Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for your boss or want to show your work bestie just how much you appreciate them, it's always fun to think outside the box when shopping for co-workers.
From useful office and tech gear to indulgent food and skin care sets (and some unconventional finds along the way), Shop TODAY has rounded up several unique gifts for coworkers that'll win you some major brownie points. Best of all? Most of our finds are under $50!
Shop TODAY editors’ gifts for coworkers
Ever since we've returned to office, we've had ample opportunities to interact and collaborate with colleagues outside of a screen.
We’ve shared laughs, created inside jokes and have enjoyed many happy hours together. When it comes to gifting, one or two things come to mind for these friends of ours.
More specifically, those who cannot survive the workday without a caffeine drink, or who are very particular about which pens they use in their planners.
Several Shop TODAY editors shared what they plan on getting their coworkers with the picks below.
If they can’t seem to make it through an 8-hour workday without a little kick, gift them with this coffee mug that displays their initial. Former commerce editor Amanda Fama received a cute mug as a present and agrees it is one of the most useful gifts for any coworker.
Shop TODAY deputy managing editor Jess Bender recommends gifting this to the foodie in your office who is constantly spicing things up with their homemade lunches. If their lunch could use a little kick, this chili sauce (which has been featured on the viral interview series Hot Ones) is perfect as it packs nine times the amount of heat as their traditional chili oil.
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger knows there’s no shortage of tote bags around the office, so she suggests gifting this reusable one from Baggu. Not only is it sustainable, but it is also “affordable and adorable,” Hoeger says. It comes in 45 unique shades and patterns to help find the color that best matches your work bestie’s personality.
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo has gifted these in the past, which she dubs as the “best pens.” It’s easy to see why — it boasts a wide color variety and smooth writing capabilities that help it stand out amongst others. Plus, it’s less than $15 for a pack of 10 gel pens, making it both affordable and practical.
Former deals editor Rebecca Brown loves this box cutter from Slice. With one flick of the wrist, the micro-blades cut through tape, corrugate and even clamshell packaging. She’s got their safety cutters in every junk drawer so that anyone can open the Amazon boxes that come to the door.
If they are always bringing in a salad for lunch, they probably know the struggle of trying to safely bring your salad dressing from home to the office. Luckily, Shigo noticed this brand popping up on TikTok that has single-serving packable salad dressings that are similar to the natural creations you make at home. She says, “I would love this as a gift from a coworker. It is thoughtful and best of all... useful!”
Former production coordinator Camryn Privette recommends her “favorite body lotion” for those who suffer from dry, cracked skin once winter rolls around. Made with ceramides, this gift will surely keep their hands hydrated.
Shigo loves gifting these diffusers to office mates because everyone can benefit from them. “I love buying these for coworkers. It’s such a light scent and makes coming into the office even better! The scent is great for any room,” she says.
Former holiday editor Nina Bradley recommends this Moroccanoil fragrance mist if your office buddy is obsessed with beauty products. This scented spray features argan oil and vitamin E to help hydration and has over 8,400 reviews on Amazon.
These kitchen soaps are sure to impress anyone at the office. Associate editor Erica Marrison recommends them, saying "I'm completely obsessed with this editor- and celebrity-approved line of soaps. They smell incredible and look amazing on your counter -- the hand soap is definitely the latest in the 'status hand soap' category."
She adds, "I love the idea of giving this to a coworker or someone you don't know too personally, as the packaging is beautiful, but it's something they're likely to actually use."
Hoeger is a big fan of this lunchbox from Baggu. She says it is totally worth the splurge for the office bud who loves to pack their lunch for the office. This insulated lunch tote features a recycled ripstop nylon exterior, polyester interior and zip closure for safely storing all your healthy snacks.
"My coworker gifted me this and I love it" says SEO writer Jannely Espinal, and it's easy to see why she does. This book-turned-jewelry organizer is the perfect gift to give your fashionable, trendy coworker who doesn't shy away from dressing up their business casual with bold statement accessories,
Desk essentials for coworkers
Accidents happen and that's why we highly recommend having a Tide pen in your desk drawer at all times. This pack of three stain-removing pens will have your co-worker thankful for this useful, practical gift.
The work environment has drastically evolved over the last few years, which means your coworkers might need to bring their laptops to and from the office regularly. Fortunately, you'll have them covered with this padded sleeve, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
Set them up for success with this weekly planner from Papier, available in seven color combos and customizable for added personalization.
Gifting them a charger may seem basic, but it’s practical and useful. Gift them one they can leave at their desk instead of needing to remember to tote the same one back and forth.
This is the perfect gift for a neat freak who keeps a clean desk. This mini can is very small but makes for a great desk accessory to throw scrap paper into. It has a removable lid that’s easy to take off and clean in case of a spill.
What can’t Stanley do? If you have a coworker who can always be seen doting their oversized emotional support water bottle, gift them with one that’s sure to become their next obsession. Perfect for gifting and available in a ton of colors, Stanleys are adored by many due to their ability to keep water cold for up to 40 hours.
