Choosing a Christmas gift for a colleague is a balancing act: you want to get it right without being too personal, and to please without going over the budget the team agreed on. Whether it's for Secret Santa, a leaving do or simply to thank someone who helped you all year, here are our fun, affordable ideas, plus tips to avoid any awkward moments.
The essentials
- Stick to the agreed budget: a gift that's too expensive makes the other person uncomfortable.
- Go for useful and neutral: desk, coffee break, working from home.
- Slippers and clogs are a safe bet if you know their size, or can ask discreetly.
- A short handwritten note is often worth more than the gift itself.
The golden rules of gifting at work
Stay within budget
In most teams, Secret Santa works with a set amount. Respecting it is the basics: nobody wants to receive something that feels like too much, or to give a present that looks stingy next to everyone else's. If no budget has been set, keep it sensible and favour quality over quantity.
Avoid anything too personal
Perfume, fitted clothing, anything to do with health or appearance: best left to family and close friends. A colleague will appreciate a gift that shows you've noticed their habits (he drinks tea, she often works from home) without getting too intimate.
Think office… and home
With hybrid working, many colleagues split their week between the office and home. Gifts that work in both settings are therefore very popular.
Make the wrapping count
A simple gift, nicely wrapped and with a card, always makes more of an impression than a pricier item handed over in its shop bag. Kraft paper, a fabric ribbon, a sprig of fir: a few minutes is all it takes. And on the card, one sincere line about a moment you shared during the year is far more memorable than a generic "Merry Christmas".
Our Christmas gift ideas for a colleague
For the coffee break
- A quirky mug or a travel mug to keep on the desk.
- A selection of teas or coffees from a local roaster.
- Artisan chocolates or homemade Christmas biscuits, always happily shared.
For the desk
- A small, easy plant: a succulent, pothos or cactus that copes with office lighting.
- A lovely notebook and a quality pen for meetings.
- A wrist rest or desk organiser for those who like a tidy workspace.
For working from home: comfort underfoot
This is the idea that surprises most, and gets real use. When you work from home, you spend the day in socks or in tired old slippers. A nice pair makes a real difference.
- The black Merano slippers (€34.99) are a neutral choice that suits everyone: a wide faux-fur cuff, a cosy lining that gives slightly to mould to the foot, and soft vegan suede.
- The Sienna clogs (€39.99) look a little smarter: wear them at home during video calls, or at the office, slipped on under the desk when you want to be comfortable. The padded footbed follows the arch and the metal buckle is adjustable. They come in taupe, black, khaki, brown, camel and leopard.
To find out more, our article on what to wear on your feet when working from home sets out the pros of each type of slipper.
For small budgets
- A candle with soft notes, in a pretty reusable container.
- A pair of soft socks with a seasonal pattern.
- A paperback chosen to suit their tastes, with a little note tucked inside.
Group gifts: a great idea for a leaving present or a manager
For a retirement, a new baby or an end-of-year drinks, the team often has a whip-round. It's a chance to give something more generous without anyone spending much.
Tip: with Build your own bundle, you choose 2 pairs for €59.98 or 3 pairs for €79.98, each in its own size and colour. Ideal for treating two colleagues at once, or giving one colleague an indoor pair and a pair to wear outside. Home delivery is free.
How do you find out a colleague's shoe size?
This is often what makes people hesitate. A few ideas:
- Ask a colleague they're close to, or slip the question into a chat about winter shoes.
- For Secret Santa, add shoe size to the wish list everyone fills in.
- Our styles are true to size: if they're between two sizes, choose the larger one.
- If you get it wrong, size exchanges are free and you have 60 days to change your mind.
Our guide to choosing the right size for slippers and clogs will help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
How much should you spend on a Christmas gift for a colleague?
It depends on the team. The key thing is that everyone sticks to the same amount, agreed in advance, to avoid awkward differences.
Are slippers a good gift for a colleague?
Yes, especially if they work from home: it's a useful, warm gift that isn't too personal. Choose a neutral colour such as black, camel or beige.
What if you don't know the colleague you've drawn very well?
Go for something universal: a quality hot drink, an easy plant or neutral slippers. And add a friendly note, that's what people remember.
Read also
- Cosy Christmas gift ideas under €50
- Gift ideas for him: everyday comfort
- Cold feet at home: 10 tips that really work
Slippers and clogs to give without going over budget: browse our gift ideas under €40.
