For the administrative professional

No matter where you work or who you work with, you encounter support staff on a regular basis. If you work as a support staffer, you know that your priority of supporting your boss can lead to a whole new level of crazy each day. If you work with administrative professionals, you know how important they are to keeping your business and affairs flowing smoothly and running interference between you and everyone who is demanding your time and attention. You also know, better than anyone, how much they deserve recognition and appreciation.

Administrative Professionals Day is April 27 and provides the perfect opportunity to say a big 'thank you' to the people who make your life easier (some people celebrate the week of April 24-29 rather than only on one day). Not only is recognizing your support staff a nice gesture, but it will also keep peace in your workplace (trust me, you do NOT want to be the person who doesn't participate in Administrative Professionals Day while everyone else in the office is showering gifts and praise upon their staff).

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) recommends giving "observances that recognize and provide opportunities for learning and growth," such as registration for business skills training programs or seminars, membership in professional organizations, or new office products like an ergonomic chair or software upgrade. See their website for more suggestions and information about Administrative Professionals Day. However, you know (or should know) your staff's preferences well enough to decide whether such a gift would be appreciated or viewed as self-serving. If you're afraid the IAAP's gift recommendations would be less-than-well received, keep reading for more personal gift ideas. Regardless of what you decide to give, be sure to include a nice card with a heartfelt message thanking your assistant and telling them just how much you appreciate all they do for you. And whether or not you have your own support staff, be sure to always say please and thank you to any assistants you encounter (especially this week, but really you should do it all the time).

Here are some suggestions for showing your administrative professional just how much you appreciate them:

Cash: Some people still shy away from giving money, but many staff members would rather receive the gift of cash than anything else. In these economic times, giving cash allows your staff member complete freedom and discretion in how to use your gift. It also makes your job as the gift-giver much easier because it eliminates all the guesswork and most of the effort. There are no hard and fast rules on how much is appropriate to give, but a little Internet searching indicates that the amounts vary between $10 and $100, with most gifts seeming to fall in the $25-$50 range. When deciding on an amount, don't feel like you have to give until it hurts, but do choose an amount that reflects how much you value your staffer's contribution to your workplace.

Gift Card: In the same vein as giving cash, gift cards essentially allow your recipient to choose his own gift. They are also a nice alternative for those who want to give money without actually having to give cash or a check. If you give a gift card, be sure to choose one from a store you're sure your staff member likes or one that can be used in multiple places. You can't go wrong with a voucher for a nice local restaurant, local mall (that can be used in all shops), Amazon.com, or a prepaid debit card from Visa or American Express.

Flowers: On their own, flowers are a nice gesture to show your appreciation to your staff. But for Administrative Professionals Day, they also serve as a physical statement that you have recognized your staffer's contributions. My advice is to give a small flower arrangement or plant in addition to another (more private) gift. For male staff, go with a plant or more masculine flower arrangement.

Time Off: Another popular gift is to reward your assistant with extra time off. Depending on your position, you may be authorized to award extra paid vacation time, or you might need to get clearance from your human resources department. If the company is uncooperative, you could discuss letting your staffer take an unpaid absence and paying that day's salary yourself.

Lunch: Taking your staff out for a nice lunch is a great way to show your appreciation. Let them pick the place and spend time getting to know each other outside the office.

Cake: Like flowers, but tastier, bringing a cake or cupcakes for your staff is a nice public gift that the whole office can enjoy. But before you bring in 10,000 calories on a plate, make sure your recipient isn't on a diet or allergic to any of the ingredients. A delicious-looking cake loses its luster if you find out too late that your staffer is lactose intolerant or gluten-free.

Office Products: One of the IAAP's gift recommendations is to upgrade your staff's office supplies and/or furniture. Consider giving ergonomically correct furniture, computer or software upgrades, or premium quality products. You might also want to give fun items like a personalized notepad or stationery or a few items from Knock Knock (makers of humorous office supplies like Do - Ponder - File file folders, Information Central Paper Mousepad, and Blah Blah Blah sticky notes).

