It’s the holiday gifting season and if you have a secret squirrel in your life – or you are one – you may be wondering which gifts are appropriate. Here are the do’s and don’ts of holiday gifting.

Search great gifts for Secret Squirrels at ClearanceJobs.Shop!

5 Great Gifts for the Secret Squirrels in Your Life

1. Snack packs or lunch items.

The ClearanceJobs shop has a great snack pack that is a great item for the secret squirrels in your life. Most national security workers are back in the office, and that means items that can help them in their commute or days in the office are great items to gift. Reusable lunch bags, boxes, or other items to help feed your secret squirrel are always a hit.

2. Travel items.

Whether it’s a wireless charging pad or a great travel pillow, with work travel coming back national security workers always need items that help them be successful whether they’re at home or in an undisclosed location across the globe. One of our many previous swag items at ClearanceJobs was a travel neck pillow – which we haven’t seen much in the airport lately. If you’re a traveling squirrel who likes to put a neck pillow to use – let us know in the comments!

3. Books.

Leaders are readers, and the great news is that our ClearanceJobs book club has curated some of the best books for national security workers. Check it out, and buy a book for the secret squirrels in your life – you can’t go wrong.

4. Wine or Beverages.

Listen – national security work is stressful. If you’re working in the jobs safeguarding our nation, you likely work hard – and then need to decompress (responsibly). The fact is a bottle of wine is cheaper than a massage, but both are great gifts for secret squirrels. It’s also worth noting if you’ve worked closely with a recruiter who helped you land a job, you may want to give them a gift, too! Recruiters are often the unsung heroes in every national security workplace. If one helped you land a dream job, a small token can help go a long way in improving their morale and making sure they remember you the next time a promotion opportunity comes across their desk.

5. T-shirt or Hat

Clothing can seem like a minefield – what size? What’s their sense of humor like? We did the hard work for you at ClearanceJobs and we have a GREAT t-shirt and hat option at ClearanceJobs shop. If you don’t think your favorite national security worker would appreciate the secret squirrel whisperer t-shirt, then check out one of the many other novelty shirt options. There probably isn’t a secret squirrel out their who doesn’t love a nice Top Gun reference. Great hats come in a variety of options. And the great thing about a hat or t-shirt is you can rest generally assured that the item is below the gifting dollar threshold.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Gifting

It’s important to remember that whether you’re a government employee or contractor, there are generally rules that apply to what you can and can’t gift. A general rule of thumb is under $20 – and even if that’s not the policy in your office, it’s a good guide. Over-the-top gifts may violate policy, but more importantly they may make someone feel uncomfortable – and no one wants that.

The other thing to keep in mind is prohibited items. DNA kits were a popular gift item a few years back – but many secret squirrels may not be able to take advantage. CBD products are also EVERYWHERE today, but DoD employees are required to just say no, and most secret squirrels have decided the risks aren’t worth the benefits.

Everyone loves to be appreciated throughout the year, and gifts are a great way to do it. Whether it’s a birthday to recognize or a favorite holiday, let this gift guide help you find great items to recognize and acknowledge the national security workers in your life.

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Lindy Kyzer is the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Learn more here.. @LindyKyzer