Have you ever received a really bad holiday gift from a co-worker? And no, in this case bad isn't fruitcake or an ugly picture frame.

• Discussion: Worst Gift You've Gotten?

How about a stuffed rattlesnake or frozen potatoes?

The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service, surveyed 250 advertising and marketing executives about their most off-the-wall office gifts. It seems that when coworkers exchange holiday gifts, some are in for more of a surprise than others.

Those surveyed were asked, "What is the most unusual or unique gift item you've ever heard of an employee giving a colleague?"

Here are some of their responses:

"A life jacket"
"Frozen potatoes"
"A stuffed rattlesnake"

It leaves one wondering if these wacky gifts were given because the workers were in advertising or if this odd gift giving happens everywhere.

"The advertising industry is full of innovative people, and the gifts coworkers exchange often reflect this creative mindset," said Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group. "In general, it's best not to go too far out on a limb and instead give gifts that are thoughtful and can be enjoyed by the recipient."

A little more thought could have gone into the following presents:

"A used, dirty vase"
"A carton of cigarettes -- for a nonsmoker"
"A stained potholder"

By contrast, some gifts showed significant thought. Unfortunately, those who gave them may have focused too much of it on themselves, according to a press release.

One worker said, "Someone gave me a stuffed likeness of his head mounted like a deer."

Another received a painting of a coworker.

But, does it get any stranger than giving real, living animals? Even though the holidays can be a lonely time for many, some people may not want this much company. Some other strange gifts received were a wild turkey, a pig, sea monkeys and a goat.

Some workers may use the holidays as a time to give subtle hints -- or perhaps not so subtle, in the case of the workers who got a treadmill and a personal training session.

But some co-workers got a burst of celebrity goodness for their holiday. An employee got a full-size bust of Gene Simmons from KISS. Another got a life-size poster of John Wayne. A third got a full-size statue of Cher.

Presents don't have to cost a lot of money, as evidenced by the following:

"Someone created a personalized song about the employee."
"One person gave out gold stars."
"We received pictures of former executives with their biographies."

On the other end of the price spectrum were the following items:

"A car was given by a CEO to his assistant."
"Someone received a honeymoon vacation to an island."

And, finally, there's the professional with questionable holiday spirit.

"Someone gave no gift -- just the statement, 'It's all about me this year.'"

The Creative Group did offer some tips for gift-giving in a business setting:

Think small. There's no need to give pricey or extravagant presents. Homemade goodies or small tokens of appreciation are always appropriate.
Be practical. Items that can save your contacts time during the busy holiday season are bound to be a hit. Consider giving gift-wrapping kits, for example.
Don't overlook the details. A gift has more of an impact if it's packaged nicely and comes with a thoughtful note.
Set your sights on the new year. If time gets away from you in December, consider giving a calendar or journal in January with a "happy new year" message.

The survey was developed by The Creative Group and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes 250 responses -- 125 from advertising executives among the nation's 1,000 largest advertising agencies and 125 from senior marketing executives among the nation's 1,000 largest companies.