For work people? Something use-able that isn't going to stick around and that they don't feel an obligation to display.

If no one has food allergies, cookie dough or cookie mixes (homemade...), homemade candy or caramels, drink mixes (but only if you're absolutely sure that no one on the team is a recovering alcoholic or doesn't drink for other reasons...)

At my office, we've had great successes with movie tickets (movie+snacks for 2 people, with a note expressing appreciation).

The problem with presents for office-people is that a lot of people don't disclose things at work that make the standard gifts (a cute scarf, a bottle of wine, etc) a potentially horrible idea, and you don't tend to know enough about their personal tastes to get anything specific.

I don't think there's an expectation that you get direct reports a gift. You can, but I wouldn't go overboard. Movie tickets are a great idea, Ros! Otherwise, maybe go with a giftcard of some sort? Does everyone drink coffee or tea? If yes, how about a gc to Starbucks or a nearby cafe? Or if there's a favorite spot folks go for a special lunch or snack, a gc for there. Don't go nuts!

Movie tickets (or a movie theater gift card) is a great idea. I'd say that maybe instead of an individual gift for each person, buy everyone breakfast. Coffee and tea and breakfast pastries (or bagels) might seem impersonal, but everyone is instantly more cheerful with fresh coffee or tea and free food.

I did mugs, with our company's logo on one side, and each employee's name and the nickname for our department on the other. I got the mugs from Crate & Barrel outlet for about $1 apiece, and used my laser cutter to make a stencil of our work logo and the names (although it probably would have worked better to free-hand the names). You can buy enamel paint that you apply, let dry and bake in the oven for a short time--after that it is food-safe and does not come off in the dishwasher! I would say the whole project cost about $3 per person, and took maybe five hours of painting/baking time?

We made calendars with important dates for people in the office that they wanted to share. We took fun pictures of the people that had events in that month for the calendar picture.

my manager always gives us those li bien ornaments from pier one. i actually collect christmas ornaments, and they are all different and pretty on the tree. or you could always bring in cookies or some sort of treat. that's always appreciated at my office.

A card saying "a donation has been made in your name to the New York City Ballet".

This year I have decided to donate money to local charities in my co-workers' names.

I like the donation idea, though I can see it getting pretty costly. $5 a person is still $65, which might be more than you would pay for gifts, but would help more people. I'd pick a local arts center, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. Keep it a-political.

My dad gives gifts to all of the paraprofessionals and teachers in his program with at the end of the day amounts to 19 people. Please keep in mind of course that he and my mom are very crafty and they get started thinking about this stuff early in the school year. So examples of past gifts: Fruit ordered from the local school band in dollar store baskets, ceramic trivits he made(this requires access to a kiln of course), homemade apple sauce and apple butter, fireplace candle logs. Those are the ones I can remember.

I don't like the donation idea. That is not a gift to me. I like the idea of a 5.00 gift card to Starbucks or a coffee cup with a package of tea, a candle or essential oil with a light bulb ring - something small, but one that says "I thought of you and what you like.",

(overreaction ahead)

You know what? Nothing. The way that work bleeds into our personal lives has to stop. I know I'm Grinching it up something fierce these days, but I'm tired of seeing friends and associates (and self) cede more and more territory (time, emotional investment, and sometimes literal physical space in homes) to the bill-paying thing. Coworkers are not, by default or obligation, friends; they are co-workers, and perhaps the *persons* they are can be your friends, but just because they punch the same clock as you (or under you) doesn't make them your buds.

Are we living or are we working? We're working, out of fear; and we're modeling a type of travail to others (and kids) that will impress upon them that work comes first in mind and heart, that no work requirement can be refused, that no time belongs to self only, that no time needs to be "free."

Your team is not your family, your team are not your friends - not automatically - and just because they are valuable to the company does not oblige you personally to reward this.

I did home made BBQ rub for family and friends this year. I got cute jars from World Market for less then a buck a piece and most of these spices are in expensive in the bulk section of my grocery store. This is an easy one: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/barbecue-rub-00000000023435/

But you can use your own or another recipe. Gets people thinking about summer time while they are stuck in the cold.

How about a "Holiday Bonus"? Even people who have jobs are struggling in this economy. Don't give me a gift. Give me some help to buy my family gifts.

Buy a bunch of low cost frames (I like the Ribba 4x6 from IKEA). You can even spray paint them unique colors. Fill with the same or similar photos of something that is meaningful to the group -- a local landmark, a group photo from a team building exercise, a silly pic of you dressed as Santa, inspirational phrases (LIVE LAUGH LOVE). Just be sure and tell the group it's OK for them to replace the image you installed with one of their own.