Event Tickets: Everyone needs a break from the office, so why not give your staff tickets to a special event in town? Give tickets to a show, concert, or sporting event your assistant would enjoy so he can have a night out on the town with friends or a significant other.

Spa Services: If you are especially close to your staff, consider giving the gift of pampering that only a trip to the spa can accomplish. A massage, manicure/pedicure, facial, or body wrap is a great way to say 'thank you' and rejuvenate your assistant. But be careful: something personal like a spa gift should only be given if you have a close relationship with your recipient and you are the same gender. A massage gift certificate from a male boss to a female staffer might not send the message you're aiming for, and might get you a message of your own from HR.

What are your favorite gifts to give or receive for Administrative Professionals Day?

For the exam-taker

For college and graduate students everywhere, the start of the Christmas season is a double-edged sword. It's almost Christmas break and you get a whole month off. But that month off comes at a price - exams. Weeks of studying, stressing, and drinking so much coffee that your local barista starts your order as you walk in the door. Cramming more knowledge in your brain than you knew was possible, praying that your professor has mercy and asks the one question you actually know the answer to, and trying not to break down every time your parents tell you how their Christmas decorating is progressing. It seems like exams will never end - and then you get a care package. Suddenly, things are a little better. You remember that there is life outside of exams, that the stress won't last forever, and that someone is thinking about you.

This year, take a moment to be that someone for your favorite college or graduate student. Here are some ideas to brighten his day and take her stress level down a few notches.

• Coffee or a coffee gift card. My favorite coffee spots are Starbucks and Panera Bread - they have lots of locations and offer food and coffee. If your exam-taker prefers tea, you may want to choose a caffeinated version.
• Clif Bars. These pack a serious protein punch and are very tasty!
• Popcorn. A great study snack that's quick to make. My favorite is the movie theater butter version!
• Candy bars. Who doesn't love to indulge in their favorite guilty pleasure when they're stressed?!?
• Christmas candy. Preferably something with peppermint and/or chocolate.
• Chewing gum. Because sometimes you just need to chew on something while you're studying. Gummi bears also fulfill this desire and are more fun!
• Energy drinks. Love 'em or hate 'em, they work. Red Bulls seem to be the most popular, but there are some higher-octane choices too, such as Monster and 5-Hour Energy.
• Quick-fix meals. Studying requires sustenance, and time constraints require that it be quick. Some of my favorites are easy mac, frozen pizzas, and single serving soups.
• Highlighters, pencils, and pens. You can't ever have too many of these, especially during exams. Plus, if your recipient is anything like me, she hates switching colors midway through a book or document, so a stash of yellow highlighters is essential. I prefer the Sharpie Accents.
• Bluebooks and liquid paper (or some form of correction fluid). These things are easy to forget about until you are sitting in the exam room, and your exam-taker will thank you for remembering on his behalf.
• Earplugs. Silence is golden and very hard to find. Let your recipient create her own and maximize her study time. The foam ones, like Hearos, work best.
• Pain killers. Because exams = headaches, period.
• Post-it notes and flags. The more colorful, the better!
• A coloring book and crayons. Sometimes exams make you want to revert to childhood - and this will allow your exam-taker to do just that.
• A Slinky or some other frivolous toy. Just make sure it will provide a fun (but brief) distraction.
• iTunes gift card or a CD. Some people prefer to study with sound, some like complete silence, but everyone loves music at some point during their day.
• Something to look forward to post-exams. From a movie gift card to a massage voucher, anything that provides something fun or relaxing to look forward to will be a big hit.
• A note or card. You can't have too much encouragement or humor during exams, and your exam-taker will appreciate a reminder that you care about him.

There are several sites offering pre-packaged exam care packages (as well as packages for other occasions). Some of my favorites are Hip Kits, Care Packages, and Gift Baskets. What were/are some of your favorite exam treats?

Good luck to everyone taking exams!