Pre-pandemic or not, your co-workers are some of the people whom you spend a lot of time with. You probably even spend more time with them compared to your family. Despite that, they can also be the toughest ones to shop for.
If you’re planning to visit a gift shop and buy a gift for your officemate, whom you’ve become close with over the years, here are some ideas that will surely remind them of your bond.
Motivational Notepads
Notepads are one of the practical and sentimental things you can give to your co-workers. They’re great for going away presents or even just for holiday celebrations. They’re functional and some can be an inspiration too as there are notepads that come with inspirational quotes that can help your co-worker get through the stressful week at work.
Memory Book
If you and your colleague have gotten close throughout the years, then they’ll probably love an adventure book. Also known as scrapbook, this book is a collection of you and your work buddy’s photos to cherish later. It preserves your memories. You can customize it based on your preferred style, which makes it perfect for any occasion.
The downside, though, is that creating it takes some time and effort. While there are ready-made memory books that already have a few designs, you’ll still need to print your own photos and add stickers to make them more personal. Regardless, your co-worker will surely love it.
Pop-Up Cards
Cards are a classic. Despite the advancements in technology, cards still make a sentimental gift for everyone, as you can write on them to make them more personal. This kind of gift also gives you more opportunities to express how much your co-worker means to you.
And even after they resign, cards are still easy to keep. It’s perfect for when they want to re-live your happy memories at work together, especially when you were battling the stress in the office.
Homemade Candles
You might argue on this one, as candles are one of the common gifts that many people give to their co-workers, but hear this out first. Candles are great gifts as it encourages anyone to slow down, relax, and refocus – something that everyone could use any time of the year.
But, to make it more sentimental, you can do it yourself. They’ll be more meaningful as you put extra thought and effort into them. Doing the candle by yourself also lets you customize it based on your co-worker’s favorite color, style, etc.
Digital Photo Frames
At first glance, you might think that this photo frame is just like the rest that no one would want to receive during exchange gifts in the office. But, this one is different.
Combined with modern technology, such digital photo frames can be linked to your device, making it easier for you to send photos instantly, regardless of their location. It’s a great way to keep your co-worker in the loop even if they’re not in the office anymore.
Multipurpose Pen
Not everyone would think of buying or even receiving a pen as a gift, especially as a going-away present. But, it’s actually a unique yet sentimental gift you can give.
It lets them stay prepared no matter where they are and will always help them with nearly every DIY project in and out of the office. It has a bubble level, ruler, screwdriver, and stylus. Plus, it comes with a clip, so it won’t be easily get lost. They’ll surely be reminded by you every time they’ll use this unique pen.
Inspirational Quotes in a Jar
It’s easy to fall into a rut with a 9-5 job. But, a gift like inspirational quotes in a jar will surely keep them smiling and motivated. This will give them something to strive for whenever they feel unmotivated, especially when you’re not working in the same office anymore.
Experiences
Material gifts are great. Anyone can keep them, and they can easily pull them out of their storage in case they want to reminisce about the old days in the office. But, experiences are good gifts too, especially if your co-worker is an adventurer or sports enthusiast.
Instead of gifts, why not pay for a memorable road trip, plane tickets, etc.? While they won’t be able to store them like cards, candles, and the likes, the memories they’re able to make will stay in their heart forever.
You can’t choose your co-workers. But, sometimes, you get lucky and meet someone whom you can actually be friends with. Show them how much they mean to you with these.