Then you can wait and see who replaced your image, and keep that in mind when it comes time for raises (kidding!).

I agree with Nora. I appreciate the thought that a boss might like to give me a gift, but I'd rather they didn't if the relationship if strictly professional. Anything else just seems like a hassle and can lend itself to misinterpretation. Instead, give me professional recognition on my performance evaluation - don't make this personal.

Nora, I don't think your Grinchy at all - I agree that work already bleeds into our personal lives too much and we sometimes don't have control over it.

You're correct that many people do go overboard this time of the year, however, it speaks volumes about management at any company when they take a bit of time to give employees a little something extra at this time of the year. Beyond saying "be happy you're getting a paycheck" it tells the employees that they actually do value their efforts in making the business successful. After all, management and business owners don't become successful on their own.

Our manager takes the group out to lunch this time of the year. I consider it to be a nice gesture. Our director hosts an afternoon trivia party and our vice president hosts a potluck lunch at the office. He pays for the meats and drinks and everyone else brings a side-dish or dessert. There are over 100 folks in his whole organization so it works out well.

I agree with Nora.

Business card holders.

The Christmas work gift most hated among my colleagues? The tacky mug filled with cheap candy. Especially when they came from head office and had misspelled names on the not even handwritten tags. Or no names at all, just handed out, sometimes one or two short. (Not too bright for a logistics company!) The one everybody liked best? Shutting up shop and going for a group brunch. The novelty of a break in routine was worth way more than the price of the meal and had us all smiling and re-energized for the rest of the day. Then we got to go home early! Woohoo!

The person who posed this question doesn't own the company. "Manager of a large group" sounds like a position unlikely to be able to procure bonuses for 13 people unless the company is already giving bonuses. So while I agree that what I'd most like to see from work is more money or something equally valuable like extra holiday time, that isn't a response that really answers the question here.

I also agree with the sentiments that while the workplace may be friendly, your workmates and especially your boss are not necessarily your friends. So I'd look for a gift that is small, consumable, and the same for everyone. I would not do any sort of ornament or frame that the person might feel obligated to display, and especially I would not get crafty (unless with food) because of the extra layer of "I made this and expect to see it on your cube wall" that can exist even if the giver doesn't feel anything of the sort. It also should not be be too valuable a gift, because that can stir up feelings of "how much less do I make than that person?" in the recipient. Unless that is already totally obvious; then generosity might be a good idea.

I vote for a bar of good chocolate for everyone, or a $5 gift card to Starbucks or whatever cafe is convenient to your workplace.

Take 'em out to lunch. No one needs a $5 gift that's going to sit in a drawer.

Does this mean that everybody in your office is Christian and has a Christmas tree? Maybe that is so. I'm just surprised in this day and age that a manager would give out a gift with such a religious bent.

the guys in my group love Moleskin notebooks. you could personalize each with their name, a funny quote, or cartoon character that best represents them. just print whatever it is you plan to stick on their out onto color shelf liner then cut them out. if you have one of those fancy machines (like a silhouette) that does it for you all the better!

Bring in decadent, or healthy, food that everybody can share and enjoy. They will understand your desire to be thoughtful around the holidays without having to get into the weird interpersonal stuff, nor will you be wasting your time and money on some dumb little five buck DIY or little nothing that will be forgotten in a drawer.

I know this is a very different situation, but for the last four years, a relative has attended an adult day care center for people with Alzheimers where we were not allowed to give gifts to any of the nice, underpaid, loving staff. I understand why, yet you still want to make people feel appreciated. So we would have sent to the facility for the staff big trays of cookies and fudge from a much loved local bakery. The staff were so grateful, and I think not just because of the good treats, but because they knew we really wanted to do something thoughtful to recognize their hard work. I don't see why this couldn't also translate into the workplace. A big basket of honeycrisp apples, chocolates, tortes, for the office to share. Who wouldn't love that?

It is sweet of you to do this, but are you sure everyone is Christian in your office? If not, maybe a New Years card and gift would be more appropriate. Something that represents good wishes for the New Year? 2013 is the year of the snake, unfortunately. If you found an interesting and non scary snake graphic you could have it printed on a mug, water bottle, or small notebook. I would give everyone the same gift if I were you. The website food52 has great suggestions for edible gifts if you wanted to go that route.

Gifts that I've given to people I was responsible for:

A $5 or $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts or Barnes & Noble

Homemade cookies

For hourly employees--letting them go two hours early on Christmas Eve and still getting paid for those two hours. That took some negotiating with the powers that be, and my staying until closing to answer the phones. But we never had much business around the holidays. (Clearly we weren't in retail.)

