All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Learn more.
Every office is a microcosm of personalities, making the quest for the best gifts for coworkers exciting and baffling. You’ve got the snack lover, whose bottomless drawer of treats resembles a mini convenience store, always offering a morsel during that mid-afternoon slump. There’s the wellness enthusiast, ever zealous to remind us to take a break and breathe. And let’s not forget the Gen Zer, a beacon of pop culture, stocked with podcast recommendations and eager to draw you into their latest binge-worthy obsession.
Even if your team is remote, these quirks show in the little details: Zoom backgrounds that reveal snippets of our personal lives, Slack banter that often teeters on the line between productivity and procrastination, and those GIFs we can’t help but overuse. Shopping for gifts for coworkers can feel daunting, but you probably know them better than you think.
To help you brainstorm and reflect on some of the characters in your work environment, we’ve rounded up thoughtful gifts that cater to every persona, from the foodie to the tech whiz. Don’t see anything you like? Don’t press Checkout on that lazy gift card just yet—explore our other gift giving guides, from travel gifts to gifts for women, and our favorite stocking stuffers.
Updated October 2025: I’ve added the Pura Mini smart home fragrance diffuser and the Spigen OneTap Pro 3 Cryomax wireless charger. I’ve also updated prices and links.
-
For the Optimist
If their workspace could use a morale boost (whose couldn’t?), the Danish-designed Hoptimist desk accessory practically guarantees a smile. Tap it, and it bobs … that’s all. Originally created in the 1960s as a memento of positivity, this tri-colored version’s cheerful energy is infectious. My fiancé has one on his desk, and not only does it get endless compliments, but he also added curly hair to it—because why not make it even sillier?
-
For the Aromaphile
I’ve got my Pura Mini diffuser in the bathroom to help deal with the smells from my two kitties, and honestly, it’s been the only thing that really masks their odors. But it’s designed for all small spaces like entryways or home offices. If your coworker sets it up in their home, they’ll always think of you. This useful gift keeps on giving since they can pick their own fragrances to use. The scents are safe, clean, and typically pet-friendly. It delivers 30 days of fragrance if you run it for about six to eight hours a day, but I’ve gotta confess, I usually let it run all night in my bathroom. Plus, you can tweak the fragrance strength and set schedules and timers through the Pura app.