Gifts for Co-Workers That Aren’t Boring: Unique Ideas They’ll Actually Appreciate
Finding a good gift for a co-worker isn’t always easy. You want something thoughtful—but not too personal. Fun—but not cringey. Useful—but not boring. And since the usual office gifts tend to be mugs, gift cards, and yet another notebook, it’s great to get a little more creative this year.
Whether you’re shopping for Secret Santa, celebrating a workiversary, or just want to brighten someone’s day, here are plenty of unique and non-boring ideas!
1. Wall Art
Wall art is one of the easiest co-worker gifts that still feels thoughtful. It instantly brightens a workspace, adds personality, and can match someone’s humor, aesthetic, or work vibe without being too personal. And since many wall-art designs are available as printable files, you can choose to gift them framed or print them yourself—making the whole gift budget friendly and completely customizable.
Great wall art gift ideas for colleagues:
• Motivational word posters
Clean, minimal, and uplifting—great for anyone who likes keeping their workspace calm, organized, or productivity-focused.
• “Reasons We Love Working With You”
A customizable appreciation print that highlights what makes them great to work with. You can make it heartfelt, funny, or a mix of both, and it becomes a feel-good piece they’ll actually want to display.
With wall art (especially if you go the printable route), it’s easy to pick something that matches your co-worker’s style while still keeping the gift affordable, personal, and office-friendly.
2. Funny Desk Gifts
A little humor can change the whole vibe of a workday, which is why funny desk items make such great gifts. They’re perfect for coworkers who appreciate a good laugh between meetings.
Fun desk-humor ideas:
• Witty desk nameplates
For example, something like “CEO of Snacks,” is a simple, funny way to instantly give a workspace more character.
• Funny desk calendars
Daily or monthly calendars with jokes, cartoons, or motivational quotes are great for keeping morale up all year long.
• Quirky office signage
Small signs with relatable work humor—like “This Meeting Could Have Been an Email”—make great conversation starters.
• Pun-filled sticky notes or notepads
Silly, useful, and perfect for giving friendly reminders delivered in a fun tone.
These gifts keep the mood light and spark those little moments of laughter that make the office way more fun.
3. Experience-Style Gifts (For the Coworker Who Has Everything)
If your coworker isn’t into “stuff,” or you want something a little more unique, experience-style gifts are a great pick. They encourage creativity, connection, or simple enjoyment—no physical clutter required.
Experience-inspired ideas:
• Coffee-tasting kits
A fun way to explore new brews, especially for the coworker who always shows up with a cup in hand.
• Snack-box or treat subscriptions
Monthly snacks, teas, or treats—ideal for foodies and a great morale boost during busy seasons.
• Digital experiences
For example, virtual team quizzes are easy to gift and a fun way to bring the team together.
These options feel special without being overly personal, and they’re great for coworkers who appreciate a fun activity more than another desk accessory.
4. Practical Gifts (Useful but Fun)
Practical gifts get a bad reputation for being boring—but they don’t have to be. With a bit of personality, even everyday items can feel exciting and thoughtful.
Practical-but-not-boring ideas:
• Unique mousepads or keyboard accessories
Minimal, stylish, or themed—these little upgrades make any desk feel more put together.
• USB mini desk fans or heaters
When the offices is always too hot or too cold, so this tiny gadget is great!
• Quality reusable water bottles or insulated tumblers
Useful, modern, and perfect for coworkers constantly on the go.
• Desktop trays
For the coworker who loves a tidy workspace… (or the one who needs one!)
5. Personalized Stationery
Personalized gifts show you put real thought into the present. They feel tailored but still office-appropriate, which makes them ideal for coworkers you know fairly well.
Personalized go-to options:
• Personalized pens
Simple, elegant, and great for coworkers who appreciate a quality pen.
• Custom notepads or stationery
Their name, initials, or a fun team joke subtly printed—professional but still fun.
• Custom planner books
Photos, themes, or colors that match their vibe.
6. Holiday Wall Art & Desk Gifts
Holiday gifting can get repetitive fast, but choosing pieces with personality keeps things fun and memorable.
Holiday-friendly ideas:
• Holiday-themed mini desk plants
A small succulent or pine with a festive pot—simple and adorable.
• Gourmet holiday coffee, cocoa, or tea sets
Warm, seasonal flavors that feel cozy but still office-appropriate.
• Light-up desk décor
Subtle and festive without taking up much space.
• Funny Christmas or holiday wall art
Perfect for Secret Santa or holiday exchanges. It adds festive personality without being tacky and works in cubicles, home offices, and shared team spaces.
Holiday gifts work best when they feel personal and unique—avoiding that “I grabbed this at the last minute” vibe.
7. Eco-Friendly Gifts
Sustainable gifts are becoming more and more popular, and they’re perfect for environmentally conscious coworkers—or just anyone who appreciates well-made, long-lasting items.
Eco-friendly ideas your coworkers will actually use:
• Bamboo desk organizers
Stylish, minimal, and great for keeping a workspace tidy.
• Reusable straws or cutlery sets
Perfect for coworkers who bring lunch or drinks from home.
• Eco-friendly notebooks
Made from recycled materials but still feel high quality.
• Seed-infused pencils
Use them, plant them, and watch herbs or flowers grow.
• Refillable water bottles
Modern shapes, slim designs, and great for everyday use.
And if you’re gifting wall art, printable versions naturally reduce shipping waste and packaging—making them one of the more eco-conscious choices out there.
Why Co-Worker Gifts Matter More Than You Might Expect
Giving a co-worker a great gift isn’t just about the holiday moment. It’s an easy way to make people feel appreciated, lift the office mood, and create a more connected team. Even a small, thoughtful gift can:
Boost someone’s day
Spark a conversation
Make the office feel friendlier
Add some humor to routines
Encourage a little creativity or motivation
The best co-worker gifts aren’t always the fanciest or the most expensive—they’re the ones that feel personal, a little fun, and chosen with thoughtfulness. Whether you go for something useful, something that sparks a laugh, or something that brightens their workspace, the goal is the same: to make someone’s workday feel a little lighter and a lot more appreciated.
And if you want something meaningful that’s still budget-friendly, printable wall art is a great option to keep in mind. It’s easy to customize, simple to frame, and it instantly turns into a gift that feels thoughtful without the fuss.
If you’re looking for inspiration or ready-to-go designs, the ToPrintables Etsy shop has a collection of printable gifts created specifically for co-workers—motivational posters, funny holiday art, appreciation prints, and more that might just be the perfect way to brighten someone’s desk (and their day!).