Employee orientation vs. employee onboarding

Employee orientation vs. employee onboarding

The Employee onboarding and employee orientation are two important processes that companies use to help new hires transition into their roles.

Employee Onboarding

Onboarding is a comprehensive process that begins before the employee’s first day and continues for several months. It involves paperwork and administrative tasks, such as preparing and signing contracts, tax forms, and other paperwork. It also includes orientation sessions and meetings with a mentor, supervisor, or manager to help the employee learn the ropes.

Onboarding also involves providing the new hire with vital information, such as company policies and procedures. Job expectations, and job duties. The purpose of onboarding is to make sure the employee is comfortable in their new role. To feel confident in their ability to perform their job duties.

Employee Orientation

Employee orientation is a process that takes place on the first day of work. It includes introducing the employee to their new workplace, colleagues, and supervisors. During orientation, the employee learns about the company’s history, culture, mission, and values.

Receive a tour of the workplace, be trained on the use of any equipment they will be using. Receive an overview of the company’s policies and procedures. The purpose of orientation is to ensure the employee is comfortable in their new environment. Has the information they need to be successful in their new role.

Employee orientation vs. employee onboarding

Why both matter and provide value

Onboarding and orientation are both important processes that help new employees transition into their roles. Onboarding helps to ensure that all the paperwork is taken care of. That the employee is familiar with the company’s policies and procedures.

Orientation helps to ensure that the employee is comfortable in their new workplace. Has all the information they need to be successful in their role. By providing both onboarding and orientation, companies can help new hires transition into their roles faster and more smoothly.

Onboarding focuses on the paperwork and administrative tasks that need to be completed before the employee’s first day. Orientation focuses on introducing the employee to their new workplace and colleagues. Both are essential to ensure new employees are able to hit the ground running. Become productive members of the team.

Final thoughts

It is important to recognize the differences between employee orientation and onboarding, and why both processes are needed. Orientation helps new employees transition into their role. By providing the information and resources they need to hit the ground running.

Onboarding helps reinforce the company’s culture and values and ensures that new hires have the support they need to thrive. Both processes provide value for employers and employees. That should be seen as an opportunity to build relationships and create an environment of success.

Hope you found this article useful and if you are interested take a look at our other articles about What are the onboarding synonyms and What is the opposite of onboarding.

everyday stress

How to disconnect from everyday stress

It seems that we have all been in a situation where it seems that the reins are breaking. If too much is piled on your shoulders, your body can become stressed. In this article, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you disconnect from everyday stress and worries.

Most people have experienced stressful situations in their lives. Some people decide to cope with stress in unhealthy ways, for example by consuming alcohol or drugs. However, this does not lead out of the pit, but deeper into it.

The good news is that there are many healthy ways to cope with life’s difficult moments. Here are some of them.

Physical activity

Sport not only improves physical health, it also makes a huge contribution to mental health. Physical activity has been scientifically proven to improve mood, and for a while – up to 48 hours – after playing sport. It is therefore advisable to make sport a part of your daily routine.

If you don’t want to go to the gym, choose something you like to do – it could be a long walk in the fresh air, jogging or swimming. If you like to be in company, choose group exercise.

When exercising, focus on what you are doing – it will leave you less time to think about things that are bothering you. However, it is also important to keep a balance and not to use up the last of your energy. Sport should not be a chore, but a process that brings joy.

Consider visiting a retreat

Retreats are growing in popularity, and for a good reason. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take some time for yourself and disconnect from life as usual. Retreats are like a little getaway – you settle down in a beautiful place and indulge in the various activities organised by the organisers.

Often, retreats are based on meditation. Meditation has stood the test of time and has not left people’s lives. It calms, invigorates and gives peace and quiet. Meditation can help you to reassess your priorities and a retreat may be the first step towards a stress-free life.

Read more in our article on a particular kind of retreats – Why go on a silence retreat.

disconnect from everyday stress

Good sleep

Deep, healthy sleep helps restore moral and physical resources. Often, people who experience everyday stress also have sleep disorders such as insomnia or nightmares. If you are well rested and alert, you can also cope more easily with everyday worries.

