Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers

By Yuri Nieto Faus · Updated 12 November 2026

Buying for a colleague is tricky: you might not know them well, and the gift will be opened in front of the whole team. The best office presents are useful, inclusive and easy to like.

Desk favourites

Things that make the workday a little nicer are almost impossible to get wrong.

• Travel mug or insulated cup — keeps coffee hot through meetings.
• Desk plant — low-maintenance succulents are safest.
• Quality notebook and pen — universally useful.
• Phone or laptop stand — great for hybrid workers.

Shareable treats

Good if you’re unsure of tastes; check allergies.

• Biscuit or chocolate box — they can share with the team.
• Tea or coffee sampler — a small taste tour.
• Popcorn kit — for a film night at home.

Fun for breaks

Gifts that the whole team can enjoy turn a present into a moment.

• A quick card game — great for team lunches.
• Desk puzzle — a five-minute brain break.
• Mini basketball hoop for the bin — a classic office laugh.

What to avoid at work

A few gifts cause more awkwardness than joy in an office setting.

• Alcohol — not everyone drinks.
• Toiletries that hint at hygiene — can feel personal.
• Jokes about age, looks or habits — keep it kind.
• Anything over budget — it makes others feel bad.

How to choose in two minutes

1. Check their hints or questionnaire answers.
2. Pick one interest and one practical need, and look for a gift where they meet.
3. Add a handwritten note: it costs nothing and is what people remember.

Make any budget feel generous

• Presentation matters. Brown paper, string and a sprig of rosemary look better than expensive wrapping.
• Combine two small things that go together, like a mug and a good hot chocolate, instead of one random item.
• Buy local. A treat from a local bakery or market feels more personal than a big-brand equivalent.
• Remove price tags and include a gift receipt in case the size or colour is wrong.
• Write a note. One line about why you chose it is often the part people keep.

Frequently asked questions