Gifts for Coworkers They'll Actually Use

Office gift exchanges come with a challenge: find something thoughtful for a colleague you may know mostly from meetings, at a level that feels generous without being awkward. The answer is a gift that lives on the desk and gets used every day, so it is remembered long after the holiday party. Here are our favorite gifts for coworkers – frames, a fine pen, catch-alls and small keepsakes that brighten a workspace.

A Frame for the Desk

Almost everyone has a favorite photo that deserves better than a phone screen.

Michael Aram Orchid Frame 5x7

A 5x7 frame with Michael Aram's orchid motif, handcrafted in the Michael Aram workshops, where each design begins as a hand-forged original.

Michael Aram Palm Frame 5x7

Palm fronds in handcrafted metal around a 5x7 photo – a little vacation on the desk. See all Michael Aram picture frames.

Jay Strongwater Kaylee 3x4 Rose Frame

A small jeweled frame, hand-enamelled and hand-set with crystals by Jay Strongwater's artisans – sized for a desk or a bookshelf.

A Pen Worth Signing With

Caran d'Ache Ecridor Retro Ballpoint Pen

Swiss Made in Caran d'Ache's Geneva workshops, with a hexagonal brass body engraved with the Retro lozenge guilloche from the brand's 1930s mechanical pencils. Its Goliath cartridge writes up to 600 A4 pages. More in fine writing.

Catch-Alls for Keys, Clips and Rings

Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Round Trinket Tray

A small handcrafted metal tray to keep paper clips, earbuds or keys in one place.

Michael Aram Black Orchid Ring Catch

For the colleague who takes off rings or a watch to type – a decorative ring catch in Michael Aram's Black Orchid design.

Small Pleasures for the Workday

L'Objet Seashell Coasters, Set of 4

A set of four coasters from L'Objet to protect the desk from the morning coffee – and share with the deskmate.

Michael Aram Anemone Scented Candle, 13.5 oz

A 13.5 oz scented candle from Michael Aram's Anemone collection – better suited to a home office than an open-plan floor.

Michael Aram Dogwood Tic Tac Toe

A handcrafted metal tic tac toe game for the break room or the corner of a desk.

Herend Ladybug Box

A 2.25 in porcelain ladybug box, painted entirely by hand in Herend, Hungary, in a range of fishnet colors – a lucky charm for the desk.

Gifts by Coworker

• The organizer: a trinket tray or ring catch that keeps the desk in order.
• The coffee drinker: coasters for the mug that never leaves the desk.
• The note-taker: a fine pen they will reach for in every meeting.
• The new parent or newlywed: a frame for the photo they keep showing everyone.
• The departing colleague: a keepsake to remember the team by.

Tips for Office Gift Exchanges

• Choose something useful and neutral – a frame or a pen suits almost anyone.
• For a team gift to a manager or a departing colleague, pool together for one special piece.
• Buying for clients or a whole team? See our corporate gifts.

Presentation Matters

At the office, the moment of opening is shared with the whole team, so a beautifully boxed gift makes a strong first impression. Add a short card that mentions something specific – a project you finished together, a habit you admire, a joke from the year. A thoughtful note turns even a small gift into one your coworker will keep on the desk for years, long after the holiday party is over.

Save your favorites: open any piece and tap the ♡ to add it to your Wishlist, then share the list with your office gift-exchange group.