Have you wracked your brain, gone to different stores over and over again and bought a pen yet again for your boss on Christmas? Admit it. Some of us just find it too hard to get the right gifts for our colleagues or clients at work. It is not the matter of finding a decent gift that is completely difficult but it sure is tough to find the right kind of gift, which truly reflects your emotions.

You may be shopping for a holiday or birthday gift, or just a token to show your gratitude. Your pocket may be really small or as large as a Swiss bank locker. Today the options available are so fantastic that you will be able to find the perfect gift for your colleague, junior, boss or client. Unfortunately, it has to be said that the options are so varied that it may leave you even more confused than before.

The trick to a perfect gift is the plain and simple word ‘personal’. Although they are probably just your “colleagues” but they are still people you work with and spend so much time with. You should get your dollar’s worth. But personal does not mean lingerie or underpants – unless of course it is a pre-planned prank gift! Always remember to not cross the thin line between humor and professionalism.

A few weeks before the actual gift buying, try to find out what your colleagues’ interests are if you do not already know it. If you purchase something related to their interests, they are bound to love it irrespective of the money factor.

A person who loves reading could be presented with a book in their subject of interest. Or a person who loves food could be given a basket of coveted cookies or a gourmet basket. Or a bottle of good wine for your boss or an impressive box of cigars for someone who would enjoy it. The options are endless and the gifts you choose can come close to perfection just as long as you know what would impress them.

But there may still be those who you don’t quite know and you may be clueless about their interests. Ask around but if that does not help, you still have several options open. Gift baskets of all sorts including corporate gift baskets are available and you can get them personalized too. Personalized souvenirs or decorative items for someone’s office space are also great options. These neutral gifts can be easily obtained even if you are shopping last minute.