From birthday collections to baby showers and leaving gifts, workplace celebrations are a brilliant way to show colleagues you care. But those ‘just a fiver’ contributions can add up quicker than you think, especially when three members of the team were born in June…
With this in mind, we surveyed 1,000 people to uncover how Brits really feel about workplace gifting culture. How much are people spending? And do workplace collections still feel like a thoughtful tradition?
To wrap things up, we’ve also come up with a bunch of different gift ideas for coworkers, ranging from budget options to flowers and more. Let’s dive in!
Gifting in the workplace
We found that most people (30%), contribute to 3-5 gifts per year at work, with 12% contributing to around 6-10! 13% of people however only contribute to 1-2 gifts on a yearly basis, making things much more manageable.
We also asked about how much people are spending per gift. Here’s what we found:
- 28% contribute between £6-£10
- 22% spend between £11-£15
- 19% spend around £16-£20
- 13% chip in £1-£5 each time
How do people feel about contributing?
The good news is that workplace gifting is still a positive part of office culture, with a quarter of people saying that they’re more than happy to contribute. 19% also said that they feel like workplace gifting helps to bring colleagues together.
But it’s clear that finding the right balance matters too, with 11% saying that they’ve felt pressure from colleagues or managers to contribute. 12% also said that they’d be happy to contribute, as long as the amount wasn’t too much.
Ultimately, workplace gifting works best when everyone feels comfortable. In fact, 23% mentioned the importance of choice, saying that workplace collections should always be optional.
How much to contribute to a coworker gift in the UK
There’s no right or wrong amount to contribute to a coworker gift collection. It really all depends on your budget, how well you know the person, and the occasion being celebrated.
As a general guide though, £5-£10 is a perfectly reasonable amount for most workplace collections. For bigger occasions, like milestone birthdays or leaving gifts, you might want to contribute a little more if you’re comfortable doing so.
Whether you’re organising a team collection or looking for a small thank-you gift for a colleague, we’ve rounded up plenty of ideas to suit every coworker and budget.
Cheap gift ideas for coworkers
Skip the overpriced gadgets and show some appreciation with these budget-friendly yet delightful small gift ideas for colleagues! You can explore our collection of gifts under £15 for more inspo!
A pair of cosy socks
First on our list of colleague gift ideas is socks, especially the ones with quirky patterns or funny quotes. Socks are a cosy and practical gift that shows you care without overspending.
Bright bouquet of flowers
Plant and flower gifts like a bright bouquet can brighten up any desk and add a bit of nature to the daily grind, all without stretching your wallet.
Card game
Compact card games are perfect for quick breaks or lunchtime laughs, encouraging a little team bonding without the need for a corporate retreat.
Gift ideas for your boss
Choosing a gift for your boss can be a challenge, but experience gifts offer the perfect blend of thoughtfulness and fun.
Comedy tickets
Comedy tickets are a great way to give your boss a chance to unwind and enjoy some laughter, because who wouldn’t appreciate a night of good humour?
Brewery tour
If your boss is a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery tour is a unique and engaging gift, giving them the opportunity to explore new flavours. Or an alcohol gift like a bottle of champagne is a classic choice.
Afternoon tea
On the other hand, afternoon tea offers a more refined experience, ideal for a boss who enjoys a bit of elegance and tradition.
Gift ideas for introverts
If your coworker is an introvert, think calm, cosy, and low-key. Home and pampering gifts that say “I get you” are ideal for the coworker who prefers a quiet corner over the chaos of the office break room.
Scented candle
A beautifully scented candle can transform their workspace or home into a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day of meetings and small talk.
Low-maintenance plant
A low-maintenance plant, like a succulent or a peace lily, adds a touch of nature without the pressure of being a full-time gardener.
Sleep set
And let’s not forget the luxury of a good sleep set—a soft eye mask and some Deep Sleep Pulse Point Oil can turn any night into a mini spa experience.
Team gift ideas for colleagues
When the whole team wants to chip in, consider gift ideas for coworkers that offer a memorable experience!
Two-night getaway
A two-night getaway is perfect for providing relaxation and pampering, allowing your coworker to unwind and recharge after busy work weeks.
Animal encounters
For a unique and delightful experience, a pet encounter—such as a visit to an animal sanctuary or a “meet-and-greet” with exotic animals—can bring joy and excitement, especially for animal lovers.
Games night out
Alternatively, a night out can be a fun and inclusive way for the team to bond while celebrating your coworker, offering an evening of laughter and friendly competition.
Gift ideas for foodies
When it comes to gifting your foodie coworkers, you can’t go wrong with edible delights. These tasty treats are perfect for those who love exploring flavours and indulging in gourmet experiences.
A box of artisanal chocolates
A box of artisanal chocolates offers a sweet escape (and they might decide to share!).
Gourmet biscuits
Gourmet biscuits—especially those with unique ingredients or regional specialties—are an excellent way to treat their taste buds and elevate the usual office snack game.
Hot sauce
For those who love adding a kick to their meals, a set of curated hot sauces can spice up everything from lunch leftovers to home-cooked dinners, offering a variety of heat levels and flavour profiles to experiment with.
So, there you have it, a bunch of different gift ideas for colleagues. Choosing the perfect gift for a colleague doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With options like personalised items, tasty treats, or memorable experiences, you can find something that shows genuine appreciation and boosts workplace camaraderie.
If you really want to go all-out, be sure to check out our blog on how to celebrate birthdays at work. We’ve also got a wonderful collection of birthday cards to explore too, of course:
And if you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to the inside of your card, we’ve rounded up the best birthday messages for colleagues. Shopping for a different celebration? We’ve got the perfect retirement and maternity cards online too.
