15 Best Gifts for Coworkers: Physical and Digital Options

Showing appreciation for coworkers is an essential aspect of fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Thoughtful gifts can go a long way in expressing gratitude, celebrating milestones, or simply brightening someone's day. 

In fact, a recent survey found that 4 in 10 respondents (41%) want more recognition from their immediate coworkers. Additionally, 38% of employees share that they recognize their coworkers daily. These statistics highlight the importance of regular and meaningful recognition in the workplace.

Whether it’s a small token of appreciation or a more substantial gift, the right present can boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and create a more enjoyable workplace.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best gifts for coworkers, including both physical and digital options. By understanding these different options, you can find the perfect way to show your appreciation and make a positive impact in your office.

Physical gifts for coworkers

Here are few physical gifts for coworkers:

1. Desk accessories

Desk accessories are practical and stylish gifts that can enhance a coworker’s workspace. Items like stylish organizers, unique pen holders, or ergonomic mouse pads can add a touch of personalization and comfort to their daily routine.

Examples:

• Stylish organizers: Help your coworkers keep their desks tidy with chic organizers that add a touch of elegance to their workspace.
• Unique pen holders: Fun and quirky pen holders can bring a bit of personality to their desk.
• Ergonomic mouse pads: These can improve comfort and reduce strain, showing that you care about their well-being.

2. Personalized items

Personalized gifts are no doubt the best gifts for coworkers as they add a special touch that shows you’ve put thought into the present. Custom mugs, engraved pens, or personalized notebooks can make your coworkers feel truly valued.

Examples:

• Custom mugs: A mug with their name or a special message can make their coffee breaks more enjoyable.
• Engraved pens: High-quality pens with their initials or a meaningful date can be a cherished gift.
• Personalized notebooks: Custom notebooks with their name or a motivational quote can be both functional and inspiring.

3. Office plants

Office plants are great gifts that can liven up a coworker’s desk and improve the overall office ambiance. Small potted plants, succulents, or desk-friendly greenery are perfect choices.

Examples:

• Succulents: Low-maintenance and stylish, succulents are perfect for any desk.
• Small potted plants: Plants like mini ferns or cacti can add a bit of nature to their workspace.
• Desk-friendly greenery: Easy-to-care-for plants that thrive in an office environment.

4. Health and wellness gifts

Promoting health and wellness through gifts is a thoughtful way to show you care about your coworkers' well-being. Fitness trackers, yoga mats, and wellness kits are excellent options.

Examples:

• Fitness trackers: Devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch can help track their fitness goals.
• Yoga mats: Encourage relaxation and exercise with a high-quality yoga mat.
• Wellness kits: A set of essential oils, relaxation candles, or stress-relief tools can help them unwind.

Digital gifts for coworkers

1. E-Gift cards

E-gift cards are a versatile and convenient gift option for coworkers. They can be used for a variety of purposes and are easy to send and receive, making them an ideal choice for digital gifting.

Examples:

• Amazon: An Amazon gift card is perfect for buying anything from books to electronics.
• Starbucks: A Starbucks gift card great way to treat coworkers to their favorite coffee.
• Apple: An Apple gift card is ideal for purchasing apps, music, or accessories.

2. Online Courses and Subscriptions

Providing access to online courses and subscriptions can be an excellent way to support your coworkers' professional and personal development.

Examples:

• LinkedIn learning: Offers a wide range of professional development courses.
• MasterClass: Provides classes taught by experts in various fields.
• Audible: Ideal for audiobook lovers who want to learn on the go.

3. Streaming service subscriptions

Streaming service subscriptions are a great way to provide entertainment and relaxation options to your coworkers.

Examples:

• Netflix: A Netflix gift card is a perfect present for movies and TV shows lovers.
• Spotify: A Spotify gift card is a perfect present for music and podcast enthusiasts.
• Hulu: Another popular option for streaming TV shows and movies is a Hulu gift card.

4. Digital fitness memberships

Digital fitness memberships can promote health and wellness among your coworkers, encouraging them to stay active and healthy.

Examples:

• Peloton: Offers live and on-demand fitness classes.
• Headspace: Provides guided meditation and mindfulness sessions.
• Calm: Offers relaxation and sleep aids.

Experience-based gifts for coworkers

1. Event tickets

Gifting event tickets can provide memorable experiences for your coworkers, allowing them to enjoy concerts, sports events, or theater shows.

