Fun Gifts For Office [TOP PICKS]
Finding the perfect gift for someone in an office setting can feel like a balancing act-especially when you want to strike that sweet spot between thoughtful and professional, fun and useful. Office gifts often fall into a category that’s tricky to navigate. You don’t want to give something too personal or inappropriate, but you also want to steer clear of the generic, unmemorable gifts that end up gathering dust in a drawer. The challenge is to find a gift that makes a statement without crossing the line into tackiness or awkwardness.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re looking for a small token of appreciation or a more extravagant gesture, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down all the details, from how to really figure out what someone would love to receive, to the best places where you can shop for a gift that speaks volumes. Along the way, we’ll point out some common gift-giving mistakes to avoid, so you don’t have to worry about giving a ’bad’ gift.
10 Fun Gifts For Office
1. Desk Toys & Fidget Gadgets
Desk toys are a game-changer when it comes to lightening the mood in an office. Whether you’re trying to release some stress or just need a distraction between meetings, these quirky gadgets will do the trick. They’re designed to keep your hands busy while your mind stays sharp, helping to foster creativity while avoiding the dreaded office boredom. Plus, many of these toys look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, making them super fun to play with and show off to coworkers.
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2. Funny Office Mugs
Who doesn’t love a good laugh with their coffee? A funny office mug isn’t just for the caffeine-it’s an opportunity to showcase personality and humor. Imagine drinking your morning brew from a mug that reads ’This Might Be Wine’ or ’World’s Okayest Employee.’ These quirky mugs can also be a great conversation starter and brighten up even the dullest of meetings. Whether you’re getting a kick out of a sarcastic quote or a fun design, they add a bit of personality to your desk and help get the day started with a smile.
Top Picks:
- Funny Coffee Mug – ’I’m Not Arguing, I’m Just Explaining Why I’m Right’
- Sarcastic Mug – ’I’m Not A Morning Person’
- World’s Okayest Employee Mug
3. Novelty Office Supplies
Novelty office supplies are the ultimate way to inject some humor into your daily grind. From quirky staplers to pens that look like miniature rockets, these fun items serve a dual purpose-getting the job done while keeping you entertained. The best part? They make any office space look a bit less sterile and a lot more personal. Plus, you’ll always be the person who has the coolest, most unique items on their desk. They’re perfect for spreading some cheer to colleagues and offering a break from the usual boring office essentials.
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4. Personalized Desk Accessories
Personalized desk accessories are not only practical but also a fun way to make your space truly your own. Imagine a nameplate that says ’Captain of the Desk,’ or a custom mouse pad with your favorite inspirational quote. These items serve as a reminder of your personality, interests, and maybe even a little humor at work. A personalized gift shows thoughtfulness and creates a more inviting workspace. You’ll be able to feel at home even when you’re buried in reports or tackling your to-do list.
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5. Office Plant Kits
Who says plants are just for your home? Office plant kits bring a little bit of nature into your workspace and help clean the air while boosting your mood. Taking care of a small plant can serve as a relaxing mini-project during your workday. Whether it’s a succulent, a tiny fern, or even a mini bonsai tree, these little green buddies can help to turn your office from drab to fab. Plus, they make fantastic conversation starters and provide a calm, fresh vibe to your desk.
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6. Office Games & Puzzles
Everyone loves a little fun during their lunch break or a mid-afternoon slump. Office games and puzzles are perfect for taking a quick mental break and unwinding between tasks. These brain-teasers not only provide entertainment, but they also help stimulate creativity and problem-solving. From mini board games to 3D puzzles, these small distractions can be just what you need to recharge. They also make fantastic team-building activities when you have visitors or colleagues who want to join in.
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7. Funny Office Signs
Give your workspace a personality with funny office signs. These small but mighty accessories can immediately brighten up your environment. Whether you’re displaying a sign that reads ’Do Not Disturb: Genius at Work’ or ’This Office Runs on Coffee,’ these signs make a playful statement. They also make a great gift for a coworker who loves to add a little humor to their space. With quirky quotes and designs, they’re sure to add some personality to the usual office decor.
Top Picks:
- Do Not Disturb Genius at Work Sign
- This Office Runs on Coffee Sign
- Hang in There, It’s Almost Friday Sign
8. Tech Gadgets & Accessories
Who doesn’t love a cool gadget to make their workday more interesting? Tech accessories and gadgets for the office are all about making things easier, more fun, and more efficient. Think of things like wireless charging stations with a touch of flair, Bluetooth speakers, or even a smart desk lamp that adjusts its brightness based on the time of day. These gadgets can make your desk look sleek and modern, all while being extremely functional. They also make for great gifts because they combine both practicality and a bit of fun techie flair.
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9. Stress Relief Tools
Stress is a given in any office, but having a stress relief tool can make a huge difference in keeping your calm. These items help you take a breather and reset your mind during a hectic day. Whether it’s a stress ball, a desk punching bag, or an aromatherapy diffuser, these little gadgets are meant to help you stay focused and relaxed. Plus, they make the perfect gift for someone who needs a little extra zen in their life. It’s like giving the gift of calm, one stress-free moment at a time.
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10. Quirky Calendars & Planners
Time management doesn’t have to be boring! Quirky calendars and planners are a fun way to organize your workday while adding a bit of personality to your office. These calendars often feature amusing quotes, fun designs, or daily challenges that give you something to look forward to each day. Whether you choose one with motivational sayings or an animal-themed planner, they’re bound to keep you on track while providing some laughs along the way. Plus, they make great gifts for anyone who enjoys a bit of humor with their productivity.
