2007 Secret Santa Gift-Giving Guide: iTunes Cards, Store Gift Baskets Are Big Hits

It's time for that annual tradition in offices around the country of picking names out of a hat hoping you know the person well enough to get a present they may like. In my decade and some change of working for the man, the average Secret Santa gift costs between $25 and $50. Here is a good rundown of things to get (so your gift doesn't stink):

Itunes Gift Cards - Between $10 and $50

For those music lovers in the office, you can buy these cards just about anywhere these days including the Apple stores or www.apple.com. As a side note, this obviously won't work if the person is using a Zune or their phone to play their music. If that is the case, you can go that respective site and get a gift card there.

Ties/Scarves -- Between $15 and $50

This can be a bit tough depending on the style of the person for whom you are gifting. A general rule of thumb for both ties and scarves is to keep it simple and do not offend. Try to keep it all a bit on the conservative side, the colors solid, and no crazy designs!

Plants - Between $15 and $25
I know it may sound a bit "dorkey". But giving a fellow office worker a plant is actually a great idea. You can get a fern from a local florist. Ask for something that doesn't mind the florescent light we are all used to and one that doesn't require major watering. My co-worker received a plant last year and those in his "cube-farm" had a good time naming it and taking care of it throughout the year.

Writing Instruments- - Between $20 and $50

Even at the office where we constantly are stealing pens from each other, a decent pen with engraving can be had for under $50. Even if it isn't a Mont Blanc, a nice silver colored pen with a person's name engraved tends to make the person feel special.

Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts "Coffee Lovers" Gift Baskets - Between $15 and $40

Go to your local major chain coffee house and buy the following: A branded travel mug, a gift card with some money on it, and a pound or two of the best ground beans. Place all of the contents into the popcorn bucket, wrap it in some colorful clear plastic, and tie it together with a Bow.

"Night at the Movies" Popcorn Buckets - Between $15 and $50