A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Aug. 16, 2024
Shop these personalized gifts for coworkers that let them know just how much you care—without having to ask the boss to chip in.
Sponsored By: Packed with Purpose
A portion of this piece was created in partnership with Packed with Purpose. They offer curated and custom gift boxes gifts that give back.
Whether your office is stuffy or laid-back, there are a few rules to live by when it comes to birthdays, holidays and any present-giving occasion in between. Keep gifts for coworkers fun, but not too personal. And if you’re on a time crunch, there are Amazon gifts and last-minute gifts for worker bees who leave everything to the eleventh hour.
“Gifts of clothing should be avoided because the quickest way to embarrass a coworker is with a clothing size that is either too big or small,” says Susan Hosage, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, a senior consultant with OneSource HR Solutions. “Men gifting jewelry, cologne or other personal items to women, and vice versa, can also have unintended implications and consequences.”
Be conscious of gifting food items because people may have allergies and medical conditions that restrict what they can consume. And, of course, you also want to ensure any gift ideas are compliant with company policies. So while it might have been de rigueur in the Mad Men era, Hosage strongly advises against gifting booze.
So what are good, inexpensive gifts for coworkers? Gifts that play on an office theme are always fun, and self-care gifts come in handy after the nine-to-five. We’ve rounded up a bunch of gifts for coworkers that prove just how thoughtful you are. Whether you’re on the hunt for specific gifts for bosses or quirky white elephant gifts, you’ll find something all your office buds will adore.
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This adorable collection of mini succulent cuttings is one of the cutest Etsy gifts ever. With 15 rare, eye-catching succulents for well below $20, it’s also one of the best value gifts for coworkers. Your colleagues will love the colorful addition to their desks and shelves. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance option that won’t require any effort on weekends, vacations or much-needed days off.
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Whether they have hefty commutes, hybrid roles or are constantly on the go, this Pioneer Woman mug is a charming must-have. It features a stainless steel interior that keeps drinks hot, cold and everything in between for hours at a time. It’s also easy to wash, easy to carry (thanks to a helpful handle) and comes in two eye-catching floral designs.
Being one of the cheapest co-worker gifts on this list, you can afford to scoop up a few for the whole team. Reviewers note that it also makes a quality gift for nurses who like to sip hot drinks throughout their shifts.
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Whether your coworker uses them to host company happy hours, coffee catch-ups or the most engaging video calls, these personalized coasters are sure to be a hit. They’re one of the best Amazon Handmade gifts, thanks to full, quick customization. Available in a set of four, givers can choose the best text to elicit a hearty “cheers!” from the lucky recipient.
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The colleague who’s always planning company volunteer events and spearheading the office birthday cards will adore receiving a Packed with Purpose package. Each box not only contains an assortment of goodies but also supports a variety of feel-good causes. The You Got This! box is an uplifting choice for your coworker, complete with chocolate chunk granola, a bag of Peace Coffee and a motivational stress ball.
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This stress-relieving golf pen gift set is a perfect gift for the coworker who’s known to take clients out for 18 holes. The affordable price, compact size and practicality make it a hole-in-one. They’ll play a mini-game on their desk between calls and use it as a funny icebreaker for company meetings. It’s a witty gift for golfers they won’t soon forget.
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There’s no reason to keep making new pots of coffee or running to the kitchen for fresh cups of tea. This genius Mr. Coffee mug warmer is a portable bargain that uses the slightest amount of power to keep most cups warm. All you have to do is plug it in and hit the “on” switch. The compact size makes it a cinch to pack into a work bag for on-the-go use. Effortless portability means this is one of the best gifts for coworkers in hybrid environments as well.
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Flying in style and comfort is effortless with the Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow, a portable, neck-focused take on the best memory foam mattresses. It comes in four neutral colors and easily adjusts to most neck sizes and preferred sleeping positions. Built-in attachment straps easily latch onto plane, car and train seats for pain-free napping.
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Load their desk up with all their favorite candies and snacks in the most adorable packaging. The Sugarwish Custom Select gift box includes six categories across candy, popcorn, cookies and snacks, and the recipient selects the specific treats that they want delivered. Recipients are instantly alerted that they have been gifted a Sugarwish via email, text or social media so they can start claiming their next sugar rush.
