Unusual Co-Worker Gift Ideas

From "World's Greatest Boss" mugs to chocolate gift baskets, holiday gift-giving at the office tends to be fairly predictable.  This year, if you're feeling a little adventurous, try one of the following suggestions, which offer an unusual twist on the same old thing.

A hilarious, irreverant "must have" resource for surviving the longest 40 hours of the week.

Perfect for: Anyone who "must have" taken a wrong turn in their career.

Also try: "The Office" Seasons 1 - 4 on DVD.

A Day at the Beach Executive Sandbox by Are You Game
This small set includes everything needed for a day at the beach: white sand, sandals, sea shells, a beach chair, umbrella, beach ball and floating ring.
Perfect for: The resident workaholic
Also try: The Sandtrap Executive Sandbox, available at OfficePlayground.com

A Day Clock by DayClocks.com
Marketed as "a clock for those who forget more than just the time," this clock has markers that indicate the day of the week (sans Saturday and Sunday) in addition to the numeric time.
Perfect for: The office space case
Also try: A Magnet Note Clock by UncommonGoods, which is made of black metal and designed to hold notes and reminders at their appropriate hours.

The Executive Decision Maker by Zippergifts.com
In lieu of the old eight ball, this paperweight has a sleek metal design and will help you get through the day's tough decisions once you spin it and land on one of its many options, such as "pass the buck," "reorganize" and "sit on it."
Perfect for: The waffler
Also try: The Dartboard Decisionmaker from OfficePlayground.com

Eureka Bookends by Wrapables
Instead of a traditional bookend, try a set of these bookends that feature a male figurine on either end shaped to look as if he is sticking his head into the surface of the bookend -- either in frustration or in search of something.
Perfect for: The office bibliophile
Also try: Leaning and Pushing Man Bookends, available at vat19.com

The Boss Toss by Archie McPhee
Load one of four plastic "executive" figures into the mini-catapult, pull the trigger and watch the bosses fly!
Perfect for: Anyone on Friday afternoon
Also try: The Boss Strangle Doll, available at Gifts.com

"Office Space" Box of Flair by Abernook
Those familiar with the cult classic "Office Space" will enjoy this box containing 15 "flair" buttons with fun sayings and designs and a 32-page book with memorable movie moments.
Perfect for: The office pop culture enthusiast
Also try: "The Office" Dwight Schrute Bobblehead, available at Amazon.com

To Dos/To Don'ts Journal by Modern Poverty
Part memo pad, part confessional, this double-sided journal will help recipients keep track of what they should be doing as well as what they shouldn't.
Perfect for: Your favorite procrastinator
Also try: The Business/Pleasure Journal by Modern Poverty

The Stir Mug from Gevalia
Those who barely can lift a finger before their morning coffee no longer need to: This insulated stainless steel, battery-operated mug stirs your beverage for you at the push of a button.
Perfect for: The caffeine junkie
Also try: The Ultimate Coffee Cup, available at Lux-Delux.com, with an unusual, ergonomic design for "superior" function...whatever that means.

Recording/Photo Travel Alarm from Improvements
This compact folding travel alarm/photo can record and play back a 10-second "message from home" at the push of a button or in place of an alarm.
Perfect for: The traveling exec
Also try: The Digital Photo Keychain by Brookstone, which stores over 60 digital photos.

Corporate Flashcards from UncommonGoods
These flashcards contain popular jargon like "multisyllabizing" and "results-driven" that sound smart but make about as much sense as the term "synergy."
Perfect for: The suck up
Also try:  Dial-An-Excuse, available at wishingfish.com. This handy-dandy wheel comes equipped with 180 excuses for 36 excuse-necessary scenarios, and is perfect for the office and home.