12 Great Group Gifts for Coworkers

So, your coworker’s birthday is coming up. Or maybe it’s an important career milestone. Whatever the case may be, you want to get them a thoughtful group gift that will really resonate. There’s just one problem: you have no idea what to give them.

Not to worry. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about group gifts for coworkers, including what they are and why they’re beneficial. We’ll also share 12 specific gift ideas that you can give to your colleagues—no matter what their interests are. Let’s dive in!

12 Best Group Gift Ideas

Choosing the right group gift can be tricky. You need to select something that’s appropriate in a workplace setting, your recipient will enjoy, and won’t break the bank. The 12 gift ideas below fit the bill, whether you’re looking for something small or a bit more extravagant.

1. A Group Card
A group card may seem simple, but it’s truly a thoughtful gift. Everyone on your team can jot down a personal message to help make it a keepsake the recipient will truly cherish.

If you really want to make your group card a hit, go digital. Tools like Kudoboard will help you create a digital group card that your team can write messages on or attach images and videos to. Digital group cards don’t deteriorate over time either, and can be viewed on a smartphone.

One more thing: group cards are excellent complements to other gifts. Add one to any of the gift ideas below to ensure your present really hits the mark for each coworker.

2. Delicious Food
Ah, food—the universal language of love and happiness.

Delicious food is a crowd-pleaser, especially during the holiday season. Seriously, is there anything better than an expertly prepared meal, served at just the right temperature?

So, consider a gift basket of tasty treats, a catered lunch at the office, or dinner at a local restaurant. This gift will not only tell the recipient, “We appreciate you!” but will also bring your entire team together for a shared meal. Imagine the bonds they’ll have afterwards.

3. Office Foliage
Office foliage not only brightens up the space, but can also boost productivity by as much as 15%. That’s not all. According to leading research, plants can also reduce stress, improve air quality, and help create a more pleasant work environment for everyone who sees them.

So, why not introduce some green into your colleague’s workspace? Office foliage is a great gift that just about any professional will appreciate, regardless of age or gender.

4. A Workspace Makeover
Speaking of your colleague’s workspace…

An office refresh can be a thoughtful group gift. A new decoration here, a fancy desk accessory there. These things can improve the vibe of a workplace and make it more inviting.

Your coworker will appreciate working in an office space that suits their personality. As such, they’ll be more fun to be around and produce better results, which will benefit your whole team.

5. Fashion Items
If you know your coworker’s preferences, fashion items can be a major hit.

From a classy work shirt to stylish tote bags, these gifts are practical and allow recipients to express their personal tastes. In a social media-driven world, this is super important.

It’s not all about style, though. Comfort-based items, like a pair of cozy socks, can make long workdays more enjoyable. And when employees enjoy their work, they tend to do it better.

We can’t forget to include branded swag in this section. While it’s not as personal as the items we mentioned above, your coworker will still appreciate a t-shirt with your company logo, especially if it’s comfortable. Consider adding swag to one of the other gift ideas on this list.

6. Custom Tumblers
Custom tumblers are the perfect gift for anyone who loves coffee, tea, or well, drinking any kind of liquid. There’s no law that says you can’t put kombucha in a tumbler. 

Choose a fancy cup for your coworker. Then personalize it with their name, a motivational quote you know they’ll enjoy, or an inside joke—it’s up to you. Whatever you decide, know that your present is both practical and emotionally satisfying. In other words, a great gift.

7. A Group Picture
Coworkers often become as close as family members. And what do you do with your family? Take pictures to commemorate the time and experiences you’ve shared.

A group picture will help preserve work-related memories. As such, it’s an ideal gift for coworkers who love each other and really want to cherish their moments together. Does that sound like someone you know? Then spring for a photographer and a few high-quality prints.

8. Work Gadgets
Look for ways to make your colleague’s work more enjoyable. Quality office supplies might fit the bill. But we’re talking about group gifts here, which means you have more money to spend.

Consider something truly valuable, like noise-canceling headphones or a luxury ballpoint pen. These items can boost productivity and performance. At the very least, they’ll improve your coworker’s mood. In that sense, work gadgets are gifts that keep giving, day after day.

9. New Software
What about giving your coworker a piece of software that enhances their work?

Whether it’s a productivity app or a more specialized tool, this could be one of the best gifts you’ve ever given. Why? Because it not only supports the recipient’s career growth, but also boosts overall team performance. Everyone wins when your coworkers have what they need to excel.

10. A Fun Trip
Spice things up with an out-of-office experience.
 
If you’re working with a tight budget, plan a group trip to a local hotspot. If you have loads of cash to burn, send your colleague on a well-deserved break to a distant destination. You’ll win either way, as shared experiences create lasting bonds, and free vacations earn eternal thanks.

11. A Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are a hit for a reason—they’re like multiple gifts in one. When you know your coworker’s interests, you can get them a subscription that screams, “We love you!“

For example, you can give a box of essential oils to the crunchy mom on your team. Or a board game box for the kid at heart. Or a pet-related gift set for a dog or cat lover. The options are endless. You just have to choose the subscription that fits your recipient best.

12. A Gift Card
Sure, gift cards might seem a bit boring, but they’re incredibly effective. By letting your coworker choose what they want for themselves, you’ll give them the ultimate gift.

Discover which stores or coffee shops they like. Then get them a gift card to one of those places. It’s a straightforward option that ensures your colleague gets exactly what they desire.

What Are Group Gifts for Coworkers?

A group gift is a present that multiple individuals contribute to. This allows said individuals to combine their resources and give a more significant gift than they could on their own.

For instance, when friends chip in to purchase a high-quality kitchen appliance for a food enthusiast, it becomes a group gift. Similarly, colleagues might pool money for a luxurious spa day for a retiring coworker. Either way, group gifts spread the cost, but also deepen the sentiment. After all, the recipient is being honored by multiple people, which always feels good.

