Navigating the world of gifts for coworkers can be tricky. You want to show your appreciation, celebrate a milestone, or just spread a little cheer without overspending or, even worse, causing an awkward office moment.
We’ve got you covered. Whether for a holiday gift exchange, a birthday, a work anniversary or just a “thinking of you” gesture, we’ve created this guide to take the guesswork out of gift-giving. Bonus: AAA members will find plenty of options to take advantage of discounts!
Gift-Giving Etiquette for Coworkers
First things first, here are a few etiquette tips for giving gifts to coworkers. Professional environments can be ripe for missteps, so keeping things appropriate is important.
- Consider optics and ethics when gifting. In general, that means gifting across or down the organization chart and making sure gifts only have a modest value.
- Give as a group. Upward gifts (gifts to people above you on the organization chart) are more acceptable when coming from a group.
- Keep it tasteful and professional. Avoid gag gifts unless the person has expressed joy in them before, and keep them appropriate for the workplace.
- Avoid making gift-giving or reciprocal gifts an expectation. Gifts should be given to express appreciation for the person without any caveats.
- Follow company policies. Many companies have specific rules around gift-giving, so consult with those first.
Edible Gifts: Treat Their Tastebuds
Edible gifts are a classic. They’re practical, usable and a great option for people who don’t really need “stuff.” If you’re considering giving an edible gift, make sure you know about any food allergies or preferences first. While gifts of alcohol have been common in the past, they are less so now with more people opting not to drink and some work policies prohibiting it.
1. Gourmet Coffee or Tea
Give the gift of an elevated break at work with gourmet coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. If you’re not sure about specific preferences but know someone drinks one of those, look at sample packs that offer them a few gourmet options.
2. Homemade Bread or Cookies
There’s nothing quite like home baking, and this gift tends to be devoured and appreciated. Homemade bread or cookies can be ideal if you’re gifting to multiple coworkers, too — make a big batch and wrap up separate packages. Just make sure you know of any allergies. Adding a note with any potential allergens can be a nice touch.
3. Snack Assortment
Snack assortments make great coworker gifts! Give them something to perk up break times, which they can share with others if they want. Before gifting, try to get a read on whether they favor savory, sweet or a mixture. Harry and David offers some delicious snack gift basket options with 30 percent off a select collection for AAA members or 25 percent off sitewide.
4. Good Quality Chocolate or Candy
People don’t often buy the best quality chocolate or candies for themselves, so they can make a much-appreciated gift for your sweet-toothed coworkers. Look for high-quality brands or fancy handmade chocolates for something extra special. Simply Chocolate has a wide assortment of sweet treats, with 30 percent off a special collection for AAA members, or 25 percent off sitewide.
5. Fresh Fruit Assortment
Give a healthy, nourishing gift with an assortment of fresh fruit. This is especially appreciated when fresh fruit is hard to get or the person doesn’t have a lot of time to shop for nice fruit. Some companies offer fruit gift boxes if you don’t want to make one up yourself, or look into fruit bouquets. AAA members can enjoy a discount at FruitBouquets.com .
6. Fancy Instant Noodles
For the colleague who needs quick lunches, doesn’t like the cost of buying lunch, or generally loves noodles! Go beyond basic ramen with a selection of some of the more gourmet brands that are available. Your coworker will appreciate the emergency lunch stash and the chance to try something new.
7. Charcuterie
Most people can’t resist a good charcuterie and may even substitute it for a main meal. Depending on what you include, this gift can cover a range of price points and tastes. Add a nice wooden board and cheese knife to elevate the gift. Harry and David offer almost every charcuterie item you can think of, with 30 percent off a collection for AAA members or 25 percent off sitewide.
8. Gourmet Dessert
For the coworker whose sweet tooth is legendary, take it to the next level with a gourmet dessert gift. Transform an ordinary afternoon into decadent bliss with gourmet treats from Shari’s Berries . AAA members save 30 percent on a selected collection, or 25 percent off sitewide.
Practical Gifts: Give What Gets Used
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that seamlessly integrate into daily life, offering convenience without adding clutter. These practical presents are sure to be used and appreciated, making them thoughtful choices for any coworker.
