Top 16 Small Gift Ideas for Coworkers That Don’t Feel Awkward
Giving small gifts is a delicate gesture to show appreciation, especially at work. Small gift ideas for coworkers don’t need to be expensive, but when thoughtfully chosen, they can make all the difference. Such gifts not only show your care but also help you avoid awkwardness.
So, what are the small gift ideas for coworkers that strike the right balance? We are here to share with you 26 thoughtful small items that are both practical, lighthearted, and budget-friendly. They are perfect for giving as welcome gifts, farewell gifts, for team exchanges, holiday parties, or just brightening someone’s day.
Why Small but Thoughtful Gifts Work for Coworkers
At work, small gift ideas for coworkers are often a better choice than giving something big. But wait. Is it true? Why do we need to go for something small?
First of all, it’s easy to find small items that are practical for workplaces. There are many simple and neutral gifts that fit into corporate life. Whether they are snacks, stationery, or even a desk plant, they bring a little joy and usefulness to anyone who receives them.
Another reason you should look for small gift ideas for female coworkers or small gift ideas for male coworkers is that you don’t have to spend too much on small items. This makes them especially convenient for occasions when you need a large amount of gifts for your coworkers.
More importantly, small and inexpensive gifts for coworkers avoid making your coworker feel uncomfortable about not giving back. When you give something small and thoughtful, you show kindness in a way that feels natural.
Top 16 Small Gift Ideas for Coworkers
Now that we all know about the advantages of small gift ideas for coworkers, let’s discover some specific suggestions to show that you appreciate a coworker without going overboard.
Stationery Gifts
Stationery is the first category you should think about when it comes to small gift ideas for coworkers, since it can be useful and cheerful at the same time.
1. Cute stationery set
Let’s try a cute and matching set of pens, sticky notes, or clips in bright colors or funny designs. These uplifting items can brighten one’s day while staying practical.
2. Pocket-size notebook or planner
While in need of small gift ideas for coworkers, a pocket-size notebook or planner is a popular choice. These compact items are light, easy to carry, perfect for jotting down tasks or quick reminders.
3. Custom stickers for laptops or water bottles
How about something to make working gears stand out? We highly recommend custom stickers as playful yet personalized gifts for your coworkers. They can put these pretty little sticky pieces on their everyday items like laptops or bottles and make them show their own personality.
For such purposes, you may find that die cut vinyl stickers work best. This sticker type is durable enough but still removable without damaging the surfaces.
To make the sticker customized to your coworkers’ tastes, think about unique designs like:
- Funny jokes for the workplace: “don’t quit my job today”; “not now – I’m pretending to work”; “I have no idea what I am doing”; …
- Custom quotes that bring motivation: “best coworker ever”; “my favorite coworker got me this”; “be stronger than your excuse”; …
- Custom face stickers of the coworkers you are giving the gift; of their pet photo, or even your funny face when you’re with them…
Among all small gift ideas for coworkers, custom stickers are one of the easiest to personalize yet affordable to give in bulk if you have many people in mind.
Drinks & Snacks
These next suggestions are simple treats – a natural part of small gift ideas for coworkers.
4. High-quality ground coffee
In fact, coffee is a common favorite drink in most offices, so gifting a small bag of good-quality ground coffee for your coworkers is a good choice. Your gift will allow them a daily pleasure for brewing during working hours or breaks.
5. Tea sampler box
Tea is another popular drink at work that comes with a variety of different flavours. A tea sampler will make thoughtful yet neutral small gift basket ideas for coworkers.
6. Gourmet chocolate bar
The next gift idea is a gourmet chocolate bar with premium flavors. These gifts give a touch of sweetness but remain small and simple.
7. Snack box with mixed nuts or dried fruit
How about a healthy yet tasty small snack? A box with mixed nuts and dried fruits is one of the most satisfying small gift ideas for coworkers who appreciate light snacks.
All these simple treats are ideal for your coworkers to enjoy individually or share with others at work.
Customized Drinkware
Customized gifts are always the best when you need a thoughtful, tailor-made gift idea. And for the workplace, drinkware are useful everyday-used items.
8. Custom mugs
A mug is one of the most popular custom small thank you gift ideas for coworkers. When you give your coworker a mug with a personalized touch, like their name or their favorite joke, the item feels like it belongs only to them. It can be a special companion on your coworker’s desk which brightens their morning routine.
9. Personalized water bottle
Very similar to mugs, a water bottle is practical and easy to customize. They can even follow your coworkers through the workday and beyond. When it carries their name or a design tied to something they enjoy, it turns into a useful item with personality.
You can have both mugs and water bottles customized in many ways, from engraved to printed. However, there is a simpler, more affordable and flexible way to do it: using our UV DTF transfer stickers.
These stickers hold firmly to sturdy, smooth surfaces, and work well on many materials like ceramic, plastic, stainless steel. They are also waterproof and scratch-resistant, so daily use does not easily wear them down.
Being made of UV-curable inks, our premium stickers also have a glossy, raised finish that makes them look like they are directly printed onto mugs or water bottles. With no background, they specifically give their best look for intricate and small-detailed designs, such as:
- Minimalist line art paired with your coworkers’ name
- Small motivational quotes or funny phrases in modern typography
- Abstract patterns that give a sleek, professional feel
10. Desk coaster set
Going along with drink containers is always a desk coaster. To make this item personalized, you can consider:
- Enhance it with UV DTF transfer stickers if it is made of wood, acrylic, ceramic or metals,…
- If it is fabric-based, iron-on DTF transfers create a similar effect with just some step of iron onto the surface.
These small gift ideas for coworkers can be both useful and personal when accurately customized with suitable products like stickers and iron-on transfers.
Small Gifts for Their Desk
Small items that can decorate or help organize your coworkers’ desk are thoughtful small gift ideas for coworkers that you shouldn’t miss.
11. Desk organizer or pen holder
Try a compact organizer that keeps their pens, clips, or sticky notes in one place. Such practical gifts show that you notice the small details and care about your coworker.
12. Small desk plant
A small desk plant like a tiny succulent or cactus is easy to take care of and adds a touch of green to an office desk.
13. Fun desk calendar
A calendar is a practical gift for any of your coworkers who want to keep track of their schedule. You can turn it into a more interesting gift by adding fun and customized images with die-cut stickers. This will be one of the most suitable small christmas gift ideas for coworkers.
14. Essential oil
A desk essential oil will help one relax after hours of hard work. You should opt for neutral scents such as vanilla or fresh linen to create a calm atmosphere – it will be one of the most useful small gift ideas for coworkers.
Fun Gifts
The best small gift ideas for coworkers that are close to you is something that adds a little fun to their day.
15. Small puzzle or brain teaser game
A simple puzzle or brain teaser game can give your coworkers a quick and necessary mental break. As one of the small gift ideas for coworkers, it is light, fun, and easy to share.
16. Gift card
You can never go wrong with a gift card since it lets the person choose what they truly want. Whether it’s a gift card for their favorite coffee shop, a bookstore, or even for shopping on Amazon, it makes it one of the small gift ideas for every coworker to enjoy.
Last words
So, with these 16 small gift ideas for coworkers, now you have some options that are thoughtful, practical, and easy to buy. The key to choosing the most suitable gift is to make sure it balances fun, useful, and personal, making your coworker feel seen and cared for.
Remember that there is always a simple way to add extra, thoughtful touches to your gift with out custom printed products – from custom stickers, labels to iron-on transfers. You can make any gift more personal by going to our product page, upload your designs and get all the personalized details printed and sent right at your front door.
