In every office, particularly ones where employees get along well, there’s always an occasion that warrants a group gift. Chipping in to buy one good present for a co-worker is always a great idea, especially if you’re on a tight budget or if you don’t have an idea what to get him or her.
If you’ve been tasked to purchase the group gift, don’t panic. Here are some group gift ideas for any occasion for your co-worker.
The boss’ birthday
Employees can chip in to buy a cake for the boss, and it’s a good idea to know your manager or supervisor’s favorite cake flavor before buying it. Look for a cake that can be divided with makeshift office cutlery and won’t leave crumbs all over the desk. If you don’t have the foggiest notion as to your boss’ favorite cake flavor, you can’t go wrong with chocolate as it’s always a crowd pleaser.
A baby shower
For your co-worker who’s about to have a baby, give her an item that will help her care for her newborn. Get her the VTech Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor ($39.99) so she’s always aware of her little one’s needs. You can also get her a baby arrival gift set from Honest Company ($60) which has diapers, wipes, sanitizing spray, healing balm, shampoo, lotion, and a teether.
Engagement
If you’ve got a co-worker who just got engaged, get her a gift that she can share with her with her significant other. A nice bottle of champagne is always appropriate. You can also get creative and build a wedding planning kit, which includes a few bridal magazines, a copy of “The Knot Book of Wedding Lists,” and a nice notebook and pen.
Retirement
For your co-worker who’s about to retire, a watch is always a classic gift. You can get a good watch for under $100 at Fossil, MVMT, Citizen, August Steiner, Komono, Seiko, or Timex. If he’s an avid golfer, you can get him personalized golf balls or a golf accessory set. If she plans to travel after she retires, you and your co-workers can chip in to get her some new luggage.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on thoughtful gifts under $50 for your favorite co-worker.
