Gifts for Work Colleagues

I was approached recently by a friend to help pick out a gift for a colleague of theirs. There are a lot of factors to consider when picking out something for a work associate but it doesn't have to be too complicated. Stick to the basics:

• Be appropriate for the occasion:
• Baby Shower: Group gifts are easy to crowd source such as a diaper tower, or a gift card (to allow the recipient to get what they really need and desire), or individuals can pick something from their registry. A favorite children's book, with a neutral swaddle cloth is also a wonderful package. I would encourage people to do this for anyone who is taking parental leave, maternity, paternity or otherwise!
• Congratulatory gift/Birthday: Spirits or wine (see the rule below about alcohol though), fancy snacks, or a nice mug (like a yeti travel mug ) would do fine and would actually get used. Small tech gadgets like a portable battery pack, leather cord organizer, or wireless charging station are useful.  Also, these days, a luxe soap/hand sanitizer/lotion set would be nice as well.
• Housewarming: Soap sets, candles, and kitchen towels are always welcoming.

• Avoid going overboard: as much as you want your co-workers to like you, you wouldn't want to seem disingenuous or that you are playing favorites, or worse, being a brown nose. And remember, you'll likely need to gift others down the road as well!

• Alcohol: spirits and wine can be a nice gift if you are CERTAIN the recipient will enjoy it (and they are above the legal drinking age). If you aren't sure, avoiding it is wise as some people abstain from drinking for a variety of reasons (religious, personal, etc.) and the downside is a pretty awkward moment of handing it back to you. Alternatives can be fancy snacks and tea/coffee sets. 

• Steer clear of anything too personal or polarizing: it's best if you don't have to ask or explain your gift. 

More than anything, gifts for colleagues should be professional and appropriate yet also thoughtful. Playing it on the safer side is best. By all means, if your co-worker has become an actual friend, then go ahead and gift them as such but if it's truly an associate to associate relationship, you really shouldn't give anything that needs much explanation or seems too personal (ie intimating more than a professional work relationship).