We often hear that before making a big decision or solving a problem, it is a good idea to get a good night’s sleep first and then act with a clear head. There are different ways to improve the quality of your sleep. A heavy blanket, lavender oil, exercise before sleep. If it all seems too much, a little nap won’t go amiss.

Reading

When was the last time you picked up a book? Reading not only improves your vocabulary and imagination, it also helps you relax and relieve stress. An engaging book is a great tool to help you fall asleep for hours.

If you want to improve your well-being but also add value, you can read books in a foreign language. It doesn’t have to be fiction. Any literature that matches your interests will be fascinating. If you don’t enjoy reading, you could try audio books.

reading to releave stress

Talk it out

If you feel anxious and depressed, it is important not to keep it to yourself. A heart-to-heart talk with someone close to you can help you calm down and sort out your thoughts. The perspective of others can help to solve a problem. Sometimes we do not see the solution that is right in front of our eyes, while others take it for granted.

If you are not sure you want to discuss your problems with a friend or relative, consider seeing a psychologist. Everyone needs a confidant. Talking is part of socialising, a supportive shoulder can help relieve everyday stress.

And if you experience work related stress, check out the article Stress relieving activities to find out how to deal with work stress.

Going to a SPA

Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, relaxing massages and beauty treatments. Sound good? Relaxing in a spa centre will be an excellent way to unplug from worries and everyday stress. If you want to combine a spa visit with a short trip aroundyour country, choose a break in another city.

A spa will not only help you relax, but also improve your appearance and health. You can invite a friend or other close person to join you. A pleasure shared is a double pleasure.

Go on an adventure

Have an adventure! Maybe there’s something you’ve been wanting to try for a long time but haven’t made time for? Maybe it’s skydiving, quad biking or a masterclass that will develop your skills?

It’s important not to get stuck in a routine. Every now and then you need a little adventure or a new experience to boost your mood and get you back into the routine.

Hopefully these tips on how to disconnect from every stress helped you out!

What are the onboarding synonyms

What are the onboarding synonyms

Onboarding process may be similar across organizations, the terminology used to refer to it can vary. Here is a list of some of the ways employee onboarding may be called in various organizations.

Knowing new employee onboarding synonyms can be useful in helping to ensure that everyone involved in the onboarding process is on the same page. Making communication smoother and more efficient. It can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure clear expectations are set.

Onboarding synonyms

Below is a list of several synonyms for the employee onboarding process. Some of them have the same meaning as new employee onboarding. Some of them have slightly different meanings.

Orientation 

Orientation is the most common way to refer to employee onboarding. It usually involves introducing new hires to the organization, giving them a tour of the workplace, and providing them with information about the company.

Onboarding 

Onboarding is the most direct way to refer to the employee onboarding process. It is typically used to refer to the entire process of integrating a new hire into the workplace, from the initial orientation to the final onboarding review.

Integration 

It typically involves making sure that new hires understand the organization’s values, culture, and policies.

Acclimatization 

It usually involves helping new hires become familiar with the workplace environment and familiarize themselves with the organization’s culture.

Initiation 

To refer to the employee onboarding process. It usually involves introducing new hires to the organization’s processes and procedures. This also helps them get accustomed to the workplace.

Immersion 

Immersion is a term used to refer to the onboarding process that involves immersing new hires in the company culture. That helps them to become familiar with the organization.

Induction 

It typically involves providing new hires with information about the company, its culture, and its policies.

Final thoughts

No matter what your organization calls the employee onboarding process, it is important to ensure that new hires are welcomed and have a smooth transition into the workplace. The right terminology can help make sure that new hires understand the importance of the onboarding process.

Hope you found this article useful and if you are interested take a look at our other articles about Employee orientation vs. employee onboarding and What is the opposite of onboarding.

What does onboarding mean for a job

What does onboarding mean for a job

If you want to find out what does onboarding mean for a job, here will be my answer.

