A good coworker gift is small, useful and does not make anyone feel they now owe you something. The ones people keep are the ones that live on a desk and get used without thinking. These twelve ideas are easy to buy in bulk, easy to wrap and unlikely to end up in the back of a drawer.
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How to choose for a group
Aim for the same kind of gift for everyone and keep the price modest, so nobody feels left out or awkward. Neutral colours such as white, black, wood and clear suit most desks. Avoid anything scented or personal, and skip food if you do not know about allergies. If you are buying for a boss or a close colleague, spend a little more on one item from the list rather than adding more small things.
For the desk
A desk organizer set
A tray, a pen holder and a little shelf clear a crowded desk in minutes. It suits people who work at a computer all day. Choose a plain colour, and keep in mind that a big set can crowd a small desk, so a compact one is safer for a group gift.
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A pen holder
The simplest gift on the list and one that always gets used. A mesh or wooden cup keeps pens and scissors out of the drawer. It works for almost anyone, which is why it is a reliable choice when you do not know someone well.
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Cable clips
Cheap, tiny and oddly satisfying. Adhesive clips stop charger cables sliding behind the desk, which suits stocking-filler budgets. They stick best to clean, smooth surfaces, so mention that in a note.
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A cable sleeve
A split sleeve wraps around a bundle of loose cables and turns them into one tidy line. It is a useful gift for someone whose desk has a tangle of chargers and monitor cables. Check the length and diameter so it fits the number of cables.
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A phone stand
A stand keeps a phone upright for calls and notifications and takes a second to set up. It is a small gift that people use every day. Adjustable ones suit more phones and cases than fixed ones.
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A screen cleaning kit
Most people never clean their screens, and nobody buys the kit for themselves. A small spray and cloth kit is a practical present that costs little. Check that it is safe for the devices your coworker uses.
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A mug warmer
Anyone who lets coffee go cold while working will use this. It plugs in and heats a mug on the desk. Make sure the plug type is right for where you work, and note it only suits flat-bottomed mugs.
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A coaster set
Coasters protect the desk from rings and look neat in a holder. A neutral set suits any style, which makes it a safe gift for a group. Cork, stone and leather-look styles all work.
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For planning and tidying
A notebook and pen set
A good notebook is used for meetings and to-do lists in a way a phone is not. A simple set with a decent pen feels a notch above the usual gift card. Pick a plain cover rather than a joke or slogan.
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A weekly desk planner
A tear-off weekly planner suits people who like to see the week on paper. It is inexpensive and does not take much room. Choose an undated one so it works whenever it is opened.
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A small plant pot
A little planter brightens a desk. Buy the pot and add a hardy plant such as a succulent if you want to give a finished gift. Low-light plants are the safest choice for an office.
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Reusable labels
Wipe-clean labels suit the office kitchen or a shared supply cupboard. They are cheap and make a good add-on to a bigger gift. Chalk and some pens smudge, so recommend a proper marker.
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If you are stuck
When in doubt, pick one gift that is practical, neutral and fits in a drawer. A desk organizer, a notebook or a few cable clips will all be used. Add a handwritten note and keep the budget the same for everyone.