Nobody knows what you’re wearing if your camera is off during meetings, so why not rock the bestselling Comfy during video calls? You might want to pick one up for yourself, too.
We’re firm believers in everyone needing a pair of office slippers to help them feel comfortable when the air conditioning is blasting. These teddy slippers look like loafers but feel like snuggly slippers.
Desk decor for coworkers
Start every day with a smile and something to look forward to with this punny desk calendar that features 365 days of fun puns. Bender says, "The illustrations are so precious, while each day’s slogan is just so silly but clever; it’s perfect!"
Who wouldn’t rather be on the green than at the office? Make their desk a little calmer and fun with this mini golf game. They can practice their swing or putting in between meetings.
Shopping for somebody who's always popping in and out of their cubicle? If so, they might appreciate keeping one of these chic faux leather trays at their desk. Each one is big enough to store a phone, keys and even spare change, keeping daily essentials within sight even during the busiest of days.
This bestselling Lego set features nine unique artificial plants to help spruce up your coworker’s desk. Your officemate will have a blast building this set of 771 pieces, which has a near-perfect average on Amazon and several Shop TODAY editors' seals of approval.
There’s a large chance that your favorite pet parent is missing their furry friend throughout their 9-5. This interactive gift from Uncommon Goods (a 2025 Gifts We Love winner!) allows them to paint their pal and doubles as decor afterwards, so your office mate can showcase their four-legged best friend on their desk.
Meal prep and food gifts for coworkers
Fast casual bowls and salads can add up very quickly! If they joke about spending $50 every time they have to head into the office, gift them this stackable, bento box-style food storage container that comes with its own utensils.
If there’s one thing Shop TODAY editors are good at aside from our jobs, it’s making our office smell like a kitchen with our homemade lunches. This portable electric lunchbox from Crock-Pot eliminates the need to microwave your meal, warming it up at your desk instead.
The tight-sealing lid promises that the contents of your lunch will stay in place and not at the bottom of your work tote.
Nothing says “thanks for being a great coworker” like delicious gourmet chocolates. This trendy sampler includes 10 ganache truffles that will surely satisfy your work bestie’s palate.
Brown has received these as a gift and loved them. “Not only are these gorgeous, but they’re dense and delicious. A perfect afternoon treat,” she says.
If you’re not sure what to get the office foodie, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to Goldbelly, which can be redeemed for a delectable assortment of iconic eats from near and afar.
Coffee and tea accessories for coworkers
The resident coffee snob will appreciate making the perfect glass of cold brew with this premium cold brew coffee maker with over 51,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
Enjoying coffee at their desk just got a whole lot easier with instant espresso. All you need water and some milk and you have a cafe-style latte right at your desk.
Shigo has been a long-time fan of this instant espresso: “I swear this is easier and tastier than buying coffee or making it. It tastes so rich, you would never know it is instant coffee. I keep one at my desk.”
Instead of letting them buy an overpriced latte every single day, treat your coworker to this mug from Yeti. It comes with a lid so that they can bring their coffee to work on-the-go, and the mug's insulation technology allows for their drink to stay warm or cold throughout their 9-5.
Wellness and relaxation gifts for coworkers
It’s no secret that their to-dos can get pretty overwhelming at times, but this 2025 Gifts We Love winner is sure to ease the tougher days. This tiny, squishy desk toy is the perfect stress reliever that is sure to release some of their job-related tension.
Your coworker's unwinding time after a shift is probably very precious to them. This Biodance face mask, a Shop TODAY Sleep Awards Winner, is a great overnight treatment for them to relax and look refreshed in the office the next day.
Stress balls are a classic office standby for good reason. Perfect for fast-paced, high-anxiety work stretches, each ball in this set is infused with essential oils meant to calm the senses and inspire focus, according to the brand.
Other thoughtful coworker gifts
You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality gift. Take this 14K gold-plated necklace, for example. It’s beautiful and looks more expensive than it is.
The coworker who’s always initiating happy hours will probably get some use out of these handy and ridiculously cute wine stoppers. They help to extend the life of your wine and other bottled beverages, keeping any unfinished drinks fresh for longer while acting as excellent conversation starters.
If they love games or anything to keep them entertained, this chic puzzle makes for a great living room addition to pop out during dinner parties or on lazy Sundays. Each piece is cut differently and the puzzle comes with a reusable/resealable bag and a poster for you to frame if you love the image itself.
A great work bag can make all the difference in their daily commute. This one from North Face is a favorite for Shigo because it can easily convert into a backpack for easy carry and has so many little pockets you have room for everything.
Give the gift of a great seat with this seat cushion that makes sitting for long periods of time more comfortable. Bender mentions this is a great splurge gift for a coworker if you're chipping in with other members of the team.
How we chose the best gifts for coworkers
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products that would make good gifts for your co-workers. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the tween, teen and young adult on your list including 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds.
