It’s the most wonderful time of year…the time when you hover near the printer, sip on fruity punch, and chat with the head of HR about her kid’s leading role in the school play.
‘Tis the season of the office holiday party, an event that can be hard to know how to embrace.
Do you let loose? Keep it buttoned up? What kind of gift do you give your boss? What about your coworker? So. Many. Questions.
Consider us your Office Party Guru. We’ve got gift ideas and advice below. Grab a pen and let’s meet in the conference room. We’re navigating this together.
If this is your first office-party-rodeo:
Slip into something a bit more glam
This is the time to wear the dress you’ve been waiting all year to strut around in. It’s the time to don the suit that gathers dust most of the year in your closet.
Especially if you work in an environment with a relaxed dress code, this is an excuse to shake things up and dress up a little.
With an outfit that makes you feel special, this required work event won’t feel so stuffy.
Keep gossip to a minimum
It can be tempting (especially if you’re a few drinks in) to share your personal feelings about coworkers or your boss.
As much as it might seem like a good way to bond (venting has its perks!), it can also come back to bite you, should someone hear about it.
Keep your true feels about your coworkers close to the vest.
Keep an eye on your booze consumption
Drinking at work events is common. It’s a socially awkward moment that can feel easier with a beer or glass of wine in hand.
But! Monitor how much you drink. Don’t overdo it.
While you should absolutely enjoy yourself, you don’t want to be the person who gets sick in the employee bathroom and you definitely don't want to be the 'this is why we can't have office parties anymore' martyr.
Relax and be yourself!
If you’re new to a company, this is a great chance for those you’ve just started working with to get to know you. Even if you’re not new, it's time to let your personality shine through
Given that we spend about 30% of our lives working, you'll be much happier in the long run if you can let down some of the armor you wear around your coworkers and let the 'real you' out a little more.
Putting your work persona aside for the night can lead to new friendships with coworkers you previously kept at a distance and can lead to a healthier and happier work environment when the party is over.
Within reason of course, the 'real you' miiiight just be a little too wild for the workplace so you should re-read the last tip before you implement this one.
The Ultimate Office Gift Guide
You need a gift but have no idea what the person likes
Give our Under the Stars Candle. No matter what your giftee likes, they likely dig candles. It’s hard to go wrong with a scent as good-smelling as this.
Hand-poured in Colorado, this candle combines balsam fir, cedar, and vetiver to bring the outdoors in.
You need a gift for your coworker who never fails to take his vacation days
Field Guides! We’ve got tons. From Brooklyn to the Desert Southwest, our field guides take you across the country and into the heart of wherever you’re visiting.
Give this gift to someone who loves to plan and dream up the best kind of trips.
You need a gift for your office manager who always keeps the coffee machine stocked
Try our Human Kind Magnet. Good humans make the world a better place, even at work.
Give this with a nice note about how much this person does for the office and you’re sure to make them feel the holiday warmth.
You need a gift for your office BESTIE, work wife, work hubs, or someone you want to impress
This might be your go big or go home gift. For an office BFF, give the Taos Blanket or the Runaway Jim Blanket, depending on your budget.
It’s a blanket that both gives back through our tree-planting program and brings warmth to the giftee. Colorful, beautiful, and handmade, it’s a wonderful gift to give to someone you care about.
You need a gift for someone who’s retiring from the company after 30 years
Retirement is something many of us dream out: getting to spend days out in the world instead of behind a desk sounds like a dream.
If your coworker is about to embark on this new journey, give them the Bindle Daypack. It's an ultralight, uber strong daypack that’s perfect for all the exploring in their future.
You need a gift for a Secret Santa / Gift Exchange and can’t spend more than $10
We’ve got you, little gifter. Try the Today is Awesome Key Tag. It’s an inexpensive yet sweet gift that spreads happiness.
With its retro look, it will feel unique to whomever you’re gifting in the office roundup. And if Today Is Awesome isn’t the right match, we’ve got a wide variety of fun key tag options to choose from.
You can also check out our Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide for some great gift ideas all under $40.
You're in charge of employee gifts and want to give everyone in the company something awesome to go home with
Trek Light Gear loves to work with businesses large and small for all your Corporate Gifting needs. We can work with you to offer special discounts on bulk orders and have a wide array of gifts fit for employees and clients.
Hammocks, Blankets, key tags - our product line is made to spread happiness which is the perfect recipe for employee & client gifting.
We can even customize many of our items with your company logo or personalized messaging.
Just send us an email and we'll help you make it happen!.
Cheers to a successful office party!