Preface Preface

• Whether it's a going-away present, a birthday token, or something special for the holiday season, coworker gift ideas can be tricky to brainstorm - even if you're close with your colleagues! The goal is to pinpoint something heartfelt yet appropriate; something your coworker will be comfortable unwrapping in or out of the office. Here are some things to consider: 

Be funny Be funny

• Humor is a crowd-pleaser, so it's hard to go wrong if you go this route with coworker gift ideas (bonus points for an inside joke between the two of you). Something light-hearted will even bring a little levity to the office atmosphere. But avoid an all-out gag gift until you're sure it will be well-received.

Assemble a creative combo Assemble a creative combo

• Who says a gift has to be one thing? Sometimes a lot of little meaningful things make for the perfect presentation - and show that you really put considerable thought into your gifting strategy. It's all about the theme, preferably something your colleague can relate to.

Play up something you admire about your coworker Play up something you admire about your coworker

• Flattery will get you everywhere, as the old adage goes. Maybe your colleague has a cool sense of style or a magnetic personality. Gift her with something that symbolizes that. For instance, an accessory that shows you really "get" her fashion sense. Or get conceptual: A series of stylish magnets to symbolize her "magnetic" personality is nothing short of adorable.

Choose a unique desk accessory Choose a unique desk accessory

• Forty hours a week are a lot of hours. That means your colleague is spending a lot of time in his workspace. Depending on his personality, choose a novelty item, a stylish sculpture, or even utilitarian item he'd never buy himself - say, a quirky paper weight.

Frame a nostalgic photo Frame a nostalgic photo

• Odds are you have a pic on your computer than your coworker forgot all about: a shot from a fun company offsite, a photo of the two of you goofing off, or something hilarious you Photoshopped and shared with her in a moment of downtime. Resurface that gem and place it in a fun frame. 

Get something family-friendly Get something family-friendly

• If your colleague proudly boasts about his family, this one's a no-brainer: Gift him with something he can share with them. What better way to show that you listen this all his stories?

Buy a fancy lunch for two Buy a fancy lunch for two

• If you're more of an experience gifter and enjoy the company of your coworker, think outside the gift box. Choose a nearby restaurant that's fancier than your typical takeout joint and enjoy a relaxing lunch and some bonding chit-chat (no shop talk allowed). You've earned it!