A trend is taking root in your workplace: the art of giving unique and personalized gifts to your coworkers. Thoughtful office gifts have become a great way to foster camaraderie and appreciation among colleagues. And it's not just a gesture - it's about creating a vibrant workplace culture where individuals feel valued and connected.
The key lies in choosing gifts that both fit the personality of your coworkers and align with the culture of your workspace, office, or content creation brand. So let's check out our great gift guide, featuring some curated gift ideas for all of your coworkers, from your fave team member to your work bestie.
So much of our workdays take place at our desks, so what better office gifts than custom desk accessories to add some flair and fun to your coworkers' desks? There are many options to choose from here, including personalized desk organizers, mouse pads, desk mats, or pens/pen holders featuring your coworkers' names.
Innovative tech gifts are always welcome, to streamline everyday tasks with some futuristic flair. Ideas in this category could include wireless chargers or power banks, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or a custom AirPods case. Does your coworker have a color scheme or other theme happening in their office? Coordinate your gift to match!
A curated coffee or tea subscription will bring premium blends and unique flavors to your co-workers' desks, for top-drawer work breaks! You could put together a coffee or tea basket with specialty beverages, miniature coffee syrups, or honey tea sticks; if you wanted to elevate it another notch, you could include an Aeropress, tea strainer, or mug warmer... a custom mug with your work pal's name… or even custom coffee!
Office walls are a great place to showcase a little of your personality; if you know your coworker well enough, you could select (or even design!) some unique wall art to add inspiration and color to their office or workspace.
Save your coworkers from taking notes on generic printer paper or post-its with some elegant, customized stationery. This could include a stationery set complete with some snazzy ballpoint pens engraved with their name; a custom notebook with fun personalized cover art; or even a desk organizer to hold it all.
Low-maintenance desk plants or succulents add a touch of nature to workspaces. If your coworker has a favorite plant or flower, presenting them with one in a unique planter or flowerpot would be such a nice addition to their desk or an office shelf. Flowers are also always a nice choice, but something planted will be a more long-lasting gift.
Compact and engaging desk games can be great for taking a work break or decompressing after completing a stressful project. Some fun ones can include de-stressing toys, brain-bender or 3D puzzles, mini jigsaw puzzles, a book of crosswords or Sudoku, or even a classic Rubik's Cube!
A month of a book club subscription is a thoughtful way to acknowledge a coworkers' interest in reading, and also a nod to their life outside of the office. A good book club will have diverse reading categories to accommodate different reading preferences among your colleagues.
Eco-friendly water bottles both encourage staying hydrated at work, and serve as a fun accessory during a commute or on off-hours. There are so many different styles and types of water bottles, from stainless steel versions to ones with ice inserts; you could additionally customize one especially for your fellow coworkers so you can rep your company’s brand!
Thoughtful wellness kits are a great choice for coworkers of all types, especially those in more high-pressure positions. You can put together your own wellness basket gift, including items like custom candles, calming teas or flavored water enhancer packets, healthy snacks like nut mixes, cozy socks, and even a yoga mat, if your coworker enjoys yoga or pilates.
Got a coworker who's interested in learning a new language, skill, or hobby? Gift certificates for online courses or workshops that are aligned with their work or extracurricular interests can be a very thoughtful coworker gift. You might have to do some conversational sleuthing to figure out what kind of course to gift, or you could just package up a gift certificate and let your giftee select for themselves.
Amp up coworker camaraderie by gifting some cool branded apparel like custom T-shirts, hoodies, or hats. You could design them with company branding, project team logos, or even fun imagery of an office in-joke or inspirational saying/slogan.
Another gift that keeps on giving are subscription boxes tailored to specific interests. Whether you choose gourmet foods (try by theme - foodstuffs of a particular country, sweets, savories); a movie treats box; or something collectible that you know your coworker is interested in, it's fun to get a gift full of a lot of smaller gifts!
This one is especially appropriate if your workplace includes a lot of travel among employees. Stylish travel accessories such as passport covers, luggage tags, travel or tote bags, or compact travel pillows can be great ways to support your coworkers even as they travel away from the office and off-site.
Is there an online events, workshop, or performance that you just know your work bestie will enjoy? Gift them tickets to a virtual experience that they’ll be sure to enjoy on their off-time!
Even if you're friendly with your coworkers, its best in an office/workspace environment to keep gifts professional and considerate. Also avoid overly personal or expensive gifts to avoid awkwardness both with your giftee and with other coworkers who may not be in your gifting circle.
A reasonable budget is an individual choice, but in general you want to ensure that the gift aligns with most workplace norms and doesn't make colleagues uncomfortable. In the end, it's the thought and effort that really counts.
Occasions like birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, project wraps, or team achievements are all suitable gifting opportunities, as are traditional occasions like the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa holidays.
Workplace gifts aren't just tokens, but catalysts for positive relationships and vibrant, rewarding work environments. Unique and thoughtful gifts leave lasting impressions, fostering a sense of belonging and shared goals among colleagues.
Fourthwall can help you not only source, but also sell personalized gifts for coworkers, contributing to the positive dynamics of modern workplaces. Explore Fourthwall's many customizable products, where creating and curating memorable gifts becomes a breeze, with plenty of options to be creative, customize the perfect coworker gifts, and show your appreciation for your office mates. Get started today!