Building an offshore team in the Philippines means working with a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce. You’ll be working with a bright, collaborative, and vibrant group of folks who make every workday a pleasure. A small gift for your officemate’s birthday, work anniversary, or during the holidays is a thoughtful way to say ‘thank you‘ for working together. It helps build stronger relationships and makes the workplace feel friendlier. But finding the perfect office gift can be tricky! You want it to be both fun and thoughtful, while still keeping things professional. No worries, we’re here to brainstorm office gift ideas that will hopefully spark some inspiration!
Whether they’re your virtual meeting buddy or your desk mate, let’s stay true to that Filipino spirit of kindness and see what you can get for them in any season.
Gift Ideas – A Quick List
Listen, we understand if you might be reading this on your way to the nearest mall already. Don’t forget to check out a more detailed list below, but if you need it ASAP, we have a list ready!
So, here’s a few quick ideas on the best gift for your officemate, both locally and offshore:
- Something Personalized. Embroidered laptop sleeves, engraved pen, personalized notepad or planner, or a framed photo for their desk.
- Something Funny. A witty paperweight, an odd stress ball or fidget toy, or a mug with a (work-appropriate) quote from an inside joke!
- Something Tasty. Gourmet tea or coffee, a snack basket for their desk, high-quality chocolates, or something for their holiday table.
- Something…Different. Experiences! A subscription service they’d like, tickets to a workshop or class, or gift card to a fun restaurant or entertainment place.
This should give you a quick rundown of gifts for your coworker whether it be for their birthday, work anniversary, or a holiday! But we can also dive a little bit more.
What Makes the Perfect Office Gift?
The “perfect” office gift may be a stretch. After all, the best office gifts are the ones you put thought and effort into! Here are a few things to consider:
- Interests. What are their hobbies? Do they love to cook? Do they enjoy reading? Tailoring your gifts to their interests is a great stepping off point toward the perfect gift!
- Personality. Are they practical, sentimental, or do they want something goofy? One officemate might value a good pencil holder, while the other would want a humorous fidget toy. None is better than the other, and it all comes down to preference!
- Occasion. Work anniversaries might steer people in the direction of a work-related gift. But a relaxing gift is the better option! After years of hard work, your officemate deserves a gift that tells them “You deserve this!” Consider a gift certificate to a spa or a nice restaurant. Whereas the holidays call for a festive gift – think Christmas baskets or a treat for their noche buena table.
Thoughtfulness Goes a Long Way
Of course, the gift itself matters, but it’s really the thoughtfulness behind it that makes it special. No matter how big or small the present is, here’s how to show you put some extra thought into it:
- Wrap It Yourself. It shows the care and effort that you, maybe with your team, put into the gift! Pick a nice wrapper that you know they’d adore!
- How Will You Give the Gift? Work with your teammates to surprise them, or if they have to find it like a scavenger hunt!
- A Handwritten Note! A personal, handwritten, and heartfelt note from you or the entire team makes it extra special.
Types of Office Gifts
The Personalized Present
Personalization elevates the gesture beyond generic gifts. They add a unique touch that shows you’ve invested extra thought and effort. This makes them particularly well-suited for team gifts during the holidays.
A personalized gift allows you to offer something special to each team member while maintaining a sense of unity. It’s like giving everyone a piece of the same puzzle, but each piece is uniquely their own.
Here are a few examples:
- A portable charging case with the writing “Juan’s Charger”.
- Customized mousepads with their name or something they like!
- Personalized essential oils for diffusers – make scents based on their favorites!
- Pick out coffee grounds based on their favorite flavors!
We’re not just buying office gifts because it’s an office relationship. Each gift builds their desk space, with memories of you and them together. As Archer Chiang from Forbes puts it, “It reinforces the power of human connection, helping transform workplaces into thriving environments where employees feel valued and acknowledged.”
The Tongue-in-Cheek Tribute (The Funny Gift)
Office gifts don’t have to be generic! Inject some humor into your office with a funny gift for your close officemates! We can’t really recommend a gift here since it’s better to base a funny gift on your office’s culture.
