Good gifts for coworkers are small, useful and easy to share: a nice mug, a treat for the desk, a plant or a box of snacks for the whole team. Keep the spend modest so nobody feels awkward, and choose things that suit a workplace rather than anything personal.
How well you know the person matters more than the occasion, so the ideas below are grouped by relationship.
Your desk neighbour or work friend
- A mug or travel cup in a colour they like
- A small desk plant or succulent
- Their favourite snack in a bigger size than usual
- A notebook and a pen that writes nicely
- A warm scarf or hand warmers for the commute
- A puzzle book for lunch breaks
This is where you can be a little more personal, because you know their habits. A coffee order turned into a gift card for a local cafe, or a treat that matches an in-joke, goes a long way.
Your manager
Gifting upwards can feel awkward, so the safest route is a group gift from the team, with a card everyone signs. Good options include a quality plant, a box of good biscuits or chocolates, a nice candle or a book linked to something they've mentioned. Keep it modest and from everyone.
A remote teammate
Pick things that post easily and arrive in one piece: tea or coffee samplers, socks, a book, a desk accessory, or a snack box. Ask for addresses through a private channel, and give plenty of lead time for delivery. There are more ideas in our guide to Christmas gifts for remote workers.
A team of ten or more
- A shared hamper of treats for the kitchen
- A team breakfast or lunch brought in
- Matching mugs with a team in-joke
- A board game for socials
- Individual small treats with handwritten notes
If buying for everyone isn't realistic, a Secret Santa keeps it fair; our guide to the top Secret Santa apps shows how to draw names without anyone peeking. A white elephant swap is the livelier alternative.
What to steer clear of at work
- Clothing, perfume or anything that comments on someone's body
- Alcohol, unless you know the person drinks and it suits your workplace
- Joke gifts that could embarrass in front of others
- Gifts that are much bigger than everyone else's
- Anything religious or political
Coworker gift questions
Do I have to buy gifts for all my coworkers?
No. Most people give to a few close colleagues, join a group gift or take part in a Secret Santa. Nobody should feel obliged to buy for the whole office.
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Should you buy your boss a gift?
It isn't expected. If you'd like to, a group gift from the team with a signed card is the most comfortable option for everyone.
What's a good last-minute gift for a coworker?
A box of good chocolates, a plant or a nice mug can be picked up quickly and suit almost anyone. Add a handwritten note to make it feel personal.
Bottom line: small, useful and thoughtful beats big every time at work. A kind note does as much as the gift itself, and if you're thanking clients as well, our Christmas messages for clients will help with the words.
