Why You Can Trust CNET Holiday Gifts for Co-Workers and Employees That They'll Actually Want
Don't forget your workplace pals this December when planning your gift-giving.
Whether you work full or part time, in the office or remotely, one thing is for sure: You spend a lot of time with your work peers. You may even socialize with them more than your loved ones at home. So, it makes sense that you'd create meaningful friendships with your co-workers. You head to the bar with them after work to share a drink, laugh about office gossip in the break room and go over your weekend shenanigans with them. Naturally, your office buddies can also find themselves on your holiday shopping list.
Now, you're on the hunt for the perfect -- albeit affordable and fun -- gift for your workplace bestie. To help you on your mission, we compiled this useful guide of holiday gifts for your co-workers and employees. You'll find wonderful options for the office gift exchange, too. Below are items that appeal to all budgets with prices ranging from $15 to $79. Because the last thing you want to do is break the bank when finding an awesome present for your cubicle chum.
If your cubicle pal loves their coffee but takes their time sipping it, help elevate their office java experience with the help of a smart coffee warmer. This nifty gadget will keep their brew warm throughout the 9 to 5. It also has a smart design, meaning there's no need to turn it on and off. Instead, it'll warm up once the mug is put on it.
There's always one co-worker traveling to and from offices in different states. If they're perpetually on the move, make their frequent flying a little more enjoyable by gifting them a luxurious travel kit. The one from Malin+Goetz fits the bill, featuring the brand's best sellers. It includes everything from a face cleanser to a body wash, so all they'll need to do is pack this as their toiletry kit and be on their way.
There's always a foodie in the office --- the one whose lunch is a little more extra than the usual ham and cheese sandwich. If they love packing a few courses and some snacks, help them make storing it a little easier, with a bento box. This handy bento not only has two separate tiers, but it also has adjustable dividers, a compartment for utensils and a separate sauce box.
No one better steal this stapler. It's a trusty Swingline in gold and clear acrylic -- and at less than $15, it's a budget pick to boot. Is a cool stapler the perfect office gift? Maybe. This Swingline's compact design fits nicely in any workspace and staples up to 20 pages at a time. Bonus: It also makes a great stocking stuffer.
The Milk Bar Sampler includes the NYC establishment's most coveted treats: a three-pack of rainbow-vanilla B'Day Cake Truffles, three chocolate B'Day Cake Truffles, a slice of heavenly Milk Bar Pie and one of each cookie. All the goods are individually wrapped and tucked into a gift tin. Just don't leave this assortment of goodies unattended in the break room.
Online game Worldle has taken the world by storm, and we all have one colleague who's obsessed with figuring out the day's five-letter word. Now they can play IRL with the brand-new official Wordle board game. It pits teams with whiteboards against each other as they attempt to guess the secret word in six tries, proving that this game is even more fun with friends.
Got a cube mate with a green thumb? A plant could help them take their space up a notch. Choose an indoor plant like the Parlor Palm and an optional pot or basket, and order conveniently online. No trip to the local nursery is necessary, and Plants.com offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee -- easy.
This popular Advent calendar is back, with 12 different IPAs to sample as December rolls along. This mix of microbrews from across the country will delight any beer fan. It includes an assortment of various IPA styles such as hazy, imperial, juicy, West Coast and East Coast.
Add a little glam to your employee or co-worker's workspace with a fluffy sheepskin pillow. This 14x14-inch cushion boasts a party in the front (sheepskin) and business in the back (linen). It's also available in larger sizes if you want to upgrade an office couch. Bonus; the cover zips off for easy cleaning.
Pusheen the cartoon cat has fans of all ages, and this stuffy from Gund is bound to delight. She'll be a hit at the holiday White Elephant party, and perhaps she'll find a home with the office cat lady. This 9.5-inch Pusheen smiles in a Santa getup complete with a toy sack.
Add some color to a friend's workspace with this cheeky Ban.do vase. Designed to look like a retro orange juice carton, this 9.75-inch-tall ceramic vase is the perfect receptacle for office flowers or even supplies. But it's so cool, your co-worker will want to bring it home.
It can be a struggle to stay hydrated, but having this motivational water bottle on hand can do wonders for water consumption. The BPA-free bottle is decorated with enthusiastic phrases like "you've got it" and "well done!" at measurement points throughout the day, coaxing your co-worker to drink 128 ounces. Available in 20 different colors.
If you have a co-worker who loves the Emmy-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, this board game from Funko Games will be a hit. Featuring trivia and quotes from the show, two to four players help each other out in this cooperative party game. It's a great way to unwind after a long day of work, the Ted Lasso way.
Baggu is a hot brand, and its Duck Bag is a popular product, making this gift a no-brainer. Available in multiple colors and prints, the classic canvas tote stows work staples like a laptop, books, clothes, lunch or after-work groceries. Made from recycled canvas, the washable Duck Bag has an adjustable strap and carry handles.
This set of colorful fountain pens is one of those things you wouldn't necessarily buy yourself, but you'd be delighted to receive. In other words, it's a great gift. Ooly's eight brightly colored pens have a matte surface that's easy to grip, and they're great for taking meeting notes. Refills are sold separately.
This Erin Condren desk organizer is so helpful -- it doubles as a calendar. It's got storage space for supplies like notebooks and a phone stand, and it includes six double-sided month cards. Simply align each card with the first date of the month, and you've got a calendar you can check at a glance.