Coworker Gift Ideas

Working full time means spending about 25% of your weekly hours with coworkers. 

Small gifts for coworkers can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Whether you’re looking for something fun or practical, get creative with our list of clever ideas for coworker gifts.

When to Give

No need to wait for one of the traditional gift-giving holidays to appreciate your coworker or employee. Slipping a coworker’s favorite chocolate into their desk drawer or surprising them with a note or gift “just because” are quick and special ways to show your colleagues you care.

If you do want to recognize a special date, some gift-giving occasions include:

• Birthdays
• Work anniversaries
• New additions to the family
• A job well done

Tea Time or Tee Time? How to Choose the Perfect Coworker Gift

One of the trickiest aspects of gift giving etiquette is figuring out what is appropriate. A monthly tea subscription may be ideal for one employee, while a tee time on the links may be a better choice for another.

The best employee gifts are personal and thoughtful and help people feel known. As you work together and connect with your colleagues professionally and personally, you’ll learn more about their hobbies, interests, and what will make their day.

If you are an employer trying to figure out what gift to give an employee, ask their coworkers for advice. Coworkers often know each other’s hobbies and funny quirks better than anyone.

Need more specifics? Below is our list of six clever yet practical coworker gift ideas.

1. Succulents and Air Plants

Plants have a variety of workplace benefits. They purify the air, and they can have a calming effect. While potted plants are lovely, they may not thrive in some work environments, particularly if natural light is lacking.

A small succulent garden dish for a coworker’s desk may be a better alternative. They’re easy to care for and can thrive even in the most dimly lit office. Air plants are another good option, as they only need to be watered every couple of weeks.

2. Make It a Meal

Do you have a coworker who is going through a rough patch? Or do you notice they seem stressed out about everything on their plate? One of the nicest things you can do is ease the burden of cooking, even for just one meal.

Gift them a card from their favorite local restaurant or send them a Feed the Fam package with everything they need for a delicious meal at home: soup, rolls, and cookies for dessert.

3. Tie It to a Specific Occasion

Some days are just grueling, so when there are reasons to celebrate, grab the opportunity. Is a coworker having a baby? Use a baby bathtub as your gift box and fill it with wipes, diapers, toys, and onesies. Is someone buying a home? A personalized yard sign makes a great housewarming gift.

4. New Employee Welcome Gifts

Welcoming a new employee with a gift can make them feel at home in their new position, and it establishes a camaraderie right off the bat. Corporate swag, office supplies, and tech are great ideas for coworker gifts. Or, for a more personalized gift, team up with other employees to create a list of tips that have made their jobs easier.

5. Little Acts of Kindness

Do you have a coworker who went above and beyond to help you? Perhaps they took time out of their day to help you get a rush order in, or saved you a trip to the store by doing an office supply run for you.

The number of appreciation gift ideas for coworkers can seem endless, but it can help to brighten their day. Treat them to lunch one day. Pick up that book they have been telling you about but have not had time to get anything for themselves. Bring a delicious latte and a doughnut in the morning. Little acts of kindness and gratitude go a long way.

6. Care Packages

Show you care with some delicious and convenient gift packages from Spoonful of Comfort. Have cookies, meals, or thoughtful gifts shipped to their home or even to the workplace. They’re ideal for coworker-to-coworker gifts or as an employee appreciation gift.

Set up a free corporate account to make gift-giving easier.