62 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Coworkers and Employees

Replace sticky notes and memo pads with the efficient Desktop To-Do Board. This dry-erase board helps users stay organized with reminders and features a handy pocket for storing mail, notes, and business cards. Available in white, stainless, and gold, it complements any office decor.

Express gratitude with this charming succulent garden, perfect for adding a touch of nature to any workspace. The set includes two pre-planted succulents in an elegant gift box, ready to be placed wherever they choose.

Ideal for those always on the move, this collapsible travel cup shrinks to just 2 inches, making it easy to carry in a bag during the morning commute and use at the office. It’s versatile for both hot and cold beverages and includes a convenient straw.

This notepad set combines a vintage look with contemporary wit. It includes 11 pads attached to a larger board, featuring themes like daily mood tracking, coffee intake logs, and experience ratings. Perfect for a coworker who uses humor as their go-to coping mechanism.

Sugarwish is an innovative gift solution when you’re unsure what to choose. Simply send a Sugarwish, and the recipient selects their preferred gift—options include candy, cookies, wine, candles, and more. Choose from five sizes, and once they make their selection, it’s delivered in a beautifully packaged gift box with a personalized card.

For coworkers who often deal with spills, the Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug is an excellent choice. This sturdy, multi-purpose mug includes a large handle and double-wall insulation, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. Available in three sizes and a range of colors, including exclusive seasonal shades, it’s a practical and stylish option.

For a touch of personality on their desk, this charming pear-shaped organizer is both functional and stylish. Surprisingly spacious, it can hold pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office essentials. Its delightful design also makes it a great decorative piece.

Crafted from stoneware with a French bistro-inspired design, this mug is a delightful addition to any collection. Whether used at home or in the office, the personalized monogram ensures it’s unmistakably theirs.

Transform their workspace with a sleek faux leather desk mat. This elegant piece is spacious enough to accommodate a laptop, mouse, and other essentials, while its built-in cable management keeps the desk tidy. Available in 12 colors, including brown, black, and vibrant orange.

For the coworker who’s always chilly, this wearable blanket is a cozy solution. Featuring a trendy plaid design, it’s ideal for the office. The snap closure ensures it stays securely on their shoulders or can be draped over their lap for added warmth.

With remote work freeing employees from traditional desks, comfort can be a challenge when working from couches or beds. The LapGear Lap Desk solves this with two bolster cushions for support, a spacious work surface, a cushioned wrist rest, an integrated mouse pad, and a convenient phone slot.

This food basket is a guaranteed hit for any group. Available in three sizes, the smallest includes tortilla chips, roasted salsa, white chocolate pretzels, mixed nuts, and chocolate almond bark. (Larger sizes offer even more treats.) It can be shipped directly to their home or purchased for team sharing.

The Mütesync Button is both humorous and practical, allowing coworkers to mute themselves without touching their keyboard. It connects via USB and works seamlessly with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Available in vibrant colors, it lights up to indicate mute status and doubles as a fantastic white elephant gift for almost anyone.

This compact desktop vacuum cleaner ensures a neat workspace for your coworker. Equipped with a nozzle for detailed cleaning, it’s perfect for desktops, keyboards, and other office accessories.

Add flair to a coworker’s stationery with this playful stamp set from Papier. It includes 13 stamps featuring symbols like check marks and arrows, along with phrases such as “to do,” “done,” and “day off.” Perfect for planners, notepads, memos, and other notes.

This 20-ounce electric lunch box is as practical as it is adorable. With this Crock-Pot, your coworker can enjoy a personal food warmer at their desk, reheating soups, chili, oatmeal, and more without the hassle of waiting for the office microwave.

With emails, urgent tasks, and unexpected meetings, coffee often gets forgotten. This portable mug warmer from Mr. Coffee ensures their favorite drink stays hot longer and fits nearly any mug style. It’s also perfect for reheating beverages, eliminating the need for microwave trips.

