We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The 63 Best Gifts for Coworkers and Employees of 2024 We found the very best gifts for everyone on your team, including the boss, direct report, and intern. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 22, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa You probably spend a good deal of time with your coworkers, and it’s a good idea to show your appreciation for them by giving them a gift for their birthday or at the end of the year. Gift-giving etiquette can seem more challenging for your coworkers and employees than for your friends and family, but it doesn’t have to be. There are just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for coworkers. “You want to avoid gifts that are too personal in nature,” says Dan Post, author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast. Examples include clothing like blouses and pajamas or scents like perfumes and colognes, which can be very personal, as well as humorous items, because not everyone has the same sense of humor. “You don’t want to rely on other people getting your joke in order for a gift to land well,” Post says. That doesn’t mean you have to stick with boring office items, like paperweights, either. You can be professional and pick something you know your coworker likes, like high quality sweets and food, a favorite type of pen or personal journal, or something that ties into their hobbies. We did the hard work for you and found the best gifts for coworkers and employees that strike the right balance between professional and thoughtful. Supvan E10 Bluetooth Label Maker PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon Organization is key for a happy office, and this Bluetooth-enabled label maker makes the task that much easier. Much smaller than a typical label maker yet just as effective, the Supvan E10 comes with 600 templates via the app, including 35 fonts and a variety of graphics, symbols, icons, and more. It's super easy to use and is small enough to fit in any desk drawer. Kin Element Mug Warmer and Lid Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $35 $23 at Amazon $23 at Wayfair $35 at Walmart How many times have you poured a cup of hot coffee in the morning, only to have it languish on your desk while you take meeting after meeting? This desktop coffee mug warmer will keep their favorite drink at a toasty temperature for up to eight hours. Vornado Flippi V6 Personal Air Circulator Fan PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $25 $20 at Amazon $23 at Wayfair Orig. $20 $18 at Target You may not always be able to get fresh air in an office, but you can at least get some air flow. This personal fan helps circulate the air around you to keep things breezy. It has two different speeds and multiple angles, so they’ll have options for staying cool. Nordik Leather Desk Mat PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon If you’re going to spend most of the day at a desk, you might as well make it look nice. This vegan leather mat will elevate any desk with a pop of color and a smooth surface to rest their arms on. It’s also waterproof and scratch-resistant. Padding Paws Engraved Ballpoint Pen PHOTO: Etsy $14 at Etsy They’ll think of you each time they reach for this laser-engraved ballpoint pen that can be personalized with any name, logo, or slogan up to 20 characters. Choose between several color and font options to tailor each pen to the recipient’s personal style. Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $21 at Brooklinen View on Zola A good night’s sleep is key to a productive work day. Help a coworker catch some quality Zzz’s with this silk eye mask that feels cool and luxurious. Stasher Pocket Bag 2-Pack PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $14 $9 at Amazon $14 at Crate & Barrel $18 at Kohls.com This eco-friendly gift will help reduce single-use plastic and give a coworker some convenient storage bags to hold their favorite snacks. They have a tight seal, so your coworker can toss them into their bag without worrying anything will leak out, and they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Instacart Gift Card PHOTO: Instacart View on Amazon View on Instacart.com The last thing you want to think about during the work week is shopping for groceries. Make this chore a little less painful with an Instacart gift card, which lets them choose food, drinks, and household items from local stores to be delivered right to their door. Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $24 at Beanbox.com This set of four curated coffees will help anyone get through a long day (or week) of meetings. Each box includes a half-pound of coffee (choose either whole beans or freshly ground), an artisan treat, and tasting notes. TSJ Office Desktop Whiteboard PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon Help them get rid of the endless post-its and papers with this desktop whiteboard. They can use it to clear off their daily to-do list, plus it also has hidden storage inside to hold pens and other small accessories. Leatherology Mouse Pad PHOTO: Courtesy by Amazon $50 at Amazon $35 at Leatherology.com A mouse pad is an office essential, and this sleek, full-grain leather mouse pad is sure to elevate their workstation—whether it’s at home, in a coffee shop, or in the office. You can even pay a bit extra to have it monogrammed, making each mousepad unique to the employee or coworker you’re gifting it to. Apple MagSafe Charger PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $39 $29 at Amazon Orig. $39 $29 at Walmart $39 at Apple Other than spotty WiFi, one of the most frustrating things at work is having your devices run out of battery. This charger can keep mobile devices powered up, and best of all, you can set it and forget it—there are no wires to get tangled up. Huanuo Lap Desk With Support Cushion PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $37 $30 at Amazon $43 at Wayfair Treat your work-from-home colleagues to this lap desk that will prop their laptop at an angle, so they can work comfortably from their couch (or bed, no judgment). It features a wrist pad, a lap cushion, a device holder, and a storage pocket. Mütesync Video Conference Mute Button PHOTO: Amazon $49 at Amazon Orig. $49 $3 at Uncommon Goods View on Mutesync.com We could all use a little extra reassurance that we are, in fact, on mute during our video conference calls. Thanks to Mütesync, the search for the mute button is over. Using the Mütesync mute button, you can toggle between mute and unmute using a physical key—even if the video call is minimized— and the light will indicate when you’re set to mute (and when you’re not). It’s the perfect gift for your remote coworkers, and you just may be tempted to grab a second for yourself, too. Jacobsen Salt Co. Salty Caramels PHOTO: Jacobsen Salt Co. $20 at Amazon $13 at Jacobsensalt.com Made with salt harvested from the pristine waters of the Oregon coast, Jacobsen’s caramels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The classic caramels and buttery and have a touch of sea salt for a little sweet and savory treat. Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $34 $25 at Amazon $26 at Walmart Say goodbye to piles of loose notes and post-its—this handy notebook is infinitely reusable. Just write and wipe, and you have a clean slate all over again. Handwritten notes can be scanned and uploaded to a number of cloud apps for safekeeping. La Chatelaine Shea Butter Hand Cream Trio PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $26 at Walmart View on Lachatelainebeauty.com A quality hand cream is another desk essential, especially during the winter months. This luxury hand cream trio comes in a variety of different scent combinations, including the seasonal Winter White set, which includes Amber Cashmere, Coconut Milk, and Lychee Bilberry hand creams, all packaged in a giftable tin. Minimum Design Pen Holder PHOTO: Etsy $30 at Etsy Instead of having pens, pencils, and other desk accessories strewn all over their desk, organize them in this minimalist vase. It makes a pretty statement on any desk whether it’s empty or filled with writing utensils. It comes in three different colors: natural wood, greenwood, and blackwood. MoMA Pear Pod Multifunctional Desktop Organizer PHOTO: Courtesy by Nordstrom $28 at Moma.org Style and function intersect in this desk organizer from the MoMA Design Store. The “Pear Pod” is by far the most adorable way to store office essentials, including pens, paperclips, sticky notes, and more. Sips By The Mini Box PHOTO: Sips By View on Sipsby.com Tea is always a good idea, especially when the temperatures drop. Show your appreciation for your favorite tea drinker with this gift from Sibs By, which can be purchased individually or as a set of five or 10. Each mini box has enough tea for four cups, and also comes with disposable filters and a reusable muslin cloth tea filter for steeping. Plus, each box comes with a velvet bow, so it's ready for immediate gifting. Bando Classic 17-Month Planner PHOTO: Bando View on Bando.com Help keep your coworker organized with this 17-month planner. Any planner is a little easier to use if it’s fun and colorful, and this one comes with artwork, stickers, notes pages, a coloring page, and a monthly meal planner page. It really is the perfect planner that they’ll be excited to use every time they open it. Jiggy Cali Views by Domonique Brown Puzzle PHOTO: Jiggy Puzzles View on Jiggypuzzles.com This 450-piece puzzle comes in a reusable glass jar and includes a tube of puzzle glue and a straight edge tool, so they can put their hard work on permanent display. Designed by artist Domonique Brown, it will bring some bright California vibes to