By: Courtney Walsh
Tis the season! But before you search Instagram for cookie recipes and drink ideas, are you ready for your work party? It is a time that some of us love because we get that holiday bonus or see Julie from accounting get drunk. But the good times comes with a price you need a white elephant gift what do you buy, and where do you buy it from? No one wants to be super cheap, but at the same time, you have family, friends, and a special man or, in my case, a lady you need to worry about. Times are tough most of us don’t have extra money lying around for John in the mailroom, but you HAVE to get something, right? I am here to help or at least get some ideas flowing to help release the stress and make you the coolest person in the room. We are breaking this into two parts. Four gifts under $20 and for you ballers $50 and under.
$20 or Less:
Who doesn’t love a fun coffee mug? If you work at a place that can take a joke, this will be a hit and comes in at $12.95. You can purchase it here
Are you in the market for something really useful and a sure hit? It’s cold these next few months, and people’s hands take a beating, so a hand repair kit is perfect. I love any products from Burt’s, and this just keeps that feeling going. Grab the 3 Body skincare kit here.
One issue I have come across a LOT as a social media manager is my boss not writing down or organizing passwords. Apple has helped that a ton, but for the old-school folks, this is the perfect gift and fun. It will have all the info in one place and be easy to find. Grab this
My last pick for the less than $20 group is my favorite. I have to work in a clean and organized area, and this mini desk vacuum is a must-have. It has tiny brushes with spare parts and will clean up those snack crumbs quickly. At under $20, this is a steal, and maybe you pick one for yourself. Snag it here
$50 or Less:
Now, if you love your work family and don’t mind spending a little bit more money, I have four gifts that are $50 and under. This is the wheelhouse for those tech junkies or the boss who takes care of you all year.
Everyone is going to want to start the new year trying to be healthier, and you can help by getting this Magic Bullet Blender 11-piece set that is mini. It has a ton of accessories and is good for home or the office. I am a smoothie lover and can tell you a great smoothie first thing is a mood setter. Get this one here.
Up next, we grab some tech. Now more than ever, you need your devices, and knowing that some of us still struggle to keep them charged, that being said, this mag charger is so cool. It comes in a ton of fun colors and not only charges the phone but also the Apple Watch along with other tech. It is a one-stop shop get it here
If you get stuck in a storm or lost on a hike, are you prepared? This 170-piece survival kit is a start. From first-aid must-haves to tactical knives, shovels, and rope, you can hold it down until you find help or help finds you. It comes with a price tag of $50 and can be found here.
The perfect addition to a snowy cold day, along with a cup of cocoa, is a warm, weighted blanket. A lucky coworker will love you forever as they curl up on the sofa under the perfect blanket. It is a bit over the $50 range and comes in a variety of colors. Another gift: you might want to buy 2 of them here.
Before you grab the mic for karaoke or forget you are 35 and not 25, snag a gift that people will love and talk about. The holiday work party is where two things can happen. You can become a household name for good reasons or can see yourself in HR explaining why you jumped into the pull wearing a Santa hat and nothing else. Hope you find some gems, and be on the lookout for more from us this holiday season. Most importantly, do NOT drink and drive.