9. Stainless Steel Water Bottle or Tumbler
A stainless steel water bottle or tumbler is a daily reminder to stay hydrated and energized, while saying “I appreciate you!” Personalization Mall offers a range of tumblers to suit different tastes. AAA Members can save 25 percent with the code AAAPMALL.
10. USB Desk Fan or Heater
Office environments are notorious for being too hot or cold for their inhabitants. A USB desk fan or heater provides personalized climate control, ensuring your coworker’s comfort no matter the office temperature.
11. Cable Organizers or Tech Cleaning Kits
Does your coworker like to be neat, clean and organized? A gift of tech cleaning kits or cable organizers can help them to keep the tidy office space of their dreams.
12. Hand cream or Lip Balm
Offer immediate relief and a touch of self-care in a dry office environment. Hand creams and lip balms are immediately usable and bring some small comforts to the daily office routine.
13. Book
Help your bookworm coworker escape into a new world or learn something new with a thoughtfully chosen book. Coworkers may appreciate an audiobook during long commutes or lunchtime walks.
14. Mini Desktop Coffee Warmer
Sometimes it’s the simple luxuries they didn’t know they were missing — like coffee that stays hot at a desk! Mini desktop coffee warmers are great for office hot drink lovers to keep their favorite brew comfortingly warm.
15. Adjustable Laptop Desk
Does your coworker sometimes struggle with a sore neck or back at work? The culprit may be their posture while at a desk. An adjustable laptop desk is a versatile gift that allows coworkers to customize their workspace for optimal comfort and ergonomics.
16. Warming Lunchbox
Elevate the midday meal with warm comforts from home. No more soggy microwaved slop for your coworker! A warming lunchbox will heat up their lunch over time, keeping it at a comfortable temperature. They can plug it in ahead of lunchtime and have it ready to go for their break.
Desk Gifts: Spruce Up Their Space
A well-appointed desk can be both functional and a personal oasis at work. These desk gifts can add a touch of personality and practicality, transforming their workspace into a more inspiring and enjoyable environment.
17. Desk Plant
Did you know that plants in the workplace are good for you ? They offer cleaner, more humidified air, a sense of privacy and higher satisfaction with the workspace. A desk plant from Plants.com brings a touch of living serenity to their workspace, subtly enhancing mood and air quality while bringing the serenity of nature. AAA members save up to 25 percent on online orders.
18. High-Quality Planners or Notebooks
Provide a tangible canvas for ideas, goals, and daily tasks. The stationery-obsessed or lovers of productivity and organization often appreciate high-quality planners or notebooks.
19. Desk Organizer Set
A desk organizer set offers a stylish solution to desktop chaos. Help a coworker create a visually appealing and functional workspace with a gift that gives every desktop item its place.
20. Device Charging Dock
Help a coworker centralize their tech essentials in one spot for handy charging. With a device charging dock, such as those available from Samsung , they’ll be powered up and ready for action. AAA members can save up to 30 percent sitewide.
21. Glass Dry Erase Board
Does your coworker prefer to jot down notes and keep handwritten brainstorms or to-dos? A glass dry-erase board offers a sleek, endlessly reusable canvas to spruce up their desk area.
22. Fancy Hourglass
A fancy hourglass is a sophisticated and subtle nod to mindful time management. Fans of Pomodoro and other time management techniques get a visual cue for focused work intervals and a calming aesthetic.
23. Rechargeable Desk Light
It’s practical, and it just may help to preserve their eyesight: A rechargeable desk light provides flexible, targeted illumination for areas or times of day when light is low. Users can customize their lighting without being tethered to an outlet.
Personalized Gifts: Make it Theirs
Choosing a personalized gift shows an extra layer of thoughtfulness, transforming an ordinary item into something uniquely theirs. Remember to keep it classy and not too personal for the work environment.
24. Desk Plaque
A personalized desk plaque could take many forms, from a basic nameplate to an office award. Recognize their professional identity with a desk plaque from Personalization Mall . AAA members save 25 percent with the code AAAPMALL.