Onboarding is an important process that happens when someone starts a new job. It’s a way for the company to introduce the new employee to the organization, the job they’ll be doing, and the people they’ll be working with. 

In this blog post, I will share the basics of onboarding and discover how you can start implementing it in your own business.

Onboarding to integrate the new employees

So as we mentioned in the very beginning, for many businesses, onboarding begins even before a new employee is hired. For new staff, onboarding is a way to integrate new hires into the business. 

It’s an opportunity to introduce them to key people in the company, to orient them to the workplace, and to give them the resources and skills they need to succeed in their new position.

When you onboard a new employee, you give them the necessary resources for success. This can mean bringing new employees in for one-on-one interviews with key staff members, giving them a tour of your facilities, providing them access to important resources, and giving them a list of important tasks to complete.

What does onboarding mean for a job

Helping the new hires understand the basics

When a new employee starts, they don’t know anything. They don’t know the culture, they don’t know the procedures, and they don’t know the company’s policies. During onboarding, you help them understand these basics. You teach them the procedures, you explain company policies, and you show them how to be successful in their new role.

Onboarding isn’t only about teaching new hires how to perform tasks. It’s also about helping them understand the company. By introducing them to key people, you give new hires a chance to connect with their colleagues. 

You also help them learn the culture of the company. They learn how and why your company does things a certain way. This helps new employees feel more engaged and included.

Now you know what does onboarding mean for a job and the new hires involved. If you want to have more detailed explanation, please read it on blog Onboarding FAQ article Does Onboarding Mean I Got The Job.

See our other articles on related topics – What is the opposite of onboarding and How to make onboarding more efficient.

opposite of onboarding

What is the opposite of onboarding

Onboarding helps new customers familiarize themselves with how the product or service works, and it helps customers make the most of their purchase. It can also mean beginning a new job position for employees. The opposite of onboarding, then, is de-boarding or mostly known as off-boarding. 

In this blog post, we will find out what is the opposite of onboarding and analyze the relationship between on-boarding and de-boarding.

What is onboarding

Let’s take a look at onboarding in the context of clients and customers. The onboarding process teaches people how to use a product or service, so they get the most out of it. It is generally a set of processes, tools and training that take the customers through the process of using the product or service. 

The onboarding process can be long or short, depending on the product or service. For instance, after buying a new car, many auto manufacturers provide a 30-minute or hour-long training session on how to use the car’s features. After the session, the customer knows how to operate the car properly.

Onboarding usually starts when a customer first has an opportunity to use the product or service. The whole process usually starts with a warm welcome, which helps the customer feel comfortable. It also helps customers understand the product by helping them learn about its features. 

opposite of onboarding

The opposite of on-boarding – de-boarding

The opposite of on-boarding is off-boarding or de-boarding. For the sake of this article, we will use the term deboarding.

De-boarding is a process that helps people stop using a product or service. De-boarding helps customers understand the product better so they can stop using it. The de-boarding process generally starts with welcoming the customer’s departure. The de-boarding process also teaches customers about how to use other products and helps them make other purchases. 

The de-boarding process ends with the departure of the customer. The on-boarding process teaches people how to use a product or service, so they get the most out of it whereas de-boarding is the exact opposite.

Now you know what is the opposite of onboarding and what it means to de-board. 

Check out our other articles such as How to make onboarding more efficient and Delivering constructive feedback at work.

how to make onboarding more efficient

How to make onboarding more efficient

For HR professionals, finding the appropriate personnel can be tough. In this regard, such a question as how to make onboarding efficient can be quite important to figure out. By successfully acquainting new hires with the company’s culture, standards, and objectives, the goal is to help them feel at ease.

So in this article we have compiled a list of tips and tricks on how to make onboarding process more efficient. 

Some of these tips have been inspired from the article How to improve onboarding process so make sure to check it out.

Assembling a team for onboarding

It is important to ensure a smooth onboarding process whether it be for clients, employees or partners. First thing’s first – you need a good team that will ensure the onboarding process and help out to those who need it. 