Examples:

• Concert tickets: For popular music events and performances.
• Sports events tickets: For local or national sports games.
• Theater tickets: For plays, musicals, or other live performances.

2. Virtual experiences

Virtual experiences have become increasingly popular and can be a unique and enjoyable gift option for coworkers, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

Examples:

• Online cooking classes: Interactive cooking sessions with professional chefs.
• Virtual escape rooms: Fun and challenging team-building activities.
• Online wine tastings: Guided wine-tasting sessions with experts.

3. Travel vouchers

Travel vouchers can inspire your coworkers to plan their next getaway, offering them a chance to relax and explore new places.

Examples:

• Airbnb credits: For stays at unique and exciting locations.
• Travel agency vouchers: For booking vacations and travel packages such as MakeMyTrip.
• Hotel Gift Cards: For stays at popular hotel chains such as Marriott.

Practical and useful gifts for coworkers

1. Tech gadgets

Tech gadgets make the best gifts for coworkers and are always a hit, offering both utility and excitement. They can make work more efficient or add a bit of fun to the daily routine.

Examples:

• Wireless chargers: Convenient for keeping devices powered up without the clutter of cords.
• Portable speakers: Great for listening to music or podcasts at work or home.
• Smart home devices: Items like smart plugs or smart speakers can enhance home convenience.

2. Home office upgrades

With the rise of remote work, home office upgrades are incredibly practical gifts that can improve productivity and comfort. These cool office gifts for coworkers can surely make their day.

Examples:

• Ergonomic chairs: Supportive and comfortable seating for long work hours.
• Standing desks: Allowing flexibility to switch between sitting and standing.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Helping to focus in noisy environments.

3. Everyday essentials

Practical everyday essentials can be thoughtful and useful gifts that make a coworker’s daily life a bit easier.

Examples:

• Reusable water bottles: Eco-friendly and stylish options for staying hydrated.
• High-quality notebooks: Useful for jotting down notes and ideas.
• Travel mugs: Keeping drinks hot or cold while on the go.

Top occasions to surprise your coworkers with thoughtful gifts

• Work anniversaries: Celebrate the dedication and loyalty of your coworkers by recognizing their work anniversaries with a thoughtful gift. It shows appreciation for their years of service and commitment.
• Birthdays: Acknowledge your coworker's special day with a personalized gift or e-gift card. This gesture can make them feel valued and appreciated on their birthday.
• Project completions: Celebrate the successful completion of a major project by gifting team members. It’s a great way to acknowledge their hard work and teamwork.
• Promotion or new role: Congratulate coworkers on their promotion or new role with a special gift. It’s a meaningful way to recognize their achievements and encourage their continued success.
• Holiday season: During the holiday season, sending Christmas gifts to coworkers can spread cheer and goodwill. Consider festive gifts or gift cards to celebrate the season together.
• Employee recognition programs: Regularly scheduled recognition programs are perfect occasions for gifting. Whether it’s quarterly or annually, these programs can include gifts for outstanding performance or contribution.
• Retirement: Mark the retirement of a coworker with a memorable gift. It’s a way to honor their career and wish them well in their new chapter.
• Welcoming new employees: Welcome new hires with a thoughtful gift to help them feel at home in their new workplace. This can include office supplies, company-branded items, or a welcome kit.
• Work milestones: Recognize important work milestones such as achieving a significant sales goal or hitting a long-term target. Gifts on these occasions can motivate and inspire continued excellence.
• Appreciation day: On designated employee appreciation days, gifts can be a great way to show gratitude for your coworkers' hard work and dedication.

Bonus: An out-of-the-box gift idea for coworkers

Recognizing coworkers on the company's social intranet

Enhancing employee recognition goes beyond traditional methods, and using your company’s social intranet can make the process more engaging and impactful. Platforms like Empuls leverage AI-assisted recognition to celebrate every win, ensuring timely, inclusive, and meaningful acknowledgment of employee achievements.

How it works:

1. Public acknowledgment: Use your company’s social intranet to publicly recognize coworkers for their accomplishments. This visibility not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of appreciation.
2. AI-assisted recognition: Empuls helps in identifying key moments for recognition with AI-powered insights, ensuring that no achievement goes unnoticed.
3. Inclusive celebrations: Celebrate wins inclusively by acknowledging contributions from all team members, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.
4. Boost engagement and retention: Consistent and impactful recognition leads to measurable improvements in employee engagement and retention.

