The major pitfall of buying presents for male coworkers, bosses, employees and colleagues is the risk of giving gifts they don't like, can't use or already have. If the man celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday, Father's Day or other special occasion doesn't tend to talk about what he likes, the gift-giver might buy a stereotypical gift for guys - like a $20 gift card from a do-it-yourself home store - but what if the guy doesn't conform to stereotypes? Try these ideas for failsafe, standard gifts for male coworkers that may not be the most unusual, but are tasteful and appropriate for the office. And as befits work gifts within a professional setting, they're cheap and affordable, too.
Classic Guy Gifts for Coworkers
When it comes to men who like the so-called traditional guy things - barbecuing outdoors, sports, and cool gadgets - finding inexpensive coworker gifts for guys can be as simple as choosing a new set of grilling tongs from Williams-Sonoma, an affordable tie from JC Penney, or a BPA-free water bottle from Eddie Bauer.
But the best gifts for male coworkers might possibly be the old standbys for men - the wallet or the money clip. As of this writing, Walmart carries the Clark & Mayfield Stafford Italian Leather Wallet online for about $25, and Macy's has many leather and cloth men's wallets available for under $30. Unlike cufflinks and ties, wallets are still used pretty universally and make memorable office presents.
Gift Baskets for Male Coworkers
Gift baskets are not cheap, but either by buying in bulk during Christmas at warehouse clubs or by making one's own gift set, one can personalize a Christmas holiday, birthday or Father's Day gift for any male coworker to present at the office party. Also some gift boxes featuring candy or popcorn at Target or other discount stores can be quite affordable.
To make a cheap gift basket for a male coworker, reuse a decorated gift bag received on a previous holiday, or on Christmas, recycle an old netted or flocked Christmas stocking. Stuff the container with packaged extras from treats already in the pantry. Try savory gourmet treats like a bag of garlic sesame sticks or a bottle of capers and granola bars or chocolates (standard Hershey's mini chocolates are fine, or Cadbury in the UK).
Throw in a bottle of artisan-brewed root beer or ginger ale, available at Trader Joe's and natural food stores, and one non-edible item. For the non-edible stuffer, choose a small gift under $10 that's office-appropriate, such as a special occasion or joke mug, a pair of holiday-themed or birthday-themed socks, or simply a very nicely decorated greeting card. Present the coworker with this homemade gift basket on his birthday, Father's Day, leaving party or going-away day, Christmas, Hanukkah or other occasion celebrated at the office.
Coworker Gag Gift - Humor Book Gifts for Men
Books make terrific all-purpose presents for men in the office and great Secret Santa gifts at the Christmas party. Yet trying to find a fiction book to present to a male coworker is a sure exercise in frustration, since the tastes of work colleagues will vary - and besides, he probably already owns what he loves to read. Hobby books are suitable, but can get expensive.
Instead, choose tasteful humor books, whether they're recommended joke books or humorous special occasion books targeted to the particular holiday. These tend to be inexpensive, with many priced under $10. At Christmas, for example, choose funny Christmas books for a boss, such as It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies, a cute holiday gem by author Michael P. Spradlin. Or for a birthday, choose the classic, charming Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss, guaranteed to strike a silly note with a male coworker who has a great sense of humor.
The Best Gifts for Male Coworkers Won't Be Shoved in a Desk Drawer
Choosing a best gift for a man who's a coworker does not require being best friends with the guy. It's possible to get a present for a male coworker that is cheap and classy and seems personalized without being redundant, unsuitable, unprofessional or unappealing. If a gift giver goes for the humorous gift, the homemade gift basket, or the useful wallet gift, he or she won't go wrong.
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Kerry Bakerson - Kerry's fiction has been published by Mundania Press. A former jewelry designer and bookseller, Kerry is now a full-time web content ...
