Christmas Gift Ideas for the Workplace

Figuring out whether or not to give gifts at work can be daunting. Who gets a gift? What do they get? How much to spend?

Only you know who specifically should get a workplace holiday gift but there are a few people that should be on that list: the boss, his assistant – if he/she has one and your cube mate should definitely be on your list. You should also include anyone who has gotten you out of an office jam in the last 12 months, hopefully this doesn’t make the list incredibly long. Also include people who have worked closely with you on special projects and subordinates.

For the Boss

For someone as important as the guy who figuratively signs the paycheck a gift around $50 is not that unusual. Make sure to give something memorable and a little out of the ordinary; wrap-up a bottle of the Fritz Underground Winery Estate Malbec ($45). From Dry Creek Valley, the wine was aged in 40% new French oak for 15 months and only 100 cases were produced. Flavors of juicy red fruit enveloped in chocolate are sure to give you brownie points with each sip your boss takes.

For the Boss’ Assistant

You should always keep the boss’ assistant on your good side. They can give you insight to help bolster your relationship with your boss. A bottle like the Garnet Monterey County Pinot Noir ($15) is sure to go a long way. This is a powerful Pinot Noir but it also has the subtlety of blackberries, cherry preserves and vanilla toffee from the French oak aging.

For Your Cube Mate

Something for the person you spend more time with than anyone else. In order to get him/her to back off and give you your space, your cube mate deserves a wine that’s as different from the ordinary as they are. The Tapeña Garnacha ($11) from Spain is full of ripe cherry flavors, soft tannins and a hint of spiciness. It’s well-structured with a lingering velvety finish.

Other Colleagues

This is for the colleague that told your boss that you just ran upstairs to HR for a minute when really you were still not back from lunch. The Columbia Crest Unoaked Chardonnay ($10) is one sure-fire way to say thanks for the stalling the boss. The wine has flavors of citrus fruit and orange blossoms with a lively acidity. A nice clean finish but robust flavors in the mouth make this a great pairing with chicken and pork dishes.

Subordinates

Remember that your subordinate’s work reflects on you as well; so a small token can go a long way to making you look good later on. Give an approachable wine like the Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio IGT($8). This is a fresh tasting wine that is enjoyable with lighter foods but is also nice for sipping.

Giving a gift should be a joyful experience both for the giver and the receiver. Don’t make workplace gift-giving a stressful process. Stay within a budget and a theme. If you give wine, give everyone wine. Even if they don’t drink that particular brand or varietal, it really is something that can be re-gifted without awkwardness.