25 Last-Minute Gifts for Your Officemates

Being a generous and thoughtful coworker is key to creating meaningful relationships at work. If you want your colleagues to remember you as such, getting them gifts is an excellent idea. ​​Delivering presents is a tangible way of showing care and affection. So whatever the occasion, it would be fantastic to consider giving gifts for your officemates.Before you get excited about shopping for gifts for your officemates, however, remember that this gesture is not about you. Keep in mind your colleagues’ values and preferences when thinking of gifts to give them. Remember the cultural differences between you and your workmates. Be attentive enough and steer clear of inappropriate gifts that may symbolise bad luck for their career. In addition, you must also consider your budget for gifts. While gift-giving may seem like a lavish habit to cultivate, there are alternatives to being generous at the workplace. All this considered, here are 25 last-minute gift ideas for your officemates.

Best gift ideas for your workmates

Work essentials

Are you thinking of giving gifts that your colleagues can use for work? Consider something that may help improve their time management skills and be more productive in the office.

1. Planner

Planners are useful for time management. So, this gift will benefit your workmates who deal with stress and pressure due to their work. Perfect for your colleagues who enjoy analogue tools, a planner will allow its users to write and plot their responsibilities for the whole year. If your coworker has a lot of events that need to be scheduled, then this gift will certainly help them out!

2. Desk organiser

Due to the workload many professionals have, desks tend to go unorganised. Eventually, a cluttered workspace may cause stress, especially when one finds difficulty looking for the things they need. To help your colleagues have an organised desk, give them a desk organiser and encourage them to declutter.

3. Highlighters

Highlighters are a necessity when reading and reviewing paperwork. If your colleagues are the type who need highlighters to focus on their assigned documents, then this will make an excellent gift for them.

4. Sticky notes

Do you have a coworker who has a lot on their plate? Sticky notes can help remind them about what they need to do. Give them colourful ones to help them organise their assigned tasks and personal responsibilities.

5. Cosmetics

Looking professional at work is a must — even if you are just attending virtual meetings all day! If you are a beauty enthusiast, you might be able to pick the best palette or lipstick that would flatter your colleague’s face.

6. File organiser

If a colleague has tons of paperwork lying around, they might need a file organiser to arrange these documents. There are plenty of affordable ones out there with good quality.

7. Laptop bag

Since many professionals work remotely nowadays, a laptop bag may be one of the best gifts for your workmates. Get them a lightweight and portable but durable one for work. The more pockets, the better!

8. Money organiser

Every one of us has financial responsibilities. This gift for your workmate can surely help them organise and budget their income for travel, leisure, bills, et cetera.

9. Lunch box

A sturdy lunch box is a sensible gift for workmates who bring food for their meals. This will let them preserve their meals for lunch or dinner.

10. Tote bags

Giving out gifts for several officemates at a time? Personalised tote bags are a simple but thoughtful gift idea. If you do not have time to have these personalised, just pick tote bags with designs that fit their personalities.

11. Personal hygiene kit

Hygiene kits are important, especially in times of a pandemic. Prepare one with alcohol, hand sanitisers, wipes, and other disinfectants.

12. Disinfectant spray

Your workmates might need to disinfect their desks after work. Disinfectants kill bacterias, viruses, and fungi that may compromise your coworker’s health.

Leisure essentials

For sure, your colleagues have their own hobbies that destress them from work. These gifts may help them mentally and emotionally as they cope with the pressure of being professionals.

13. Bag tags

Bag tags are essential for travelling! Your workmates who love going on trips will need one whenever they explore other places for vacations.

14. Books

Knowledge is power; bridge that knowledge for your colleagues. Consider giving them motivational books that could help them build up the character they want to pursue.

15. Stress ball

Sometimes, all workers need is a good squeeze to remove the stress they get from the workplace. A stress ball could help manage your workmates’ anxieties and pressure.

16. Pillow

Nothing beats a good nap after putting in a hard day’s work. Give your colleague a pillow to let them rest peacefully during breaks. A dose will help them bounce back from being tired at work to being productive at their responsibilities.

17. Plushie

A cute and soft plushie can give hugs for comfort. This item will help your coworkers cope with their stress.

18. Desk plants

Everyone needs a touch of green at the office. Succulents are ideal as desk plants because they require minimal attention and care.

(Read more: 10 Indoor Plants in Malaysia that Instantly Improve your Home Office )

19. Tumbler

Do you have a colleague who enjoys drinking coffee or tea during breaks? Give them a premium tumbler so they can enjoy their recess better.

20. Art materials

If you have an officemate who loves designing their desks, give them art materials to encourage their hobby. Colours and decor likely motivate them to work harder, so this gift will help their productivity, too.

21. Necktie

Your workmates may need a stylish necktie to wear on formal occasions and other business meetings. Gift them one with a colour and pattern that would suit their style.

Food

Everybody loves food! Giving out delectable treats is an excellent way to your coworkers’ hearts. When choosing food items, always go the safe route and pick halal snacks or viands to avoid offending your Muslim colleagues.

22. Baked goods

Do you enjoy baking cookies, brownies, and cupcakes? Let your workmates taste your pastries!

23. Cooked meals

Maybe you want to share your cooked meals with your officemates. Let them have a taste of your food, especially your speciality meals.

24. Beverages

Observe what beverages your officemates like. Do they love coffee or tea? Perhaps they prefer milk tea or juice. Think of drinks that help them stay productive — this makes a thoughtful gift for your colleagues.

25. Box of treats

Perfect for your workmates who have a sweet tooth, a box of goodies can be a great way to destress! Give your workmates some chocolate, candies, or other sweets they can enjoy.

Summary

Gift-giving is a great way to express your desire to create good connections with your fellow workmates. Through thoughtful presents, you can show that you are attentive enough to remember what your workmates like. All this said, remember to stay practical and only give what you can afford. Your workmates will still surely appreciate your generosity when they see you are genuine in your attempt to create meaningful relationships with them.

Here at JobStreet, we are always willing to help you have a healthy relationship with your work and have meaningful relationships with your workmates. #LetsGetToWork now and start by looking for jobs here. If you already have a JobStreet account, stay updated on the best job opportunities for you. Visit our Career Resources page for more information.