But here are things you need to consider when finding the perfect comedic present:
- Embrace Absurdity. It’s a funny gift, so make sure that it reads as funny. Going full absurd is the best play here, consider gifts like a desk name tag that says “Mr. Per-My-Last-Email” or what they always say in emails. Maybe a funny swear jar for their desk (but really, it’s for pencils).
- Consider Office Life. This is also a great way to set the “office gift’ boundary – make sure that the gift is obviously for the office. It could be a bunch of coupon cards that say “Free First Use at the Microwave” or a book on witty out-of-office messages.
- Food with a Funny Twist! Personalized treats are all the rage for birthdays and work anniversaries. Take it up a notch with hilarious cake messages or even cookies featuring your coworker’s (slightly exaggerated) likeness for a team-wide chuckle.
Also be aware of the elephant in the room: gag gifts. Their success depends heavily on the office culture and your team’s sense of humor. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. And remember, even the most hilarious gag gift should be accompanied by a thoughtful, practical present to show your genuine appreciation.
The Tasty Treat
This is especially great for our “foodie” officemates – those who are always eager to explore new culinary delights! These gifts often present something unique and special, perhaps a delicacy they wouldn’t typically indulge in themselves. It could be considered a luxury item, or simply something they haven’t thought to try before. This element of surprise and discovery makes such gifts truly memorable.
So, what can you get?
- Gourmet Coffee. Elevate their caffeine fix with a blend of unique coffee grounds or teas! Think of unique flavors, syrup additions to change the taste, or even a luxury brand.
- Deskside Delights. Give your officemate a delightfully curated snack basket. A little treat they can have at their desk every now and then for a midday pick me up.
- Holiday Highlights. For the holidays, it’s best to get something that they can put on the holiday table! A brand of wine for the team, a holiday ham, or even some festive baked goods!
Foodies deeply appreciate the story behind their food. Beyond simply avoiding allergens, it’s thoughtful to highlight the source of your gift. Did you source it from a local artisan, a small farm, or a unique, independent shop? Sharing the origins of your gift adds a personal touch and demonstrates that you put effort into finding something truly special and unique.
The Something Different
The “something different” approach encourages us to step outside the traditional realm of material gifts. It invites us to think beyond tangible items and explore more unique and personalized present options.
Here are a few ideas:
- Subscription Services. We’re not talking about streaming. Fuel their passions with a subscription box of a hobby, or a media they like! Options range from coffee and tea clubs that deliver monthly unique drinks to blind boxes for curated media merch.
- Skill-Building Adventures. Invite them to try a new hobby! If you think that your officemate will appreciate it, or if they’ve talked about it in the past, book them a workshop or class to build new skills. This could be pottery, rug tufting, or even something professional!
- Memorable Outings. Gift cards to unique restaurants, live music venues, escape rooms, or local attractions offer exciting opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
Gifting For Your Offshore Team
Gifting across the miles can feel a little daunting – we’ve all been there! But it’s a wonderful way to show your offshore team how much you value them. Think of it as a way to bridge the distance and build genuine connections. Celebrating milestones, both team and individual, and expressing gratitude for their contributions are key to building a strong and happy remote team. And don’t worry, we’ve got tons of ideas to help you make it special!
Here are some great gifts you can give your offshore team to show that you appreciate them from miles away:
- Team Meals. Sponsoring lunch or dinner is a wonderful way to build camaraderie and create lasting memories for your offshore team.
- Local Subscriptions. Consider gifting subscriptions to services popular in their area. Check with your offshore provider to make sure that it’s available in their region!
- Online Entertainment. Treat your team to online concerts or shows, especially if you know they enjoy a particular artist or genre.
- Skill Development. Invest in their growth by sponsoring a virtual class or workshop relevant to their interests and professional development.
Top it all off with a nice bow: a personal message from you! Send in a video of your message to play to them for a sweet surprise for your team.
Don’t hesitate to contact your offshore provider! They’re happy to help you find the best way to send a gift and can often arrange things locally on your behalf.
The Most Meaningful Office Gift Ideas Come from the Heart…With Boundaries!
Ultimately, office gifts need further thought, since you need to tow that professional boundary. Whether you choose a delicious treat, a unique experience, or a humorous touch, remember to consider your team’s individual interests and preferences.
By putting a little extra thought and effort into your gift selection, you can foster stronger relationships and create a more positive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.
