HR expert reveals which two items you should never get a colleague for Secret Santa

It's that time of year again when we're all strapped for cash due to the seemingly endless conveyor belt of festive-themes antics we get ourselves roped into.

From office parties and Christmas markets to last-minute present shopping and Friendmas dinners - it's clear that the run-up to Crimbo is definitely not ideal for your wallet.

And the last thing you want to be doing is blowing a load of cash on Secret Santa gifts for your co-workers which may land you in some pretty deep water with the HR department...

It's that time of year again... (Getty Stock Images)

So, to make sure you don't get a b*llocking for what you may think is some harmless festive fun - a HR expert has revealed which two items you should never get a colleague during the age-old dreaded gift-giving tradition.

Candice Baker, People and Culture Expert at caba, told Tyla: "Traditions like Secret Santa can bring some light-hearted Christmas spirit to the workplace and help break the ice with co-workers you may not know very well.

"Although it can be lots of fun looking for a gift for your fellow colleagues, it can get tricky if you don’t know them too well."

Speaking from the experience of receiving a pack of unicorn-themed hair clips at the age of 18 - I know this predicament far too well.

Secret Santa leaves many of us stumped each year (SolStock / Getty Images)

"As a rule of thumb," Candice advises, "it’s best to avoid gifting anything that could be taken as being offensive, suggestive or intended as a joke."

She warned: "This can often go down like a lump of coal so it’s important to ensure that the gifts that we give don’t trigger feelings of anxiety and discomfort in your colleagues."

The expert then highlighted two key toiletry items you should avoid at all costs which may actually surprise you.

"Even gifting a useful item like toiletries, such as deodorant or perfume, can be a risky choice," she explained.

"While the intention may have been to give a practical or thoughtful gift, it may be taken as a reference to body odour."

Deodorant and perfume are apparently major no-no's when it comes to Secret Santa (miniseries / Getty Images)

According to Candice, this could lead to embarrassment, hurt feelings, or even strained professional relationships.

"While it might seem like a harmless choice to the giver, it can come just as easily across as offensive or disrespectful," she added.

Now, I'd personally love a boujie bottle of eau de toilette but probs wouldn't be too chuffed with some Dove roll-on - as essential as it may be.

Candice explained that to avoid ending up in an uncomfortable situation, you need to 'be mindful of your colleagues' differences, cultures and backgrounds' and 'take some time to understand their interests' for present inspo.

"It can be a great opportunity to get to know the people you work with better so embrace getting involved and focus on thoughtful giving," she concluded.

Guess I'll be returning the Lynx Africa gift set then...