A Guide to Getting Gifts for Coworkers

There are many occasions that call for getting great gifts for coworkers. From a simple thank you gift to something unique for the holidays, there are many times you might need to look for that perfect gift. Discover ideas on what to give and occasions for gifting right here.

When to Give Gifts to Coworker

One of the first things to consider is when to give gifts to coworkers. There are lots of times when giving a gift to a fellow employee can help brighten up their day. Holidays are a great time to give gifts—winter holidays, for example, often call for gift exchanges, secret Santa events, or just giving gifts to one another at office parties or other times. You may also want to give a gift to someone at work to say thank you or in appreciation for something they have done for you. Has someone been going through a difficult time? A simple gift that says “hang in there” might be appreciated. Work-themed holidays such as National Have Fun at Work Day or National Administrative Assistants Day are other great times to give gifts. Does a longtime coworker have a work anniversary coming up? A gift can be a nice way to acknowledge their achievement. Promotions, birthdays, and retirements are other examples of when to give gifts at the office.

General Etiquette for Gift-Giving at Work

While it is perfectly appropriate for many occasions to give presents at work, there are also a few basic rules of etiquette to follow. It’s normally advised to give office gifts in private unless the situation is a company-wide gift exchange or you are giving small gifts to all the members of your team, division, or company. In terms of what items are appropriate to give, there are plenty of choices—but also a few that are not recommended. Avoid giving any items that are too personal. For example, perfume or cologne, or jewelry are usually considered too personal to give someone at work. It’s recommended etiquette that any gift given to a coworker is something appropriate and/or functional for the recipient. While gifts can be fun in nature, save the gag gifts for friends or family members outside of work. Good manners also dictate that one should never expect the gift recipient to reciprocate the gift.

Think About Your Coworkers’ Personalities When Getting Gifts

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get to the fun of actually thinking about what would be a great gift for your fellow employees. Just like any gift, it’s a good idea to take into account any of their personal interests and personality. Do you always see a certain coworker sipping tea? A gourmet tea set and a fun ceramic mug may be a good choice. Do you have a coworker who is always talking about golf? A set of fun logo golf tees or branded golf balls may be the perfect gift. A gift for a coworker doesn’t need to be extremely expensive, but it’s the thought that counts. If you put a little effort into your gift-giving, you can’t go wrong.

What to Do If You Don’t Know Your Coworker Well

If you don’t know a certain coworker well, you may not have a good idea of their interests. Don’t worry—you can still give a great gift. In this case, just choose something that is a bit more general or universal. Things like fruit baskets or gourmet snack baskets are always a hit. They could also always use some desk or office gifts like stylish logo pens or tech accessories. As long as it is something that most people generally enjoy and it is not too specific to a certain hobby, chances are the recipient will put it to good use and appreciate the gesture.

Top Gift Ideas for What to Get a Coworker

There are so many great choices that can acknowledge your coworkers, give them a boost, and let them know you appreciate them as a fellow employee. Any type of desk item—from a custom notebook, mousepad, or drink coaster can be a good choice. Fun and functional drinkware, like ceramic custom company mugs, travel mugs, and water bottles are also good choices. Travel bags or organizers can be good choices if your coworkers travel for work or you know they like to travel. Items like throw blankets, umbrellas, and work-friendly totes are other options. Seasonal gifts can also be a good idea—such as cooler bags and beach towels during the summer months, or hats and scarves for winter holidays or gift-giving occasions. Also, keep the occasion in mind—a plaque could be an ideal gift for someone retiring, but might not work well for other occasions. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative. DIY and homemade gifts are perfectly acceptable. Your award-winning chocolate chip cookies might just be the hit of the office gift exchange! As long as it’s considered appropriate for the workplace, you have lots of choices.

Workplace Gifts Made Easy

No matter what the occasion, finding the perfect gift for a coworker is easy with a few tips. From food gifts to desk items, giving a little bit of thought will go a long way in making the recipient smile and feel appreciated.