Your work colleagues aren’t just the people you meet, collaborate, and “circle back” amid the rush of deadlines, the pings of Google chat, and the welcome smell of Americano. They’re the ones you do life with: You spend at least one-third of your day with them. They understand the demands of your job more than your family ever could since they’re in the trenches with you, and they’ve seen you at your worst (and best!) when the going gets tough.

They’re family.

Research shows that the average individual spends more than 81,000 hours, or nine-plus years, in the workplace, which is why Americans generally find it easier to build friendships at work versus at church, school, or the neighborhood. Since your co-workers are family (the family you don’t choose), adding them to your Christmas list alongside your loved ones this year only makes sense.

What items make the best Christmas presents for coworkers? Let’s explore five thoughtful gifts for your work colleagues this holiday season.

Sticky-Note Savior

We all love sticky notes: They’re an excellent way to organize our ideas, information, and plans. The problem? When they multiply and take over a desk or cubicle, the workspace can quickly become disorganized and cluttered, achieving the opposite effect. 

De-clutter your favorite colleague’s work area by introducing a dry-erase easel designed for the desktop. At 8.5 inches by 11 inches, the easel can easily be propped up or lie flat to save your co-worker’s space from a sticky-note takeover. Choose one with a clip they can use to manage invoices and bills more efficiently. The result will be a tidier workstation that will make your colleague happier and more productive.

A Beautiful Scarf to Accessorize

A festive scarf can add the perfect finishing touch to your coworkers’ holiday dresses, creating a polished yet playful look. A scarf’s color and style make it the ideal way to introduce the holiday spirit. Whether the scarf features classic holiday patterns or seasonal colors like reds, greens, or golds, it can instantly elevate a simple dress. Your coworker can drape it loosely for a relaxed feel or tie it neatly around the neck for a more polished look. 

For attending a formal holiday party, you might choose a fabric such as silk to provide a more sophisticated feel. Alternatively, a cozy knit scarf can create a more casual and informal winter vibe. With the right accessories, your coworker will feel more energetic and ready to celebrate the holiday season!

Satisfying Succulents

Add green to your colleague’s winter workspace by giving them the unexpected gift of a succulent this year. These hardy plants are easy to maintain, even for non–green thumbs, and can brighten and freshen up any cubicle. They’re also small enough to fit in a tiny space, on a small desk, or on a window sill, adding a peaceful and calming natural vibe to any work area. Succulents are also purported to absorb negative energy and produce good energy, potentially leading to a more harmonious and balanced space. 

Handbag Hand-Up

Take your co-worker’s handbag game to the next level with the perfect functional handbag gift this Christmas. Choose a crossbody bag for a co-worker who values shoulder and back comfort, as it evenly distributes its weight by hanging diagonally across a person’s body. Gift a clutch to a colleague seeking convenience, as it can easily accommodate small items like lipstick, a cell phone, and a credit card while complementing a formal dress or casual clothes. Totes also make excellent gifts for team members who spend long days at work, as they can effortlessly fit their planners, laptops, gym wear, and even clutch wallets for nights out with the ladies.

Checkup from the Neck Up

Show your co-workers how much you value them by treating them to a simple necklace or a ring in the holiday season. Pearl necklaces can instantly add sophistication and timeless elegance to their Christmas ensembles. Gold necklaces, due to their warm and radiant hue, are the perfect choice for invoking confidence and positivity.

Surprise Your Colleagues With the Best Gifts This Holiday Season

Now is the ideal time to start planning Christmas shopping for your work family. Fortunately, several gift options can help you demonstrate to your colleagues how special they are, whether you work together in person or across state lines. Dry-erase easels, fashionable holiday scarves, trendsetting handbags, and eye-catching necklaces can all be thoughtful, life-enhancing gifts. Consider all the above-listed holiday gift ideas for colleagues to spread a little more Christmas cheer around the office this year.