Coworkers Give Unusual Holiday Gifts

Holiday presents in the office aren’t just from corporate. In a new survey from CareerBuilder, 22% of workers said they plan to buy holiday gifts for coworkers this year, with the same amount planning to buy their boss something. The majority (79%) of workers say they plan to spend $25 or less for each holiday gift they buy for the office. Thirty-eight percent plan to spend $10 or less and 12% plan to spend less than $5.

When asked to share the most memorable gifts received from coworkers, workers said:

• A zombie figurine
• A keychain that shouts expletives
• Bacon of the month club
• A ceramic snake
• A hand-painted landscape on a toilet seat
• A glass high-heel shoe filled with dish soap
• Mustache scissors
• A whip
• A 12-pack of cola

The survey also found that companies are offering more perks this holiday season than last year:

Bonuses. Four-in-ten (40%) employers plan to give their employees holiday bonuses this year, up from 33% in 2010. Among this group, 73% are planning to give the same amount as last year. Fourteen percent plan to provide a greater bonus than last year, while 13% plan to provide a smaller one.

Parties. Fifty-eight percent of employers are planning a holiday party for their employees this year, up from 52% in 2010. Thirty-six percent of workers say they plan to attend their holiday party this year.

Gifts. Three-in-ten (30%) employers plan to give holiday gifts to employees, up slightly from 29% in 2010.

Employers have been working hard to build back their business over the last year, says CareerBuilder, and this holiday season are planning to reward their biggest asset, their people, with a few holiday perks

The survey included responses from more than 4,000 workers and more than 2,600 employers.