200 Gifts for Coworkers or Employees That Are Sure to Brighten Up Any Desk
Author: Claire Taylor
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Have you ever found yourself in charge of planning a corporate event, where every detail mattered, and yet, no matter how much you planned, something always seemed amiss? That's exactly how it feels when you're on the hunt for the perfect gifts for employees and coworkers. It's like organizing a grand ball, but instead of canapés and cocktails, you're juggling preferences, personalities, and the ever-daunting task of staying within budget. Oh, and did I mention the pressure to be both thoughtful and original?
Let me take you back to last December. There I was, tasked with finding gifts for a diverse team of fifty – yes, fifty – employees. You'd think after years of navigating these corporate gifting waters, I'd be a pro, right? Wrong! Each year brings its own set of challenges. There's Sarah, who's into eco-friendly products, Tom, who's all about tech gadgets, and let's not forget about our interns, who are just happy to be included. Trying to find gifts for coworkers that aren’t just another mug or generic gift card? That’s a story in itself.I remember pacing the aisles of stores, scrolling endlessly online, and at one point, even considering hand-making gifts – a thought quickly abandoned after recalling my disastrous attempt at knitting. And then it hit me. Why not approach this like planning an event? Consider each gift a part of the overall experience, an element that adds to the corporate culture and employee satisfaction. It was time to get creative, inclusive, and yes, a bit adventurous with the gift choices.
Humor aside, finding gifts for employees and coworkers isn't just about checking a box. It’s about making them feel valued, seen, and part of something bigger. Whether it’s through a personalized notebook that says, "I appreciate your ideas," or a subscription to a meditation app that says, "I care about your wellbeing," these gestures matter. They build a culture, a sense of belonging, and let’s be honest, they make those Monday mornings a little less daunting. And now, you're probably wondering, "What did you end up choosing?" Well, after much deliberation, a mix of personalization, practicality, and a touch of fun did the trick. But, that's a story for another day. What's important is understanding the unique blend of personalities and preferences in your workplace and finding those gifts for coworkers and employees that resonate with each..
200 Gift Ideas for Employees & Coworkers
As you're well aware in the corporate setting, where formality and professionalism reign, gifts should mirror these values. Think along the lines of items that enhance a professional's desk or daily routine, reflecting the structured and efficient environment of your corporate culture.
Corporate Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Quality leather planner
Professional development workshop
Personalized desk clock
Corporate history book
Gourmet coffee club subscription
Elegant cufflinks or jewelry
Office art piece
Team-building seminar
High-end pen set
Digital mindfulness app subscription
Gifts for Coworkers
Business book club membership
Sophisticated desk organizer
Inspirational quote calendar
Office lunch or coffee outing
Personalized stationary
Desk plant
Online course voucher
Stylish paperweight
Specialty tea collection
Relaxation playlist subscription
In your dynamic and flexible startup environment, gifts that echo this energy are key. Choose items that are as innovative and creative as your workplace. Tech gadgets, collaborative tools, or anything that supports the often casual and community-focused atmosphere would be ideal.
Startup Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Innovative tech gadget
Creative brainstorming session
Personalized office hoodie
Subscription to a startup magazine
Casual Friday pass
Quality coffee machine
Office game console
Online coding or design course
Health and wellness app membership
Team retreat to a startup hub
Gifts for Coworkers
Customized laptop stickers
Inspirational tech talks webinar
Quirky desk accessory
Group virtual reality game session
Trendy water bottle
Office snack exchange
Book on entrepreneurship
Spotify playlist for productivity
Team photo collage
Online fitness class passes
In your realm, where innovation and personal drive are paramount, gifts should fuel these ambitions. Consider items that foster individual creativity and personal growth, or that can be tailored to each unique entrepreneurial spirit in your team.
Entrepreneurial Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Personalized business card holder
One-on-one mentoring session
High-quality idea journal
Workshop on innovation
Custom office artwork
Portable smartphone charger
Networking event pass
Inspirational autobiography of an entrepreneur
Business strategy game
Subscription to a business news service
Gifts for Coworkers
Motivational desk quote
Brainstorming app subscription
Personal development book
Coffee shop gift card
Puzzle or brain teaser
Office plant kit
Custom mug with a motivational message
Goal-setting software
Gourmet snack basket
Online course in a new skill
In your close-knit, familial business setting, gifts that emphasize this sense of community are most fitting. Items that are personalized or that encourage shared experiences resonate well with the warm and inclusive nature of your family-style culture.
Family-Style Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Family photo day for the team
Customized company merchandise
Group cooking or crafting class
Handwritten appreciation letters
Office picnic or BBQ
Commemorative team award
Personalized thank you video
Group volunteer day at a local charity
Office memory book
Team-building escape room outing
Gifts for Coworkers
Handmade gifts or crafts
Recipe book with favorite family recipes
Group board game for the office
Personalized office décor
DIY office party kit
Shared hobby or skill class
Office plant exchange
Personal story sharing session
Matching office supplies
Secret Santa or gift exchange
In an environment where customer service is the backbone, your gifts should reflect and celebrate this focus. Opt for items that enhance team collaboration, communication skills, or empathy – the core values of your customer-centric workplace.
