Gifts for a colleague: leaving presents, birthdays and thank-yous
Our best overall gift for a colleague is an adjustable laptop stand, which helps anyone who works from a laptop at home or in the office. The best budget pick is a desk rubber duck at around £3–£6. For something unusual, a scratch-off world map suits a colleague who is leaving to go travelling.
Work presents have to be friendly but not personal, and often chosen by a group. Start with why you are giving it: are they leaving, is it their birthday, or are you saying thank you? Looking for Secret Santa ideas? See our separate list.
Fixed budget? Guides picked for it: Secret Santa under £10 · Gifts under £10 · Gifts under £20
Leaving presents
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Scratch-off world map
A poster map with a foil layer to scratch off countries once visited.
If they are leaving to go travelling, this is ideal. Everyone can sign the back with suggestions for where to go first.
Not for: Anyone who has barely left their home county and would find it depressing.
See options on Amazon for Scratch-off world map, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Worldwide travel adapter
One plug adapter for most countries, with USB ports built in.
For the colleague heading off on a career break or moving abroad. Practical and goes in every suitcase.
Not for: Anyone who never leaves the UK.
See options on Amazon for Worldwide travel adapter, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Peace lily house plant
A leafy house plant with white flowers that copes with shade.
For a colleague retiring or moving on, a plant is a living reminder of the team. Cheaper ones are fine for a group collection.
Not for: Anyone with cats at home.
See options on Amazon for Peace lily house plant, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Adjustable laptop stand
A folding aluminium stand that raises a laptop to eye level.
If they are moving to a new job where they work from home, this saves their neck from day one.
Not for: Anyone without a separate keyboard to use with it.
See options on Amazon for Adjustable laptop stand, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Birthday at the desk
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Funny office mug
A mug with a joke about meetings, emails or Mondays.
The mug cupboard is a war zone, and a funny one makes it obvious which is theirs.
Not for: Anyone who brings their own flask or only drinks from glass.
See options on Amazon for Funny office mug, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Desk rubber duck
A classic yellow rubber duck, in plain or dressed-up versions.
For the developer or IT person on the team. Explaining a problem to a rubber duck is a real debugging trick, and the duck can wear a party hat.
Not for: Anyone who will just think you bought them a bath toy.
See it on Amazon for Desk rubber duck, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Electric mug warmer
A small heated coaster that keeps a mug of tea or coffee warm.
For the colleague who is always making a tea then getting pulled into a call.
Not for: Anyone who drinks their tea in one go.
See it on Amazon for Electric mug warmer, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
For the one who works from home
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Monitor light bar
A slim lamp that clips to the top of a screen and lights the desk without glare.
Their face on video calls will be properly lit, and the desk will feel less gloomy at 4pm in winter.
Not for: Laptop-only workers.
See options on Amazon for Monitor light bar, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Headphone stand
A desk stand to hang headphones on, some with USB ports or lights.
For the colleague whose headset lives on the floor between calls. A small, smart desk upgrade.
Not for: Anyone using earbuds only.
See options on Amazon for Headphone stand, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Insulated reusable coffee cup
A double-walled steel cup with a leakproof lid.
For the hybrid worker who does the coffee shop run on office days.
Not for: Anyone who already has a cupboard of them.
See options on Amazon for Insulated reusable coffee cup, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Thank-you gifts that aren’t flowers
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Soy wax scented candle
A scented candle in a glass jar or tin, in fig, wood smoke or winter spice.
A thank-you for covering your work while you were off. Choose an unfussy scent if you do not know their taste.
Not for: Anyone with pets that knock things over or a sensitivity to scent.
See options on Amazon for Soy wax scented candle, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Wine aerator pourer
A spout that fits into the bottle neck and mixes air into wine as you pour.
For the colleague you know loves a glass of red. Pair with a bottle for a bigger thank-you.
Not for: Colleagues who do not drink.
See options on Amazon for Wine aerator pourer, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Cheese knife set
Four small knives for soft, hard and crumbly cheeses.
A good group present for the person who organised the team Christmas party. Practical, but feels like a treat.
Not for: Anyone who eats cheese straight from the block, standing at the fridge.
See options on Amazon for Cheese knife set, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Nothing matches those filters. Try a bigger budget or another vibe.
Price bands are our own estimates, not live shop prices, so check the price before you buy. Buy buttons are paid links: if you buy, GiftPuffin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we pick. How our links work.
Questions people ask
How much should you spend on a colleague’s leaving present?
For a group collection, people typically chip in £2–£10 each, and the total depends on team size. For a personal present from you alone, £10–£25 is normal. Never feel pressure to give more than you are comfortable with.
What is an appropriate gift for a colleague?
Something friendly but not personal: a desk item, a plant, food or a mug. Avoid clothing, perfume, jewellery and anything with a joke about their appearance. If you do not know them well, edible or desk-based is the safe choice.
What do you write in a colleague’s leaving card?
Say something specific you will miss about working with them, then wish them well. One real sentence, like ‘nobody else could fix the printer’, means more than ‘good luck’.
What is a good thank-you gift for a colleague?
A candle, cheese knives or a wine aerator for a red wine drinker is usually right. Keep it modest so they do not feel they owe you something back.