18 Christmas Gifts for Coworkers That They'll Actually Like

Key Takeaways

• Mix practicality with personality so every gift feels thoughtful, fun, and actually useful.
• Keep it lighthearted, office-friendly, and easy to enjoy long after the holiday decorations are gone.
• Add a little FUNBOY flair with gifts that spark smiles, laughter, and everyday joy.

As professional fun-makers, we know the difference between a gift that gets a polite “Aw, thanks!” and one that actually gets used. We’re talking about desk upgrades that spark joy, treats people actually eat, and little pick-me-ups that turn a Tuesday into a tiny celebration. 

Whether you’re shopping for the spreadsheet wizard, the Slack comedian, or the coworker who keeps the team caffeinated, we’ve got festive, drama-free ideas that won’t collect dust or trigger HR. 

1. Mini Mood-Boosting Desk Lamp

Let’s be honest: office lighting can feel like a scene from a vampire movie. A small, soft-glow lamp instantly transforms any workspace from gray to cozy. 

Look for one with adjustable brightness or color modes so your coworker can set the vibe. Look for options like cool white for focus or warm amber for post-lunch daydreaming. It’s practical and a little bit magical, especially when it casts that golden “holiday at your desk” glow.

2. “Work From Home” Survival Kit

For the coworker who’s permanently half-muted on Zoom, this one’s perfection. Build a mini care package with a cute mug, a tea or cocoa sampler, fuzzy socks, and maybe a candle that smells like “I’m thriving.” It’s the perfect little pick-me-up that makes logging in from home feel like self-care instead of survival. We call it productivity with a side of cozy.

3. Fancy Hot Cocoa or Coffee Set

You can’t go wrong with caffeine (or chocolate). A luxe cocoa or coffee set feels personal but not too personal, juuust right for gift exchanges. 

Add a mix of fun flavors, a few cinnamon sticks, and mini marshmallows, and you’ve just wrapped up an afternoon mood-booster in a box. Want to take it up a notch? Pair it with our Light-Up Ornaments so they can light up their desk like the main character they were always meant to be (even during budget meetings).

4. Personalized Stationery or Sticky Notes

Some people love new pens more than paydays, and you know exactly who they are. A sleek notebook or custom sticky note set says, “I appreciate your organized chaos.” Go for elevated materials (linen covers, thick pages, metallic pens) and skip anything with cheesy quotes. It’s a simple way to say, “I see your color-coded spreadsheets and I respect the art.”

5. Portable Phone Charger or Cord Organizer

There’s always that one coworker whose phone lives on 2%. Save their battery (and their sanity) with a sleek, compact charger or a cord organizer that keeps their desk tangle-free. Think minimal design, neutral colors, and a little luxury like faux leather wraps or magnetic cable clips. It’s useful, unisex, and guaranteed to earn you “most thoughtful” status at the gift swap.

6. FUNBOY-Style Movie Night Kit

Work hard, stream harder. Put together the ultimate chill-night kit: gourmet popcorn, fuzzy socks, and a cozy blanket wrapped with a bow. 

Toss in a “press play” QR code linked to a fun playlist or classic holiday movie suggestions. For the coworker who really deserves a break, go big and gift our 20-ft Inflatable Movie Screen. It’s the ultimate backyard flex for group watch parties (and instant holiday legend status).

7. Desk Plant (Low Maintenance)

Plants make everything better, especially fluorescent-lit cubicles. A tiny succulent, pothos, or ZZ plant adds a pop of green without turning your coworker into a part-time gardener. They purify the air and boost mood, all while looking adorable in a ceramic pot. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I support your mental health and your aesthetic.”

8. Office Snack Stash Box

You can’t go wrong with snacks ever. Fill a cute box or tin with sweet and salty treats: dark chocolate, trail mix, popcorn, maybe even some gummy bears for the inner child in all of us. Bonus points if you personalize it (“In case of boring meeting, break glass”). It’s simple, universal, and guaranteed to disappear faster than a PTO day in December.

9. Reusable Glass Tumbler or Insulated Mug

Every office has a caffeine connoisseur, the one who treats their morning brew like a sacred ritual. A sleek glass tumbler or insulated mug is the ultimate everyday upgrade. 

It keeps coffee hot (or matcha cold) through back-to-back meetings and looks effortlessly chic on any desk. Bonus points for picking one that’s spill-proof and fits under the espresso machine. Sustainability, but make it stylish.

12. Digital Detox Deck or Mindfulness Cards

We all know someone who needs a gentle nudge to close their laptop before midnight (maybe all of us?). A mindfulness or digital detox deck is the perfect desk-side reminder to take a breath, stretch, or even look away from the screen for 60 glorious seconds. 

