By Christina Bucci, MyCareer

Choosing the right Kris Kringle present can often be a minefield of strategic choices that may affect your career for better or worse!

By now you’ve already plucked your KK from a hat, so now what to buy? Do you go for something cool like a retro alarm clock? Or could this be seen as taking a dig at your KK’s punctuality? Perhaps a low-GI cookbook? Or are you suggesting they could afford to eat less by choosing low-GI foods? Ah the pressure!

Aside from choosing a present that sends the right message, do you actually know your KK? How should you know if this person is sporty, arty or a foodie? Your guess is as good as mine.

More often than not, KK time is an opportunity for the wider team to get together and celebrate a year of great work. The idea sounds quite civilised in theory, but when KK gifts are opened in public, it can potentially be a disaster just waiting to happen.

Here are a few tips to make your festive season at work safe and happy (for your career’s sake!):

• Steer clear of anything to do with weight-loss, healthy eating, exercising and general fitness (Unless you really want a new job in 2007)
• Don’t get anything of a personal nature like sleepwear, underwear, perfume or aftershave (All I can say is “Eww!”)
• A huge NO to any adult gadgets or toys (Your KK may not share your sense of humour!)

• If you don’t know your KK well, do some research. Ask their colleagues what their interests are; perhaps they’re into sport, the arts, food and wine or travel? What colour do they usually wear to work? (Trust me, it will make shopping so much easier)
• This might go against the whole KK experience, but everyone could suggest a couple of pressies they might like, pin up the list in a central place, so that way no one can go wrong. (Or is that really half the fun?)
• It’s always safe to get something for the summer holidays (swimsuits excluded). Maybe a beach bag, beach towel, sunscreen etc. (Always a winner)

Kris Kringle pressie ideas - Budget $20 max
For people that are:
Sporty – Daypack & sunscreen, beach cricket set, sweatband watch
Cultured – Coffee table book on international cuisine or travel, handmade Christmas tree decorations, a ticket to the latest art exhibition
Intellectual – Book of sudokus, USB key, a donation to their charity of choice
Blokey blokes – Any sporting team merchandise, classic dvd (e.g. The Godfather), BBQ accessories
Girly girls – French manicure nail polish set, any international fashion mag, travel make-up case