A potted plant is a lasting and thoughtful alternative to cut flowers. This option from The Sill is available in two sizes, three planter styles, and multiple colors. The included philodendron is ideal for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. It can be shipped directly to the office or their home, with free shipping and a plant care guide included.

While a label maker might not seem thrilling, this Bluetooth version simplifies organization. Compact and versatile, it offers over 600 templates, 35 fonts, and more than 1,000 icons, all customizable through a dedicated app.

The Pura 4 diffuser delivers on-demand fragrance, ensuring a fresh-smelling home office without the need for candles or traditional air fresheners. It can be controlled via smartphone, offering a range of scents to create the perfect atmosphere.

Finding the perfect hand cream can be challenging, but this La Chatelaine set is sure to impress. It includes three creams, available in 10 unique scent combinations. You can gift the entire set to one employee or distribute them among three coworkers.

This book light is an excellent gift for avid readers, especially those who enjoy reading in bed. The Glocusent light features a clever design that clips onto books and can also serve as a bookmark. It comes in four bright colors or a simple white option for more understated preferences.

Enhance your coworker’s desk setup with an ergonomic footrest like this one from ComfiLife. Crafted from memory foam, it alleviates pressure on the lower back and hips, ensuring comfort during long hours of sitting.

Even if your employee can’t hit the courts, they can enjoy a quick game of desktop pickleball during lunch. This set includes mini paddles, balls, and a net that attaches to most tables. Perfect for playing with a colleague or practicing solo against a wall.

When did your employee last clean their keyboard? It’s often overlooked, making this OXO cleaning set a practical solution. The set includes three tools for a thorough clean: a brush for stubborn debris, a microfiber cloth for smudges, and a loop brush to remove crumbs and dust from between keys.

Baggu’s Go Pouch set is perfect for organizing your coworker’s daily essentials. The set includes three sizes of durable nylon pouches, available in a variety of colors and patterns. Ideal for storing chargers, makeup, spare shoes, and other commuting necessities.

These witty desktop affirmations let your coworker express their thoughts with humor. The set includes 32 phrases like “I’m just here for the coffee” and “It could be worse.” The cross-stitched design and gold frame add a charming decorative element to any workspace.

Express gratitude with this high-quality candle from Sweet Water Decor, designed for a clean burn. The “thank you” candle features a refreshing citrus scent with hints of orange, lemon, lime, and tropical fruit. The brand also offers another gratitude-themed candle with the message, “You’re The Best!”

Skip the donuts and treat the office to this chef-curated scone assortment from Seven Sisters Scones. The pack includes a variety of flavors like blueberry, garlic herb, lemon poppy, fig, and goat cheese. You can have it delivered to yourself to share at work or send it directly to a food-loving coworker.

Adequate lighting is essential for work, and this adorable mushroom lamp is a charming solution. Standing at just 8 inches tall, it fits perfectly on a desk without occupying much space. Available in white and brown, it adds a cozy glow to any office.

A personalized nameplate adds a touch of sophistication to any workspace, especially when crafted from solid wood. This option from the Etsy shop "Weddings Decor & More" is available in three sizes and offers two font styles. It can be tailored with the recipient’s name and job title.

For someone who’s always overheated, this compact personal fan is an ideal gift. Designed for desks, it provides comfort during warm days and comes in a range of vibrant colors, making it a stylish alternative to handheld fans.

This playful mug is a humorous gift for your Excel-loving coworker. Its ideal size makes it perfect for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, ensuring it becomes their favorite office mug.

Express gratitude to your boss with this elegant dried flower bouquet. Each arrangement includes a small dried floral bundle (available in five styles) and a personalized message. Options include phrases like “You Are The Boss Everyone Wishes They Had,” “A Little Note to Say a Big Thank You,” and “You Have No Idea How Amazing You Are.”

This playful desktop sandwich board is a thoughtful gift for your coworker. Available in two sizes and six color schemes, it can be customized with messages like “I’m on a Call,” “Good to Interact/Do Not Disturb,” or “Out for Lunch.”

