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Top 10 Gifts for Coworkers

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BlogHer Gift GuidesStill need ideas for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, bloggers, zombie lovers, special needs kids, app addicts, photographers, style mavens, or foodies? We've got you covered and then some with our gift guides, chosen by BlogHer staff, contributing editors and members. We wouldn't steer you wrong.

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As part of BlogHer’s super duper Holiday Guide, I have been asked to write a list of the top ten gifts for coworkers. Given that I am of the great procrastinating until the last minute to get gifts and how about some cash in a card, mind-set; I find myself a little daunted by the task at hand. Every year I proclaim it to be the year of me buying thoughtful gifts and having a plan of action and my lord, BAKING! And every year I fail miserably and everyone gets one of those gift sets from Bath and Body Works. For the record, my brother does not appreciate anything ‘warm vanilla sugar’ scented.

The interesting thing about coworkers is that they aren’t necessarily people that you a) Know all that well, b) like outside of the 9-5 situation c) want to spend a lot of money on because there are like 20 of them. These are important guidelines to remember because you have to remember to treat them all as almost-equals even though there are times you just want to give them a lump of coal and give yourself a bottle of wine. Also all of these gifts are easy to give to males and females and can be tailored to fit even the crabbiest of personalities including Joe from the Mailroom who seldom smiles and often grunts his hellos. On that note, I present to you the top ten gifts for coworkers (!!!) and I swear the list does not include anything that can be used as a body cleansing product, so already there is progress:

1. Wine: I live in New York State where the vineyards are plentiful and good. I work in a very NY State-centric environment with die hard New Yorkers who also happen to share my affinity for the fermented grape. The nice thing about wine is that it’s really easy to buy in bulk and many stores do bulk options, it is also easy to order but check out your favorite wineries website to find out where they ship. My favorites are from two Long Island Vineyards: Pindar Vineyards winter white and Lenz Winery and Vineyard’s Gewurztraminer.

2. Gift cards: Ok this might seem really easy and simple but never underestimate the power of a $25 gift card to Target. Seriously one of the best gifts that I’ve ever received especially hand for that post holiday toilet paper run when you’re out of cash, gift card to the rescue. Honestly you can get them in most any amount and from anywhere. Oh my other favorite is a grocery store gift card. I love to grocery shop and tend to overspend so what better way to say Happy Holidays than with some almost free groceries?

3. Magazine Subscription: ($12-$25 depending on the magazine) I’m a big fan of magazines and subscriptions are easy to come by and aren’t that expensive. The nice thing about the holidays is that school children are often doing those fundraisers where you can get fairly cheap subscriptions to popular magazines while supporting a good cause like sending little Susie to Space Camp.

4. Route 11 Create your own chip and dip kit: I found this in Real Simple Magazine and fell in love because who doesn’t love chips and dip and they’re a fun office gift. It also helps that I come from an office full of people with families who like to do this sort of make your own thing and also full of people who share my adoration for chips. It’s fun and kitschy.

5. Mini stereo dock for ipod: Again from Real Simple’s gift guide but I think this is a great gift for someone’s office. In several office places it’s hard to download itunes to a work computer and sometimes it helps to get through those TPS reports with a little Journey in the background. Whatever the case this is a fun gift for coworkers that you like and whose music taste you enjoy.

6. Baked goods: A group gift or contribution to bring in the holiday spirit can be easily achieved by baking something. I’ve

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ashafranek 5 pts

Great list and all ideas are very affordable!

Melissa Ford 5 pts

I went to the Route 11 chip factory! http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2008/10/third-time-i...

The chips really are fantastic. That would make a great gift.

And I am a fan of the gift card -- it's quick and easy and everyone wins because the person can pick out what they want.

Melissa writes Stirrup Queens ( http://stirrup-queens.com ) and Lost and Found ( http://lostandfoundandconnectionsabound.blogspot.c... ). Her book is Navigating the Land of If ( http://thelandofif.blogspot.com/ ).

Jaishree 5 pts

The one thing that keeps me going is the idea that someone is going to give me a great gift.

But thanks for making the pain easier Heather!

HeatherB 5 pts

Like Denise said, I changed the chip and dip link because it's so awesome that it needs to work. It just goes to the general Route 11 site but from there you can do all of your ordering.

I feel like the wine, card cases and gift cards are the easiest of the bunch. I said it before, but your coworkers aren't necessarily your friends nor people you feel compelled to spend hours trying to find the perfect gift for (I've had a bad few days at work, can you tell?) which is why I suggest doing something EASY for them that won't leave you broke. Good wine can actually be cheap and card cases are absolutely necessary and gift cards can be done in $5 denominations if you're feeling really, really bitter.

Seriously, I picked the worst time in the world to write this because right now they will all be getting $5 gift cards to CVS. Actually I'm making cupcakes for them because there are 20 people in my department and I will be buying myself some wine because I deserve it.

Heather B.
Personal Blog: No Pasa Nada ( http://nopasanada.org )
BlogHer CE: Business, Career & Personal Finance ( http://www.blogher.com/topic/business-career-perso... )

Denise 9 pts moderator

The link looks good and works for me this morning. Also, the chip n dip thing, this is excellent for someone who is seriously hard to buy for. Thanks Heather, for solving one of my gift giving problems.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Fast Times @ Homeschool High ( http://fasttimes.clubmom.com ) & Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net )

Liz Rizzo 5 pts

I've just come back from buying a change purse...

Btw, couldn't get the chip & dip link to work...

And having just flown for Thanksgiving, WOW is the carry-on bottle set a good idea!

Thanks,

Liz Rizzo ( http://www.blogher.com/blog/liz-rizzo )

I blog at Everyday Goddess ( http://everydaygoddess.typepad.com/ ).

Susan Wagner 5 pts

I love the Etsy card case idea. I will be using that for many folks this year.

And not just because Oklahoma wine is terrible.

Friday Style ( http://fridaystyle.blogspot.com ) | The Working Closet ( http://workitmom.com/bloggers/workingcloset/ ) | Friday Playdate ( http://www.blogher.com/fridayplaydate.com )

Angella 5 pts

I live in wine country as well. You cannot go wrong with wine. :)