14 Unique and Practical Gift Ideas for Your Coworkers and Employees

Whether you’re focused on the upcoming holiday season, want to celebrate a birthday or work anniversary, or need to show true appreciation for the effort your coworker or employee puts in every day, the right gift can say a lot. Forget the same old, tired options that fail to impress anyone or demonstrate your true, good feelings. The ideas on this list of unique, meaningful, and practical gifts work well for anyone in a professional setting.

1. Personalized Notebooks or Planners

These offer a unique blend of practicality and thoughtfulness. Show that you appreciate them by choosing designs related to their interests or tastes. Do not simply hand out ones with the company logo. Consider monograms, inspirational quotes, or thank-you messages. They can help inspire creativity and productivity at the same time.

2. Unique Books of Interest

If you don’t know what type of fiction your employee likes to read, or if it is inappropriate for the work setting, consider giving them something related to the industry instead. Don’t gift textbooks or things that make them feel like you’re not satisfied with their work. Instead, look for something that supports their personal and professional goals. A great option is a book subscription box, which allows them to receive curated reads on topics of interest. You can buy books cheaply online without compromising gift quality.

3. Reusable Water Bottle

Promote health and sustainability while giving the gift of comfort to busy workers. A stylish, long-lasting water bottle shows you care about their health and environment. Choose quality bottles with insulation, including straw or spout, and the right shape for use during their commutes.

4. Virtual Class or Workshop Voucher

Do not give this as part of improving their ability to work for you. Instead, offer a digital gift card to an online class or seminar platform where they can choose their interests. Whether it’s cooking, photography, coding, or creative writing, this voucher allows them to select a subject they’re passionate about, fostering personal growth and development. It shows you value their interests and support continuous learning, enhancing their engagement and job satisfaction.

5. Desktop Succulents

These are a delightful and thoughtful gift for coworkers or employees, adding a touch of nature to their workspace. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for those who may not have a green thumb, as they require minimal care and thrive in various conditions. Incorporating greenery into the office environment has been shown to reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve air quality, contributing to overall well being. It might help to ensure people that the maintenance team will water them if that’s part of the service they provide.

6. Ergonomic Desk Accessories

These are highly practical and considerate. Sitting at a desk all day can get uncomfortable, so ergonomic wrist rests, lumbar cushions and adjustable footrests make perfect gifts. They’re something you should offer all employees if you have the power to do so. It will promote a better feeling throughout the whole office.

7. Mini Desk Fans

Adding to worker comfort is always appreciated. Compact fans provide a cooling breeze, distribute heat more evenly in the colder months, and help people get fresh air whenever needed. When employees are more comfortable, they are more productive and have better spirits. Consider ones that plug into a USB port to make them easy to use.

8. Coffee or Tea Sampler Kits

If you know a coworker or employee who enjoys coffee or tea, these make a great present. Step outside the ordinary brew you have in the break room with different flavors and blends. These kits give them options, can help invigorate or relax them depending on the varieties, and can add a bright spark of interest to their day.

9. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Workplaces can get noisy sometimes, with chatter between coworkers, constant telephone calls or the clatter of keyboards. Noise-canceling headphones do not have to cost much money to cut down the steady hum of business. Some people prefer working in silence, allowing them to take control of their interactions.

10. Custom Coffee Mug and a Warmer

A coffee mug falls under the umbrella of classic work gifts, and it isn’t that exciting. How many people have one or more company mugs or basic ones that say meaningless phrases like “World’s Best Employee.” Make this corporate gift more personal by choosing mugs that match people’s tastes. Include a plug-in beverage warmer to show you care.

11. Snack Subscription Boxes

Like beverage samplers, the gift of yummy treats adds comfort, care, and a delightful surprise. Choose options based on the individual’s tastes, and always be mindful of potential allergies or other dietary restrictions. These things encourage healthy breaks that foster relaxation and renewed enthusiasm for the workday.

12. Meditation App Subscription

Give the gift of relaxation and stress relief while showing your employees and coworkers that you care about their well-being. App stores have various options that promote mindfulness, taking a mental health break, and self-care throughout the day.

13. Cozy Throw Blankets

Again, avoid giving out promotional items with the company name emblazoned. Your employees already know who they work for. Give them the gift of comfort instead. This is an excellent option for people who work at home but can also work well in offices without a public-facing focus.

14. What Your Employees Really Want: Time and Money

If you can grant these gifts to your employees, recognize that most people prefer these over even the most practical and exciting gifts listed above. A bonus in their paycheck could make someone’s month, or an extra day or two off will demonstrate how much you value them as people.

Of course, offering these types of gifts might be impossible since you still have a business to run. The last thing you want is to give someone a day off and then pile twice as much work on them when they return. Stick with useful, entertaining, or genuinely unique options from the rest of the list instead.