25. Customized Mug
Give the classic gift for transforming a coworker’s daily coffee or tea ritual into a moment of personal expression. A customized mug from Shutterfly makes each sip a little special with a design thoughtfully chosen just for them.
26. Customized Stationery
Elevate a coworker’s professional correspondence with personalized stationery. It’s the touch that makes every memo unique. AAA members can get a 25 percent discount at Personalization Mall with the code AAAPMALL.
27. Monogrammed Item
Monogrammed items offer a touch of personalization without being overly extravagant. A letter or initials can be an understated way to mark useful items as belonging to your coworker. Shutterfly offers multiple items, from tote bags to glasses to lunch coolers, and AAA members can claim discount codes.
28. Engraved Pen or Pen Set
Engraved pens or pen sets are a timeless, sophisticated gift that a coworker will appreciate. Give them a high-quality writing implement that won’t disappear with the office pen thief!
Wellness Gifts: Help Them Recharge
Everyone could use a break and some self-care now and then. These wellness-focused presents are designed to help your coworkers relax, recharge, and find moments of calm amidst their busy schedules. When choosing these items, just be mindful of potential allergies or sensitivities to scents.
29. Mini Zen Garden
Provide moments of calm and reflection in the workspace. A mini zen garden provides a small, sweet oasis right on their desk. It’s a meditative escape and a tangible way to de-stress during a busy day.
30. Cozy Throw Blanket
For the coworker who feels the cold: A cozy throw blanket offers a warm embrace for moments of relaxation. Shutterfly offers multiple ways to customize a throw blanket and AAA members can claim discounts.
31. Energy-Cleansing Sage
Does your coworker appreciate holistic practices? An energy-cleansing sage bundle offers a symbolic and aromatic way to reset their space and promote positive energy and clarity.
32. Plant Cutting
If your coworker is a keen gardener or even a newbie who wants to learn gardening, a plant cutting from your garden can be a heartfelt gift. Best of all, it’s sustainable and inexpensive, offering the chance to share a favorite plant.
33. Streaming or Audio Subscription
An audio subscription can be the gateway to endless entertainment or educational opportunities. Colleagues who go for long walks or have long commutes may especially enjoy the entertainment. AAA offers members discounts for DirecTV and Sirius XM .
34. Stress Relief Ball or Dough
Sometimes simple, tactile outlets for stress are the best for short-term relief. A stress relief ball or dough offers a simple outlet for releasing tension and refocusing during demanding moments.
35. Candle
Help a coworker transform their personal space with the warmth and coziness of a candle. Choose a favorite scent or personalize it based on their birthday or star sign. Be aware of any scent allergies or sensitivities first.
Experience Gifts: Memories They’ll Treasure
For the colleague who doesn’t need “stuff” or desk clutter, consider giving an unforgettable experience that creates lasting memories and provides a much-needed break from the routine. These gifts are about making moments, not just giving things.
36. Concert Tickets
For music fans, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a live concert. Give your colleagues a musical escape and new, cherished memories. While concert tickets vary in price, you can look for cheap concert tickets with some of our tips.
37. Sports Tickets
Tap into their passion for the game with a gift of sports tickets — just make sure you know who they’re rooting for! For suggestions for finding cheap sports tickets , look into tips from AAA.
38. AAA Membership
It’s the gift that gives in multiple ways, including unlocking access to many discounted experiences. A AAA membership is practical and offers perks like roadside assistance and special offers for members .
39. Dining Gift Cards
Dining gift cards are a delicious invitation to explore new culinary delights or revisit beloved favorites. They’re a gift that will always be appreciated, even when you’re not sure what to get. AAA members can access several discounts on dining .
40. Attraction Tickets
Is your colleague taking a vacation, or do you live near popular attractions? Attraction tickets offer an exciting opportunity to explore local wonders or distant adventures, creating cherished memories. AAA members have access to many different discounts on attractions .
Treat Your Coworkers with AAA
Coworker gifts can be a great way to show appreciation or celebrate achievements and milestones. It can be tricky to buy for a colleague, but our guide to gifts for coworkers is a great place to start.
Treat your coworkers when you use your AAA membership to access a world of gift ideas at discounted rates. With a broad range of discounts available, there’s sure to be something for everyone on your list.