Gifts for coworkers
A good coworker gift is useful at a desk, works for almost anyone and stays professional: a small faux plant, a set of good pens, a hardcover notebook, a tea sampler or an insulated tumbler. Here are seven ideas, all around $10 to $35.
The short list
- Hardcover notebook $12–25
- Set of good gel pens $10–20
- Faux plant in a ceramic pot $15–25
- Tea sampler $15–25
- Insulated tumbler $20–30
- Wooden desk organizer $20–35
- Chocolate bar gift set $15–25
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Hardcover notebook
Typically $12–25
Why it fits
For meetings, to-do lists and ideas. A notebook with good paper is used every day and suits any role.
Set of good gel pens
Typically $10–20
Why it fits
Smooth pens are a small daily pleasure, and office pens never are. Universally useful and impossible to get wrong.
Faux plant in a ceramic pot
Typically $15–25
Why it fits
Brightens a desk without needing light or water, and survives every holiday break.
Tea sampler
Typically $15–25
Why it fits
For the afternoon slump. A box of different teas is shareable, consumable and works for nearly everyone.
Insulated tumbler
Typically $20–30
Why it fits
Keeps coffee hot through a long meeting or water cold all day. It earns its spot on the desk.
Wooden desk organizer
Typically $20–35
Why it fits
For the colleague whose desk is buried in cables and sticky notes. Practical and nicer to look at than plastic.
Chocolate bar gift set
Typically $15–25
Why it fits
A safe sweet treat to share or keep. Check allergies before buying, especially nuts.
Keep it useful and professional
Coworker gifts walk a line: friendly but not personal. Things that live on a desk are ideal, because they’re useful, visible and right for any workplace.
What to avoid
- Sized clothing, which needs details you shouldn’t have to ask a colleague.
- Fragrance and body products, which are personal and can cause reactions.
- Alcohol, unless you know they drink.
- Jokes that only land with some of the team.
Respect restrictions
Food gifts are popular, but allergies and diets are common. When in doubt, choose a non-food gift. Giver keeps relationships in mind too: when you set someone as a colleague, picks stay safe and avoid anything personal or romantic.
Questions people ask
How much should I spend on a coworker gift?
Usually $10 to $30. If your team has a gift exchange, follow its limit. For a manager, a group gift from the team is often more comfortable than individual gifts.
What gifts should I avoid for coworkers?
Clothing, fragrance, anything romantic or very personal, and alcohol unless you know they drink. Keep it useful and professional.
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