18 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Your Colleagues

Choosing the right holiday gift for your colleagues can be tricky. You share a professional bond, but it’s not always close enough for personal gifts. The ideal present should be both practical and intriguing, all while staying within budget. Gift cards, though convenient, might seem impersonal, and the visible price can make things uncomfortable. So, what’s the solution? Here’s a curated list of 18 thoughtful gifts for co-workers to help you navigate this dilemma.

1. Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean; $5

Looking for an affordable yet practical gift for a colleague? Consider the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro. This battery-powered toothbrush features an oscillating head that rotates 3900 times per minute, reportedly removing up to 70 percent more plaque compared to traditional brushing. With a 4.6-star rating, it runs on AA batteries and operates via a straightforward power switch. You can also add replacement heads for convenience, available here.

2. Anker Portable Charger; $22

Everyone craves more power, especially the colleague who’s always borrowing your charger or lamenting their phone’s constant low battery. Anker, a leader in portable power solutions, offers this compact and durable charger with multiple charging modes and broad compatibility. Just note, iPhone users will need a lightning converter.

3. Stanley Classic Wide-Mouth Bottle; $25

The Stanley vacuum-insulated wide-mouth bottle is a reliable hydration partner, built to last with leak-resistant, rust-proof, and BPA-free features. It maintains the temperature of hot or cold beverages for up to 24 hours and even includes a lifetime warranty.

4. Mytour 2023 Amazing Facts Desk Calendar; $17

Our 2023 desk calendar offers a fascinating fact for every day of the year, making it the perfect gift for the perpetually curious or those looking to spice up their conversations. Grab one for yourself, and you can share fun facts together.

5. Panda Daily Planner; $20

This undated planner goes beyond scheduling meetings—it’s a comprehensive tool for daily, weekly, and monthly planning, helping your colleague gain control, motivation, and success. It encourages them to document how they’ll make the week great, express gratitude, set priorities, and anticipate future joys.

6. Tealyra Ceramic Tea Cup Infuser; $20

This elegant 19-ounce mug is a fantastic Amazon gift idea for colleagues, perfect for more than just a single cup of tea. It elevates their tea experience with style, and they might even feel generous enough to share. The built-in mesh infuser fits snugly into the lid, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the sink or waiting for tea to steep with a standard bag.

7. Assorted Haribo Gummies; $26

Every workplace has its snack enthusiast, and yours will surely love nearly three pounds of these classic gummies. This assortment features Gold-Bear, Twin Cherries, Happy-Cola, Sour Spaghetti, and more, making it one of the most diverse candy gift options for colleagues this season. With 12 unique flavors, it caters to both sweet and sour cravings—or just 10 if you decide to keep a couple for yourself and re-gift the rest.

8. Everything Bagel Seasoning; $13

This seasoning blend combines sesame seeds, sea salt, minced garlic, minced onion, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds—everything except the bagel itself. It’s ideal for spicing up a plain bagel when the deli runs out of other options. Beyond bagels, it’s perfect for enhancing toast, eggs, savory oatmeal, and even dishes like pasta, chicken, and soups. A truly versatile seasoning, with or without a bagel.

9. Parks and Recreation Knope for President Game; $13

The beloved show about a determined city department has millions of fans, so chances are someone in your office adores it. They’ll surely enjoy Knope For President, a fun party game filled with scandals and spin, where players alternate between being reporters and politicians. It’s perfect for the colleague who’s self-motivated (or already owns Nick Offerman’s canoeing book).

10. Retro Spider-Man Handheld Game; $17

These handheld games were a staple of the 1990s, making them instantly recognizable to Millennials and even some Gen-Xers in your office. In this game, you climb buildings as Spider-Man, battling enemies, avoiding obstacles, and doing whatever a spider can. Its small size makes it easy to carry from your desk to meetings, and its affordable price won’t strain your holiday budget.

11. Drinking Animals Coloring Book; $8

Coloring books have long been a go-to for relaxation, but this one adds a twist by including cocktail recipes, making it increasingly challenging to stay within the lines as you go. The whimsical illustrations and easy-to-follow recipes—from cosmos to mojitos—make it a delightful choice. Even your boss will find it hard to stay stressed while coloring a bear in a sweater sipping champagne.

12. Funny Novelty Memo Pads; $12

Add some humor to your colleague’s to-do lists or reminders with this set of four memo pads (two lined and two unlined). It injects a bit of fun into mundane tasks and stands out as one of the best pun-filled gifts for co-workers.

13. World’s Okayest Employee Mug; $9

While novelty mugs may not be groundbreaking anymore, this one is sure to earn a smile by acknowledging your co-worker’s perfectly adequate performance.

14. Dammit Doll; $17

The Dammit Doll is an ideal gift for colleagues who need a safe way to vent their workplace frustrations. This polyester desk companion is designed for stress relief through squeezing, offering a quieter alternative to slamming doors or drawers.

15. CRAVEBOX Care Package: $27

For the snack lover in your office, this CraveBox assortment offers a variety of tasty treats to munch on. Each package includes 45 single-serving snacks, ranging from Goldfish to Tootsie Pops.

16. Everlasting Comfort Office Chair Pillow; $50

Ease your colleague’s back pain with this memory foam support pillow that molds to their body. You’ll know it’s effective when you hear their sigh of relief.

17. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier; $19

An essential oil diffuser is a fantastic way to elevate a home office. This InnoGear model offers customizable light settings (with seven colors) and a gentle mist to prevent dry air. It also includes an automatic shut-off feature for safety when water levels are low. Pair it with an essential oils set for an added thoughtful touch.

18. BodyRestore Aromatherapy Shower Steamers; $25

Whether your job keeps you on your feet or glued to a chair, the daily grind can wear you down. Help your overworked colleague recharge with these luxurious lavender shower steamers. Simply place one on the shower floor, turn on the water, and let the soothing aromas and steam work their magic.

This article originally ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2022.