Gifts for grown-ups: Office-appropriate presents your colleagues will love

Getting presents can be a hassle in general, even when the people you’re shopping for are your friends or family. It can be tough to determine if they’ll actually like a certain item or not, and even more difficult to find out if they already own something similar. Most people tend to shop for the items they want on their own these days, as waiting until their birthday or Christmas in order to receive them as a gift can cause them to miss out. If it’s something unique or that is only available for a limited amount of time, you can expect it to fly off the shelves, so it’s a better idea to buy it when you can instead of waiting.

However, things become even more challenging when you have to find the perfect present for someone you’re not exactly close to, such as a co-worker. If you work for a big company, you most likely didn’t have the opportunity to get to know everyone. Sometimes, not even people working within the same department are familiar with the likes and dislikes of their colleagues. However, if you must get a present, you will have to think of something. The ideal gift is both appropriate for someone you share your work environment with and thoughtful enough so as not to feel generic, as if it were nothing more than an afterthought.

For the desk

The easiest way to find the perfect present is to get something that can be incorporated into an office ensemble. A set of personalised pens is your best bet as they’re both functional and unique. They can be customised whichever way you wish so that they display names, logos, and even special photos. Some of the other office presents you can personalise are mugs and clothing items such as jackets. However, the latter option is trickier, as you’ll need to know the person’s size and measurements, as well as their preferred silhouette type (either closer to the body’s lines or oversized).

Custom mugs will allow you to be even more creative with the choices you make regarding the present, simply because there’s more space to work with. You can even make a magic mug which uses thermochromic ink so that it changes colour when filled with a hot beverage. The special coating the mugs receive is initially black but becomes transparent when heated. If you know that your co-worker is a fan of something in particular, whether it is a movie franchise or a sport, you should definitely personalise the mug with a design that reflects that.

If they don’t already own a pair of glasses that block the blue light emanating from their screen, which has been linked to eye strain. A desk organiser that keeps things tidy is something everyone dealing with a lot of papers and documents needs so that they always know where the important things are when they need them.

Specific ideas

If you know your colleague well enough to choose something you know they could use in their daily lives as well, go ahead and buy it. For instance, if you know they’re interested in living a sustainable, eco-friendly life, you can’t go wrong with a reusable bag, a stainless-steel water bottle, or a solar charger. If you’ve heard them mention that they’re trying to eat healthier, you can look for a snack box that offers a variety of treats made from natural ingredients. Just be mindful of their allergies; you don’t want to buy anything that puts them in a dangerous situation.

A fruit-infusing water bottle can be the perfect choice for someone who doesn’t get enough hydration throughout the day and who finds plain water too bland. If they enjoy travelling, you can get them an e-reader so they don’t have to haul books through airports or worry about forgetting them on beaches and in hotel rooms. Carrying a standard, bulky wallet during a trip can be quite annoying as well, so look for a slim, compact one that can be attached to the smartphone as a gift.

Subscription boxes

These boxes are also a great idea, and the good news is that there are so many different options out there that you only need to know one single thing your colleague likes in order to find the one that’s perfect for them. Having a skincare routine has become increasingly popular over the last few years, so getting a self-care box that includes facial cleaners, moisturisers, serums, and sheet masks is the best choice for those who take dewy skin seriously. Baking is another activity that has become increasingly popular over the last few years, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Some of the ingredients commonly found in a box designed for bakers are apple butter, chocolate sauce, and various spice blends. Those who love music and are always looking for new artists will be pleased to get a subscription to a service that provides a different record to sample each month. And of course, there are the coffee fanatics. Most people working in an office need a cup in the morning to get them started for the day ahead, so what could be better than receiving a bag of high-quality coffee beans on your doorstep each month? The recipient can also determine their particular preferences and taste profile.

Unique items

If you see something unique and aren’t sure whether to get it or not, it is always a good idea to do so, as it will definitely stand out that way. For instance, you can purchase an Anthora, a disposable paper coffee cup that is well-known in New York, in ceramic instead of the disposable alternative. An amplifying phone speaker is another good idea, especially if it’s shaped like an animal, such as a frog, so that it is both creative and functional. An eyeglass holder in the shape of a dog is an adorable addition to any desk, making it feel a little more personal rather than overly professional.

Finding the perfect gift isn’t easy, so make sure to start shopping early. From customised items to whimsical décor, there is something out there for everybody, but you must look around a bit before you find it.