The festive season is upon us, and what better way to infuse some Christmas spirit into the workplace than by organising a Secret Santa gift exchange? It’s fun, fosters camaraderie, and adds a touch of mystery to the office atmosphere. Here’s your guide to ensuring the Secret Santa at your workplace is a memorable and smoothly-run affair.
1. Announce Early
Start by sending out a notice at least three weeks in advance. This gives everyone ample time to decide if they want to participate and to shop for their assigned person.
Giving people more time also reduces stress for people who are struggling to decide on what gift they want to give.
2. Set a Budget
To ensure fairness and prevent any discomfort, set a reasonable budget for gifts. It could be £10, £20, or whatever amount everyone feels comfortable with. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag.
This helps to ensure that each gift is of roughly equal value and avoids the uncomfortable situation of someone giving or receiving a gift with a big gap in value to everyone else.
3. Collect Names
Ask everyone interested to submit their names. Use folded pieces of paper in a hat or use digital tools like Elfster or Secret Santa Organiser which can randomly assign names and even send out anonymous email notifications.
This helps to ensure that there are no mix-ups with people receiving multiple gifts, or even not receiving a gift at all.
4. Personalise the Experience
Have each participant fill out a short questionnaire about their likes, dislikes, hobbies, or wish list. This makes it easier for the ‘Santa’ to select a gift that will be appreciated.
This helps to avoid someone getting something they don’t want and losing out compared to everyone who did get something
5. Keep it a Secret
The whole thrill of Secret Santa is in the anonymity. Encourage participants to keep their assigned person a secret until the day of the exchange.
This shouldn’t be too much of a problem as long as no one takes it too seriously, but it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone participating before the Secret Santa starts.
6. Organise a Gift Drop-off Point
Designate a spot in the office, perhaps under the Christmas tree or a specific table, where gifts can be discreetly dropped off.
(should be out of view of people doing work/somewhere people won’t see others dropping off gifts)
7. Set a Date for the Exchange
Decide on a day, preferably a week before Christmas or the last working day before the holidays, for the actual exchange. It could be during lunch or at the end of the day.
Ensure that you pick a date when as many people as possible are in the office as possible. This may mean doing the exchange a bit earlier if people are leaving early to go on holiday.
8. Make it an Event
On the day of the exchange, gather everyone around, play some festive music, and maybe even have some cookies and hot cocoa. As each gift is opened, have the recipient guess who their Secret Santa might be.
9. Encourage Creative Wrapping
Part of the fun is in the unwrapping. Encourage participants to get creative with their gift wrapping, making the presents as enticing on the outside as they are on the inside.
10. Respect Boundaries
Remind participants to choose gifts that are appropriate for a workplace setting. This means avoiding anything too personal, controversial, or potentially offensive.
You should ask their friends if you are not sure, to both check if your first idea is ok and to ensure the recipient doesn’t know the gift is coming from you.
Potential gift ideas
Food
Food, especially something like chocolate, is usually a safe choice. Before you give it as a present, ensure that the person you are getting a gift for isn’t allergic.
Alcohol
Similar to chocolate, some sort of alcohol is a good idea if you are struggling to think of something more specific. Just make sure the person you are getting a gift for drinks alcohol, and doesn’t avoid it for any reason.
Books
Books are a good option as there are so many different genres by so many different authors, that you are extremely likely to find something that the person you are getting a gift for will enjoy.
Conclusion
A Secret Santa exchange is more than just about gifts; it’s about building bonds, creating memories, and fostering a sense of community in the workplace. With careful planning and a dash of Christmas spirit, you can organise an event that will be talked about and looked forward to year after year.
Featured image by RDNE Stock project from Pexels
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