Christmas gift for a colleague — safe but not dull
Christmas gifts for colleagues up to €25: neutral, usable and not too personal.
A colleague gift has to do two things at once: stay impersonal and still mean something. Everything below stays under €25 and works on a desk or at home.
A colleague gift at Christmas: neutral is not the same as dull
A Christmas gift for a colleague has to do two things at once: stay impersonal and still not be empty. That is less restrictive than it sounds. Anything belonging on a desk or in a kitchen is safe ground, because everyone has both and nobody reads anything personal into it.
What to avoid is anything touching on body or private life: personal care, clothing, fragrance, or jokes that work in a small group but not in an office. Alcohol is not an automatic choice either — you rarely know for certain that it is welcome.
Consider the group. When colleagues give to each other, a gift far above the average stands out as much as one far below. Usually €10 to €25 is the range where nobody feels uncomfortable.
Our picks from this guide
Real products we reviewed — click through to the full review.
What's Goods - XXL Grote Muismat - 90x40 cm - Topografisch - 4 mm - Wit
With its generous dimensions of 90 by 40 centimeters and a comfortable 4 mm thickness, this topographic mouse pad from What's Goods is both an ergonomic and visual upgrade for your workspace.
Olivivo® Muismat Zwart - Gaming Mousepad XXL - Onderlegger - Grote Muismat - 90x40 CM - Bureaulegger - Toetsenbord - Anti Slip - Waterproof - Desktop mat
A generous, water-resistant desk mat that easily accommodates both your keyboard and mouse.
King Mungo Drinkfles 1L (Sport Bidon)
A roomy 1-litre water bottle that helps you drink enough - for the gym, the office or on the go.
Vatten Thermosbeker / Travel Mug (RVS, 380 ml)
A stainless-steel travel mug (380 ml) that keeps your coffee or tea warm for hours - for on the go, the office or the car. With nearly 700 reviews a clear favourite.
Brute Strength Leren Onderzetters (14 stuks)
A set of 14 leather coasters in cognac - protect your table and add a warm, stylish touch instantly.
Balvi Sebastian Cocktailprikkerhouder
The Balvi Sebastian is a hygienic and charming toothpick holder that turns dispensing a simple toothpick into a fun little show.
How we compile this guide
Our picks rest on manufacturer data, the aggregated judgement of real users and our own experience. We weigh value for money, durability and whether it truly suits the recipient. Prices fluctuate; compare before you order.
Frequently asked questions
What do you give a colleague at Christmas?
Something that belongs on a desk or in a kitchen: a mug, something for coffee or tea, a good pen, or something nice to eat. Neutral ground, because everyone has both.
How much do you spend on a colleague gift?
Usually €10 to €25. More important than the amount is that it stays comparable to what others give — going far above makes it uncomfortable for everyone else.
What is best not given to a colleague?
Nothing touching on body, appearance or private life: personal care, clothing, fragrance. And no joke that only works within a small circle.
Is a gift card a good colleague gift?
It is safe, but it says little. If you know something about the colleague — coffee, plants, cooking — a small concrete gift almost always lands better than a voucher.