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Client and Coworker Gifts on a Budget

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs
Tightening your belt but still want to open your wallet to spread some cheer among clients and colleagues this year? You can give fun gifts that won't break your bank account but will still leave a lasting impression on recipients.

Ella Goldin, founder and president of Chic Inspiration, a personal shopping consulting firm, says, "When it comes to colleagues, it's important to pay attention to price. In such hard financial times, most aren't expecting gifts, let alone expensive gifts."

Michelle Madhock, the mastermind behind SheFinds.com, a popular online shopping blog, agrees. "I think modest gifts are a good bet this year. Especially around the office, it might be uncomfortable to buy extravagant presents and get coworkers thinking about how much money you make or how secure you are in your job. Even if you can afford to give something over-the-top, this year is a good chance to be thoughtful instead of lavish," she says.

Ideas for Clients

Goldin suggests shopping at the online MoMA store for hip and affordable gifts. "They carry unique things for all age groups, interests, and genders," she shares. Some of Goldin's favorite things include:

For the office locavore: Fruit Loop Bowl

For the weary business traveler: Muji Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

For environmentally conscious clients: Solar Flashlight

For the office sophisticate: Wobble Cognac Glasses

For folks whose business is going global: World Time Clock

Ideas for Coworkers

Online shopping expert Michelle Madhock knows that giving gifts to professional associates can be tricky. She states, "Unless you're extremely close with a coworker or are friends outside of work as well, very personal gifts are inappropriate. If you plan to get many versions of the same gift for a group of coworkers, it's best to err on the safe side, with things like candles, soaps, or holiday candy."

Her suggestions include:

For stressed-out cube dwellers: Origins Peace Of Mind On-The-Spot Relief
"This minty formula helps refresh and recharge when placed on pressure points," says Madhock.

For the office recycler: Envirosax Greengrocer Bag
"Reusable shopping bags from a socially conscious company, these are great for a green client or office."

For the workplace stylista: Gap Women's Long Gloves
"Classic styling in six colors, so you can personalize the gifts a bit."

For anyone: Slatkin & Co. Filled Winter Candle
"Burning up to 50 hours, this comes in an attractive silver holder that celebrates the season."

Even though gift cards can be risky in a weak economy (because a store could go out of business), Madhock says, "All in all, there's no reason to stay away from a Starbucks gift card if your cubicle neighbor's favorite indulgence is double-shot gingerbread lattes."

And if presents are beyond your budget, Goldin adds, "The most appropriate thing to give out is a holiday card with a personal message inside."

Also on Yahoo! HotJobs:

Should you give your boss a gift?
Holiday office party do's and don'ts
The rules of workplace style
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