Editor’s note: This article was first published in December 2014. All prices quoted are Amazon.es prices from that month.
Many companies play Secret Santa at Christmas: each person draws a colleague’s name and has to buy them a present.
Depending on the company, there is sometimes a rule that the gifts can’t cost more than €20 or €30. And while most people give cologne or a scarf, some like to give something more original or special now and then, sometimes even something funny.
That’s why we’ve put together these 10 simple gift ideas that cost less than €30, apart from a couple of them. Still, if you don’t know what to give, or your company has an even lower spending limit, give a book rather than cologne. The classics often cost less than €5.
1. A Facebook shower curtain
If you have a coworker who is always hooked on Facebook, this is the perfect present.
Price: €24
2. A Montana tie
A stylish, tasteful gift, no doubt about it. We picked the cheapest one, but Montana ties come in different qualities and prices, up to €80.
Price: €21
3. An analogue wall clock with an executive design, by Sprawl
An original present, although Sprawl makes hundreds of other designs too.
Price: €21
4. A spy pen
A ballpoint pen with a built-in 8-megapixel digital camera and a USB cable. Someone might find a use for it.
Price: €15.55
5. Elegant cufflinks, gift box included
This goes beyond the price limit usually set for the office Secret Santa, but depending on the situation, it’s a safe bet if the person likes to dress well and has good taste.
Price: €59
6. Walkie-talkies for your favourite coworker, with a range of up to 5 km
They might even come in handy.
Price: €25
7. A mini wireless speaker for PCs, smartphones, iPads, iPhones…
For the coworker who likes to have music on at work.
Price: €29.99
8. A survival kit
For your more adventurous coworker. This kit includes a sewing set, a candle, a compass, matches, an emergency whistle, a signal mirror, a pencil, multipurpose wire, cotton wool, water purification tablets…
Price: €19.49
9. A Bench hat and scarf
For the coworker who always feels the cold.
Price: €31
10. The banana umbrella
My favourite, without a doubt, for its understated colour and the serious look it gives you when paired with a suit. As Santa Claus would say: ho, ho, ho…
Price: €12.50
Featured image: Alexander Baxevanis, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
