Office Xmas Party Blues (or Greens!): Energy Products Articles: Eco20/20

Office Xmas Party Blues (or Greens!)

It's that time of year, the time when your calendar looks more like you're attempting to write a book, the concept of a free night is laughable, and to top it all off, you've got work parties at which you must not only make an appearance, but juggle a bizarre combination of professionalism and friendship to come across as that super fun guy who just so happens to take his job extremely seriously. And as if that wasn't enough pressure already, I've recently been hearing of gift-giving for office parties. Maybe this has always been a trend and I've just been out of the loop, but regardless, its clear that a little research has to be put into finding the perfect green gift to ensure a perfect office party in which you charm the boss, eat dainty appetizers without spilling and drink just the right amount...

These are my top 5 picks for excellent green gifts. (And, if you don't happen to have a work party for which you must make an appearance with gift in tow, they would also work spectacularly for a friend).

1) Eco-friendly Journal

I can't think of anyone that won't appreciate AND use a great journal. It's perfect for both the classy businessman on the go and the artsy doodling journalist working from the beach. Notes, grocery lists, the secret to the next business deal, everything goes in a journal. An eco-friendly one is very easy to find and many of them come with a statement, note, etc. about what makes them eco-friendly and often offer encouragement and tips for continuing the trend. Subtle statement? Check. You can go to www.Celerystreet.com for hundreds of options if you aren't sure where to look. Choices include handmade options as well as lined and blank pages

2) Green Coffee Beans & Cup

Over half of American adults consume coffee on a daily basis. This means you've got a pretty good shot that your co-worker owns one or two coffee makers and has joined the ranks of espresso downers. I suggest going to your local natural food store and asking for recommendations on their favorite green coffee beans. This is a very sophisticated, thoughtful gift and one that will last a little longer than a box of chocolates. For some humor, pair it with the "NOT a Paper Cup," a silicone coffee cup that looks like a coffee house cup but actually doesn't harm the environment. SeeJaneWork.com, $12.

3) Desk Accessories

Since we're talking mainly "office" here, invest in some good desk accessories. Nobody wants to take the effort to buy them themselves, so we settle with flimsy pencil holders and ugly, tacky, certainly not eco-friendly, stacks of notepads and post its. Ideas include: bamboo desktop dry erase boards, eco-friendly leather mouse pads, ceramic memo boards that look like notepads but can be used over and over, elegant and eco-friendly pen and pencil holders, and my favorite, the Staple Free Stapler from SeeJaneWork.. It works with up to four sheets of paper and punches to make a tiny tab. No staples! Red Stamp also has very fun green options.

4) Business Cards

Office cards are a very creative but useful gift. They're also relatively inexpensive. I can't think of too many co-workers that wouldn't appreciate an updated set of business cards. Fortunately, in today's world, there are now countless companies that offer eco-friendly solutions with recycled paper and vegetable based inks.

5) Desk Fan

I personally love having a fan at my desk and feel like it's one of the items missing from most office desks that really makes a difference. There's nothing quite like fresh air, or at least the pretence that moving air somehow equates less-stale air. A solar powered desk fan is one of those gifts that will awe a co-worker instantly. Ecohamster offers a great product that's small and runs off of light, even if the only light available is desk light. You can't go wrong with this one.

Tara Alley is a freelance writer originally from southwest Montana. She now lives in the heart of Orange County, CA and writes about anything and everything that fascinates her and inspires her. You can reach her at: alley.tara@gmail.com.