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Funny Gifts For Office [TOP PICKS]

ByBen
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Gift-giving is an art that walks a fine line between thoughtful and just plain awkward. Especially when it comes to finding the perfect funny gift for someone at the office. Whether you’re buying for a colleague you’ve known for years or a new teammate you’re still getting to know, choosing the right funny gift can be tricky. After all, humor is subjective, and what might get one person laughing could fall flat for someone else.

But fear not! This guide is here to take you through every step of the process, ensuring that your gift not only brings laughs but also stays on the right side of professional. We’re diving into everything you need to know, from discovering what someone truly wants (beyond just their coffee order), to avoiding common pitfalls that could make your gift feel awkward instead of amusing.

Let’s break it down:

  • Why Funny Gifts? Funny gifts are a great way to show you’ve put some thought into what would make the recipient smile. They can ease the tension in a work environment, create shared inside jokes, and even help foster stronger connections between teammates.
  • The Balance Between Funny and Tacky: The key here is finding the sweet spot between humorous and respectful. What might seem hilarious in a casual setting can come off as inappropriate in a more formal or professional environment.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to choose the best funny gift for any office situation, and maybe even a few ideas you hadn’t thought of yet.

10 Funny Gifts For Office

1. Desk Toys & Gadgets

When you think of funny office gifts, desk toys and gadgets instantly come to mind. These are perfect for breaking up the monotony of a 9-to-5 grind and giving everyone something to laugh about. Whether it’s a quirky fidget toy, a desk pet that moves around, or a stress ball shaped like a funny character, these gadgets always have a way of sparking conversations. They are ideal for creating a lighthearted atmosphere in a workspace, making them excellent choices for Secret Santa or just as a surprise gift to brighten someone’s day.

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2. Mugs & Drinkware

A funny mug can say so much without saying a word. Whether it’s a sarcastic quote, a hilarious graphic, or an image of a pet doing something ridiculous, these mugs bring joy and laughter to every coffee break. They’re also super practical, so the gift can be used every day-it’s like giving someone a little bit of humor with every sip. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable, so you can find something that perfectly matches someone’s sense of humor, whether they love dad jokes or witty office banter.

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3. Wall Art & Posters

Office walls are often the forgotten part of a workspace when it comes to personality, but funny wall art and posters can instantly transform any room. From hilarious motivational quotes that poke fun at typical office jargon to comical illustrations that brighten up a dull cubicle, these are perfect for bringing some humor to the environment. Not only do they add character to the space, but they also serve as a great conversation starter when visitors or coworkers stop by. You can’t go wrong with a bold statement piece that’ll make everyone laugh when they glance up from their desks.

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4. Funny Stationery

Nothing adds a bit of fun to a workday like some quirky stationery. Think sticky notes shaped like mustaches, pens that make silly sounds, or paperclips with funny shapes. These little items don’t just serve a purpose-they also make your desk feel more personal and playful. Perfect for anyone who’s looking to inject some lighthearted humor into their routine, funny stationery brings a smile every time you pull out that bright-colored notebook or send a letter with a hilarious pen. It’s practical, amusing, and an excellent way to keep office tasks feeling less mundane.

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5. Office Apparel

Office apparel is the one place you can make a funny statement while still being a professional (sort of). Whether it’s a T-shirt with a cheeky slogan or socks that depict a hilarious meme, funny office attire can make your work outfit more fun without breaking any dress codes. It’s all about subtle humor with a big impact. These gifts work especially well for office parties or casual Fridays when people want to show off their quirky side. The best part? They’re often comfortable, so you can stay both stylish and hilarious at the same time.

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6. Desk Organizers

Desk organizers are typically associated with keeping things tidy, but add a little humor to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a gift that’s both practical and funny. Whether it’s a quirky pencil holder shaped like a taco or a paper tray that looks like a retro video game console, these organizers serve as a functional storage solution with a comedic twist. They’re great for people who love to stay organized but also need a daily reminder to laugh. These gifts work in any office environment and keep the clutter at bay while brightening up the space.

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7. Gag Gifts

Gag gifts are classic when it comes to funny office presents. These are the types of items that’ll get a laugh for their absurdity or clever twist. Picture a stapler shaped like a penguin, or a toilet paper roll that plays a sound effect when you pull it. They’re unexpected and usually ridiculously funny, making them perfect for breaking the ice or lightening the mood during long meetings. Even better, they often serve as conversation pieces that coworkers will talk about long after the gift exchange is over.

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8. Funny Calendars

A funny calendar makes each day a little more enjoyable. It’s a clever way to inject humor into your office routine, whether it’s through a daily joke, an absurd piece of artwork, or a quirky theme. These calendars are perfect for people who love to laugh at the little things in life. Plus, it’s an ongoing gift that keeps on giving all year long, so every time someone flips the page, they’ll get a fresh dose of humor. It’s practical, funny, and a great addition to any desk or workspace.

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9. Novelty Tech Accessories

Tech accessories don’t have to be all about function-they can be packed with personality and humor too! From mouse pads with funny quotes to charging cables that light up in amusing patterns, novelty tech accessories are a great way to add some fun to your workspace. These little additions make using your devices a lot more enjoyable, especially if you get one that plays on a beloved meme or pop culture reference. The best part? They’re usually small, affordable, and make great stocking stuffers for any office friend.

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10. Funny Books & Desk Reads

A funny office book can be the perfect escape during a lunch break or a slow afternoon. Whether it’s a collection of hilarious office anecdotes, a sarcastic how-to guide, or a book of witty one-liners, funny desk reads offer a brief moment of laughter during a long day of work. They are ideal for coworkers who love to read but also need a good laugh. Plus, they make perfect gifts for those who appreciate a quick, comical diversion from the daily grind.

