One Dozen Christmas Gift Ideas for Co-Workers

With Christmas right around the corner, most of us are already thinking about all of the presents that we have to purchase. I love giving presents to just about everyone. The one exception has always been gifts for co-workers and colleagues. I have always found those gifts the most difficult to purchase.

Whether it is for a gift exchange or for a specific individual, business gifts can be tricky. Sometimes you have to keep them generic because you don't know if the gift will go to a man or a woman. Other times, you might draw a "secret Santa" name of a co-worker that you barely know. Either way, the resulting shopping trip can seem like a nightmare.

Here are some ideas for your consideration if you have to purchase a business gift for Christmas or any time at all:

Electronic New York Times Crossword Puzzle. This fun, pocketsize game contains 1,000 crossword puzzles for the mind that likes to stay active. It even offers clues for the most difficult questions. Retail cost: $50.

Electronic Yahtzee. If you like the idea of an electronic game but you don't want to spend $50, try an electronic Yahtzee instead. Almost everyone enjoys this exciting dice game. Retail cost: $10.

IngenuiTEA. This is a teapot that can literally go anywhere. The system contains one of the best infusers on the market today. It is very easy to clean and dishwasher safe. And because you can use it in the microwave, it is perfect for the office, home, or even for travel. Retail cost: Under $20.

Flavored Teabags. Share some of your favorite tea choices with your colleague. Teabags can be used in the microwave or even on most desk hotplate systems. A side benefit of this gift is that you control the amount you spend so the cost can be as little as $3.00 or as far up as you are willing to go.

USB Drink Chiller. This unique gift can keep a drink chilled wherever your colleague might be; at the computer, in a meeting (with the laptop), or anywhere else the computer might go. It plugs right into the USB port and will chill a drink to 45 degrees in no time at all and maintain the temperature until the drink is finished. Retail cost: $29.99.