Managing the planning, execution, and monitoring of the onboarding process requires a team effort. As a result, an onboarding team made up of executives, specialists, and a manager should be formed. 

The onboarding process’s goals, objectives, tactics, and procedures will be decided by this team. They will also make sure the onboarding procedure is well-planned and efficient. This onboarding team is responsible for developing onboarding procedures, handling paperwork, welcoming and assisting new hires, facilitating tours, giving presentations on culture, laws, and regulations.

how to make onboarding more efficient

Technology can be quite helpful

Automatization of the onboarding has been a popular technique for quite some time already. Using technologies in such ways is truly beneficial when it comes to saving resources, time and energy. All of the paperwork can be filled out automatically whenever the new employee has the time for it. 

Besides, oftentimes it can be way more interactive and interesting. Many big brands choose automated onboarding as gamification, for example. 

Delivering constructive feedback at work is another way in which automated solutions will be an amazing way of handling communication. That way everybody will feel safe and heard.

In conclusion, there are quite a few ways to make onboarding more efficient. You as an employer have to find the ones that fit your company’s culture and opportunities the most.

See more of our related articles here – I don’t fit the company culture or Am I engaged at work.

Huggies diaper sizes

How to choose the right Huggies diaper size?

Finding the right size of diapers for your baby can be difficult, especially if you have just become a parent. In addition to good absorption and air circulation, you also need to find nappies that fit your baby’s body well. If you choose nappies that are too small, they will be too tight and cause discomfort for your baby, while diapers that are too big can cause leaks.

To avoid any difficulties, here you will find an in-depth Huggies diaper size guide, which includes all Huggies sizes.

Which Huggies nappies to choose?

Huggies diaper variety

To find the perfect diapers you need to consider what the nappies are for. If your baby crawls or walks, you will need diapers with an elasticated fit and secure leg cuffs.  If you are looking for nappies for nighttime, you will need ones that fit snugly and do not move.

Huggies sells six different types of diapers. Little Snugglers are for newborn babies and Little Movers are for babies who have outgrown the first series. The Snug & Dry nappies have a LeakLock function, which is the best way to retain moisture. The Night diapers are designed to protect baby during sleep. Pure & Natural are eco-friendly diapers and Pull-Ups are for toilet training.

How do I find the right Huggies diaper size?

Huggies diaper size chart

When choosing the best nappy size, first check the Huggies diaper size chart. It shows that:

  • P (for premature babies) size for babies under 3 kg
  • N (newborn) size for babies under 4.5 kg
  • Size 1 for 4-6 kg baby
  • 2 Size for 5-8 kg baby
  • 3 Size for 7-13 kg baby
  • 4. Size for 10-17 kg baby
  • 5. Size for baby over 12 kg
  • 6. Size for baby over 16 kg
  • 7. Size for baby over 19 kg

A little tip – if your baby is between two sizes, choose the smaller size to prevent leaks. However, if you find that the leg cuffs leave an imprint, it is better to choose the larger size.

If you are still in doubt, there is a Calculator on the Huggies website where you can enter your baby’s weight and it will calculate the right Huggies diaper size and how many nappies you need for one day.

How do I know if nappies fit?

Huggies diaper size

When finding a suitable fitting nappy, check for waist and thigh gaps. Diapers should be secure but not leave marks. Here are a few indicators that will tell you if you have chosen the right size.

Fit below the umbilical cord

A properly fitting diapers should fit just below your baby’s umbilical cord. If the nappy sits too low, the size should be increased. Diapers that sit low will leak and be uncomfortable.

Cuffs should not be loose

The leg cuffs of diapers must fit snugly and securely. If there are gaps at the thighs, the nappies will not fit properly and will leak. When putting on the diaper, make sure that the frills are pulled out, otherwise they will cause gaps.

It is possible to insert two fingers below the waist

To check the fit of the diaper, try putting two fingers under the waistband. If you can, the diapers fit well and the size is correct. If you can’t, the nappies are probably too tight. In this case, you need to choose a larger size.

