The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for your coworkers, clients, direct manager or boss. But finding the right gift for the office can be tricky. You want something thoughtful, but not too personal; budget-friendly, yet meaningful. Here are five great holiday gift ideas that are sure to make your colleagues smile.
1. Personalized office supplies
Personalized gifts always feel more special, and customized office supplies are both practical and thoughtful. Consider gifting engraved pens, monogrammed sticky notes or even a custom desk organizer with your coworker’s name or initials. These items are super-useful for office work and will add a personal touch that shows you put thought into their gift. You can order these items on sites like Etsy, where you’ll find all kinds of customizations at reasonable prices.
For the real organizing-obsessed colleague or boss, this desktop whiteboard from Amazon can be a truly awesome gift.
2. Desk plants
A small potted plant can bring a touch of nature into the office, which can be a welcome change from the usual office décor. Succulents, cacti or small desk plants like pothos are easy to care for and can brighten up any workspace. As a bonus, research has shown that having plants in the office can help reduce stress and increase productivity, which any 9-5er would appreciate.
3. Customized coffee mug
We’ve all had those days at work, when the “bean juice” just needs to keep flowing for us to make it through. Gift your coworker with a custom coffee mug that’s imprinted with a funny work meme to make them laugh every day, like “It’s Friday, somewhere” or “None of your emails are finding me well,” or even a simple “No coffee, no workee.”
4. Gourmet snacks or treats
Food is always a safe bet for office gifts, and gourmet snacks or holiday treats are a fun way to spread cheer. Whether it’s a box of chocolates, artisan popcorn or a holiday cookie assortment, edible gifts are always appreciated. Choose something that can be enjoyed individually or shared with the team for a festive office snack break. Do note, though, if there are allergens or special diets that might make certain items a less than great idea.
5. Gift cards
When in doubt, a gift card is always a good solution. Whether it’s to a popular coffee shop, a local restaurant or an online retailer, gift cards allow the recipient to choose what they really want. For a more personalized touch, you can write a note expressing your appreciation or pair the gift card with a small treat or holiday card.
Use the tips here to find the perfect holiday gift for your coworkers and boss.
And if you enjoyed this article, check out more just like it on the rest of our MoneySmart Tips blog.