Surprising the group with pizza for lunch on the last working day before Christmas and being very lax about when people returned to their desks.

i so agree with you, i know several people that don't celebrate christmas or any type of holiday. I know the two month holiday season was/is difficult for them, with all the christmas decor, cookies and snacks left in break areas with "merry christmas or happy holidays.
I feel really bad for my atheist friend, she sucks it up and go along to get along.

My comment was in response to Thorndale

The best gift: an afternoon off! Take your team to lunch and then let them go home. Or give them a coffee or hot chocolate on their way out the door.

For those suggesting food ideas - please be mindful that many of us don't advertise our food allergies/intolerances at work for various reasons. It's easy to feel excluded when management brings in pizza or baked goods that those with real issues can't eat. If you're going to do a food gift - please be mindful and ask if anyone has any allergies/intolerances ahead of time.

To avoid that issue, I would second the bookstore or movie ticket gift card if you are going to do a tangible gift.

Are you able to just give a day off? My boss does an "unofficial" comp day for each person on the team- you draw a month from a hat and take your day in that month. Our little secret.

Hi Kim! Just yesterday my partner and I put together simmer pot kits for the 20 or so people in his office. We got cellophane bags and scrapbook paper to fold over and staple at Hobby Lobby (any craft store will do), and in each bag is two cinnamon sticks, two vanilla bean halves, about 2 teaspoons of whole cloves, and two slices of dried lemon or orange. (We borrowed a food dehydrator, but you can also do the fruit in the oven). Then on the paper we just wrote a quick note of "Happy Holidays" and instructions (simmer contents in water and your house will smell great) and stapled it over the folded down bag. We are on a serious budget this year, so I'm happy with this idea as thoughtful and homemade, but without the worry of food allergies and/or people who don't eat sweets, etc.

I'm with Xarcady - every single one of these ideas is great.

Even if they don't drink coffee or read books - I have reused $10 gift cards I had no use for for teachers, cleaning people, the mailman, hairdresser, you name it.

Letting them leave early is the best gift (especially during this busy time of the year).

I was raised to be grateful when given a gift, no matter the who, what, when, why or how, but as you can see from the comments, there's always someone ready, willing and able to be offended. If you give movie tickets, someone is bound to hate Hollywood/consumerism/they only watch Netflix/they've got hemorrhoids and can't sit, but didn't share that with co-workers, blah, blah. Food will have the dieting (Zone, Atkins, WW)/vegan/vegetarian/carnivores/pescatarians/nut allergy/raw foodist/ eat dessert first/citrus allergy/see food and eat (all of) it crowd up in arms. Gift cards to a chain or franchise will offend the buy locals, but those who love their Starbucks won't know how to find the cold-pressed, fair trade, organic, shade grown, employees paid a living wage as long as they're trustafarians hipister joint. Please make sure not to use any colors representing Chrismakwanzikah, the Winter Solstice, the Mayan calendar or the month of December. A clear gift with a clear gift card should do the trick. Donations are landmines, don't even go there. One persons cause is another person's hate group, destroyer of liberty, too liberal/too conservative, not liberal enough/not conservative enough, spends 20% on overhead when they should spend 18%, is neo-liberalism/neo-colonialism, should be working domestically/internationally, is gender specific/neutral, blah, blah.

The haters are just like the corporatocracy. One group wants to suck the joy out of the season, the other wants it to be about nothing but conspicuous consumption.

That said, I'd put out cookies, chocolates, fruit, nuts (away from the other food, of course) with a clear sign (perhaps there's an AT DIY on carving into recycled plexi-glass) with a quote that not only thanks the folks you work with, but will serve as a reminder to any of them planning to whine:
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." Cicero

Maybe you could (gasp!) even etch "Season's Greetings" as well.

Well said. I work with many different religions, ethnicities, etc. and I view the holiday gift exchanging among direct co-workers not as a "I'm celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and here's a gift for it" but as a thank you for a year's worth of work. I always give edible, homemade gifts: brownies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, etc. I will either print the recipe or provide a link to where I got it so everyone can see the ingredients. If they can't eat it, they are welcome to re-gift it or leave it out in a breakroom (we have several) for someone else to enjoy.

hahaha! I love your suggestion EC

Donation to The Human Fund.