Leave no trace

Well-fitting nappies should be secure around the waist and around the legs. If the diapers leave marks on your baby’s skin, they may be too tight and indicate that you need a larger size. In the worst cases, they can even leave red scuff marks.

When to go up to the next size?

Huggies diaper size

As mentioned above, it’s time to go up a size if the pampers are covering the belly button or the elastics are starting to leave imprint marks. A few signs of a size change are frequent leaks, gaps in the sides of the diaper, not being able to put two fingers under the waistband of the nappy, baby showing discomfort, the diaper being difficult to put on and the diaper not covering the baby’s bottom completely.

If you enjoyed this article and are looking for more useful tips, be sure to check out Why choose Huggies diapers?

I don't fit the company culture

I don’t fit the company culture

It goes without saying that you should not work for a company whose culture does not match your personality. However there might be different situations that you have found yourself in this position. For example, once I recognized I don’t fit the company culture only after joining the company. What to do then?

First of all, check out my article What is a positive company culture. That is what you should be looking for when looking for a new company to work at.

In this article I have compiled a list of some tips on what to do if you feel like your own values and opinions are not validated or accepted in the company culture.

Figure out what makes you feel this way

Before you overreach that everything has gone awfully wrong, give yourself a moment to figure out why you feel this way. Identify the problem.  Company culture can be difficult to comprehend. While you may immediately think of perks like free food and rooftop parties, you already know that culture is much more than that.

I don't fit the company culture

The essence of a company’s culture is made up of intangibles such as norms, values, and beliefs. For example, a complex hierarchy versus a flat structure, or a company that prioritizes continuous feedback versus a single rigid performance review.

Let’s be honest. It’s difficult to get a sense of all of these things until you dive in headfirst and become a part of an organization. But, before you start panicking, take a step back and figure out exactly what’s making you uneasy about your new boss or workspace.

Pick your desired culture type

There are 4 main culture types to choose from – social, dependable, enterprising and hierarchical. 

Social Culture: In this workplace, the distinction between personal and professional connections is frequently blurred. You might start chatting with your colleagues who soon can become friends. While this isn’t necessarily bad, not everybody can work this way. At times you need to set boundaries when you are not bothered, working productively.

company culture types

Dependable Culture: This organization places a strong emphasis on processes and daily predictability. Everything has a plan and a somewhat strict way of working. Anything that goes out of the line of the predictable, is considered an unnecessary danger.

Entrepreneurial Culture: This company is meritocratic, values intelligence and creativity, and is competitive, even when friendly competition is present. Employees in this kind of culture are motivated to invent and create new ideas. Your opinions will always be listened to, however at times it might be hard to work in such an environment where ideas are constantly pumped out.

Hierarchical Culture: In this conventional and hierarchical society, people revere power and vie for it. Everybody has their own place in the company and you can climb up the ladder in your own time after you have earned it. You need to constantly prove yourself in order to be the best at what you do.

It is clear as day that every company culture can be both exciting and terrifying at first. But there are many kinds of people and one culture will fit you better than the rest. It is okay to try all of them first to figure out your fit.

Check out the article Delivering constructive feedback at work to learn how to express yourself in the workspace.

constructive feedback at work

Delivering constructive feedback at work

Delivering constructive feedback can be a challenge. If the managers are being too nice while delivering the feedback, then this can confuse the employee.

The goal is to deliver honest and encouraging criticism. It is a hard balance to achieve. Constructive feedback is a tool through which managers and their employees can engage to improve their performance. Good constructive feedback should focus on the job rather than focusing on delivering negative attacks.

If employees will be given constructive feedback at work, then they are more likely to be satisfied and productive in their jobs. Here’s how to deliver constructive feedback.

Constructive Feedback Examples

Following are some examples of delivering constructive feedback.

  • I had always been proud of your performance, and I do truly value you as a productive resource but now I have noticed some changes in your performance recently. I want to check if you are facing any challenges and how can I support you better. 
  • The client loves your design and drawings, Lily. They always wanted to see more from you and wanted you to start the meeting. I understand we are currently overloaded but try to come on time to be able to connect and collaborate with the client in their meetings.   

