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The Best Gift Ideas For Co-Workers

One of the low-key trickiest gifts to get right is for people who you often interact with more frequently than many of your loved ones — co-workers. This is our curated gift guide for co-workers.

Whether they’re your closest desk buddy, that always dependable office veteran who knows the ropes better than most or the remote colleague who you haven’t even met yet but share a million Slack messages with a week, the perfect gift is a touching way to say thanks.

By Steve Benjamins • Published Jan 4 2022

1. Yeakoo Bamboo Desk Organizer

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The Covid-19 pandemic has forced so many of us to magic a home office out of a cupboard. But even before remote working became a way of life for some, desk space was often at a premium. This adjustable bamboo organizer is the definition of multi-purpose and can help maximize space wherever your workstations may be.

2. Hot Sauce Keychain

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The greatest invention since the wheel? Possibly. That one colleague who spices up everything from the morning muffin to the corner store lunchtime sandwich will make damn good use of these. Refillable 80ml containers ensure they'll always be like queen Bey and have hot sauce in their bag...swag.

3. Amped & Co Felt Letter Board

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Before there was Slack...there were less subtle ways to communicate with your colleagues how you may be feeling on a given day. Bringing back the retro is always a cool idea. Whether for home office or workplace office, this solid oak-framed messageboard can be a fun way to throw an inspirational quote, terrible dad joke or legit important workplace notice up and on display. Just keep it clean!

4. Yesland Owl Succulent Plant Pots

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When it comes to brightening up the workspace, desktop greenery is important. Turning desktop greenery into wacky hairstyles for little ceramic owls...perhaps less important at first, but you'll see. These mini succulent plant pots are indeed kitschy but they get away with it.

5. Xcentz extra-long iPhone charging cord

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Okay, not all of us get to sit closest to the outlets, Karen. Your desk buddies who missed out on grabbing the most optimum seats will be ever so thankful for these super durable nylon charging cables. They're fully 10 feet long too so will reach even the furthest plug.

6. BestSelf Self Journal

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The highest-rated journal and planner provider, Bestself's designs are proclaimed to 'cultivate happiness and crush goals'. That language may sound lofty but their 13-week goal-planning system has won many admirers. They also include self-gratitude reminders, weekly habit tracker and lots of ways to stay on top of, well, everything.

7. BOZ Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

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If you're home-working, the water cooler may no longer be where all the best workplace chats/gossip/labour rights movements happen. (They probably happen on Slack now.) But whether remote or back in the office post-pandemic, raising the water game is always a good idea. These fruit infuser bottles are great for experimenting and super easy to clean and use.

8. Tile Mate Key Finder

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Hot sauce on the keychain is all well and good but what if the keys go missing? For the co-worker who leaves for the day and five minutes later comes back through the door with a breathless "forgot my bloody keys!", this is the answer. The bluetooth tracker, controlled though an app, is ultra intuitive and super helpful.

9. Tea Forte Petite Sampler Box

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That co-worker who brings you a tea without even asking — just because they know it will help — really is a wonder. So why not say thanks in the same language. This super cute presentation box and menu includes Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, blackcurrant and more. Put the kettle on.

10. Foldable Carrier Bags

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Keep an open mind with us on this one. It may initially look like a a gift for your great aunt, but these bags are life-savers. And given how often your colleagues have been life-savers for you at work, that seems reason enough to gift these. The ripstop polyester bags fold into a built-in pouch that would fit in any pocket. Perfect for post-work errands.

11. Amazon Echo Dot

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Another one that falls into the 'great if remote working...or not' category. The 3rd Gen model of the dot is Amazon's smartest speaker yet. As well as all the great streaming options — music, podcasts, audiobooks — it can now double up as your dystopian co-worker too. Alexa can do a lot of the office chit-chat: answering questions, relaying the news, remarking on the weather and setting reminders. Dystopian? Yes. Helpful? Also yes.

12. Wireless 4-in-1 Charging Station

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That tangled mess of cords on your colleague's desk that you make fun of? Maybe do something productive about it! This wireless station accommodates smartphones, bluetooth headphones, smart watches and styluses too. And in an instant clears all those intertwined wires from the workspace.