It's tough to know what to do to please everyone. Here's where the old adage, "It's the thought that counts" comes in. It might be costly to buy lunch for everyone, and there migt be dietary restrictions on the chocolate bars, although I love that idea. I like the idea of the special snack. You could make it simple: fruit (for the health conscious), cookies, or cranberry bread or banana nut bread, cream cheese, etc. You could also put out a basket of flavored hot chocolates. Land O' Lakes has them in several flavors for fifty-nine cents each, and also some individual packaged gourmet teas or tea bags in holiday flavors.. If you wanted to, you could include some wrapped Christmas candies as well - little Santas or peppermints and maybe even a few Christmas ornaments. The dollar stores have cute ones.

GC or cash or some type of lunch/food that would be ok for everyone's food preferences or allergies.

I don't want some small tacky thing that I have to pretend to like. That's an obligation, not a gift. One year my boss gave us a Xmas ornament, which wasn't so bad per se, but his wife had hand written - badly, I might add - the name of the program that we were working on.

Another one of my pet peeves is the not-a-gift gift that you have to put time and effort into, such as the layered brownie mix in a jar that needs to have egg, oil and water added and then baked.

I find it hard to believe that anyone would be offended by getting a gift. In a world that is often hard and cold, shouldn't we accept moments of grace with gratitude?

I'm stealing this from somewhere -- maybe even from a post here at apartment therapy? -- but it was such a cute idea, I bookmarked it. Air plants:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/108147832/air-plant-with-sea-urchin-party-favor

If you're in the mood for a project, the Pioneer Women makes to-die-for cinnamon rolls that she gifts unbaked and ready for the freezer. I make them every year, and pop them in a (cold!) oven on Christmas Eve. The dough rises over night, and then all you have to do on Christmas morning is turn on the oven.

Another idea -- homemade jam. It's time consuming and messy, but not especially hard.

Just thought of one more: pots of rosemary. They're inexpensive, pretty and smell wonderful. Cooks get the added bonus of having a fresh herb.

Last year we recieved a silver post it holder engraved with our name. It didn't suck as bad as some of our previous gifts. Just make sure to spell everyone's name right.

Hahaha. All these comments are reminding me of how much I hated being a manager to a bunch of ungracious complainers. I have done pretty much every single thing the commenters are mentioning. Lunch out to restaurants that accommodate food allergies seemed to be the best, although some people resented having to "give up their time off to hang out with co-workers they didn't like". I've let the team leave early (which meant I had to stay late to cover their work, often until 10 or 11 at night) -- and I was reported to management as payback by an employee that I had disciplined. There's always one jerk who ruins it for everyone.

I had set up weekly healthy snack and treat deliveries, and people usually brought in holiday cookies, etc. so food stuff wasn't a holiday special. Gift cards to Starbucks were, indeed, snubbed because they are too commercial/not great coffee...

At least no one could complain about holidays offending their non-religious sensibilities since the company was, among other things, a holiday gift manufacturer.

The gift I most appreciate is the grocery store gift card! Especially if you have a "cool" grocery in your area. I have gotten these several times from my boss and I always use them for something I would not spend the money on otherwise like fabulous coffee, cheese or really expensive olive oil or maybe some delicacy to offer my house guests. My boss (another foodie) likes it when I tell him what litle tidbit I got and how much we enjoyed it.

I still say you should buy everyone breakfast. The holidays coincide with the end of the year. It's traditional to think upon the new year and to tell your employees you appreciate their work. I don't see these gifts as Christmas or holiday gifts; I see them as gestures of gratitude.

@Earthy Cruncher, Hooray!!! I, too, was thinking along the lines you so eloquently described.

I'm an atheist. I have no problem with people celebrating any of the many Solstice Time holidays, as long as my tax dollars don't subsidize it. I personally participate in several "Christmas" traditions, but not as a Christian -- I don't see why only Christians should exchange gifts or decorate... and as an atheist, I can choose what *I* like to do and ignore everybody elses rules and expectations. (That's to CreativePhx, who seems to think it's "politically incorrect" or something to insult us atheists with gifts! HA!) ;^)

The thing about this topic is that the work environment is different for everybody. I work in a mid-sized public library. There are six people besides me (including the Director, who is a friend) on the Reference Department team, and we really are almost like a family. So I CHOOSE to craft something for each of them for the Holiday Party every year. (I craft in polymer clay, so it's partly for the fun of messing around in my favorite medium.)

This year I found two different sized snowflake cookie cutters and made fancy snowflake ornaments -- one larger snowflake and a somewhat smaller one hung below, trimmed with rhinestones and glitter and a beaded dangle beneath. The new father in our group got one customized with his baby's name, the others were more identical -- I figure if they choose to re-gift them, that's fine.

Other years I made fancy "notebook covers" for Post-It pads, rather elegant clay covered ball-point pens (with kits used by wood turners), key chains, zipper toggles for parkas, jewelry (when all my co-workers were women), etc. (I often try for something small and desk-oriented.)