their workspace. Brookspot Freak In The Sheets Mug PHOTO: Etsy $20 at Etsy Whether they’re an Excel pro or have been personally victimized by an uncooperative pivot table, this funny mug will brighten their day and desk. It can hold 11 ounces of their favorite beverage. Rifle Paper Co. Push Pin Set PHOTO: Courtesy by Rifle paper co. $22 at Amazon View on Riflepaperco.com View on Papersource.com Elevate their essentials with these “Garden Party” push pins stored in a matching tin box. It’s perfect for adding a little color to a drab desk or sprucing up an inspiration board. Plant Therapy Mini Portable Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon Orig. $35 $25 at Walmart $28 at Planttherapy.com Fill their room with calming aromatherapy. This sleek mini diffuser can fit on top of a desk and delivers their favorite essential oil in 10-minute bursts. It’s rechargeable and compact, so they can take it on the go to set the right mood for their day. W&P Porter Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon View on Wandp.com Coworkers don’t let coworkers get dehydrated. This stylish water glass bottle holds 20 ounces of liquid and is slim enough to commute with. It makes a great travel companion, too. Pick Your Pooch Eyeglass Holder PHOTO: UnCommon Goods $40 at Uncommon Goods For the coworker who wears glasses and loves their pet, this eyeglass holder is perfect for brightening up their desk. You can customize it with a variety of breeds, and each one is made from plywood and offers a distinctly hand-painted look. It’s not only cute but also offers them a place to set their glasses so they never have to wonder where they put them again. Mosiso Laptop Sleeve Bag PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon A laptop sleeve is useful if you’re spending any time commuting or traveling for work. This laptop sleeve is lightweight and thin so it won’t hog up all the space in a bag, but it’s also padded with three layers of protection to keep their laptop safe from bumps and scratches. It also has an extra pocket in front to stash earbuds, papers, or small notebooks. Sugarwish The Appreciation Sugarwish PHOTO: Sugarwish View on Sugarwish.com If you’re not sure what your coworker likes, show your appreciation with this customizable Sugarwish. You can send your recipient a link to make their own selections or craft a specialty box based on their favorites. This box comes in six sizes with an assortment of candy, cookies, coffee, teas, candles, or wine to choose from. Koythin Ceramic Coffee Mug with Saucer Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $22 $20 at Amazon Make their morning cup of coffee more fun with one of these adorable ceramic mug designs. You can choose from clouds, cow print, checkers, or florals—all of them are equally cute and colorful. It can hold 10 ounces of fluid and also comes with a matching saucer set so that their desk never gets stained with coffee rings or drips. No matter which design you choose, it’s sure to put a smile on their face throughout the work day. Prowithlin Desktop Vacuum Cleaner PHOTO: Courtesy by Amazon $13 at Amazon Look, crumbs happen. You can help a coworker suck up some of their desktop dirt with a mini vacuum. This one is USB chargeable and comes with a brush and nozzle to fit hard-to-reach places. Keyaiira Custom Leather Cable Organizer PHOTO: Courtesy by Etsy $10 at Amazon $14 at Etsy Help them keep cord clutter at bay with these leather cable ties available in a variety of colors and personalization options. The ties can even be purchased as a set, should you choose to give them to multiple people around the office. Magnolia Bakery Small Sampler Pack PHOTO: Magnolia Bakery $45 at Magnoliabakery.com The NYC-based Magnolia Bakery has garnered national attention for its decadent desserts, the most famous being the banana pudding and the cupcakes. If you can’t decide between these two legendary desserts, this variety pack comes with two banana pudding cups and two cupcakes. Plus, it can be delivered nationwide. The Sill Philodendron Green PHOTO: The Sill $38 at Thesill.com A plant is a thoughtful gift that lasts much longer than flowers. A philodendron is a good gift that's suitable for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike, and this option from The Sill comes with two size options, three planter choices, and a variety of colors. You can send it directly to the office or their home—shipping is free, and each package comes with a plant care guide. Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $25 $23 at Amazon View on Takeyausa.com Orig. $28 $17 at Kohls.com We all have that one coworker who loves cold brew no matter what temperature it is outside. This cold brew maker will let them enjoy their caffeine any time of day. It’s BPA-free, leakproof, shatterproof, easy-to-use, and makes four servings. Musee Women Of Change Bath Balm Gift Set PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon View on Museebath.com $27 at Maisonette.com These bath balms feature inspiring women such as Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart. Each bath balm is made with natural essential oils and has a surprise magnet inside. You’ll be supporting a woman-owned business that hires women in recovery, people with disabilities, and those who have lived in chronic poverty. You can gift the entire set of five or break it up into five different gifts. Uncommon Goods Desk Yoga Card Deck PHOTO: Uncommon Goods Orig. $20 $18 at Amazon $20 at Uncommon Goods View on Barnesandnoble.com For the coworker who sits at their desk all day, this desk yoga card deck is perfect for sneaking in a stretch break without even leaving their chair. It’s a perfect reminder to take a moment to relieve tight muscles and aches. The colorful cards are divided into chair yoga, standing yoga, calming breathwork, and meditation, so they’ll always have ideas for their next mindful break. Fortune & Frame Classic Fortune Frame PHOTO: Courtesy by Fortune and frame $38 at Fortuneandframe.com Fortune & Frame’s 14K gold-plated brass lockets can hold any message of your choosing, whether it be a company mission statement, an inspiring quote, or words of appreciation. The frame comes with a three-use easel so the words can be displayed on any desk, wall, or fridge. Uncommon Goods Corporate Nonsense Generator PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $50 at Uncommon Goods This cheeky fidget toy features common workplace phrases that your coworker or employee might find in their inbox. The three adjustable wooden segments twist and turn to reveal scrambled corporate expressions and lingo, like “circle back on stakeholders synergistically.” Williams Sonoma Monogram Mug PHOTO: Courtesy by Williams Sonoma $15 at Williams-Sonoma $15 at Havenly.com Everyone has a favorite mug at home or work, and this monogrammed one will soon become your coworker’s. It’s made of clean, white porcelain, and has a hand-applied real gold letter that will help it stand out from the crowd. Moleskine Classic Notebook PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $21 $17 at Amazon $25 at Target View on Abebooks.com Or if your coworker prefers classic notetaking, this reliable Moleskine is a great office accessory. You can choose between ruled, dotted, double layout, or plain pages to help them jot down all their meeting notes, reminders, and to-do lists. DoorDash Gift Card PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Walmart View on Doordash.com Give your coworker a break from meal prepping by gifting them a DoorDash gift card, which gives them the opportunity to try a new restaurant or order their favorite meal for free. DoorDash is available in over 4,000 cities nationwide, so they’re guaranteed to have lots of options no matter where they live. Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: Zen Coloring Book For Mindful People PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon For another much needed analog break in the day, this adult coloring book will give a coworker something fun and relaxing to do. The book has 50 different animal and flower patterns they can color in whenever they need some creative inspiration. OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Portable Speaker PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $40 $25 at Amazon Orig. $50 $40 at Target $25 at Walmart Upgrade their sound for music, podcasts, and conference calls. This Bluetooth speaker packs a powerful audio punch in a compact size. It’s also lightweight and water-resistant, so they can take it with them on the go. Hydro Flask Travel Mug PHOTO: Amazon $33 at Amazon $33 at Nordstrom $33 at REI Whether they prefer hot or cold drinks, this insulated Hydro Flask Mug will keep their beverages at just the right temperature. There’s also a closable lid to prevent accidental spills when they’re moving from their desk to a conference room. Handmade Habitat Custom Typewritten Note Candle PHOTO: Courtesy by Uncommon goods View on Handmadehabitat.co Add your own personal sentiments, such as an encouraging quote or a company motto, to these hand-poured candles. Choose between one of four relaxing fragrances, such as The Gift of Clarity, a blend of peppermint, spearmint, and vanilla, or The Gift of Rest, a mix of lavender and eucalyptus. Stojo 12 Oz Cup PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon For the coworker who you love to have a coffee break with, this reusable and collapsible coffee cup is perfect for on-the-go coffee runs—it simply collapses it for storage in their work bag when they’re done. Pair this with a Starbucks gift card (or a gift card from your favorite local coffee shop) for a thoughtful and practical gift that they’ll remember for years to come. Yamazaki Cable Management Box PHOTO: Madewell $40 at Amazon $40 at Wayfair $40 at Walmart In any workspace, once you factor in a computer, monitor, chargers, power adapters, and more—that’s a lot of cords lying around. Help organize the chaos a little with an organizer that can keep all those loose cords hidden out of sight. Godly Gorgeous Daily Planner Pad PHOTO: Courtesy by Etsy $12 at Etsy Help a coworker organize their to-do list with this cute notepad that sorts tasks by top priority, later, and tomorrow. All after coffee, of course. Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Merino Wool Felt Coasters PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $20 at Graflantz.com Avoid annoying wet spots or water rings on tables by using a set of coasters. These modern merino wool coasters also look nice on any surface, whether that’s an office desk or coffee table. Lands’ End Natural Open Top Canvas Tote Bag PHOTO: Lands End Orig. $40 $38 at Amazon Orig. $40 $28 at Landsend.com Lands’ End’s iconic canvas tote is the ultimate carry-all for any occasion. It’s built to stand the test of time, thanks to the durable cotton canvas and reinforced bottom and handles (it’s been tested to hold up to 500 pounds without breaking). Choose between a number of size and color options, and for a personal touch, you can even have it monogrammed. Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon It is an understatement to say that cell phones are grimy. Help a coworker keep theirs germ-free with this small UV sanitizer that kills 99 percent of bacteria and germs. It can also be used for keys, sunglasses, earbuds, and other small frequently used valuables. Yeake Desktop Mirror PHOTO: Courtesy by Amazon $13 at Amazon This desktop mirror is compact, swivels, and will help anybody check to make sure they’re ready for their next video call (i.e., don’t have any food stuck in their teeth). Bentgo Bento Lunch Box Container PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $15 at Target $15 at Walmart If your coworker always brings lunch to work or meal preps at home, this bento box set will help keep food fresh and neatly organized. It has two stackable containers and even comes with a three-piece utensil set. ban.do Feel Better De-Stress Ball- Mushroom PHOTO: ban.do View on Bando.com This cute foam rainbow can sit on your coworker’s desk to brighten their day. Plus, it doubles as a stress ball they can squeeze whenever they need it. If this shape isn’t their style, it’s also available in a cake, banana, cowboy boot, ice cream cone, flower, grapefruit, and strawberry shape. Seattle Chocolate Color of Chocolate Gift Box PHOTO: Seattle Chocolate View on Seattlechocolate.com This gift set from the candy makers at women-owned Seattle Chocolate features a selection of meltaway truffles, including espresso, dark sea salt toffee, Mexican hot chocolate, pink bubbly, and more. With each purchase, the company donates 10 percent of net profits to Girls, Inc. Open Spaces Nesting Trays PHOTO: Open Spaces View on Getopenspaces.com $48 at Bloomingdales $48 at Madewell.com A cluttered desk can be stressful to look at and work at. This set of nesting trays can help keep things tidy and give all of the odds and ends a place to live. They can use all three together or spread them out across the room. Musee Soap Set PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon These jumbo soap bars feature encouraging words such as “hope,” “peace,” and “joy,”—and they made Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2022. All of the soaps are handcrafted in Mississippi using ethically-sourced, natural ingredients. What’s more is that you’ll be supporting a woman-owned business that hires women in recovery, people with disabilities, and those who have lived in chronic poverty. You can gift the entire set of six or break it up into six different gifts. Simple Modern 40-Ounce Tumbler PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon This reusable water bottle is perfect for commuting and taking into the office (or even working from home, of course). Despite having a straw lid, it’s actually leak proof, which means no spills on their desk throughout the day if they accidentally tip it over. With so many colors to choose from, you can opt for a neutral or bold option. iJoy Flexible Power Strip PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon Having a power strip in your office is a must, and this one makes a necessary albeit dull gadget a little more exciting. Choose from three playful colors—pink, mint green, or light blue—or go classic with black or white. Either way, your coworker can arrange the outlets however they’d like to keep their laptop, phone, and other tech devices running all day long. Vivitest Essential Oil Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $33 $27 at Amazon This essential oil diffuser is sure to give their office the boost it