13. Rocketbook Reusable Notebook

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A smart notebook? Sure, why not. Whatever saves the environment. Rocketbooks do a lot more than just conserving paper though. The 32-page model can upload your handwritten notes to popular cloud services like Google drive, Dropbox and more. And it wipes clean with a damp microfibre cloth, which is included along with a smart pen.

14. Yoicy Super Thick Wool Socks

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Your colleague, much like your good self, is likely wearing that good blouse for all Zoom calls but going full sweatpants and socks to complete the outfit. And even for non-remote workers, you can never have enough extra-warm house socks. Yoicy's three-packs will warm hearts and feet.

15. Mokani Desk Calendar

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All of us in 2019: I have a hard time remembering what day it is!? All of us after February 2020: Days? Ha! I gave up on them. I can't even tell you what month it is. Well, we all have to get it together guys. This mini Mokani calendar is a good first step. It has funky patterns for every month and comes with reminder stickers for events like birthday, dentist and (some day soon) vacations.

16. SmartDevil desktop humidifier

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Musty office space? Overly air-conditioned meeting rooms? Or kitchen turned emergency workstation? We've got something that can help clear the air in all those locations. These portable humidifiers will combat dry eyes, noses and throats and have a mist time of upwards of 18 hours. Just make sure to file for overtime!

17. Lanicho LED Desk Lamp

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Late nights and early, dark mornings are unfortunately part of the routine for so many of us and our co-workers. Whether it's for a home office or to optimize a desk in the HQ, these LED lamps are particularly handy. With a swing arm that can be clamped to the desk and dimmers, adjustable colours and timers, this is a gift that will shine on.

18. Ozazuco Bento Lunch Box

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Long gone are the days of the drab single-slice ham and cheese sandwich flattened down in a bit of cling film. For that we should be thankful. But corralling all the distinct part of a fresh, funky and rewarding lunch can be a bit of a task. These stackable three-in-one Japanese-style boxes are great for keeping food fresh through to lunch hour.

19. Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kit

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Post-work drinks were put on hiatus during lockdowns but that doesn't mean anyone should go dry. Home beer-making kits are a really great project to dive into. Brooklyn Brew's packs includes every last thing you need to make a gallon of beer — more than enough to bring to the office and share with colleagues. For research purposes, of course.

20. Genius Breaks

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"Optimize Your Workday Performance and Well-Being" reads the subtitle to this 2017 book by Dr. Suzie Carmack. It might seem harder than ever to achieve those things but Carmack's 4-step system, designed to help 'save your sanity and career' has been lauded and also has useful tips for managers looking to energize their teams.

21. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger

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We all spend too much time on our phones. We know this. We can't stop this. And then often this leads to us not having a charged phone when we actually need it. Portable chargers are the lifesavers we need while we work on our addiction. Anker's 20,000 model provides almost six full charges for an iPhone and is super durable.

22. Ello Travel Mug

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No good gifting a selection of great teas without a cup to brew them in. These travel mugs are particularly well rated with their vacuum insulation stainless steel keeping hot drinks hot for five hours and cold ones cold for 10 hours. Ello also insist that their new slider lid is "100% leak-proof".

23. OHTO Horizon Needle Point Knock

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The best colleagues are those who always have a spare pen when you're caught in a fix. A particularly fitting thank you would be gifting them a pen, then. But not just any pen. Oh no. This Japanese-made pen was voted the best ballpoint in the world by NY Mag. It's at a great price point for such elevated status.

24. Post-It Notes Bear Dispenser

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If you don't have at least one colleague who has all but wallpapered their workstation with fluorescent Post-It notes then your workplace is not like most. This cute upright bear provides the pop-up variety of Post-Its and fits upwards of 50 sheets, or roughly a day's worth for that sticky note addict!

25. Surrounded By Idiots

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The international bestseller may be six years old now but the reason it's sold almost two million copies is because it tells some timeless truths. Swedish author Thomas Erikson's four archetypes of humans will be easily identifiable as you look around your own workplace. His advice and insight on how to navigate all those personalities successfully has proven to be particularly valuable for so many. Pass it on!

26. Buffalo Plaid Throw Blanket

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Not as thick as a full-on blanket, not as thin as a hoodie, this throw is the perfect level of breathable snugness to counteract a workplace with an AC system gone intentionally haywire. With it's neater size it's sure to come in handy in a home office too as a shawl or wrap. As an added bonus it's machine-washable.

