Coworker Gift Ideas That Aren't Just Another Novelty Mug
Every office has a cupboard of novelty mugs. A printed joke mug is easy to buy, but it often ends up there, unused. Better coworker gifts are things people reach for every day without thinking about it.
Here are ideas grouped by the kind of coworker you're buying for. None of them are personal, and all of them are budget-friendly enough for most office exchanges.
For the coffee or tea drinker
Coffee drinkers are the easiest people to buy for at work. But skip the ceramic mug with a slogan. Two better ideas:
- An insulated travel mug with a locking lid. It keeps a drink hot on the commute and through a long meeting. Look for a leakproof lid, a size that fits a car cup holder, and "dishwasher safe" on the listing.
- A mug warmer. A small heating plate that keeps a mug warm on the desk. Check that it has an auto shut-off, and remember it needs a wall outlet nearby. Most work best with a flat-bottom mug, which may not be included.
An insulated mug wins for most people because it works anywhere and needs no outlet.
For the colleague who's always cold
You know the one: sweater on in July, hands wrapped around a hot drink. A pair of rechargeable hand warmers is a fun, useful gift for them. Look for:
- More than one heat level
- How long they run on a charge, per the listing
- Whether a charging cable is in the box (a wall plug often isn't)
- A pocket-size shape that fits a coat or glove
A two-pack is nice: one for their desk drawer, one for their coat.
For the note-taker
Some people write everything down. A good hard-cover notebook is a simple, classy gift for them. Check:
- Size. About 5 x 8 inches fits most work bags.
- Paper style. Ruled lines suit most people. Dotted or blank suits sketchers and planners.
- Extras. A ribbon bookmark, an elastic band and an inside pocket are small touches people like.
The one downside: once the pages are full, the gift is done. Pair it with a nice pen if your budget allows.
For the colleague with a cluttered desk
If their desk has piles of folders and loose sticky notes, a desk organizer can be a real help. Look for upright slots for files, flat trays for papers, and a drawer or cup for small things.
Measure in your head first, though. Big organizers can be over a foot tall and need a desk of their own. Skip this one for people who share desks or move around.
For the remote or hybrid coworker
If your exchange includes people who work from home, pick something light and easy to mail. A notebook, a travel mug or hand warmers all ship well. Avoid anything fragile or heavy, and order early.
What to skip
A few gift types that often fall flat at work:
- Scented candles and lotions (smells are personal)
- Food, unless you know their diet and allergies
- Joke or "edgy" gifts
- Clothing, where sizes are a guess
- Anything that needs an app, an account or a subscription
Before you buy, check three things
Whatever you choose, read the listing for:
- What's in the box. Is there a cable? A mug? Batteries?
- What it needs to work. Nothing at all is best. An outlet or charging is fine if you know they have it.
- Color choices. A neutral color, or one you know they like, makes a plain gift feel picked for them.
Add a short handwritten note and a gift receipt, and you've given something better than the novelty mug.
For five coworker gifts compared on these points, see our best Christmas gifts for coworkers.