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These popular wireless earbuds from JLab feature the same Bluetooth technology as far more expensive models at a fraction of the cost. Colleagues will love how easy they are to connect with their existing devices. A long battery life and durable design make these a go-to for work calls and days that stretch far beyond the office. They come in four colors and include a handy charging case. Call this one a life-changing product they’ll wonder how they ever lived without.
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Organized thinkers love making lists, and this thoughtful checklist notepad from Rifle Paper Co. is the most stylish way to get them crossing important items off each day. Choose from four designs and color schemes, and then watch them revel in the art of task-winning with 75 tear-off pages. It’s also one of the best self-care gifts for those who function best with clear plans.
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A silicone keyboard cover isn’t just a stylish accessory they’ll love showing off, it’s also a brilliant way to keep their most important work gear clean, hygienic and in tip-top shape. This waterproof and dust-proof keyboard topper protects against everything from spills to dirty hand grime, making it a genius gift for students as well. It’s extremely affordable, so you may want to scoop up a few extras for the whole department.
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Tell them to forget about cluttering their desk with wayward cords running to and from their most essential devices. This magnetic cable wrangler isn’t just smart—it’s brilliant. It gathers all their desk chargers into one tidy spot to free up desk space and offer a neater work environment. Plus, it’s pretty cute and makes an efficient gift for couples sharing small home offices without tons of space to spare.
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The only thing better than gifting someone a page-turner is gifting them a way to read books on the go. An Audible Premium Plus gift membership offers all the perks of a subscription without the commitment. That means audiobooks to thousands of bestsellers (plus originals you can only get on Audible), sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.
With a Premium Plus membership, your favorite book lover will also get an additional title every month from an extended list of bestsellers and new releases. These aren’t available with a standard Audible subscription, making this a no-brainer gift for book lovers.
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Transform an ordinary television into a world-class art museum with this fun tech gift. Once your coworker plugs the sleek, chrome USB drive into a TV, the Billion Dollar Art Gallery screen comes alive with 500 of the most iconic paintings in history. Users are in control, so they can decide how long they want to linger on each painting.
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Available in a variety of colors, The Comfy is a wearable blanket that truly provides warmth. It’s a cozy gift for the work-from-home coworker, as well as the office worker who’s always cold. The one-size-fits-all blanket is lined with faux sherpa, so it’s safe for vegans and animal lovers too. This is about as comfortable as a gift for coworkers can be.
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No desk is complete without framed photographs of loved ones, and this vibrant, colorful picture frame is oh-so pretty. The golden accents on this Flower Market frame draw the eye. It would make a sweet gift for grandma as well, but we think it’s one of the best gifts for coworkers who exude glitz and glam.
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This fun deck of cards features 150 conversation starters for parties or one-on-one conversations with coworkers and friends. Topic categories include random, deep, experience, life and “would you rather?” questions.
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Coworkers who are always sipping cozy cups of black, green and herbal tea will love this World of Tea Collection gift set. Numi’s handcrafted box offers 45 bags in nine different flavors, making it one of the best gifts for tea lovers. They’ll sip Breakfast Blend, Golden Chai, Moroccan Mint and Chamomile Lemon while getting their work done on the chilliest days.
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We all know people who have a seemingly unhealthy obsession with the classic ’90s sitcom Friends. They’ll flip over Silver Buffalo’s adorable cookie jar, which features the real-deal Central Perk logo, the beloved coffee shop where the pals spend their leisure time. Just don’t break into a rendition of “Smelly Cat” while presenting this fun gift.
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Work is stressful. Show you care with this set of two gel stress balls that help relieve tension with each squeeze. They keep big deals and stress management within reach with motivational phrases and instant relief. “Mindset determines happiness” and “Enjoy every moment” are emblazoned on them to inspire calm in even the most trying situations.
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The coworker who likes to jot down notes or plan projects by hand will enjoy this handsome Paperage journal. At nearly 6 by 8 inches, it’s the right size to easily fit in most purses and briefcases. Available in 17 colors, each journal has 160 pages and a hard binding that feels far more expensive than its affordable price tag. The neutral, practical nature of this item makes it one of the easiest gifts for coworkers to buy in bulk for an entire team.
