{"id":6066,"date":"2016-11-30T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-30T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=6066"},"modified":"2023-02-10T14:03:44","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T19:03:44","slug":"guide-hosting-anonymous-secret-santa-office-gift-exchange-coworkers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/30\/guide-hosting-anonymous-secret-santa-office-gift-exchange-coworkers\/","title":{"rendered":"A Sneaky Elf\u2019s Guide to Hosting an Anonymous Secret Santa Office Gift Exchange with Coworkers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A scrumptious gift box of chocolates | Image courtesy Amazon seller GODIVA Chocolatier<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This time last year, I had just started in a new department at work. Along with my orientation package came an invitation to participate in the office Secret Santa gift exchange. I was hesitant because I didn\u2019t actually know anyone in my new office, but my boss encouraged me to take part\u2014and I’m so glad I did! This fun office tradition truly helped me become a part of the team.<\/p>\n

On the day of the gift exchange, I arrived at work and found a beautiful notepad, cute mug, and delicious box of chocolates waiting on my desk. I was delighted with such a thoughtful gift\u2014what a great way to start the work day! My anonymous gifter must have noticed my love of fancy stationery, and dependence on the office coffee machine.<\/p>\n

The thoughtfulness of the gifts gave me such a sense of being welcomed and accepted in my new role in the company, despite the fact I had absolutely no idea who gave it to me! I loved that added bit of mystery, and the fun of trying to figure out just who my Secret Santa really was.<\/p>\n

So, to bring merriment and mystery to your own colleagues, I offer these four simple steps we use at my own workplace:<\/p>\n

Step 1: Make Sure Name\u2019s Are Top Secret<\/h4>\n
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Image flick’r user Hade2K<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The whole point of Secret Santa gifting is just that\u2014to keep it a secret. I love spending the few weeks leading up to the gift exchange wondering who\u2019s busy putting together a gift for whom. There\u2019s a giddiness that takes over the office when we all receive a name of a coworker and start planning out their gifts. Everyone\u2019s excited and, as hard as it is to keep our lips sealed, we know it\u2019ll be worth it in the end.<\/p>\n

In order to keep our Secret Santa truly anonymous, my office utilizes an online Secret Santa tool <\/a>that distributes the names for you. Bonus: the online system has the master list of names in case someone, like my forgetful co-worker Laurel, forgets who her recipient is.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Put Your (Sneaky) Elf Hat On<\/h4>\n

Here comes the fun part: \u201cOperation Undercover Christmas.\u201d You get to put on your elf hat and covertly find out exactly what your coworker would most love to receive for Christmas.<\/p>\n

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Designer pocket notebooks | Image courtesy Amazon seller B-THERE<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are a few great ways to get into spy mode:<\/p>\n