Christmas is right around the corner, ushering in a season of bells ringing, choirs singing, and employees everywhere attending an annual office party.

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Many businesses host staff-wide celebrations to kick off Christmas (and your pharmacy probably does, too). These celebrations usually include friends, food, and of course, a gift exchange or two. Traditions like Secret Santa and white elephant can take the spirit of giving from out of the house and into the office — showing appreciation to the people that you work with every day.

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Gift-giving isn’t always easy, though.

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With so many tastes to accommodate, it can be hard to find the perfect present. Some people are picky; others are particular; and others might insist they have everything they want already. If you’ve run into any of these obstacles, you might find gift-giving a bit more tedious.

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If you get it right, though, you can help your fellow pharmacists feel merry and bright this Christmas.

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To get started, look into tried-and-true ideas for your next gift exchange, guaranteed to make any pharmacist happy this holiday season and beyond.

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1. Coffee, Coffee, and More Coffee

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From early morning commutes to late-night shifts, pharmacists run on a cup of jo (or on Mondays, maybe a few more). This Christmas, help your coworkers stay caffeinated with a coffee-inspired gift. A pharmacy mug or travel tumbler can be a great starting point (bonus points if it’s personalized).

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Pair your mug with a gift card to a local coffee shop or a bag of your favorite ground roast. If you’re shopping for a coffee aficionado, invest in a coffee subscription box, which can introduce your coworker to new blends and flavors, delivered straight to their door.

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2. Themed Drinkware

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You may wake up with coffee, but you might wind down with a glass of wine (or any adult beverage of your choice).

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Help your coworkers enjoy a drink or two with pharmacy-themed drinkware. Try an Rx wine tumbler, a “prescription alcohol” flask, or themed shot glasses. For a bit of flair, pair it with a bottle of rosé or a box of chocolates. Cheers to the holiday season!

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3. New Reading Material

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Who doesn’t like to kick back, relax, and open up a good book in their free time? If you have a reader on your team, pick out a title or two that they can crack open to get an extra dose of pharmacy knowledge. Here are a few reads to look into:

• Indispensable by Alex Barker
• The Good Pharmacist by William Kelly and Elliott Sogol
• The New Pharmacist: 46 Doses of Advice by Erin Albert
• Letters to a Young Pharmacist by Susan A. Cantrell
• Seven Figure Pharmacist by Tim Church and Tim Ulbrich

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4. A Personalized Journal

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For many people (your coworkers included), the upcoming new year opens a new opportunity to set new goals and start new activities. Help them stay on top of each of their ambitions with a journal or scheduler, which can be used in and out of the pharmacy.

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This journal from Papier sets aside space to monitor thoughts and feelings, sleeping habits, food intake, exercise, and self-care. A gift like this can help your coworkers be more intentional with their time and prioritize their needs.

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5. A Learning Experience

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Education is the gift that keeps on giving. If you have someone who’s always looking to know (and do) more, sign them up for an experience guaranteed to take their practice to the next level.

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Look to local conferences, state meetings, and of course, PioneerRx’s upcoming Connect Conference. Who would want to miss a trip to historic Nashville, TN, and the chance to earn a few extra CE credits? Click here to learn more.

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6. An Adult Coloring Book

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By now, you’ve probably heard about (or jumped on board with) the adult coloring book trend. Studies show that when you grab a few colored pencils and start shading in a page, you can relieve stress and anxiety. The holidays are especially hectic, so it’s a great time to help your coworkers relax and recharge with a coloring book.

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Test out Pharmacy Life: A Snarky Coloring Book for Adults, which you can find for less than $10 on Amazon. Pair the book with some colored pencils, pens, or markers of your choice. It’s a great gift guaranteed to get out stress and give a few laughs.

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7. Bubble Bath Must-Haves

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Another great way to de-stress is taking a hot shower or running a bubble bath — especially after a long day on your feet. Spruce up your coworkers’ normal nighttime routine with a fun bath bomb or specialty soap. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out this novelty “chill pill” soap. It’s a great reminder to slow down and take a breather.

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Gift it alongside a relaxing pharmacy-inspired candle for maximum effect.

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8. A Few Fun Accessories

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For the snazzy dresser, pick out some accouterments that they can sport in and out of the pharmacy. Pill-themed ties can be worn alongside mortar and pestle cufflinks, which can be dressed down with punny pharmacy socks. Whether it’s a normal day behind the counter or a night out on the town, they’ll appreciate the chance to spice up their normal attire.

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9. Desk Knick-Knacks

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Get rid of boring workspaces and empty desktops with some pharmacy-themed knick-knacks to keep at home or in the office. These novelty items will bring an extra air of cheeriness long after the holidays are over. Try syringe pens, first aid sticky notes, or a mortar and pestle desk trinket.

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10. A Word of Appreciation

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The best gifts come from the heart. If you’re looking to show appreciation in a more overt way, try saying a word of encouragement or — even better yet — writing a nice note to your colleagues.

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For a more giftable approach, try “capsule letters,” which can be written and stored in a glass bottle. In each of your “letters,” write out a compliment or offer to do a task for your coworker to make their lives easier.

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Trust us: they’ll be thankful long after the office party ends.

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