This Desk Yoga Deck offers 52 stretches your coworker can perform at their desk during the workday. Suitable for all skill levels, each stretch takes just a few minutes, providing both physical and mental benefits. It’s a great way to encourage regular breaks and establish a healthy routine.

Surprise your coworker with a Starbucks gift card for a midday boost. You can select any amount between $15 and $100 and choose from a variety of card designs.

Cell phones are notorious for harboring germs, especially after daily commutes and office use. PhoneSoap, famous for its UV sanitizers, also offers the PhoneSoap Shine—a two-in-one cleaning spray and microfiber cloth. Available individually or in packs of five, it’s perfect for gifting to multiple team members.

The Clever Fox planner is a versatile organizational tool. Undated and designed for 12 months of use, it allows your coworker to start anytime. It features monthly and weekly planning pages, goal-setting sections, and plenty of stickers for customization.

This timeless L.L. Bean tote is a standout gift, far superior to typical white elephant options. Handmade with durable thick canvas and reinforced handles, it’s built to last. You can also personalize it with a monogram or your company’s logo, with discounts available for bulk orders.

This stress ball is unlike any you’ve seen before! Ban.do, famous for its vibrant office supplies, offers this foam “de-stress ball” in fun designs like a mushroom, cowboy boot, and ice cream cone. It’s both functional and a delightful addition to any desk.

While digital calendars are everywhere, sometimes a physical planner is essential. This daily planner pad from the Etsy shop "Godly Gorgeous" helps coworkers jot down plans and notes, keeping them organized and productive. Its vibrant, cheerful design also adds a pop of color to any desk.

Bring a nostalgic touch to your coworker’s desk with this vibrant pencil set from ban.do. Each pencil features a unique compliment, such as “You’re a total champ” and “Yes, you totally can.” Available in four sets, including patterns and themes for book lovers, these pencils pair perfectly with a colorful notepad for added desk cheer.

This isn’t your typical power strip. The iJoy Flexible Power Strip bends and adjusts to fit small workspaces, featuring three AC outlets and two USB ports. Available in three pastel colors and white, it’s both practical and stylish.

A mouse pad isn’t usually a luxury item, making this Italian leather version a standout gift. Available in six timeless colors, it’s both functional and elegant. For an additional fee, you can add a monogram for a personalized touch.

A wireless charger is a must-have for any desk, particularly in offices with limited outlets. The Apple MagSafe charger is a dependable choice, compatible with iPhone 12 or later and AirPods. Its sleek, minimalist design also helps keep desks tidy.

A sweet—or rather, salty—treat is a great way to say “thank you.” Jacobsen Salt Co.’s salty caramels are creamy, chewy, and perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors. Choose a 6.5-ounce box for gifting or a 4-pound jar to share with the entire office.

Equip your remote coworkers with the Work From Anywhere Kit by Pinch Provisions. This kit includes 18 essentials like sticky flags, a pen, a microfiber cloth, a phone/tablet stand, a cord organizer, a wall charger, and a password hint list, ensuring productivity no matter where they work.

This gift box is perfect for stationery enthusiasts. It features three sets of sticky notes—round, square, and to-do list pads—along with five felt-tip pens. Available in two color schemes (green and red), it comes in a matching gift box for easy wrapping.

Make grocery shopping easier for your employee with an Instacart gift card. Load it with up to $250 and send it instantly via email or text. It can be used for groceries, household items, and even personal care products.

This oversized desktop notepad helps your coworker stay organized with a full year’s worth of weekly to-do lists. It features 52 sheets, each with lines for every day of the week, and its cheerful daisy design adds a touch of joy to their workspace.

This innovative folder/notepad hybrid enhances organization by combining note-taking with filing. Each pad includes 12 colorful folders that can be torn off and used once the notes are complete.

While it may seem playful, this fidget device is a stress-relieving tool that keeps hands busy and sparks laughter. It features three wooden segments, each with six sides displaying common corporate adverbs, verbs, and nouns.

