It seems that Christmas has come around rather quickly, yet again! Office parties are starting to get underway and many places have Secret Santa swaps. If you know your gift recipient it can be a little easier to buy for them. If you don't it could be a bit of an issue.

Justine has just that issue: "We have our Secret Santa swap coming up soon and I have to buy a gift for the new girl who is 17. I don't know her very well as she has only just started working with us, so I would love to hear some ideas of what I can get."

More often than not each Secret Santa swap usually gives a budget for such gifts. Around $10 - $20 is the usual limit, but some are more like $5 - $10. Bearing that we don't know what the limit is I will cover a few options that will range in price.

My suggestions for getting a great gift for your recipient includes observation. Do they like jewellery, if so, gold, silver... Maybe they have a funky sense of style and don't wear the traditional earrings, bracelets or necklaces. 

What colours do they tend to wear (apart from their uniform, if they wear one). Do they like scarves and hats?

Do they like chocolate or gourmet foods like cheese?

How do they arrive at work? Do they ride a bike? Travel by train or car? Walk? Are there some useful items that might make the trip more bearable?

Actually listen to them when they are talking about home. Do they live at home with their parents or do they have their own place?

Now I am not suggesting that you stalk your recipient, but starting to get to know them and their likes is important in trying to ascertain an appropriate gift.

For example, how embarrasing would it be if you bought a chocolate bouquet and then found out after they were lactose intolerant?

So, what do I suggest for Justine? For starters you could consider some organic hand made soap (check out Aroma Beauty). Or perhaps a small gift basket of local cheeses, biscuits and fruit. For the chocoholics then a Chocolate Bouquet or some Chocolate Bark. Then you could consider perfume or some fashion accessories.

Of course you can play it safe with a gift card to the movies or their favourite music shop, but where is the fun in that?