19 Thoughtful Gifts for Your Coworkers
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Every office is a microcosm of personalities, making the quest for the best gifts for coworkers exciting and baffling. You’ve got the snack lover, whose bottomless drawer of treats resembles a mini convenience store, always offering a morsel during that mid-afternoon slump. There’s the wellness enthusiast, ever zealous to remind us to take a break and stretch. And let’s not forget the Gen Zer, a beacon of pop culture, stocked with podcast recommendations and eager to draw you into their latest binge-worthy obsession.
Even if your team is remote, these quirks show in the little details: Zoom backgrounds that reveal snippets of our personal lives, Slack banter that often teeters the line between productivity and procrastination, and those GIFs we can’t help but overuse. Shopping for a coworker can feel daunting, but you probably know them better than you think.
To help you brainstorm and reflect on some of the characters in your workplace, we've rounded up coworker gifts that cater to every persona—from the foodie to the tech whiz. Don't see anything you like? Don't press "checkout" on that lazy gift card just yet—explore our other gift guides, from travel gifts to gifts for the outdoorsy hiker and backpacker.
Updated December 2024: We've added several new items and updated links and prices.
- Photograph: LEGO
For the Botanist Without a Green Thumb
Lego Icons Succulents Building KitFor the office plant parent whose green thumb is more … aspirational, the Lego Succulents kit is no fuss. It includes nine plants, so they can channel their inner botanist without worrying about water or sunlight. Once assembled, the nine succulents can be arranged into one floral arrangement or scattered throughout their cubicle.
- Photograph: Crate & Barrell
For the Office Baker
Crate & Barrel 50-Piece Decorating Kit
- Photograph: Omsom
For the Foodie
Omsom Best Seller SetWIRED editor Adrienne So discovered Omsom’s Asian flavors during the pandemic, and the Lemongrass BBQ quickly became a household favorite. This bundle includes 12 starters of Omsom’s most popular sauces: Japanese Yuzu Miso Glaze, Korean Spicy Bulgogi, and Thai Krapow. Each starter provides enough sauce for three to four servings, ideal for meal preppers, families, or coworkers who love to host dinner parties. Omsom also offers recipes to guide even the most amateur chef.
Note: While all Omsom Sauces are gluten-free, only the Yuzu Miso Glaze and Spicy Bulgogi are vegan. For more details on nutritional information, check out Omsom’s site.
- Photograph: The Woobles
For the Serial Hobbyist
The Woobles Crochet Amigurumi KitIf your coworker is always picking up a new hobby, the Woobles Crochet Amigurumi Kit is a great gift idea. My boyfriend got me Kiki the Chick, and I was instantly hooked (pun intended). With beginner and intermediate kits, Woobles is an introduction to crocheting without committing to buying a mountain of supplies they may end up being stuck with if the new passion project doesn’t stick. The step-by-step video tutorials are straightforward; if they hit a snag, customer support is available via email. There’s a range of playful options, including special collabs like Santa Snoopy for Christmas or Minecraft-themed bundles for the gamer in your office. I would also purchase this as a stocking stuffer or a white elephant gift. Bonus: Once they’ve crocheted their Wooble, it can double as desk decor or even be unraveled and remade.
- Photograph: Museum of Modern Art
For the Doodler
MoMA Design Store Desktop Pen Garden - Photograph: Museum of Modern Art
For the Cat Lover
MoMA Design Store Nesting Cats SetDo you have a colleague who can’t resist sharing cat photos on Slack? This nesting set by illustrator Midori Komatsu will speak to their kitty-loving heart. Made from schima wood, the five feline figurines fit inside each other like Russian dolls, or they can be displayed as a parade for optimal cuteness. Plus, they double as tiny containers for desk knickknacks.
- Photograph: Kayan Abdou
For the Perpetual Optimist (or Pessimist)
MoMA Design Store The Hoptimist - MoMA EditionIf their desk could use a morale boost (whose couldn’t?), the Danish-designed Hoptimist practically guarantees a smile. Tap it, and it bobs … that’s all. Originally created in the 1960s as a memento of positivity, this tri-colored version’s cheerful energy is infectious. My boyfriend has one on his desk, and not only does it get endless compliments, but he also added curly hair to it—because why not make it even sillier?
- Photograph: Olivieri 1882
For the Sugar Addict
Olivieri 1882 White Chocolate and Berries PanettonePanettone is the perfetto Christmas gift for the coworker with a sweet tooth. Olivieri 1882’s panettone is no ordinary loaf you can snag at your local grocery store. It’s made of natural sourdough that undergoes a four-day double fermentation process, then gets speckled with candied fruit. My favorite is the White Chocolate and Berries, but if that palate doesn’t make your mouth water, Olivieri 1882 vends an assortment of decadent flavors including Apricot and Salted Caramel, Pear and Chocolate, and Limoncello.
- Photograph: Our Place
For the Pinterest Host
Our Place Dinner BowlsI didn’t think dinnerware could “spark joy” until I got my hands on these beauties. Handcrafted from glazed ceramic stoneware, they’re stunning for open-shelf storage but sustainable for everyday use. I have the terracotta set, and they’re my go-to for pastas and grain bowls. Anyone who hosts dinner parties would love these bowls. Bonus points for being dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Photograph: Bearaby
For the Fidgety Type
Bearaby Hugget (Small)The Hugget never leaves my desk. It’s a palm-sized knot pillow—made from natural latex foam—kind of like a stress ball with a prettier aesthetic. Its chunky, squishy loops are designed for mindless fidgeting, whether it’s during Zoom calls or when my brain decides to go on autopilot. It’s also oddly soothing, and I catch myself grabbing it whenever I need a mental reset or just need to occupy my hands.