Nobody is *required* to give anybody a gift. Where I work, with a tax based budget, we do not get bonuses or suprise time off or anything corporate office workers get. So being nice to my co-workers is not only fun, appreciative of their contributions, and simply kind, it also fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie. Which makes it a nicer place to work.

If crafting is out, food is good, but as has been said, that can be tricky. One of our team is vegan and another requires gluten-free choices. But I know this and would plan for it. If you don't, maybe food isn't the best option.

I strongly advise against anything too personal (clothes, earrings, home decor) or anything too big (framed anything expected to hang ion the office or home.) There used to be a tradition at one place I worked when people (at least administrators) moved on, they got a framed photo of the whole staff with everybody autographing the mat! How horrible! An ugly picture of people you were choosing to leave behind with a cluttery mat and the expectation you would treasure it always! (I was relieved that when I left in a wave of layoffs, this was discontinued!!)

You said it all, EC, and I love your choice of quotes.

I struggled with this myself this year. Finally went with office supplies. Went to office depot, and loaded up on pens, highlighters and clipboards. Not exciting, but better than the crappy stuff we have at work.

Maybe I should add some moleskins...thanks to whomever above mentioned that!

This discussion really went downhill. Good luck to you, Kim, I hope you are able to figure out something thoughtful and that your employees appreciate the thought.

A few years ago I bought cute little boxes from World Market (they came in a pack together) and made mini holiday "recovery kits" with two kinds of tea, a little bag of salty almonds and coffee hard candies. I bought one bag of coffee candies, two boxes of tea bags (individually wrapped kinds) and individual little bags of almonds. I think it was maybe $40 all said and done for around 8 people.

This year I'm doing even tinier boxes with a few individually wrapped chocolates in them. I spent about $20 for 10 people.

I think it's the thought that counts most. You could even just give each person a card! (I always do New Year cards so as not to offend anyone.)

I manage a small team (about 6-8) people in a state government agency. No extra money there! Last year, to recognize the staff working on Christmas and New Year's Eve, I brought in bagels. Good snack and we enjoyed some team time when the phones weren't ringing. Seemed to go over well. I'm taking time off this year so might have a breakfast pizza delivered for those working. Costs me about $20-25 but worth the improved morale.

This seems very dependent on your office culture.

In the places that I've worked it would have been very odd to receive a personalized or handmade gift.

I don't expect any gifts at the office but do appreciate it if whoever is in charge makes a thank you gesture (regardless of the time of year). Taking the staff to lunch or ordering-in lunch is a thoughtful gesture that people can opt out of if not interested.

Please be careful with donating in the name of another person. A donation was once made in my name to a religious organization that I disapprove of (I have no problems with the religion itself, but the particular organization has several policies that I do not like).

I received junk mail from that organization for years. Moving didn't help. Telling them to stop the mailings didn't help. So I was constantly reminded that this organization existed and that they thought I supported their goals.

It was unpleasant.

Caramel and chocolate covered apples. Our HR team ordered a few boxes and handed one out to everyone. This is my favorite treat ever, so I was especially happy. My hubby and I shared it with a glass of bubbly.

Bravo. You made me spit out my wine in laughter. Hope I didn't offend you because I drink.

I made this for 9 of my co-workers. Cost me $3/person and it took about two hours.

http://pinterest.com/pin/429319776947540949/

Do they all celebrate this holiday in the same fashion?
Not everyone is comfortable telling co-workers personal information; maybe they can no longer drink alcohol or eat sweets. Allergies??? Maybe they don't drink coffee and or tea.
No on the donation..it's not a gift.
Yes, on movie tickets. Does policy allow you to give them a couple of hours off as a gift? Time is always appreciated.

forgot to say: Years ago, we were given gift baskets from our manager w/candies, wine, crackers and cheese. Although I really enjoyed my basket, a co-worker who is also a freind couldn't use any of it. She can't eat sweets and she's a recovereing alcoholic. She's a very picky eater so the cheese and crackers when to the way-side.

I cooked breakfast for the staff: one time I brought a couple varieties of quiche (broccoli, cheese; bacon and tomato; veggie). They are good warm or cold or reheated. With good orange juice and fruit. Another time, I brought in a small plug-in griddle and the makings for French Toast with real quality maple syrup and butter. And fruit and juice, of course. I'd buy and deliver a round of fancy coffee drinks to order from a local Starbucks. or Italian creams or teas, if they preferred.

I was a retail bank manager with college staff that would come in on Saturday with hang-overs or sleep deprevation! Food was good.