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For the days without Zoom meetings and conference calls, help a coworker tap into this self care gift box. It comes with six gifts, including cozy socks that double as house slippers, a wine tumbler, soap, a bath bomb and a candle. Personalize it with a kind message and they’ll be grateful for a chance to relax. Have a coworker nearing the end of their corporate journey? Check out these retirement gifts.
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Your coffee-addicted coworker will love this lightweight French press. It makes coffee on the go thanks to a double micro-filter to keep out grit and sludge. The double-walled, insulated stainless steel keeps coffee hot for hours. Talk about the perfect gift for coffee lovers!
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This large, customizable desk mat livens up a coworker’s space with any image that’s meaningful to them. Whether they have a favorite painting or beloved pet, this personalized piece helps express their personality in vivid color. It’s durable and easy to clean too, so they won’t have to worry about spills. This is also one of the most clever gifts for coworkers who are stuck in cubicles because it instantly brings life to an otherwise drab space.
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Coworkers who love food and DIY gifts will enjoy Back to the Roots’ easy indoor gardening kits. Assuming your corporate policies allow for plants, they can start gardening right at their desk (or take it home if not). Maybe once the veggies are fully grown they’ll share the bounty with you by cooking a special team lunch. Win-win!
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Sure, you could acknowledge your coworker’s hometown love with some sports memorabilia, but how about something a bit more useful? A home-state bamboo serving and cutting board is a fun conversation starter and is made for entertaining. This one comes with a pre-drilled hole, so the recipient can hang it in a cubicle or kitchen. It’s also one of the best gifts for coworkers who are known to make serious use of the company kitchen.
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It can be hard to navigate moods around the office, and not everyone can read the room. This desk chart is both a funny gag gift and a useful workplace tool that can help you avoid awkward conversations and office faux pas. Your coworker can turn the chart to any of the 47 moods, and the rest of the office will know whether to engage or steer clear.
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Research has shown that gratitude can help reduce stress and even improve sleep. This Papier gratitude journal helps you focus on things that inspire joy and happiness every day. Its prompts and instructions for mindful activities make it one of the most introspective gifts for coworkers.
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Is your coworker always complaining about back pain? Give them a Gaiam Essentials balance ball to sit on instead of a chair. It increases core strength while improving posture. It can even boost circulation—something nobody gets enough of during back-to-back conference calls. If your coworker is more of a friend, don’t miss our roundup of best friend gifts.
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Your coworker might not be able to burn this baby in a corporate office, but it’s fair game when they’re working from home. With top notes of water lily and amber, middle notes of cinnamon and base notes of patchouli and vanilla, this scented candle is a great way to mark the boundaries of your home office. Plus, the Homesick “Home Office” candle is just fun to receive.
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To bring a laugh to a tense week, give the gift of a screaming goat. It helps its owner let off steam and breaks everyone out of a stressed mood. This gag gift is sure to lighten the mood anywhere.
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To add a little competition to the cubicle, a basketball wastebasket is the way to go. Use it for trash and recycling, or make it a game for those who pass by. The backboard is helpful, but true athletes won’t need it. If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift for the dad of the office, this is a slam dunk choice.
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Desk calendars and planners are helpful for visual workers, but this personalized acrylic calendar takes it a step further with a bigger size and dry-erase markers. They can add every appointment, meeting and birthday for the month, then erase it all and start again. For another office organization idea, put it in a common area for everyone to use.
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Bagels and donuts are great office snacks, but how about an assortment of mini scones hailing straight from Georgia? The sweet pastries are highly rated by chefs everywhere. The box includes 12 mini scones with flavors chosen by the chefs themselves. These also can’t go wrong during the office Secret Santa game.
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Everything may be digital, but you always need a solid pen throughout the day. This personalized pen adds a touch of elegance to their desk. Choose an engraving for the pen and box (or add an envelope opener). It’s also a lovely thank you gift for a coworker or boss.
Originally Published: November 17, 2022
