25 Gift Ideas For Your Officemates And Boss That You Can Easily Buy

You know the holidays are in full swing in the Philippines when your colleagues start bringing up the best gift ideas for officemates and boss. And with the wealth of options available these days, you’re guaranteed to not run out of ideas for what to buy and where to buy them. From practical to something just for fun, we’ve compiled the following list of Christmas gifts for coworkers that are both accessible and affordable.

Also read: The Best Places in the Philippines for a Perfect Holiday

What Should I Give My Officemate or Boss?

Taking into account the above gift ideas for your officemate and boss, here comes the hard part: Which one should you get for the holiday season? The quick answer is that, of course, it depends on the person you are presenting the gift to. However, the following are some things to ask yourself before you decide to get one:

• How does the workstation of your colleague currently look?
• What are your colleague’s interests, hobbies, or passions outside of work?
• What are the daily challenges of your colleague that need addressing?
• Does your colleague live in his or her own or a shared space?
• What’s the budget set for the gift-giving at your office, if any?

Best Unique Office Gifts For Coworkers

1. Desk plants

Preferably and specifically, succulents. Succulents not only require minimal attention and care, but you can also easily move them around your desk to fit different looks for your work set-up. We recommend getting a jade plant, pincushion cactus, or snake plant.

2. Food basket

Obvious yet totally useful, gift baskets are something you can readily buy at the mall or grocery store. For a more personal touch, why not even create your own? Choose the items based on what your coworker needs or wants, and according to your budget too.

3. Cash or e-cash

Some might go against it for lack of creativity. But simply handing out money is one of the newest and no nonsense ways of giving love to someone during the holidays. This way, they have the option to buy something for themselves that they might be too shy to add to their wishlist, or they can opt to save it.

4. Homemade recipes

Whether it’s baked goods or a comfort meal, homemade recipes never disappoint as a unique gift for your coworker. They’re a perfect combination of personalized, creative, and inexpensive as you have the flexibility to literally try anything your resources can afford.

5. Hygiene kit

Looking and feeling clean is one way to make a good impression at work. From the usual toiletries to sanitizing must-haves like a bottle of alcohol and a pack of wipes, hygiene kits almost never go out of style as the perfect holiday gift.

6. Tumbler or mug

Staying hydrated isn’t just a health essential, but also a good way to keep one active while in the office. No need to constantly buy plastic water bottles or single-use paper cups which aren’t just bad for the environment, but also expensive over time.

7. Stress ball

Everyone gets stressed at or with work from time to time, but not everyone can afford to go on vacation when they want to in order to wind down. On the other hand, stress balls are handy, accessible, and most importantly, affordable but their effects cannot be underestimated.

Also read: How To Reduce Stress At Work During Lunch. 10 Top Tips!

8. Throw blanket

Throw blankets are complete office must-haves that people don’t talk about a lot. Those office air-conditioning units can sometimes be too much to handle, so everyone needs one to stay warm. If you need to take a quick nap in a designated room in your office, they’re also pretty cozy!

9. Desk cleaning set

Nothing turns off bosses more than a coworker with a disorganized and untidy workstation (or the other way around). From disinfecting sprays to air dusters, desk cleaning items help one be more productive while keeping office equipment in the best shape.

10. Calendar and planner

Speaking of being organized at work, calendars and planners are practically a no-brainer when it comes to the subject. Calendars for those who need a little help keeping up with deadlines, and planners for those who need a little more planning in their life.

11. Notebook and pen

Having a notebook and pen of your own is like having a sword and shield in a battle. More than tools to help you cope with basic work needs like writing down an important instruction, they’re also quick ways to keep yourself occupied during those “dull” moments at the office.

12. Book

Something for one’s desk or personal use at home during the holidays. Books, particularly novels, don’t disappoint in helping a coworker escape from reality without necessarily splurging on extravagant getaways. They can also be self-help or inspirational materials for sanity and personal development purposes.

13. App subscriptions

Many of the best applications may not come free these days, but they’re usually worth it. Whether we’re speaking of online streaming or meditation services, purchasing subscriptions on behalf of a colleague is one of the best gift ideas for your officemates and boss.

14. Holiday

This might be a bit of a stretch, but if you can afford to sponsor one for an officemate in need, why not? Surprisingly, holidays are a lot more affordable these days courtesy of airline and hotel sales, as well as the myriad of reliable travel packages you can find on the internet.

15. Desk organizer

Best for bosses who literally and figuratively have a lot in their hands, organizers are another simple present to achieve a spotless workspace. They also work for those who simply need a space to place such objects as a pen, keys, or phone.

16. Bedroom essentials

Needless to say, work can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. Make it a little easier for someone by encouraging them to get a good night’s rest with a sleep spray, a lavender scented candle, a sleep mask, or even a journal. 

17. Gift Certificate

GCs an accessible and practical gift for officemates. They usually come in various price points and are offered by a variety of shops, including clothing stores, coffee shops, and even spas.  

18. Lunch box

Preparing your own meals rather than buying them allows you to save money on food, especially when you’re based in business complexes where food is often pricier than usual. With a lunch box (ideally microwavable), it’s easier to store and heat satisfying homemade meals.

19. Skincare

Whether it’s a single high-quality sunscreen or an entire rejuvenating set, you can never go wrong with skincare essentials. Like picking out the right work clothes, these will help you stay fresh even when you’re not having your best days at the office.

20. Home workout set

With a yoga mat, a dumbbell set, or even a pair of headphones for the gym, you can encourage someone to be more active with their lifestyle outside the office. And you can find a number of online stores that sell them on a budget!

21. Mini refrigerator

Gifting someone with his or her own office within an office? Mini refrigerators are among the best Christmas gifts for coworkers that you can invest in. They can also use one at home to store personal food and drinks.

22. Neck and back massager

Portable body massagers for the neck and back make for great work stress relievers. Make sure to buy from legitimate stores to make sure they last a long time.

23. Essential oils

Both aromatic and relaxing, essential oils are truly for everyone. They’re also available everywhere from malls and bazaars to online shops. If you can buy them in bulk or as a set, even better and more cost-effective!

24. Playlists

Music can work wonders for anyone feeling burnt out. So crafting a good playlist consisting of one’s favorite songs or even meditation podcasts is something you’ll definitely want to consider when buying unique gifts for your coworkers. Not to mention, you can customize them any way you want.

25. Tote bag

Last but certainly not least, a tote bag. Aside from being a convenient product to store one’s belongings, they’re also durable, affordable, and environment-friendly. If you can, you can even get an imprinted bag for your officemate or boss.

Also read: 10 Ways to Stay Productive at Work During the Holidays

Want more tips on what to give your officemates and boss on any occasion? Download the JobStreet app on Google Play or App Store, and go to Career Resources. You can also create or update your JobStreet profile to #SEEKBetter work-related decisions.