Secret Santa Gifts for Coworkers
You drew a colleague you barely know. Don’t worry: the best workplace gifts are useful, neutral and thoughtful. Here are ideas you can choose with confidence.
4 rules for office gifts
- Pick something anyone can use.
- Stick to the budget. Fairness matters more than the gift.
- Make it useful at a desk.
- Include a gift receipt.
For the desk
- A quality travel mug or tumbler
- A wooden desk organizer, phone stand or cable tidy
- A dotted or plain notebook with good paper
- An easy-care desk plant
- An ergonomic mouse pad or wrist rest
- A small warm-light desk lamp
For coffee and tea lovers
- A single-origin coffee sampler
- An herbal tea collection with an infuser
- A portable coffee grinder
Fun but harmless
- Festive socks
- Desk toys (mini basketball, puzzle cube)
- Funny motivation cards
Want something sillier? Try a White Elephant gift exchange.
Haven’t drawn names yet? Read our office Secret Santa guide and draw names free in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gifts should you avoid at work?
Skip anything too personal (lingerie, perfume), anything that could be misread (diet products, age jokes), alcohol, and religious or political references.
I drew my manager. What should I get?
Stay within the budget and go classic: a good notebook and pen, a desk plant, specialty coffee or a stylish desk accessory. Flashy gifts can be misinterpreted.