It's Secret Santa season, but not all presents are equal. In the past, the worst Secret Santas that some workers have received from colleagues include a dead aloe vera plant, a rotting banana, a roll of duct tape, and even a pair of Kegel balls.

"Sometimes what seems like harmless fun can turn into an HR horror story faster than you can say ‘naughty list,' say the experts at Indexsy, a digital marketing firm specialising in search engine optimisation.

"While Secret Santa is meant to spread holiday cheer, it’s important to remember that even during festive times, workplace rules still apply."

So, before you buy that 'hilarious' joke present, here are the actual regulations of workplace giving:

Keep It PG

Lingerie, sexual toys, and anything that makes you blush should not be included in a workplace gift exchange. Sure, that could make you giggle, but it will also result in a severe lecture from HR. Let's maintain the festive spirit ... professionally.

Hygiene gone wrong

Deodorants, breath mints, or acne cream may appear beneficial, but they also scream, "I think you need this!"

These goods felt like passive-aggressive critiques rather than meaningful gifts.

Not the time for tough love

Unless your co-worker expressly requested a kettlebell or a diet cookbook, these presents may come off as a not-so-subtle way of stating, "you should work on yourself."

Nobody wants their Christmas spirit converted into a New Year's guilt trip! Allow your co-workers to eat their holiday sweets in peace.

The "wow” that feels weird

Buying your colleague a costly smartwatch or designer purse may appear nice, but it might make others feel uneasy or obligated to indulge next year. Not everyone can afford to repay such luxury, and Secret Santa is about having fun rather than outshining the entire company.

The spending limit matters

Don't be the one that disregards the spending restriction. If it's R300, don't arrive with an R3,000 bag. Breaking the rules may seem like a flex, but it might make everyone else uncomfortable.

The ghosts of gifts past

That unopened candle from last year or the cup with a little chip may seem like a simple solution, but it is a definite way to make someone feel unloved. Re-gifting is the gift that says, "I forgot about this entirely".

Helpful? Maybe. Awkward? Absolutely!

Books like "How to Stop Procrastinating" or "Five Steps to Fix Your Finances" may seem encouraging on the shelf but feel patronising beneath the Christmas tree.

Even if your intentions are good, the effect is awkward - like you’re saying your colleague is lazy or bad with money.

Let’s not start a debate

Anything involving politics, religion, or controversial celebrities or public figures is a formula for embarrassment. Secret Santa is designed to bring co-workers together, not provoke disagreements or awkward silences, so keep the thought-pieces for your book club.

Smells like trouble

Perfumes and candles are delicate territory; what might smell beautiful to you, may induce headaches — or even allergic reactions — in others.

"Scent is very personal, so it’s hard to gift unless you know for sure what they like."

Jokes that don’t land

Mocking someone's religion, culture, or gender is neither trendy nor cute, it's disrespectful. Gag presents should be hilarious to everyone, not simply the majority or those who find suffering amusing.

Bake with caution

Your great-aunt's recipe for chocolate-pepper pickle pepper brownies may be a family favourite, but your co-workers are generally less daring. Also, there's a good possibility you're giving your co-worker something with an ingredient they don't like or, worse, one they're allergic to.

If you truly want everyone to try it, bring the food in as a present for everyone to enjoy, rather than putting one person on the spot.

IOL

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