of time with your co-workers, and they truly become a second family, quirks and all. Our blood families are far from perfect but we still surround ourselves with images of them. Why not of the people you spend most of your day with. I guarantee it will brighten up your office and do a lot for camaraderie.

Use a hobby or talent as a gift: Do you make killer chocolate chip cookies or handmade jewelry on the side? This is a perfect opportunity to do what you love to do and make someone's day at the same time. Give someone a quality handmade gift and who knows, you may get more requests and start a little side business for yourself. I had a boss who did black and white photography on his days off. For Christmas he gave everyone in his department their own individual photograph and we loved it.

Office Space DVD: This one is specifically great for those working in a corporate or office environment. It is a cult classic that mocks the everyday monotony that can sometime occur when working in an office, and can truly be appreciated by those who have worked in the corporate world. You can even make a night of it and invite your co-workers over to watch it together. We all need to laugh at ourselves sometimes and this movie will definitely help in not taking ourselves too seriously.

Gift Card to Local Restaurant: Is there a favorite restaurant or local caf that people at work love to go to? A gift certificate would be a great gift. If they are going to go their regardless, why not get them lunch on you, or at least a discount on their meal. This is also a great way to support your local community especially those mom and pop places that seem to be disappearing by the day.

Trial Pass for specialized fitness class: It's not something we like to think about around the holidays, but right after there over we sure do. Yes, after you've enjoyed the eggnog, loads of bread, and all the sugary goodness the season brings it's time to work it off and get healthy again. Most people already have

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