You can recognize employees on the social intranet for completing major projects, reaching significant milestones, or demonstrating exceptional teamwork. By leveraging Empuls, these recognitions are timely and relevant, making every employee feel valued and motivated. This method ensures that recognition is not only a top-down process but also encourages peer-to-peer acknowledgment, strengthening workplace relationships and overall team morale.

Integrating AI-powered recognition with your social intranet creates a dynamic and supportive work environment where employees are consistently motivated and appreciated.

Using Xoxoday for sending gift cards to coworkers: Let’s make gifting effortless

Xoxoday simplifies the process of appreciating your coworkers by offering a wide range of gift card options. With access to over 8,000 gift cards from top global brands, you can ensure that your coworkers receive gifts they genuinely value, whether it’s for fashion, dining, electronics, or wellness.

1. Give the gift of choice

Provide your coworkers with diverse options such as:

• Amazon: Ideal for a wide range of products.
• Starbucks: Perfect for coffee lovers.
• Apple: Great for tech enthusiasts.
• Airbnb: Encouraging travel and new experiences.

2. Seamless digital delivery

Xoxoday allows you to send gift cards digitally, making the process quick and efficient. Your coworkers will receive their gift cards via email or sms, ready to use immediately.

3. Personalize your rewards

Add a personal touch with customized messages, multiple currency options, and branded designs, ensuring that each gift feels special and thoughtful for your coworkers.

4. Bulk sending made easy

Distribute rewards to multiple coworkers with just a few clicks, perfect for large teams or department-wide recognition.

How it works:

1. Reward recipients: Send Xoxo Reward Points, Codes, or Links to your coworkers.
2. Browse and redeem: Coworkers select their preferred gift cards and redeem them instantly.
3. Enjoy the gift: Coworkers use their gift cards at the nearest outlet or online store of the selected brand.

Using Xoxoday enhances the gifting experience, making it more efficient and personalized, ensuring that your coworkers feel truly valued and appreciated.

Conclusion

Choosing the best gifts for coworkers can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation, celebrate milestones, and foster a positive work environment. Whether you opt for practical desk accessories, personalized items, or innovative digital gifts, the key is to select something that reflects the recipient's preferences and needs.

So next time you're considering a gift for a coworker, think about what would make their day a little brighter or their work a bit easier. Whether it's a practical item, a fun experience, or a digital subscription, the right gift can create lasting positive memories and strengthen professional relationships.

FAQs

What are some budget-friendly gift options for coworkers?

Budget-friendly options include custom mugs, small potted plants, and digital gift cards.

How can I personalize digital gifts?

Personalize digital gifts by including a custom message, choosing a gift card from a store they love, or selecting a subscription service that matches their interests.

What are some good gifts for remote coworkers?

Good gifts for remote coworkers include home office upgrades, digital fitness memberships, and online course subscriptions.

How can I ensure the gift is appropriate for the workplace?

Ensure workplace appropriateness by choosing professional and neutral gifts, avoiding overly personal or expensive items, and considering company culture and policies.

Is it appropriate to give personalized gifts to coworkers?

Personalized gifts can be very thoughtful and appreciated. Items like engraved pens, custom notepads, or personalized mugs show that you’ve put extra thought into the gift. Just ensure the personalization is professional and suitable for the workplace.

What are some budget-friendly gift options for coworkers?

Budget-friendly gifts include items like desk plants, coffee or tea samplers, small office supplies, inspirational quote cards, reusable water bottles, and homemade treats. These gifts are thoughtful yet inexpensive.

Are gift cards a good option for coworker gifts?

Yes, gift cards are a versatile and appreciated option. They allow the recipient to choose something they truly want or need. Popular choices include gift cards for coffee shops, restaurants, online retailers, and bookstores.

What are some unique gift ideas for coworkers?

Unique gift ideas include experiences like a virtual class, subscription boxes (like snacks or books), portable mini-projectors, desk organizers with a twist (like a zen garden), or quirky items that reflect the coworker’s unique interests or sense of humor.

What are some tech gadgets that make good gifts for coworkers?

Useful tech gadgets include portable chargers, Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds, smart mugs that keep drinks warm, USB hubs, and laptop stands. These items can enhance productivity and comfort at work.