Picking out the perfect wedding gift can be tough. When the gift is for a colleague it can be even harder to find something that is just right. If the gift is too personal or too elaborate you risk impairing your working relationship while a gift that is too personal can have the same effect. Several years ago my mother had a dilemma. Another woman in the office was getting married and (unbeknownst to the bride) everyone was pitching in to give cash and signing a joint card. The problem was that my mother was a close friend of the colleague. She felt that by coming up empty-handed might her friend’s feelings. So, my mother made a small contribution to the office gift. Then she quietly gave her friend the primary gift outside of the office. Even after job changes the two ladies remained close friends. Being friends with your colleague gives you an edge. But there are still some great gifts to be found that send the right message. Here are five ideas to help you get started.
MasterCard, Visa and others can be purchased from your financial institution for only a couple of dollars more than the face value. Some institutions will allow you select any denomination after a minimum amount. Others will have cards available in certain increments. The main advantage to cash is that the colleague knows you spent time in selecting the gift card and that the card is replaceable. If it gets lost or stolen on the honeymoon a phone call to the card issuer will start the ball rolling on a replacement. Place it in an appropriate card and put it in the mailbox.
2. Gift Baskets
Order online from GourmetGiftBaskets.Com or from FTD.com or place a call to your local florist. Gift baskets come in a wide variety of tastes. Prices will vary depending on the items you select. From fine wines to personal items or upscale, nonperishable food items you are sure to find a basket for any taste or budget and items can be sent directly to your colleague by the store you choose.
3. Wedding Registry
Gift registries have been popular for years. Stores from JCPenney’s. to Wal-Mart offer searchable registries online. Often, there are a few items on the list that were selected with colleagues in mind. If you aren’t sure where your colleague is registered, ask. Or ask another colleague that you share in common. You’ll have the advantage of knowing that you are purchasing something your colleague wants to have.
4. Christmas or Holiday Specific Items.
Tasteful holiday items make great gifts. Tiffany & Co., Lenox and Lladro offer the convenience of online shopping. Christmas ornaments are often well received and seldom considered. A little searching turned up a personalized Christmas ornament from Lenox. The 2008, First Christmas Together ornament was $29 and Lladro had a 2008 Christmas Lithophane for $70. These are smaller items from timeless brands that can make a big impact on any colleague.
5. Social Consciousness
For the socially conscious try Ten Thousand Villages or the Global Exchange Fair Trade online store. Choose from gift baskets, crafts and more from anywhere in the world. All purchases from these organizations gives the artisians or growers at chance at earning a living wage for their product. Search terms at Global Exchange Fair Trade included “Gifts Under $30″ and “Sale. A quick check under the term “Sale” found a beautiful table runner for only $18. (plus shipping) and handmade Tunisian Pottery starting at $8.00. Either item is sure to be well received by any socially conscious colleague.