27. Bits and Pieces Desktop Brain Games

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Getting the brain going first thing in the morning can be...well, a bit of a struggle. Ditto switching on again after a lunch break. These desktop teasers are a good way to get the cells upstairs back up to speed. Made with natural wood, each of the four teasers will amuse and infuriate in equal measure.

28. Bob Ross Bobblehead

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Okay, we've had lots of functional options. It's important to have fun too. They're your co-workers after all. If you can't have a good laugh and joke with them...well, the work days are likely to drag. What could possibly more soothing in a stressful work environment than the dulcet tones of the grandfather of art himself. The mini Bob recites ten memorable sayings of his and comes with a mini easel of 30 of his works.

29. Amazon Gift Card

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The most boring option? Hmmm, maybe the pen takes that award. But sure, where a gift voucher lacks in the imagination department it makes up in the usefulness stakes. Some co-workers are hard nuts to crack and trying to figure out what they may want is difficult — so let them figure it out themselves.

30. Quiet

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There may be that quiet workmate who generally tries to avoid things like gift exchanges and anything that creates too much of a fuss. While it's no bad idea to coax them a little to get involved, it's also a good idea for the rest of the team to understand them a little more. Susan Cain's bestselling smash is an ode to the introvert, the ones who prefer to listen in a world that can't shut up. It's one of the more enlightening books of recent times.

31. Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

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Everyone's work stresses can hit in different ways and at different times. But there's nothing worse than that feeling of pressure that's almost hanging in the workplace air. Cleansing that air is a good place to start the de-stressing process. This Equsupro cool mist diffuser is desktop-sized with a range of LED lighting options, auto shut-off and a bunch of extras. Breath again.

32. Cards Against Humanity

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The one guarantee of every work week is? It comes to an end. Well done to all of you who still had the Friday evening energy to get that one right. When it does come to an end, there should always be time found for some fun. As far as fun adult card gams go, this is the gold standard. The absurdity and chaos is sure to bring levity after even the most challenging work week.

33. YETI Coffee Mug

At their desk or on the go this YETI tumbler is the perfect gift for the coworker that can never quite finish their coffee before it gets cold.

34. Under Desk Headphone Stand with USB Charger

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Some people just love to have all the latest gadgets. If your coworker is one of those people, they'll love this under desk stand featuring a spot to hang (and charge!) their headphones, smartwatch, phone and more! The perfect place to store and charge all their gadgets without cluttering up their desk.

35. Edible Arrangements Movie Night Gift Box

Set your coworker up for a perfect movie night and a great way to unwind at the end of a long week. This gift box is filled to the brim with all the snacks they need for the perfect at-home movie night (or bring your own snacks to the drive-in!).

36. Jo Malone Hand Cream Collection

Add a touch of luxury to their day with a stunning hand cream collection. Perfect for combating winter dry skin and frequent handwashing.

37. Fields of Europe® Christmas

There's something special about receiving a beautiful Christmas flower arrangement. Let your coworker(s) know you appreciate them with this festive bouquet.

38. Happy Hour Wall Clock

Working from home (or office, let's be real) can be stressful. Help your coworkers count down the minutes until Happy Hour with this practical and fun wall clock for their office space.

39. In the Wild Throw Blanket

You can never go wrong with a high-quality throw blanket. This microfiber throw is perfect for cuddling up on the couch, or keeping warm in your home office.

40. Coffee Mug and Wine Gift Set

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Cover all your bases with this coffee mug and wine glass gift set that perfectly expresses how you and your coworkers feel depending on the time of day (and beverage of choice).

41. Coworker Necklace

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a coworker that always goes above and beyond, or is retiring? This customizable coworker necklace is a beautiful way to let them know you appreciate them.

42. LARQ Self Cleaning Water Bottle

Is your colleague trying to reduce their use of single-use plastics? A self-cleaning water bottle is a perfect way to support their goal - a worry-free way for them to make sure they're getting enough water during a long day of meetings.

43. David's Cookies Happy Bday Bucket

Remember when we'd bring treats to school for our birthday in elementary school? Why can't we do the same at work? Treat your coworker to this bucket of delicious cookies and brownies (and hopefully they'll be nice enough to share!).

44. DIY Jar of "Chill Pills"

Looking for an easy DIY gift for your coworkers? Make them their very own jar of emergency "chill pills" filled with their favorite chocolates or sweets! All you need is a jar, sweets of choice and a label (download this one from Etsy or make your own!) and you have a unique DIY gift they're sure to love.

