”
Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It
is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say ‘Hey man,
I love you this many dollars-worth.’
”
“Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say ‘Hey man, I love you this many dollars-worth.'”
Oh, Michael Scott, how much do we love you? Hopefully, the gift exchange in your office isn’t quite as competitive (or expensive) as anything from “The Office.” But as much as we love our co-workers (well, some of them), buying gifts for the folks you work with is tough. Sure you can get a Starbucks gift card or a new package of pens, but how boring is that? You want to get something unexpected.
So, whether you do a secret Santa exchange, an office grab bag or a Yankee swap, here are a few suggestions that will make your colleagues smile.
FOR COLLECTORS OF DESK TOYS
– Decision paperweight: Spin the “Wheel of Choices” and ease the burden of tough decisions. ($15, www.uncommongoods.com).
– USB Missile Launcher: Turn unsuspecting co-workers into targets with this desktop missile launcher, right. The 7-inch-high weapon of minimal destruction plugs into any office computer. Using accompanying software, workers can adjust their trajectory and rain tiny foam missiles on co-workers up to 8 feet away. ($29.99, www.thinkgeek.com).
– IQ Puzzle Erasers: Test brain skills with these little erasers. The Tetris-like pieces fit together to form a cube. ($20, www.uncommongoods.com).
– Solar motion ferris wheel: This silver ferris wheel goes slowly round and round thanks to the power of the sun. ($44.99, www. officeplayground.com).
– Tiny Airplanes Page-A-Day Calendar: Here are 365 days of little paper airplanes — in color! Just don’t give it to anyone within launching distance of your desk. ($12.99, Amazon.com).
– Bozo Finger Bop Bag: A 7-inch version of the original clown punching bag complete with crazy red hair. Bop it and it pops back up for endless hours of stress relief. ($4.99, www. officeplayground.com).
FOR CUBICLE DWELLERS
– Will Return clock: This clock, designed to look like a “Will Return” sign, can help office workers exact revenge on demanding colleagues. Since the clock displays the current time, visitors will be forced to continuously wait. ($9.99, www.thinkgeek.com).
– Cubicaller, the Cubicle Doorbell: Why waste your breath alerting co-workers that you are in the vicinity of their cubicle when a gadget can do the same thing. The doorbell comes with 12 different sound options. ($12, www.cubicaller.com).
– Sportscope Cubicle Periscope: Designed to give sports fans a better view, this tiny adjustable periscope is perfect for office workers who want to know if the grass is greener on the other side of the cubicle wall. ($49.99, www.thinkgeek.com).
– Prank memo sticky notes: Stick it to your most annoying colleagues by planting a fake memo on their desk or monitor. A pack of 50 phony Post-its includes messages like “I saw you picking your nose.” ($5.99, www.thinkgeek.com).
– Sarcastic Ball: It’s a Magic 8 Ball with an edge. Instead of “Yes, definitely,” you get answers such as “Ask me if I care” and “Yeah, right.” There are 20 messages to keep you entertained ($7.99, www.officeplayground.com).
– Cynical posters: “Indifference: It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but it doesn’t take any to just sit there with a dumb look on your face.” Many more. ($9.95 to $19.95) from www.despair.com).
FOR FANS OF ‘THE OFFICE’
– The Dwight Shrute bobblehead doll. ($19)
– The talking Michael Scott bobblehead doll: Complete with his “World’s Best Boss” mug. ($24)
– Dundee Award: The award comes with six interchangeable placards. Please note: Several are not appropriate for most offices. We suggest going with the “Whitest Sneakers” or “Fine Work Award.” ($20)
– “Support the Rabid” rubber bracelet: This bracelet lets you show how much you care about bat-bite victims ($5)
Fans of “The Office,” may also appreciate a few items from “Office Space,” the 1999 Mike Judge film about cubicle rebellion.
– Red Swingline stapler: With an Initech sticky note pad and one piece of “flair.” ($13.98, www.redswinglinestapler.com). RedSwinglineStapler.com also has a nice selection of Initech items. ($10-$14.99)
– “Office Space” kit: A mini red stapler, Initech mug, “Is this Good for the Company?” sign, “flair,” TPS coversheets and a “jump to conclusions” mat. ($12.99, www.thinkgeek.com)
FOR lovers of ‘cute’
– Busy Bodies stick figure designs: From “I Program” for computer programmers to “I Dispatch” for police and fire dispatchers, nearly every profession is covered. Get the figures on everything from magnets ($1.49) to keepsake boxes ($21.99), and of course T-shirts ($12.99-$22.99) and mugs ($13.99) at www.ibusybodies.com.
– “Save” Key Bank: It looks like a keyboard key, but it’s really a piggy bank. A perfect place to drop change from all those latte purchases. ($10, www.uncommongoods.com)
– Mini Rubber Band Set: No ordinary rubber bands here. These little guys from Russel+Hazel have funky little patterns that are sure to jazz up any bundle. ($15, www.russellandhazel.com)
– Affirmation Ball: It’s like the Magic 8 Ball but overwhelmingly positive! Shake it for pick-me-up statements like “People like you” and “Your breath is so minty.” ($6.49, www.officeplayground.com)
For the practical
– iSkin protectors: These covers protect all your tech gadgets including laptops and keyboards. ($11-$54.99, www.iskin.com)
– PenAgain: This pen with a funky ergonomic design looks like a “Y” or maybe a slingshot, but, according to manufacturer, it reduces stress on the hand and fingers. Find it at major office suppliers and online at Amazon.com. ($1.99-$4.29)
– Purosol Plasma, screen cleaner: OK, it sounds boring. But this cleaner from Origin Labs will certainly please the neat freak in your office. It’s specifically designed for computer screens, plasmas and LCDs and the company promises that it’s environmentally friendly. We tested it on our, um, not-so-clean flat-screen monitor, and it worked wonders, even on unidentifiable stuck-on goo. ($7.95-$15.95, www.purosol.com)
– The Scroll Pen: This pen comes with its own built-in scroll of paper, so you’re never without something to write on. ($35, www.uncommongoods.com)
– The DocuPen RC800: Watch out James Bond! This spy-like device is a pen-sized scanner. At $299-$349, it’s not cheap, but perhaps a good opportunity for everyone in the office to pool their funds for a great gift for the boss. (www.planon.com)