Why You Should Give a Team Gift

Instead of scrambling to find the perfect individual present, why not join forces with your team? Doing so will help you save money, give better gifts, and develop camaraderie with colleagues:

Save Money
One of the best things about group gifts is that they save participants money.

It makes sense. Rather than digging deep into your own pocket, you and your colleagues each contribute a smaller amount—without sacrificing the quality of the gift (more on this below).

Basically, you can spend less of your hard-earned cash and give a better, more meaningful present. There are almost no downsides to group gifts for coworkers!

Give Better Gifts
Let’s dig deeper into this “save money” thing…

You’re not a bad person for wanting to spend less money on your coworkers, mostly because group gifts are better gifts. Why? Because you can spend a lot more money.

By pooling your funds, you’ll be able to buy your colleague a gift that’s outside of your individual budget. Your recipient will also appreciate the fact that your team put so much effort into their present, as group gifts require a certain amount of time and coordination to pull off.

At the end of the day, group gifts aren’t just about spending less money. They’re about giving your cherished colleague a present that’s relevant and meaningful to their life.

Develop Camaraderie With Colleagues
Beyond saving money and giving better presents, group gifts are a fantastic way to boost team camaraderie. Working together to choose a gift fosters collaboration and allows everyone to contribute ideas. Put simply, it turns the gift-giving process into a team-building exercise.

We’ll explain how to coordinate a group gift at the end of this article. For now, just know that it will require a bit of extra effort on your part. But engaging in this effort will strengthen bonds between team members and build a more supportive work environment for all. Win!

How to Coordinate a Group Gift

Group gifts require coordination. You need to set a budget, put someone in charge of the operation, and actually present the gift to your coworker in an appealing way. Here’s how:

Set a Budget
If you don’t have a clear spending plan, things will get out of hand. Before you do anything else, have a quick chat with your coworkers to decide how much everyone is able to give.

We suggest starting with an amount in the $10 to $20 range. This is something most people can afford. But of course, if your team wants to contribute more, you can boost the budget.

If you’re uncomfortable asking your colleagues how much they want to contribute, create an anonymous poll. This will give you the information you need without the awkwardness.

Put Someone in Charge
Once you have the budget sorted, you need to elect a chief gift wrangler. This person doesn’t need to be a superhero; they just need to be organized and willing to take on the task.

Here’s what they’ll need to do: collect contributions, gather gift ideas, and actually make the purchase. Not too bad, right? Just make sure you only elect one person for this job. More than that will simply muddy the waters. Give someone control and let them do their thing.

Give the Gift to Your Coworker
All that’s left to do is give the gift to your coworker.

You’ll want to choose the right moment and present your gift in the right way. You’ll also want to include a personalized note. (Remember, group cards by Kudoboard are perfect for this!)

The Right Moment: Give the gift during a group meeting or lunch break. That way, everybody on your team can share in the experience and partake in the festivities. 
Gift Presentation: Put thought into what your gift looks like. Use nice wrapping paper. Spring for a quality card. The way you present your gift will increase its perceived value.
A Personal Note: Finally, include a personalized, heartfelt note with your present, and make sure your entire team signs it. This simple thing will make a great gift even better.

Remember, the goal is to celebrate your coworker and bring a smile to their face. You can help accomplish this goal with thoughtful timing and presentation, and a nice note.

When to Give the Perfect Group Gift

You know why you should give group gifts. Now let’s talk about when to give them.

Honestly, there’s no “bad time” to give your colleague a present. But there are specific times when your gift will be more impactful, such as on a birthday or a work-related milestone. Here are five stellar occasions to give your coworkers a present and strengthen your bond with them:

Birthdays
Birthdays are personal milestones that deserve recognition. A thoughtful group gift will make your coworker feel valued on their special day. It will also give you a chance to throw an in-office party, which everyone on your team will appreciate. Can you say, free cake?!

Significant Life Events
Big, important life events, like getting married or having a baby, are perfect occasions for a group gift. These milestones often come with new beginnings, and a collective present can help celebrate, show support in a meaningful way, and if necessary, ease the transition.

Career Achievements
Acknowledging career milestones, like a promotion or work anniversary, is a great way to motivate employees and celebrate success within your team. By recognizing these kinds of achievements with a group gift, you’ll show your staff that you value their work and dedication.

Retirement
Retirement could be considered a career achievement. But we’ve given the occasion its own section because of its significance—it’s the end of an important chapter in one’s life. A collective gift from the team can express gratitude for years of service and wish them well in their future endeavors. It’s also an opportunity to convey heartfelt thanks. Don’t miss it!

Holidays
For many people, the holidays represent the values of togetherness and appreciation. As such, giving group gifts during this festive season can help foster a sense of unity and gratitude within your team. It’s also a fantastic way to reflect on the past year, celebrate the things that went well, and gear up for the journey ahead with renewed energy and goodwill.

Give the Perfect Group Gift

Giving the perfect group gift is difficult—but it’s not impossible.

We encourage you to read back through the list of group gifts above. Which ones will your coworker like best? Find a way to give them one of these things and make their day.

Don’t forget, you’ll need to coordinate your team’s efforts to make the group giving experience successful. Put one person in charge. Then have them head up budget talks, collect gift ideas for team members, and actually purchase the gift for the colleague you want to honor.

Last but not least, include a group card with every group gift you send. This will help your recipient feel extra special and know that they are valued by your company.

When it comes to group cards, you can’t go wrong with Kudoboard. Our platform is super easy to use. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to create eye-catching digital cards in a flash. Then each team member will be able to personalize it with a message, photo, or video.