The holiday season is the perfect time to spread cheer in the office, and what better way to do so than with a thoughtful and fun Secret Santa gift? If you’re assigned to buy for a new employee, you might feel pressured to pick something meaningful and appropriate. After all, it’s their first holiday season at the company, and you want to make them feel welcome and appreciated.
But how do you strike the right balance between something personal and something professional? The good news is you don’t have to spend much money or overthink it. With the right approach, you can choose a Secret Santa gift that’s both practical and fun.
Here are five creative and thoughtful Secret Santa gift ideas for new employees that will brighten their day.
Personalized Desk Supplies
When new employees join the team, they often spend a lot of time setting up their workspace. Personalized desk supplies make an excellent Secret Santa gift, especially if you can make it feel unique to them.
Think about getting items that help them feel settled and organized. Personalized notebooks, custom pens, or even a high-quality planner are gifts that can make their workspace more efficient and welcoming. For example, consider a leather notebook embossed with their initials or a stylish pen with a built-in laser pointer. These items are both practical and add a professional touch to their desk.
If you know they like a particular colour, you could get pens, notebooks, or organizers that match their style. A customized mouse pad with their favourite quote or a fun image is also a great way to make their workspace feel more personal. These gifts show that you’ve put thought into something they’ll use daily, helping them feel more at home in the office.
Case Study:
Jane, a new marketing employee, received a customized leather journal and a set of elegant pens from her Secret Santa during her first holiday season. Not only did she appreciate the quality of the gift, but the personalized touch helped her feel like a part of the team right away.
A High-Quality Coffee Maker or Accessories
Let’s face it: most employees rely on coffee (or tea) to fuel their workday. A coffee-related gift can be a great option for a new employee, especially if you know they’re a hot drink fan, to get them through the day.
Instead of just a regular coffee mug, consider something a bit more special. A sleek French press or an easy-to-use pour-over coffee kit could be perfect for someone who enjoys the ritual of making their brew. If they’re not a coffee drinker, consider a tea sampler or a stylish thermos for their daily commute.
Alternatively, you could opt for high-quality accessories like personalized mugs, a coffee grinder, or gourmet coffee beans. Pairing the gift with a handwritten note about your favourite coffee blend or tea could make it even more personal and fun.
Real-Life Example:
Sarah, a new project manager at a tech company, received a sleek French press and an assortment of premium coffee beans from her Secret Santa. She later shared with the team how much it brightened her mornings and made her feel more connected to the office culture.
A Plant for Their Desk
Plants are the perfect way to add some warmth and personality to a workspace, and they’re also known to boost productivity and mood. Gifting a small potted plant is a thoughtful and low-maintenance idea that works well for new employees looking to personalize their desks without going overboard.
A small succulent or cactus is easy to care for and doesn’t require too much attention. You could choose a fern or even a tiny bonsai tree if you want something more unique. If the new employee has a green thumb, consider gifting them a cute herb garden for their desk. A potted basil or mint plant is perfect for someone who likes to cook, and they can even use it for fresh herbs during lunch breaks.
Real-Life Example: When Alex joined the marketing team at a local startup, his Secret Santa gifted him a small potted succulent with a quirky, colourful pot. He placed it on his desk and noticed that it sparked conversations with his coworkers, helping him build connections with the team immediately.
A Cozy Throw Blanket or Office Socks
If your office environment gets chilly in winter, a cosy, soft throw blanket or a pair of stylish office socks can be a perfect gift. A warm and thoughtful gift like this can make the new employee feel comfortable during their long workdays.
A high-quality throw blanket that’s functional and decorative is an item that will surely be appreciated. Go for neutral tones like grey or navy to match most office décor. Alternatively, you can opt for some fun and quirky socks in fun patterns or motivational sayings—because who doesn’t love a little burst of personality?
The key is to pick something that strikes a balance between being useful and fun. It’s the kind of gift that provides warmth (literally) while showing that you’re thinking about their comfort and well-being.
Real-Life Example: During her first winter at the company, Mia, a new employee at a law firm, received a plush fleece blanket from her Secret Santa. It was exactly what she needed for those long working hours at her desk, and it quickly became her go-to comfort item in the office.
A Gift Card for a Local Coffee Shop or Restaurant
Sometimes, you can’t go wrong with a gift card, especially for a new employee who may be getting to know the area. If you work in an office building with a coffee shop or restaurant nearby, a gift card can be a thoughtful way to help them explore their new environment. It’s a gift that gives them the freedom to choose what they like while introducing them to local spots they might enjoy.
If you know they’re into coffee or tea, a gift card for a nearby café is a great option. Alternatively, if they enjoy lunch outings, consider a gift card to a nearby restaurant where they can try out the local cuisine.
This gift is especially great for someone still getting their bearings, as it encourages them to take breaks and explore their surroundings.
Case Study:
When Thomas joined a global consulting firm, his Secret Santa gifted him a $20 gift card to a popular local café. Thomas was new to the city and didn’t know where to grab a good cup of coffee. The gift card gave him a reason to try a new spot and made him feel more integrated into his new environment.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect Secret Santa gift for a new employee doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re looking for something practical like personalized desk supplies, a cosy throw blanket or something that encourages exploration like a gift card to a local café, the key is to think about what will make them feel welcome and appreciated. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and a little attention to detail can go a long way in making a new team member feel right at home. Happy gifting!
FAQs
1. What should I avoid when buying a Secret Santa gift for a new employee?
Avoid too personal or potentially offensive gifts, such as anything related to their personal life or anything that could be interpreted as overly intimate. Keep it neutral and professional.
2.How much should I spend on a Secret Santa gift for a new employee?
The budget typically varies depending on your workplace, but a good range is anywhere from $10 to $30. The focus should be on thoughtfulness rather than the price.
3. Can I buy a gift for a new employee who doesn’t drink coffee or tea?
Absolutely! There are plenty of alternatives, such as snacks, office supplies, or plants, that don’t require a coffee or tea preference.
4. What if the new employee has dietary restrictions?
To avoid any potential issues, it’s best to ask around or choose non-food items like gift cards, plants, or desk accessories if you want to give food-related gifts.
5. Is it okay to ask the new employee about their preferences for a Secret Santa gift?
While it’s generally a good idea to keep the element of surprise, you can subtly ask colleagues about the new employee’s likes or dislikes to ensure you pick something they’ll appreciate.