Best Coworker Gifts for Virtual Gift Giving

Remote work is a sign of the times. Although some jobs need in-person communication, others can suffice without it. That’s not to say that remote working is ideal. When working remotely, it isn’t as easy to forge relationships and bond with coworkers as it is in person. After all, there’s no water cooler talk, no one to go to lunch with, and no one to make small talk with before and after meetings. The relationships coworkers have with each other can boost employee morale and teamwork. It is important not to lose sight of that and remember that there is a human element involved in every work environment. The holidays are a great time to do that. But how to show appreciation is the question, especially when everyone is working remotely. There are ways to do this, and we’ve got some great recommendations for the best coworker gifts for virtual gift-giving.

Supplies for Their Desk

While working remotely has its perks, it isn’t necessarily ideal when it comes to employee workstations. After all, some employees might be working at the kitchen table with kids who are learning remotely as well. Supplies are oftentimes purchased from employees’ own pockets when they don’t feel like heading into the office to pick them up. For that reason, office supplies can make great gifts for employees. What they might appreciate is likely to depend on their role. For example, if they work strictly on the computer, they will have different needs than if they work with a pen and paper. Or they might do a combination of both. Gifts like desk organizers, personalized notepads, custom company pens, and lap desks might really be appreciated.

Tech Gadgets

Some people love playing around with new technology and gadgets. And with new technology constantly being rolled out, it can be difficult to keep up. Your techie coworkers might appreciate a gift they might not justify buying on their own. For example, wireless headphones are convenient for virtual meetings since employees don’t have to be connected by a cord all the time. Likewise, noise-blocking headphones are great for helping people focus, especially when there might be distractions at home. Wireless charging stations and cord organizers are also great since they help eliminate the risk of being entangled in cords. For inspiration, take a look at your remote workstation and assess what you might find useful.

Wellness Gifts

Health and wellness are always important, especially during difficult times. When people are faced with changes in their routine or extra caretaking responsibilities on top of their regular work, it can create stress. But being the superheroes we are, we often overlook our needs and take life day by day. The truth is, however, that we need to look after ourselves in order to take care of the ones we love and do our jobs well. It is important to set some time aside regularly to do this. If you have a coworker who you think could use a little pampering, consider sending them a wellness kit.

This could be something you order online or put together yourself and leave on their front porch as a surprise. Candles, massage oils, lotions, eye masks, yoga mats, and aromatherapy oils are all things to consider as part of your wellness “care package.” Additionally, if your coworker still has to travel or meet with people in person, a nice employee face mask to add to their rotation can show you care.

Coffee, Tea, and Snacks

There are lots of online retailers that offer nicely made gift packages focused on tea, coffee, sweets, and snacks. If you have a coworker with a sweet tooth or who is a coffee aficionado, they’ll love receiving a package in the mail with new things to try. If you want to give them a bit extra, combine two options together. For example, consider a coffee and cookies combination or a tea and biscuit combo. You can even add in a custom company mug and have it engraved with their name or a funny saying. For the snack lovers, consider sending them a snack box that has thoughtful wine, beer, or champagne pairings inside.

Houseplant Delivery

Did you know that there are plants that can keep you healthy One plant with superior health benefits is the snake plant, also called a Sansevieria trifasciata. Snake plants are one of only a few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is a big benefit to people who have trouble sleeping or struggle with asthma. Additionally, they can remove toxic pollutants like benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. Plus, they add a touch of feng shui to an otherwise drab home office. Snake plants are so easy to take care of, your recipient doesn’t even need to have a green thumb. And there are plant delivery services that can package it all up for you, including the dirt and a nice pot.

With all these options, virtual gift-giving can be just as special as in-person gift-giving.