Best Gifts to Give Your Colleagues

Buying for colleagues is tricky, especially when you are new and do not yet know what anyone likes. Still, a small gift is a good way to make friends at work and to say thanks for the help. Here are the best gifts to give your colleagues, from a small thank you to something a little bigger. And if the team ever wonders what to get you, create your own wishlist and send the link when they ask.

Personalised gifts

A personalised gift nearly always goes down well. Think of a mug with their name on it, a custom pen or a personalised notebook. A desk nameplate or a calendar with their name on it works too. Gifts like these are personal and still useful at the office, which is why they rarely end up in a drawer.

Gift cards

When you are not sure what to buy, a gift card is the easy answer. Choose one for a popular restaurant, a coffee shop or a department store, and your colleague can pick something they really like. Choose a place close to the office or to where they live, so the card actually gets used.

Desk accessories

A few desk accessories can brighten up a colleague's workspace. A desk organiser, a nice photo frame or a small plant makes their desk feel more like their own. A stylish mug or a smart pen holder also works.

For a bigger gift, look at a standing desk converter. It lets them switch between sitting and standing while they work, which many people find easier on the back and better for their posture over a long day. It costs more than the other ideas here, so it suits a present from several people together.

Tech gadgets

Tech gifts are a safe bet. A Bluetooth speaker, a wireless charger or a portable phone charger is useful and shows you have paid attention to what they like. For someone who is always learning, a subscription to a tech magazine or an online course can be an even better fit.

Books

A book shows that you take your colleague's interests and ideas seriously. Choose one about something they love, or something motivating if they are in a new role. It is also something they can enjoy away from work.

Food gifts

Food is almost always welcome. A box of chocolates, a fruit basket or a gourmet snack box gets opened the same day, often shared with the rest of the team. Check first whether they have allergies or follow a special diet.

Keep office gifts small and personal

A gift for a colleague is a small thank you for their help, and it does not need a big budget. Pick something useful that fits what they like. If the whole team wants to swap presents, set up an exchange with the Secret Santa generator, so everyone buys for one person and nobody spends too much.