Customer-Focused Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Customer service excellence award
Team communication workshop
Books on customer psychology
Office relaxation corner setup
Public speaking course
Group team-building activity
Professional customer service software
Customer feedback celebration lunch
Personalized office supplies
Subscription to a customer experience magazine
Gifts for Coworkers
Empathy-building game
Customer success story sharing session
Stress-relief desk toy
Group lunch to a favorite restaurant
Personalized encouragement notes
Team support tool subscription
Office decoration with a customer-focus theme
Team communication challenge
Customer service role-play game
Shared customer service success journal
Your high-energy, target-oriented setting calls for gifts that acknowledge and motivate these ambitions. Rewards that recognize achievements, like personalized accolades or incentives, align perfectly with the driven nature of your sales culture.
Sales-Driven Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Sales achievement personalized trophy
Exclusive sales training seminar
High-end professional attire gift card
Office leaderboard installation
VIP client networking event tickets
High-performance tech gadget
Sales strategy e-books
Team sales celebration dinner
Customized sales tool software
Motivational speaker session for the team
Gifts for Coworkers
Sales goal tracker whiteboard
Coffee or energy drink subscription
Inspirational sales book exchange
Office competition with prizes
Personalized motivational posters
Shared success celebration event
Sales podcast recommendations
Healthy snack box for the office
Fitness or wellness app subscription
Group outdoor team-building activity
In your creative domain, where innovation and artistic expression are key, gifts should be as unique and imaginative as your everyday work. Artistic supplies, inspirational literature, or anything that sparks creativity would be highly appreciated in your creative culture.
Creative Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Art supply gift card
Creative software subscription
Tickets to art exhibits
Inspirational creative books
Music streaming service subscription
Workshop in a creative field
Customized creative space items
Online art class subscription
Studio or workspace tool
Design challenge event
Gifts for Coworkers
Handmade art or crafts
Creative hobby kits
Artistic office supplies
DIY decoration for workspace
Inspirational posters or quotes
Book on art or design history
Shared online design course
Personalized sketch pads
Creative brainstorming sessions
Playlist sharing for creative inspiration
Given the digital and flexible nature of your workplace, gifts that enhance the remote working experience are most thoughtful. Consider items that improve home office ergonomics or offer virtual team-building opportunities, aligning with the needs of your digitally connected team.
Remote or Virtual Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Home office ergonomic chair
High-end webcam or microphone
Virtual team building event
Online professional development course
Subscription to a wellness app
Remote work tech tools
Home office décor items
Care package with home office supplies
Ergonomic office accessories
Online fitness class subscription
Gifts for Coworkers
E-gift cards for online shopping
Virtual game night subscription
Digital book club membership
Online cooking or hobby class
Personalized digital background designs
Remote work productivity apps
Online movie night tickets
Virtual coffee break vouchers
Playlist sharing for work hours
Virtual reality experience voucher
In your mission-driven environment, gifts should resonate with your organization's values and social causes. Consider sustainable products, donations in employees' names, or items that reflect the socially conscious ethos of your workplace.
Social Impact Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Charity donation in team's name
Eco-friendly office products
Social impact seminar tickets
Workshop on sustainability
Team community service project
Fair trade office snacks
Green office challenge
Books on social entrepreneurship
Ethical clothing brand vouchers
Eco-conscious team outing
Gifts for Coworkers
Sustainable living items
Books on environmental or social issues
Plant-a-tree in their name
Eco-friendly office supplies
Social cause documentary night
Volunteer day coordination
Recycling or composting initiatives
Organic snack exchange
Carpool or green commute challenge
Awareness campaign participation
In your diverse and inclusive setting, it's essential that gifts celebrate these values. Opt for items that promote cultural awareness, equity, and inclusion, like literature on diversity or experiences that enhance understanding and inclusivity within your team.
Inclusive Work Culture
Gifts for Employees
Diversity and inclusion training session
Cultural celebration event
Multilingual software tools
Books on cultural intelligence
International cuisine tasting day
Inclusive leadership training
Team diversity poster or artwork
Language learning app subscription
Movie or documentary screening on diversity
Cultural exchange program
Gifts for Coworkers
World cultures desk calendar
International recipe swap
Cultural artifact exchange
Diversity-themed book club
Multicultural potluck lunch
Cultural awareness quiz or game
Inclusive language learning group
Shared cultural experiences
Diversity-themed office decoration
Team building exercises celebrating diversity
So, you've been through the wringer of corporate gift hunting, haven't you? You know the stakes: find something unique, meaningful, yet professional – a gift that says, "I see you and value you," without necessarily breaking the bank. It’s a tightrope walk of taste, budget, and practicality. But fear not, because armed with a bit of creativity, insight into your team’s personalities, and a willingness to step outside the conventional gift box, you can master this art.
Remember, the best gifts for employees and coworkers aren't always the most expensive or extravagant. Sometimes, it's the simple, thoughtful gestures that resonate the most. A handwritten note, a plant for their desk, or even a day-off voucher can speak volumes. It's about creating that feeling of being appreciated and recognized.
So, as you embark on your next gifting adventure, think about the message you want to convey. Are you fostering a sense of community, acknowledging individual contributions, or perhaps encouraging well-being and balance? Whatever it is, let your gifts reflect that. And hey, if all else fails, who doesn't love a good old-fashioned pizza party? Now, get ready to dive into a list of gift ideas tailored for every work environment. Whether it's the fast-paced world of startups or the structured halls of corporate, there's something for everyone. Happy gifting!