Each card offers a quick, low-effort reset, ideal for the year-end whirlwind or post-meeting brain fog. Consider it a tiny wellness break, wrapped in cardstock.

13. Lap Desk or Couch Work Tray

Not every great idea happens at a desk, and sometimes your best work hits from the couch, blanket burrito style. A cushioned lap desk keeps laptops cool, snacks steady, and Google Meet angles surprisingly professional. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I see you answering emails from the sofa, and I respect the grind.”

14. Mini Zen Garden or Desktop Sand Tray

Because not every deep breath has to happen in a yoga studio. A tiny Zen garden or desktop sand tray turns stressful workdays into five-second getaways. 

A few swipes of the rake, and suddenly you’re less “deadline mode” and more “peaceful productivity.” It’s the perfect gift for your coworker who’s always juggling three projects and still somehow remembers everyone’s birthday.

15. Stylish Coaster + Desktop Catch-All Dish Set

Some people decorate their desks. Others just pile things. A sleek coaster and catch-all dish duo turns everyday clutter into a minimalist moment. Perfect for rings, earbuds, paper clips, or that emergency chocolate stash. It’s equal parts functional and fabulous, giving even the messiest desk a glow-up worthy of an Instagram Reel.

16. Fun Puzzle or Board Game

Nothing breaks up a long day like a little friendly competition. A small, easy-to-learn game gives coworkers a reason to pause, laugh, and reset before diving back into work. It’s the perfect middle ground between “team building” and actual fun — no trust falls required. Go for something small, colorful, and easy to grab when the midday slump hits.

17. Scented Candle with a Twist

A candle’s always nice, but one with personality? Even better. Look for playful names like “Smells Like PTO” or “Meetings That Could’ve Been Emails.” It instantly makes their space feel cozier (and funnier). Add a cute matchbook or lighter for the full moment. Because honestly, everyone deserves a little flicker of calm between spreadsheet sessions.

18. Cozy Kids-at-Heart Sleepover Kit

Every office has that coworker who swears they’re “young at heart.” Put together a playful sleepover-inspired gift with cozy socks, a small blanket, and their favorite nostalgic snacks. 

Want to level it up? Give their kiddo one of our Kids Sleepover Beds so the whole family can join in on the cozy magic. It’s a feel-good, family-friendly gift that brings back those carefree, popcorn-filled sleepover vibes, no bedtime required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I spend on a coworker gift?

You don’t need to drop designer-handbag money to make it count. For office exchanges or Secret Santas, $15–$30 is the sweet spot. If it’s for your work bestie or a boss who’s actually cool, you can stretch to $40–$50. 

The real rule? Make it feel personal, not pricey. A $20 gift that nails someone’s vibe beats a $60 one that screams “Amazon panic order.”

What if my coworker visibly doesn’t like my gift?

First of all, deep breath. We’ve all been there (looking at you, white elephant candle that smelled like “regret”). Don’t overthink it. Gift-giving at work is tricky because everyone’s taste is different. The key is to keep things light: laugh it off, say “Guess I owe you a do-over next year,” and move on. You weren’t trying to win The Bachelor. You were just spreading holiday cheer.

Are there any gifts I should totally avoid?

Oh yes, some are instant HR-level nos. Skip anything overly personal (clothing, perfume, anything that touches skin), inside jokes that could confuse others, or alcohol unless you really know your audience. 

Also off the list: gag gifts that might land wrong, self-help books, and “funny” mugs that could get side-eyed in a meeting. Stick with gifts that make people smile, not start an email thread.

The Final Bow

Finding the right office gift is basically an art form. You want something thoughtful but not too personal, fun but still HR-safe, festive but not fussy. 

The good news? You don’t have to overthink it. Whether it’s a cozy desk upgrade, a snack box that saves the workday, or something that just sparks a smile, the best gifts remind your coworkers why they actually like working with you.

At FUNBOY, we believe every moment deserves a little joy. So once you’ve wrapped up your coworker presents, treat yourself to something fun, too. 

From our Light-Up Ornaments that glow brighter than your Outlook calendar to the 20-ft Inflatable Movie Screen that makes backyard movie nights legendary, we’ve got everything you need to keep the holiday spirit floating all season long.

Spread cheer, spark laughter, and make this year’s office swap the most FUNBOY one yet. Shop our holiday collection today!

Sources:

Can the Light In Your Office Make You Sleepy? | Mount Sinai Today

Pothos, Epipremmum aureum | Wisconsin Horticulture

10 Ways to Save Your Smartphone’s Battery Life | AARP

What Drives Friendly Competition Between Good Friends? | Psychology Today