needs. It features nine LED colors around the base to emit a warm glow, adding to their relaxing environment and giving them an excuse for self care in the middle of the day, right at their desk. Pair it with a set of essential oils to really round out the gift and help them make their well-being a priority. Uncommon Goods Snarky Affirmations Daily Desk Calendar PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $15 at Uncommon Goods Sometimes your coworker needs a little pick me up in the middle of the day, and this daily desk calendar with snarky affirmations is just the thing to put a smile on their face. It’s made up of 200 pages that go from one to 31 and repeat (they just have to circle the day of the week and the month). Pages can be torn away after each day, and each one features a funny line like “Winnie the Pooh didn’t wear pants. Why should you have to?” Zalaver Metal Band Compatible with Apple Watch Bands PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $13 $9 at Amazon Give their Apple Watch an upgrade with one of these magnetic stainless steel mesh straps. It’s an inexpensive gift that can add a bit of flair to their workday outfits, and all 13 colors are just as stylish as the next. The magnetic closure makes sure the band is secure without getting in their way, and the simple design makes it perfect for a wide variety of coworkers’ styles. Questions You Might Ask How much money should you spend on a gift for a coworker? Giving is personal, so how much you should spend on a gift is also subjective. “The best answer is that it should be something you feel good about spending,” Post says. “A gift exchange should make everyone feel good, and that includes the person giving the gift, and part of doing that well is knowing and understanding your budget as well as the expectations around the event or gift, and making good choices,” he says. Setting the parameters ahead of time, such as exchanging stocking stuffers, can provide some clarity. Price aside, gifts can be too extravagant. If gifts are too expensive, they can make people feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, something handmade or personally created could feel more significant and genuine than something that costs a lot. Post recommends that as a gift giver, you can manage the way you present something to allow the other person to receive the gift well, which is more important than sticking to a specific price range. For example, if it’s something more expensive, you could say “I know this is a little more than usual, but I just really know how much you’d appreciate it.” And for something more personal, including a note or message to provide context and connection. Is it proper etiquette to buy a holiday gift for your boss? Gift giving is never an obligation, Post says. Even if half of your workers are giving your manager a gift, it doesn’t mean that you should feel like you need to. If you do choose to give a gift to a boss, “you want to be careful you’re not giving the impression that you’re trying to cultivate favor, or take advantage of a personal relationship in a way that other colleagues couldn't or wouldn’t,” Post says. A good way to handle gifts for your boss is to pool resources and do a group gift. But again, even though everyone has an option to participate, no one should feel it’s required, and you should never point out people who choose not to contribute. The reasons why people may opt out are personal and not something you need to share in the workplace, so there should be an expectation that no one would judge you about it, Post says. On the flip side, if you want to give gifts to people who report to you, Post recommends trying to do it for everybody and doing it so everyone feels equal. “You don't want to set up a situation where people feel like they’re being treated differently, and personal gifts that go to some people and not others can create that feeling,” he says. What are the occasions you should give gifts to coworkers? Post says birthdays and holidays are generally times in life where people exchange gifts, so it’s important to be aware of that, though there’s not a strong expectation that you need to give gifts to workers for either. Other occasions to consider gift giving opportunities are when people leave the team or company or retire, and then teams may get together and do something. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen and Melanie Fincher. Lesley is a freelance writer who covers shopping and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. Melanie is associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To write this article, they researched dozens of potential gift ideas, ultimately choosing the best based on price, practicality, and uniqueness. Lesley also spoke to Dan Post, author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast, for expert advice on gift giving.