Start with what you can see
Look at their desk. A coffee drinker, a plant keeper, a person with five pens and none that work: small clues beat guesses. If your office exchange uses wishlists, check theirs first, and if it doesn't, you can ask them a question anonymously through the exchange chat.
Desk upgrades
- A heavy ceramic mug with a lid that keeps coffee warm through a meeting
- A small desk plant that survives low light, like a snake plant or pothos
- A felt desk mat in a neutral color
- A set of really good gel pens in black and blue
- A phone stand that holds the phone upright for video calls
- A wireless charging pad for the corner of the desk
Snacks and drinks
- A tin of loose-leaf tea with a reusable infuser
- A bag of beans from a local roaster, ground or whole
- A box of assorted shortbread or biscotti
- Gourmet hot chocolate mix with a pack of marshmallows
- A jar of local honey
Small comforts for long days
- A compact hand cream in an unscented formula
- A soft fleece throw for a chilly office
- A lip balm and hand warmer set for the commute
- A reusable water bottle that fits under a desk drawer
Gifts that start a conversation
- A tabletop puzzle or brain teaser for the break room
- A pocket-size card game for lunch breaks
- A notebook with a cover in their favorite team's colors
- A small succulent in a quirky pot
What to skip at work
- Anything with alcohol, unless you know they drink
- Perfume, cologne or clothing that needs a size
- Joke gifts that poke at someone's age, looks or job
- Anything far over the agreed budget, which makes others look bad