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- Photograph: Amazon
For the Shopper
BAGGU Horizontal Zip Duck BagEveryone could use a good tote bag, and the Baggu Zip Duck Bag is one of the best. The horizontal version can carry a 15-inch laptop, a 24oz Owala FreeSip water bottle, a notebook and pen, house keys, and still have room for a protein bar. Reviewer Brenda Stolyar loves the original vertical model, so you really can’t go wrong with either. It’s machine-washable, too.
- Photograph: Museum of Modern Art Design Store
For the Art Lover
MoMA Design Store Yinka Ilori Radiant Blooms Recycled Leather Coasters - Set of 4These MoMA-exclusive coasters, designed by British Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, are my latest obsession. Inspired by the act of giving flowers, they’re practically tailor-made for the gift-giving season. I’ve placed one on my nightstand, another on my desk, and a pair on my coffee table; they feel like little bursts of sunshine. Plus, they’re printed on recycled leather, so they’re easy to wipe down with warm water and soap.
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- Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
For the Dog Parent
Little Chonk Lil GulpEditor Julian Chokkattu loves this doggie water bottle for his pup. The built-in carbon filter keeps your pup’s water fresh, and when they’re done, you can push the button to pour the leftover water back in. The filter needs replacing every 90 days, or just use filtered water at home and don’t bother. Note: The 15-ounce bottle and filter cradle are top-rack dishwasher safe, but the silicone is not.
- Photograph: Calpak
For the Health Nut
Calpak Water Bottle HolderFor the coworker who’s inseparable from their reusable bottle, consider an accessory that elevates their daily hydration game. I would skip the gamble of gifting anyone their emotional support water bottle (a very personal choice) and offer a Calpak water bottle holder. It’s insulated and designed with pockets for keys and other small essentials. They can sport it crossbody or carry it from its top handle. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano is obsessed with her lavender orchid fields model, and I love the limited walnut color. When in doubt, though, you can’t go wrong with classic black.
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- Photograph: Yeti
For the Tailgater
Yeti Rambler 10-Ounce Wine Tumbler with MagSlider LidIf you’re looking for the perfect gift for the tailgater in your life, the Yeti Rambler wine tumbler might be it. WIRED writer (and self-described wine slob) Boone Ashworth loves this tumbler for beach days and park picnics (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s vacuum-insulated, nearly spill-proof, and—most important—dishwasher-safe. The matte finish feels smooth and grippy, even for the sweatiest of palms. If you want the gift to be more personal, the travel mug can be customized with a monogram on the Yeti site.
- Photograph: Le Puzz
For the Self-Proclaimed Cat Lady
Le Puzz ME-ow TimeLe Puzz makes some of the quirkiest puzzles, and this one is perfect for the coworker with a playful sense of humor—or a mild obsession with cats (guilty). The 1,000-piece display depicts a kitty bathroom, complete with Paisley the cat lounging in a claw-foot tub, feline-themed magazines scattered about. Each piece has a unique cut, so it’s as much tactile as visual. Plus, it comes with a resealable bag because losing a piece would be a cat-astrophe.
- Photograph: East Fork
For the Coffee Connoisseur
East Fork The MugThere’s something special about sipping from a coffee mug that’s been handcrafted with care. Made from regional materials in Asheville, North Carolina, no two East Fork mugs are exactly alike—variations in the ceramic glaze are part of the charm and a reminder to appreciate the craftsmanship. It holds up to 12 ounces of coffee, tea, or your pick-me-up of choice, and is available in eggshell, panna cotta, morel, amaro, and black mountain, as well as limited seasonal shades. It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe (which we love), lead-free (brownie points), and fits an Aeropress.
For more information about these beauties, East Fork provides a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes into each vessel.
- Photograph: Amazon
For the Tech Whiz
Anker Nano Power BankShopping for a tech-savvy coworker can be a challenge, but the Anker Nano Power Bank is a powerhouse present for anyone glued to their iPhone—essentially, all of us these days. Small but mighty, it packs 5,000 mAh of energy, enough to top up most smartphones during long workdays. There’s a built-in rotating USB-C or Lightning connector (MFi-certified) and a USB-C port (with charger) to recharge the bank. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any cuter, it comes in soft pastel shades like lilac purple and sprout green.
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- Photograph: Tokyo Treat
For the Snacker
TokyoTreat Snack BoxName one person who doesn’t love a good snack. Seriously, I’ll wait. Each TokyoTreat Snack Box, which reviewer Louryn Strampe enthusiastically endorses, delivers 12 to 17 Japanese goodies. You can expect a melange of dagashi (Japan’s penny candy), a DIY candy kit, and more full-size sweet and savory munchies. Each month is themed, which feels like a festive surprise in the mail—especially during the holiday season. Each bundle also includes a booklet that dives into the snacks and Japanese culture. You can purchase a three-month gift plan for $35.50 per box (plus shipping fees), which is a bit pricey but worth it for your favorite coworker. And hey, you might even get to sample some of those treats yourself. (Sharing is caring!)
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