Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas for Office Mates

Whether you're a boss who's trying to save money so he can buy a new boat or a secretary who's trying to spend less to save money to buy a new pair of shoes, you're going to need some ideas of cheap office gifts for co-workers this Christmas.

Giving gifts to colleagues is walking a thin line. It's easy to make a big mistake around the holidays, offending your employees or co-workers, whether because they're money-hungry, picky, or just downright sensitive.

If you're a boss, most people will resent the gift you give them regardless of what it is. Unless it's money (and a lot of it), your subordinates will probably see the gift that you give them as a cop-out. Yet you can give them a few things that might enliven their spirits a bit:

1. Bottles of Whiskey: Office Gifts that Show Colleagues you Understand Them

As long as you get this gift for a male colleague, it will almost certainly be heartily appreciated. While some bottles of whiskey can be expensive ($50 or more), they're much cheaper than a Christmas bonus. Furthermore, they show your employees that you have a good sense of taste for the finer things in life, and that you understand why they sometimes come into work unshaven, groggy and smelling like a college fraternity.

2. Flasks: A Great Gift Idea for a Colleague in Low Spirits

If you're working for a very traditional company, you can throw this gift idea out the window. However, if you're working in a creative industry where you need people to be constantly motivated, a flask makes an awesome gift idea for a co-worker. By giving this gift, you're showing your employee that you trust them to booze responsibly. In return, you get their trust that they'll do their work as well as possible (when they can talk).

If you're a secretary, people will probably appreciate any gift you get them (the complete opposite of a boss). In this case, you could essentially close your eyes and choose anything in the corner store as a gift for everyone. However, some of the best gift ideas for co-workers help to constantly remind them of your excellence:

1. Cool Key Chains: They Will Constantly see your Awesome Office Christmas Gift

Every time that they open their front door or unlock their safe deposit box that nobody should know about, your colleagues will see the key chain bottle opener or rabbit's foot that you got them. This sends a tiny subliminal message to them about how thoughtful it was of you to get them a little something for Christmas.

2. Cactus: A Cheap Gift Idea for A Colleague (Perfect for a Prick)

If you've got a coworker at your office who just pricks you the wrong way, you might consider getting him a prickly gift like a cactus. Also, cacti make great office plants because you hardly ever have to do anything to them, which means they can survive 2-week vacations and constant neglect.

If you're in need of more great Christmas Gift Ideas for colleagues, go to Nine Great Gift Ideas for Colleagues and read on.