45. Work Bestie Candle

We all have those coworkers in our lives that make each day of work just a little bit easier - your work bestie. Treat them to something special like this custom scented candle that lets them know just how important they are to you (and your sanity).

46. Coworker Personalized Docking Station

For the person that helped get you through all those zoom meetings and panicked slack messages. Present them with the coworker of the year award in the form of this personalized wood docking station to help keep their desk organized and remind them how much they're appreciated.

47. Corporate Email Lingo Mug

Whether they're on the sending or receiving end of these classic work email phrases, they're sure to get a good laugh out of this gag gift.

48. Coffee Break Gift Basket

There are two essentials for every workspace - coffee and snacks. Keep your colleague fueled up with this gift basket packed with sweet and salty snacks and delicious coffee that's sure to make their workday go just a little bit smoother.

49. Hulu Gift Card

Do you have that one coworker that is never caught up on the latest shows that you want to chat about at the water cooler (or over slack)? Give them the gift of a Hulu subscription and they'll have no excuse but to catch up and unwind with all the latest TV shows and movies.

50. Dry Erase Calendar Message Board

The perfect secret Santa gift is something that everyone can use - because you never know whose name you're going to pull! This beautiful dry-erase calendar is a practical and stylish gift that any coworker will appreciate.

51. Snake Plant

Short on time and looking for the perfect last-minute gift for your coworker? Liven up their home office (and zoom background) with a beautiful, low-maintenance plant like this snake plant. Add a personal touch with a colorful and fun pot!

52. Dylan's Candy Bar Signature Tackle Box

Have a coworker with a serious sweet tooth? They'll adore this collection of some of the most popular sweets from the iconic Dylan's Candy Bar. The perfect box of sweets to stash in their desk for "emergencies;" if they manage to last that long!

53. Baggu Duck Bag

We all have that coworker that carries around all their things in a plastic bag or reusable grocery bag. Help them level up their tote bag game with this simple, but stylish tote. Perfect for keeping all their work essentials safe.

54. Geode Rose Tumbler with Straw

Whether they love a smoothie for breakfast, take their time sipping their coffee or want to keep their sparkling water cold all-day this tumbler is the perfect gift. With all kinds of funky colors and designs, you can find the perfect fit for any coworker.

55. Because Work Stemless Wine Glass

You know, there's no shame in needing to relax with a glass of wine at the end of the workday. Whether you want a small drink with dinner, or a big drink for those extra stressful days this glass has got you covered.

56. Takenaka Bento Box

There's no shame in not wanting to walk from your desk to your kitchen sometimes, or wanting to be prepared with snacks for a long zoom meeting. Bento boxes are the ideal lightweight storage container for all their snacks and lunches and when it's time to venture back to the office they're the perfect size to pop in their bag too!

57. Death Wish Coffee Subscription

Do you have a coworker that takes their coffee really seriously? Gift them a subscription to death wish coffee - the "world's strongest coffee" made for true coffee lovers.

58. MINSA Multifunction Acrylic Computer Monitor Side Panel

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Does your colleague need a little extra help keeping their desk organized? This computer monitor side panel with phone holder allows them to keep their phone in sight so they never miss any messages while also servings as the perfect memo board to keep sticky notes, to-do lists, and more!

59. Ban.do Sticky Note Set - I Am Very Busy

You can never go wrong with sticky notes! The perfect inexpensive gift that all your coworkers are sure to love. This set of sticky notes features different sizes, and fun designs to help them tackle any of their note-taking needs.

60. Magnetic Office Paper Clips Holder

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Help your coworker keep track of their paper clips without sacrificing style with this beautiful marbled magnetic paper clip holder. A great addition to any home office or workspace.

61. Acrylic Block Picture Frame

Help your new coworker personalize their workspace, or give a long-time colleague a sentimental gift. These acrylic frames are the perfect simple decor item that keeps their desk feeling clean and uncluttered but still adding that personal touch.

62. SWEEJAR Porcelain Tea Mug with Infuser

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For that coworker that always has a steaming hot cup of tea on their desk. This tea infuser mug features a lid to help keep their tea hot, and a large infuser basket allowing them to make the strongest of teas to help them through their workday.