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Buyer Guide For Funny Gifts For Office

Choosing the perfect funny gift for someone in the office requires a bit of research and a lot of careful consideration. Here’s your roadmap to buying the ideal gift:

Know Your Audience

  • Personality Matters: Take into account the recipient’s personality. Are they outgoing or more reserved? Do they have a good sense of humor, or do they tend to shy away from jokes? For example:

    • A bubbly team member may appreciate something quirky and bold, like a hilarious mug with a silly quote.
    • A more serious colleague might appreciate dry humor, like a witty book or a minimalist desk toy with a subtle funny twist.
  • Sense of Humor: Humor is subjective, and what might be funny to you could be offensive to someone else. Some people love slapstick, while others enjoy sarcasm. Gauge the humor of the person and tailor your gift accordingly.

Consider Office Culture

  • The Environment: Is your office laid-back and informal, or more professional? You don’t want to gift something too over-the-top or risqué in a more formal workplace. Consider these points:

    • For a creative or startup office, think about trendy or unconventional items that play off office culture-things like quirky desk items, fun planners, or sarcastic stationery.
    • In a corporate setting, gifts that are a bit more subtle, like a humorous calendar or a quirky pen holder, might be more appropriate.
  • Appropriateness: Always ask yourself, “Would this be funny if everyone in the office saw it”? This is particularly important when gifting something that may be seen by others. What’s considered funny in private could be less appropriate in front of clients or superiors.

Personal Touch

  • Inside Jokes: Does your office have any ongoing inside jokes or memes that everyone participates in? Capitalizing on these can make your gift feel even more personal. For example:

    • A team that regularly makes jokes about coffee could appreciate a hilarious ’World’s Okayest Coffee Drinker’ mug.
    • A colleague who’s known for always getting lost might enjoy a quirky desk map or ’#1 Navigator’ trophy.
  • Custom Gifts: Personalizing a gift with the recipient’s name or something specific about them shows you’ve put thought into it. Whether it’s a custom T-shirt with an inside joke or a personalized funny desk plaque, this can go a long way in making your gift stand out.

How To Learn What Someone Really Wants

One of the biggest hurdles in gift-giving is figuring out what someone actually wants. It’s not always as easy as asking directly, and it can be especially tricky when it comes to humorous gifts. So, how do you get a sense of their preferences? Here are a few methods to uncover what might make them laugh:

Observe Their Desk

  • Clues in Their Workspace: You can often tell a lot about someone’s sense of humor by their workspace. Is there a bobblehead on their desk? A funny poster? A novelty item? This can give you a solid idea of what they find funny and what kinds of things they enjoy.
  • Look at Their Accessories: Check out their office supplies. Do they have quirky pens, a humorous calendar, or fun sticky notes? These small items can signal the type of humor they like, whether it’s sarcastic, nerdy, or just downright goofy.

Casual Conversations

  • Ask Indirectly: Instead of directly asking about gifts, slip in a casual question. For example:

    • “Have you seen any cool or funny stuff online lately”?

    • ’What”s the funniest thing that happened to you recently at work”?

      These kinds of questions give you insight into their tastes, without giving away the surprise.

Ask Others

  • Get Opinions from Teammates: If you’re unsure, ask mutual colleagues who know the person well. They can provide valuable feedback on what kinds of humor the recipient enjoys and what types of gifts are best avoided.
  • Past Gifts: Think back to any gifts they’ve received in the past. Were there any that stood out as a big hit? Or any that seemed to miss the mark? This can give you a clue about what works.

Top Gift-Giving Errors To Watch Out For

It’s easy to make a misstep when choosing a gift, especially in a workplace setting where you have to maintain a professional tone. Here are some top errors to avoid:

Crossing The Line Of Inappropriate Humor

  • Avoid Offensive Jokes: A gift that’s too risqué or controversial could make the recipient uncomfortable. Think twice before buying something with vulgar or edgy humor. Even though you may find it funny, someone else might not share the same sentiment.
  • Sensitive Topics: Stay away from gifts that could touch on sensitive topics like politics, religion, or anything personal that could potentially offend.

Not Considering The Professional Setting

  • Too Casual: Even though you’re buying a funny gift, keep in mind the setting. A gift that’s too casual or inappropriate for the office environment could create an uncomfortable situation.
  • Too Personal: Giving a gift that’s overly personal (like something tied to a specific private experience) might make the recipient feel awkward. Keep it lighthearted and universally enjoyable.

Buying Something Generic

  • Lack of Effort: Picking up something generic (like a random gag gift from a store) without any thought can make it seem like you didn’t put much effort into finding a thoughtful gift. It’s better to pick something tailored to their personality or interests, even if it’s funny in a more subtle way.

Best Places To Shop For Gifts

Now that you know what to look for and what to avoid, it’s time to find the perfect gift. Here are some top places to shop for funny office gifts:

Online Stores

  • Amazon: A huge variety of humorous office gifts, from quirky mugs to funny desk toys. The great thing about Amazon is that you can read reviews, ensuring the quality matches the humor.
  • Etsy: For personalized and custom funny gifts, Etsy is a goldmine. You can find unique, hand-crafted gifts that can really stand out.

Specialty Gift Shops

  • Uncommon Goods: This site specializes in unique and thoughtful gifts, many of which have a humorous twist. Think quirky office gadgets and fun decor items that are just offbeat enough for a good laugh.
  • ThinkGeek: For the geeky and nerdy types, ThinkGeek offers plenty of funny gifts that appeal to their interests-whether it’s Star Wars, video games, or science humor.

Local Gift Shops

  • Don’t overlook your local stores-especially boutique gift shops. These often have one-of-a-kind items, including quirky and funny office gifts that aren’t available online.

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