Top Picks:
- Funny Office Desk Calendar with Daily Quotes
- Animal-Themed Planner
- Motivational Calendar with Uplifting Messages
Buyer Guide For Fun Gifts For Office
Let’s start with a comprehensive guide to fun office gifts. ’Fun’ doesn’t mean you have to give something silly or impractical-it’s about injecting a little personality and humor into something functional. Here are some fantastic categories and examples of gifts that check all the boxes:
Personalized Stationery & Desk Items
- Why It Works: Office workers spend a lot of time at their desks, so giving something they can use every day adds value to their work environment. Plus, personalized items make it feel special.
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Ideas
- Custom nameplate desk signs.
- Personalized pens, notepads, or calendars.
- Engraved paperweights or staplers.
- A quirky mug with a custom message.
Desk Gadgets & Tech Accessories
- Why It Works: Most office workers love gadgets that make life easier, more efficient, or just more fun.
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Ideas
- A wireless charging pad for their phone.
- Bluetooth speakers that are small enough to fit on a desk but big enough to sound good.
- A smart desk lamp with adjustable color temperatures and a built-in USB charger.
- A mini desktop vacuum cleaner for quick cleanups.
Stress Relief & Wellness Gifts
- Why It Works: Offices can be stressful places, so gifts that help someone unwind or feel better are always appreciated.
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Ideas
- A mini desktop zen garden or fidget toys.
- Essential oil diffusers or aromatherapy sets.
- A desktop plant (like a succulent or small potted plant) to add life to the space.
- A high-quality, ergonomic mouse pad or cushion.
Office Humor (Appropriate)
- Why It Works: A little laughter can go a long way, especially in a place where tension can run high. Humor keeps things light.
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Ideas
- Funny, motivational posters.
- Desk signs or mouse pads with clever phrases.
- A quirky calendar with daily jokes or inspirational quotes.
- Novelty coffee mugs with light-hearted designs or puns.
Team-Oriented Gifts
- Why It Works: If you’re gifting for a whole team or a close colleague, items that emphasize camaraderie and teamwork are ideal.
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Ideas
- Customized T-shirts or mugs with the office’s inside jokes or slogans.
- A collaborative board game or desk game for team bonding.
- A ’thank you’ gift basket that everyone can share.
How To Learn What Someone Really Wants
This part is crucial. It’s easy to get carried away with your own ideas of what would be a good gift, but sometimes the best presents come from a deep understanding of what the recipient actually needs or desires. Here’s how to figure that out without directly asking (which can spoil the surprise):
Listen For Clues
- Pay attention to casual conversations. Maybe your colleague has mentioned they’re always cold at work and could use a cozy blanket, or they’ve been eyeing a fancy coffee maker.
- Watch their body language when they talk about office supplies or desk items. You can often tell if something excites them or if they’re bored by it.
Observe Their Desk
- Take note of what’s on their desk or in their workspace. If it’s cluttered, they may appreciate organizational gifts. If their desk looks bare, they might love something decorative or personal to add some character.
- If they’re into tech, look for signs that they might need upgraded tools, like a new keyboard or mouse.
Ask Around
- If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask their close friends or coworkers what they might like. They could have great insight into their hobbies, preferences, or unspoken needs.
Social Media Insights
- Take a quick peek at their social media profiles (if they’re publicly available) to see what they share or like. If they’re posting about traveling, they might love a gift related to that passion, like a personalized travel mug or journal.
Top Gift-Giving Errors To Watch Out For
It’s easy to mess up a gift if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when buying gifts for office mates:
Overly Personal Gifts
- Gifts like perfumes, clothing, or anything that involves personal taste should be avoided unless you’re very close to the person. Office environments are typically professional, and gifts that are too personal can make people uncomfortable.
Too Generic Or Impersonal
- Generic gifts like mugs, pens, or gift cards can come across as thoughtless. If you’re going to give something standard, make sure it has a personal touch, like custom engraving or a meaningful design.
Inappropriate Humor
- Humor is tricky. What’s funny to one person could be offensive to another, especially in a workplace with people from different backgrounds. Avoid any gifts that might cross boundaries or come off as too risqué.
Going Overboard
- When buying gifts, especially for colleagues or bosses, it’s easy to go overboard. Extravagant gifts can make the recipient feel uncomfortable, and it may give off the wrong impression, like you’re trying to buy favor.
Gifts That Don’t Reflect The Person’s Taste
- A gift should feel like it was chosen with the recipient in mind. If you get them something they’d never use, it won’t land well. Do your homework!
Best Places To Shop For Gifts
Now that you know what kind of gifts to look for and how to get a feel for what someone might want, it’s time to talk about where to find them. Here are some of the best places to shop for office gifts:
Online Retailers
- Amazon: A vast selection with reviews to guide your choice. Great for finding both fun and practical items.
- Etsy: Ideal for unique, handmade, and customizable gifts that add a personal touch.
- UncommonGoods: For creative, fun, and quirky office gifts that you won’t find everywhere.
- ThinkGeek: If your office mate has a nerdy side, this is the place for fandom-related and techy office items.
Brick-and-Mortar Stores
- Target: Known for affordable, stylish, and fun desk accessories or gifts that balance personality with functionality.
- Office supply stores (like Staples): Perfect for stocking up on functional office gifts with a bit of personality.
- Local Boutiques or Gift Shops: Often carry unique, locally-made gifts that show you’ve put thought into the selection.
Subscription Services
- FabFitFun: A subscription box filled with surprises that could be a fun office gift, offering wellness and lifestyle items.
- SnackCrate or Universal Yums: If your recipient is a foodie, a subscription box of international snacks can be a fun way to let them explore new tastes.