Constructive Feedback Surveys 

Gallup surveyed a workplace experience panel in 2018 and found the following results:

  • 15.5% of the employees are engaged after positive feedback.
  • 10.4% of the employees are engaged after negative feedback.
  • 3.6% of the employees look for other employment after receiving positive feedback.
  • 29.1% of the employees look for other employment after receiving negative feedback.
  • Only 14.5% of the managers strongly believe that they deliver constructive feedback.
constructive feedback at work

How to give constructive feedback

Following are the ways through which constructive and effective feedback can be given:

Communicate with confidence

When giving feedback either formal or informal you should always think for a second and ask yourself if you’re in the correct mindset to deliver feedback.

Diana Booher in her book “Communicate with Confidence” formulated some right and wrong reasons. For instance, ask yourself, if you are in a bad mood or want to defend your behavior. Then it will be a wrong reason to give feedback. Whereas, if you want to mentor and support your team then it is the right reason. 

Create psychological safety

Nobody likes receiving negative feedback even though it is well-intentioned. Therefore, it is highly recommended to create psychological safety before giving feedback.

Granny discussed in her Harvard Business review article that feedback should never be given until it’s invited. It means that while giving feedback one should also see if the other person is ready to receive it.

One can simply ask can I give you feedback? Furthermore, it is also recommended by Granny to state your intent for giving the feedback for example you can say I just want to make sure that I’m doing my best for you by giving you the feedback.

constructive feedback at work

Always start with wins

Feedback can be constructive if the managers start with a win. It means that he should always first praises his success and then come to areas that require improvement. Starting with criticism can be detrimental to employee and manager’s relationship.

The employee will feel demotivated and dissatisfied. This will ultimately affect his productivity. For instance, A manager should start the conversation like I appreciate the efforts you made on project Y, but I feel concerned about the specific process in project X which requires more diligence.  

In conclusion

Giving constructive feedback at work is not as easy as it sounds. Hence organizations should work on giving their managers continuous training so that they can give effective feedback to their employees.

Feedback is directly linked with productivity. If managers are not giving constructive feedback, then they would eventually see a decline in their performance. An anonymous survey should also be filled out by employees to know if they are given constructive feedback.

Here are some other articles you can read – What is a positive company culture.

positive company culture

What is a positive company culture

Every organization, also known as a company, has a culture within. In order for the brand to be successful and productive, it is important to take care of this said company culture. To figure out how to take care of it, firstly it is important to figure out what is a positive company culture.

Simply put, a healthy workplace culture is one that places a high priority on employee well-being, provides support at all organizational levels, and has rules in place to promote respect, trust, empathy, and support.

In this article find out more about positive company culture and how to implement it into your everyday workspace.

Wellbeing of employees

The first thing to think about in order to create a positive company culture is your employees’ wellbeing. It is important that the people you hire and welcome into your organization are feeling like a part of the team. Of course, wellbeing goes in a bunch of different standards and it can mean a magnitude of things.

Wellbeing means getting appropriately paid, getting a good work schedule and overall the environment. Every member of the team should feel like their values are aligning with the company’s values. In order for that to happen the common goals and values have to be heard and understood.

Another valuable part of well-being is the whole beginning of starting to work at a company. Also called the onboarding process which can be crucial for both employees and company bosses. If you do not know what this means, check out the article What is onboarding for a good explanation.

company values in organizational culture

Support and feedback

When an employee joins a new workplace, they expect to receive support – especially during those first few weeks. So naturally there has to be great communication at the very beginning from the boss’s side. 

A great indication of a strong company culture is an environment where there are no secrets or hidden agendas. The staff members are not taken aback by any information that they were not made aware of prior to it being announced at a meeting or when they checked their email. 

New information is disclosed well in advance, and managers may even solicit assistance from staff in problem-solving. A good example are brands with mentoring programs. Every newbie has a trusted mentor they can turn to when anything is not clear. 

