What Should I Get for My Secret Pal at Work?

Updated on July 29, 2012
K.. asks from Phoenix, AZ
10 answers

I begrudgingly participated in this program at work & although I think it's a great thing to do, to bring a group of people together, I am at a loss as to what to give my "Secret Pal". She is an older lady, probably in her 60's, favorite color is red, likes to scrapbook. She is well off, financially, and can buy herself whatever she wants, so I feel like it makes it a little harder. So far I have done chocolates & a 6 pack of Sprite, since I've seen her drinking it on occasion. I don't sit directly in her area or see/talk to her on a regular basis, so I don't know her or her likes/dislikes very well.

Any ideas? I'm not the most creative person and I have a hard time picking things out for other people. Maybe I'm just over thinking it too much! Anyway, any suggestions for cheap treats/gifts (under 5 bucks) are greatly appreciated!! We are doing this until December & the "big reveal" happens at the Christmas party, so they don't want us spending too much money. Thanks!

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

i like stationary, a little notepad and a cute pen or something like that.

maybe a photo frame if she has a family.

$5 gift card to a local spot like starbucks.

I over think it too.

2 moms found this helpful

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J.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

Well you said she likes to scrapbook right? Why don't you get her a gift card from Micheal's so that way she can get more stuff for doing a scrapbook. Or you could even get her something that is red maybe for her desk.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Go with the scrapbook theme.

Fun stickers, ribbon, new paper, die cut punches, markers, embellishments like gems, flowers etc.

Keep an eye out for back to school sales and get her some fun colorful sharpie markers tied with ribbon.

1 mom found this helpful

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Are you sure about her age? About 10 years ago, I had a neighbor move in next door that I assumed to be around 52 years old. Turns out, she was almost 70! She looked THAT good and was THAT active.

See if you can surreptitiously find out a little more about this lady, it might give you some new angles to pursue with the little gifts.

We all have to use little post-it type notes, but we all HATE to buy them.. especially the plain yellow ones. Get her a funky red post-it pad and a cool pen. Get her some red nail polish and cuticle cream/emery board. A tea/coffee cup and a box of Tazo Awake tea bags (they are red, by the way).
Have fun with it.

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

When we've done secret pals, we also get a sheet of their likes and dislikes.... were there no other suggestions other than scrapbooking?

What about a candlewarmer and candle? Many workplaces have restrictions on actually burning candles, so the candlewarmer is a nice substitute..... I've gotten the candlewarmer from Walmart for $5, and candles are usually about that price...

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M.T.

answers from New York on

She might like cute crafty things from Michael's. I've given secret pals things like a box of tea bags, $5 gift card to Dunkin/Starbucks/deli near work, cute pens and notepads, tube of hand lotion, lip balm, bottle of nail polish. Find out who her friends are and see if they can give you any hints about other things that she likes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Houston on

I miss being in the group with secret pals. So much fun!

I usually took the sheet of likes and dislikes as a startng point, but not too literally.

Some of the favorite gifts I received were:
purse sized hand sanitizer from bath and body works...I think there were two in a little gift bag.
small candle for the bathroom (it was the color in my masterbath)
matching potholder and kitchen towel
a jar with individual packets of flavored coffee and hot chocolate
scratch paper and matching pen (I found out it came from the dollar store and it was really cute)

Even when someone can buy whatever they want doesn't mean that they will. Getting little treats is always a delight.

I hope you have fun with this. I really miss it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

❤.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

$5 giftcard to Michael's craft store

$5 giftcard to Starbucks

Cute & different post-it notes

small frame for her desk

$5 bouquet of ffresh lowers

Tin of Almond Roca

Some fun pens

A red tee shirt

cute little sign for her desk. they have them all over these days w/cute
sayings

travel mug

cute mug w/a saying for her desk

fun book of sayings

cute long necklace she can wear w/a blouse

couple of truffles from a candy shop

sm pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream

fancy cupcake from a cupcake shop or from bakery at your local grocer

local grocer bakery also has individual slices of cheesecake etc

cookbook (I found one discounted for $5 @ Ross type of store)

coasters for her desk or home

wall calendar for the new year (something cool like Hawaii or Italy)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I wouldn't overdo the red thing. I'd rotate bringing flowers, like a rose, and treats, like fruit tart from a bakery. I'd feel comfortable eating a treat packaged and sealed by a bakery. I'd also peek at her work area to get more ideas.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

Are you friends with anyone that sits near her? They could tell you for instance if she drinks tea or coffee and you could get her a cup.

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