Your first holiday season in an actual office can be a bit...odd. There's no winter break, no snow days, and there's a good chance you start and end your day in the dark. And then, of course, there's the question of gifts. Do you give gifts to everyone? No one? Do you go the personalized route? Does everyone receive the same box of cool and fun Post-Its? If you're feeling a little stuck this year, check out the best 2017 gifts for your co-workers for some inspiration as you do your holiday shopping.
Though the practice of gift giving during the holiday season is often traced back to the gifts of the Three Wisemen — gold, frankincense and myrhh — its history actually traces back even further, according to The Week. Pagan practitioners in both Europe and the Middle East engaged in mid-winter, post-harvest festivals. One of the most notorious was the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which ran for a full week beginning around Dec. 17. Revelers celebrating Saturn, the god of agriculture, would get rowdy, eat, drink to excess, and exchange gifts like pottery figurines and edible treats. They greeted one another with "Io Saturnalia," which functioned essentially how "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" does today.
The function of Saturnalia, along with other midwinter pagan traditions, was to provide a bit of light and warmth during the coldest, darkest months of the year. Giving gifts, boozin' it up a bit — it was all seen as a way of supporting one another through what was undoubtedly a very difficult season (I mean, hi, winter is still difficult, and we live in a world with heat and electricity). So if you're feeling apprehensive about the religious implications of gift-giving this year, maybe adopting a pagan Roman mindset can help. You're raising one another's spirits, and gifting really cute desk accessories in the process.
Ready to go shopping?
"Grow Through What You Go Through" Mug
Feminist Mug, $21, Etsy
Give your favorite coworker maybe the sweetest, most encouraging mug, uh, ever?
Self-Employed Mug
Self-Employed Mug, $21, Foursided
For all your contract, freelance, self-starter hustler pals. Those "tough little b*tches" need some love, too.
get relaxed Be Well Tea Blend
The Republic of Tea "get relaxed" Blend, $11, Amazon
Capitalism is stressful. Give the gift of chill.
"Grow Your Own" Chamomile Flowers
Grow Your Own Chamomile Flowers Kit, $11, Etsy
Or let them grow their own tea! Right at their desk!
Onward And Upward Pennant
Onward and Upward Pennant, $15, Etsy
Perfect for a cubicle.
Good Work Badge
Good Work Badge, $7, Foursided
This holiday season, let everyone know how much you respect their work ethic with this dope ass badge.
'Broad City' Print
Abbi and Ilana Postcard, $5, Foursided
For the coworker with whom you always quote the illustrious Abbi and Ilana.
La Croix Print
La Croix Print, $19, Foursided
You know your cubicle neighbor with whom a constant topic of discussion is how addicting LaCroix is? Uh, yeah, here's the perfect gift.
'Stranger Things' Poster
Stranger Things Poster Print, $12, Etsy
Maybe you work in a more Stranger Things-centric office. I don't know your life!
Floral Weekly Desk Pad
Lively Floral Desk Pad, $14, Foursided
For the elegantly organized (or chronically unorganized) of your peers. Maybe pencil in weekly happy hour drinks before you gift this, up to you.
2018 Desk Calendar
Duru Naru 2018 Desk Calendar, $15, Etsy
This standing fox print 2018 calendar is so cute. I want five.
Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover
Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook, $20, Amazon
Whether there's an active or untapped bullet journal genius within your midst, this Leuchtturm1917 notebook is routinely listed as ~the best.~
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens, $16, Amazon
And while you're at it, get that future bullet journal superstar some of the absolute best colored pens. No one's birthday will ever be forgotten again!
2" Pot Kalanchoe Tomentosa Panda Plant
2" Pot Kalanchoe Tomentosa Panda Plant, $3, Etsy
No matter how much sunlight your office gets, a baby succulent is a great reminder that outside your cubicle, away from the fluorescent lights, there is a world of green.
Mini Geometric Planter
Mini Geometric Planter, $12, Etsy
And hey, plant that li'l succulent in one of these extremely cute and tiny planters!
Poder La Vela Brooklyn Brujeria Nueva Novena Prayer Candle
Poder la Vela Brooklyn Brujeria Prayer Candle, $10, Etsy
Scented candles in the office? No. Unscented candles that harness our own strength and remind us of our power? Uh yeah.
Snow Globe Glitter Picture Frame
Mini Instax Snow Globe Glitter Picture Frame, $6, Urban Outfitters
Fill it with a fun inside joke, a photo from last year's holiday party or just, like, let them pick their own memory?