Comfortable environment

One thing to think about is ensuring your employees have a good and comfortable working environment. Comfort can be measured in both physical and mental ways.

How people feel about their jobs and their company can be greatly influenced by the type of physical environment they work in on a daily basis. The overall feeling is greatly boosted by providing workspaces with amenities and benefits that matter to the workers. 

To retain staff, many companies provide free meals, reimbursements for supplies or lunch, conveniently placed office space, and other perks.

positive company culture

Everything starts with a positive company culture!

Building and sustaining a company’s culture is an investment that is worthwhile. If you want good employees that are a part of your success, then you must give them a good working environment. 

Hopefully you enjoyed this article. Let us know down below in the comments what are any other signs of a positive company culture in the modern era?

Check out some other articles such as Cool mugs to use everyday and Educational wall decals.

Secret Santa gift ideas

Secret Santa gift ideas

Secret Santa is a fun way to trade gifts with your favorite people. This way of exchanging Christmas gifts is most commonly used in large families, friend groups or even at work with colleagues. 

It’s both fun and practical, because you only have to get a gift for one person – and they don’t know who it’s from. This is a great way to let everyone get into the holiday spirit and bring a bit of mystery and magic to the table.

If you’re participating in the Secret Santa this year, here are some simple but cool gift ideas to use as your main gift.

Yummy sweets

sweets gift

Everybody knows that Christmas is the best holiday for yummy snacks and sweets. It’s pretty common for people to cook and bake even more during the holidays. So if you have to choose a gift last minute or the person you got just simply already has everything they could ever need, sweets are always appreciated.

To make this simple present just a tad bit more special, think of the person you’re giving the gift to. What are their favorite snacks, scents, tastes, textures? A great way to surprise the person and make them feel loved is to make the sweets yourself. Bake some cookies, put some fun icing on top and the gift is ready to go.

A scented candle

scented candle

Candles are one of the most popular gifts, especially for Christmas. Because who doesn’t love a scented candle, right? It just makes you feel right at home. All you have to do is choose a candle with an appropriate scent. It might be tempting to choose a holiday scent, but keep in mind that the person will get this gift right on holidays.

So in order to not gift a candle with a scent that reminds of Christmas for the next few weeks, maybe choose something for their everyday life. Look into such scents as honey, vanilla, wild berry, coconut, coffee etc. A good quality candle can get quite expensive so it will make a great gift.

Cool Socks

cool socks

If socks aren’t the ultimate Christmas gift, then I don’t want to know what is! Everybody wears socks therefore everybody needs socks – it’s that simple. And Christmas is the best time to find some cool funky socks, such as seen in the picture above.

While choosing this gift, you can take 2 routes. Number one is choosing some comfortable socks for home wear – they can be cozy, soft and cute colored. Option number two is choosing fun socks for everyday wear. Here you have to keep in mind the person’s style and taste. You can go crazy with bright colors and patterns, but you can also think practical. It really depends!

A cute coffee mug

coffee mug gift

A cute coffee mug is another great gift idea that will be perfect for your friends and family. If you’re willing to get one cool mug, keep in mind it has to be very unique. 

To make this gift even more cute, you can always fill the mug with something tasty. Don’t just give them an empty coffee mug. Fill it up with coffee or their favorite snacks. Christmas themed advice would be to fill the mug up with all the ingredients needed for hot chocolate – some chocolate, candy canes, marshmallows etc. So cute!

Lottery tickets

lottery ticket

To spice things up a little bit, choose a lottery ticket as your Secret Santa gift. If you’re about to ask why, I’m here to ask you why not? This is another great gift idea for somebody who doesn’t seem to need anything. We all have at least one friend who always gets themselves everything they need so it makes really difficult to gift shop for them.

Besides, lottery tickets are very different. Choose a bunch of those that almost often let you win at least something. Of course it’s not about the amount that you can win. It’s more so about the whole process and excitement to see how much you’ve won.

Hopefully you found these gift ideas fun! 

If you’re looking for something to write in your Christmas card, check out My favourite Christmas wishes for some ideas!