Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For The Office (Don’t Make This One Mistake)

More and more, people exchange gifts at the office for Valentine’s Day. It sure is a great way to show your appreciation of someone else’s work.

However, there is a fine line you should never cross as your gift could be misinterpreted and even, get you into trouble.

That’s what Jenny’s boss learned the hard way!

Gift Dangers

Jenny is an old friend. A few years ago, her boss offered her a gift for Valentine’s Day.

Little did he know, what was intented as a nice gesture triggered a series of questions in Jenny’s mind. Which is totally understandable, as she had no reason to expect it. It was the first time in 2 years working there that she received such a gift.

Worse, none of her coworkers received a gift from him!

Long story short, no real embarrassing situation resulted from all this. However, Jenny ended up quitting her job because she felt uneasy around her married boss. Of course, he never new the real reason.

Back then, I totally supported my friend’s decision. Today, however, I realize that Jenny’s boss was probably just trying to recognize her efforts.

It goes to show: “If you choose the wrong Valentine’s gift at the office, you could end up regretting it” Tweet this

What did he gave her? The ONE gift you should avoid at all cost (unless you really know what you are doing)… Flowers!

What’s Wrong With Flowers?

Flowers are a Valentine’s Day classic. That’s why you should avoid them at the office.

Flowers are fine for your mom and your lover, not for your clients and employees. There are too many codes and meanings related to flowers. It’s too easy to make a mistake and end up sending the wrong message.

I mean, imagine if your spouse came home with flowers from a client or a coworker on Valentine’s Day? Be honest, what would be the first thing to cross your mind?

Exactly my point!

The Solution: Caffeinated Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Everyone loves coffee, and giving coffee is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the office. Here’s why:

• Most people don’t buy good coffees for themselves
• People drink coffee at the office
• It can be shared
• It won’t end up in the trash (unless you buy crap)
• It can be wrapped
• It’s affordable

And if your other half comes home with a coffee bag from her boss… no risk of misinterpretation.

To help you choose the perfect caffeinated gift for the office, here is our review of 5 coffee gift ideas.

UPDATE: It’s too late now to order for Valentine’s Day, but here is an instantly delivered last minute gift that’s perfect for the office.

 

1. Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets Espresso Yourself Coffee Lovers Set

Gift baskets are great for clients, vendors and other business related partners. However, I would stay away from most the ones you find online and in stores.

Product freshness is often an issue, and the quality is uneven. Shipping costs of fortune because of the weight and size.

That being said, they are often appreciated and, I admit, they do make an impression.

This gift basket is a popular choice on Amazon. I like it’s compact size, the  coffee bag wrapping and the quality of the product: no cheap coffee mugs and other useless knick knacks. Reasonably priced.

PRICE $33

Make sure to select this will be a gift option during checkout.

 

2. For a coworker: Klatch Coffee – World’s Best Espresso Coffee

When choosing coffee to give, you want it to be the best. This definitely qualifies, as it was awarded the World’s Best Espresso on the planet. This coffee is the winner of the 2007 World Barista Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

This gift will be talked about, no doubt.

It is an espresso though, so make sure that the person receiving this gift:

a) Likes espresso
b) Has an espresso machine

Also make sure she has a good grinder. Chances are that a bag of beans without a grinder will just sit there or worse, go to waste. If unsure, select the espresso option on the order page… Or better yet, buy a good grinder!

You can have this sent as a gift.

PRICE $19 (8 oz.)
Click Here to Buy

 

3. For employees: Red French Press Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker

More affordable than an espresso machine, the French Press is the ultimate equipment for making probably the best coffee you ever had.

Nothing is better than the French press for its intense flavor and style.

Since the beans essential oils and sediments and not filtered out, as it normally is with a regular coffee maker, the French Press creates a thick and more flavorful cup of coffee.

This French Press has a designer’s look, quality components and is dishwasher safe.

PRICE $39

 

4. For any situation: Make Your Own Chocolate Covered Beans

Good dark roasted beans and exquisite chocolate, that’s all you need to make your own chocolate covered beans. You’ll be the flavor of the day at the office.

Nothing beats homemade food, and when is the last time you had homemade chocolate coffee beans?

We featured a guest post from Jennifer on Daily Shot of Coffee where she shares three of her own chocolate covered coffee beans recipes:

Blissful Beans

• Dove’s Bliss Chocolate (also recommend: Ghiardelli, Godiva, Lindor. Obviously regular chocolate works too but I think a richer chocolate is needed to balance the bean)
• Splash of milk or liquor to help melt the chocolate

Fancy Schmancy Beans (these are the kinda you see in gourmet shops)

• See Blissful Beans
• Then, once covered in chocolate, roll in cocoa powder. I used Nestle’s because it was the cheapest

Muddy Buddy Beans (My own concept)

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or use chocolate chips and some peanut butter melted together)
• Splash of milk to help melt
• Once the beans are covered in Choco-Peanut Butter, roll in powdered sugar

Read Jennifer’s post for full recipes.

5. For a special person:  De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

There are times where you will want to impress someone at work. In such a case, flowers are the best option… for a first date.

If it’s not your fist Valentine together, then what better Valentine’s gift than an espresso machine? Perfect for a couple –it makes two cups at a time– this machine is the most popular on Amazon.

What makes it so popular is it’s incredible price, compact size and ease of use.

Be warned though, this machine is mini, meaning that if you’re a serious coffee drinker, you’ll want something bigger, better and, yes, more expensive.

PRICE $85

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What are your plans?

Another way you could help is by sharing your best Valentine’s Day. What was the most romantic Valentine dinner you had?  Share your remarkable Valentine story in the comments… I’m sure we can all learn from it!

Happy Valentine’s Day!