Tame your coworker’s cable chaos with this sleek cable management box. Its discreet design hides unsightly cords, and the spacious interior accommodates multiple cables and a power strip. Available in black, white, and gray.

This reusable notebook is an ideal gift for tech-savvy coworkers. They can jot down ideas or sketches, upload them to the Rocketbook app, and then erase the pages to reuse. Available in two sizes and multiple colors.

This minimalist vase helps your coworker keep pens, pencils, and desk accessories organized, eliminating desk clutter. Its sleek design adds a decorative touch and comes in three finishes: natural wood, greenwood, and blackwood.

This adjustable cell phone stand offers 270 degrees of rotation, making it ideal for reading, watching videos, or quick breaks. It also features a charging port opening, allowing your coworker to charge their phone while using it.

This chic quilted laptop sleeve features a top handle for easy transport and a separate compartment for organizing items like phones, chargers, and notebooks. Ideal for commuting between the office and a café, it safeguards laptops from scratches and dents with its foam lining. Available in two sizes for 13- and 15-inch laptops.

This 14-pack of gel pens is perfect for coworkers who enjoy color-coding their schedules. The quick-drying ink minimizes smudges on both paper and hands, ensuring clean and vibrant notes.

Help your coworker stay hydrated with this stainless steel water bottle that keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours. It features a built-in straw for easy drinking and a lid to keep the opening clean. Available in various colors and sizes (16-, 24-, 32-, and 40-ounce).

This charming lunch box ensures your coworker has no reason to splurge on expensive salads. Its insulated design keeps meals fresh during commutes, and the wipeable interior lining prevents leaks and spills.

You can never have too many notebooks. This one features 160 lined pages and a stylish vegan leather cover, available in colors like black, burgundy, mint, sage green, and lavender.

Most cable organizers are dull, but this customizable option is both stylish and thoughtful. Crafted from genuine leather with a gold snap closure, it keeps cords neatly organized. It can also be personalized with initials or a name.

Questions You Might Ask

How Much Money Should You Spend on a Gift for a Coworker?

Gift-giving is personal, and the amount spent varies based on individual preferences.

“A gift exchange should leave everyone feeling good, including the giver. This involves understanding your budget and the expectations of the event or gift, then making thoughtful choices," says Senning.

Establishing guidelines in advance, such as exchanging only stocking stuffers, helps set clear expectations.

Price isn’t the only factor—overly lavish gifts can make recipients uncomfortable. Conversely, handmade or personalized gifts often feel more meaningful than expensive ones. Senning advises focusing on how you present the gift to ensure it’s well-received, rather than fixating on a specific price range.

For instance, when giving a pricier item, you might say, “I went a bit overboard, but I knew you’d love it.” For more personal gifts, include a note to add context and strengthen the connection.

Should You Buy a Holiday Gift for Your Boss?

Senning emphasizes that gift-giving is never obligatory, even if colleagues are giving the boss a present. If you decide to gift your manager, avoid creating the impression of seeking favoritism or exploiting a personal relationship.

A practical approach to gifting your boss is organizing a group gift. However, participation should always be optional, and those who choose not to contribute should never be singled out. Senning reminds us that their reasons may be personal.

If you wish to give gifts to your team, Senning recommends doing so for everyone.

“Avoid creating situations where people feel treated differently. Personal gifts given to some and not others can foster such feelings,” he advises.

On Which Occasions Should You Give Gifts to Coworkers?

Senning notes that birthdays and holidays are suitable occasions for gifts, though they’re never mandatory. Other opportunities include farewells or retirements, where teams often collaborate on a group gift.

Take Our Word for It

This piece was crafted by Nicole Lund, a seasoned writer and editor with six years of experience in product reviews and gift guides. Lund is passionate about discovering unique products and believes the best gifts are both thoughtful and functional. For this list, she prioritized affordability (most items are under $50), practicality, and diverse workplace dynamics. We also sought insights from Daniel Post Senning, an author, Emily Post Institute spokesperson, and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast, for expert guidance on gift-giving etiquette.