31 Genius Gift Ideas for Someone Who Just Got a New Job
Updated: Sep. 11, 2023
Celebrate a new co-worker or a friend who landed their dream gig with these thoughtful new job gifts, such as cubicle decorations, commute helpers and organization tools.
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Your friend might be the one with a new position, but thanks to these hand-picked new job gifts, you can add best-ever present giver to your resume. From functional to just plain fun, there’s a little (or big!) something for every employee. (Psst! Check out these gifts for co-workers next.)
For the Best Friend: New Job Gift Box
If you want to congratulate a friend or new co-worker who lives far away, this new job gift box is a great option. It’s shipped straight to their door and includes a few cheery items like a succulent and a personalized tumbler, plus your choice of add-on items.
For the Organizer: Day Planner
For the friend who is never seen without her trusty planner, you can’t go wrong with this daily planner from Day Designer. This editor-approved pick includes space for everything—yes, everything—she needs to find success at her new job. We love the goal tracking, daily to-do lists, calendar views and ample space to jot down events big and small. Plus, with a variety of cover designs to choose from, it’s one of the prettiest new job gifts you can give.
For the Office Clown: Novelty Mug
Your friend will get a kick out of this quirky problem-solving mug. They are sure to appreciate the lighthearted flowchart when they’re in the midst of their 9-to-5 grind. Discover more cute coffee mugs that make great gifts.
For the Breakfast Fanatic: Celebratory Donuts
Donuts are the quintessential office snack, and these “You Da Bomb” treats from Angel Food Bakery will be a welcome surprise. Although flavors vary, you can expect to see classics like chocolate, vanilla and fruity. Talk about a delicious Goldbelly food gift!
For the Happy-Hour Lover: New Job Wine Label
Pop this new job label on a bottle of wine and show up at your friend’s door with a bouquet of flowers—it’s time to celebrate! The label fits most wine bottles and is removable, so it can be easily fixed if you place it crooked the first time.
For the Recent Graduate: New Beginnings Box
Celebrate their next chapter with this sentimental new beginnings box. Packed with a decorative tile and a beautiful mug, this gift will remind your loved one of all the positive vibes embracing them on their new adventure. It’s a top-notch care package!
For the Perfectionist: Sticky Notepads
The days of boring yellow sticky notes are behind us! Add some color and cuteness to their cubicle with these funky sticky notepads, which can be affixed to desktops, planner pages or bulletin boards.
For the Forgetful One: Lanyard
Your employed pal can attach their access card to this stylish lanyard, then wear it around their neck so they’re never without it. New favorite accessory? Absolutely.
For the Commuter: Allbirds Flats
Your friend will look forward to her commute thanks to these odor-resistant, eco-friendly, machine-washable shoes. They’re available in a handful of fun colors as well as neutrals.
For the Networker: Personalized Leather Card Holder
While meeting their new co-workers or networking in a new field, handing out business cards can be a smart way to introduce themselves. This chic leather card holder is just as impressive as their business card, and can be customized with their initials and favorite color.
For the Fashionista: Chic Lunch Bag
Retire that sad sack lunch for good. Your bestie will be thrilled when she unwraps the sleek Luncher tote from Modern Picnic. Available in a variety of classic colors and made with vegan leather, this insulated adult lunch bag looks just like a chic purse.
For the One Who Has Everything: New Job Candle
Perk up your friend’s new desk with the help of a candle. Made by the brand Homesick, the New Job candle is designed to smell like fresh beginnings, with warm notes of leather, cinnamon, vanilla and cedarwood. It’s like the first day of school, but for grown-ups.
For the Plant Parent: Succulent Gift Box
We love a good pun. And this “congrats on your ‘succ’ess” succulent gift is too cute. Opt for just the plant, or add on a bangle, lip balm or other small token.
For the Pet Owner: Cat ID Clip
The plastic lanyards often handed out on the first day of a new job aren’t exactly known for being cute. Give her a stylish—and useful—upgrade with this Kate Spade cat ID clip. She can hook it onto her work bag for easy access. Pair it with one of these gifts under $25 and you’ll be good to go!
For the Cubicle Queen: Personalized Name Plate
Most jobs don’t hand out name plates anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own! This acrylic option, with a wooden base holder, can be customized with over 60 delightful designs. This is one of our favorite teacher gifts!
For the Jetsetter: Protective Laptop Sleeve
This laptop sleeve is lightweight and sleek—perfect for travelers who are worried about adding extra weight—and protective, with additional padding inside and even interior pockets. It comes in assorted modern color options, too.
For the Caffeinated Friend: Tea Club
After a long day at the office, your pal will need a little pick-me-up. And a personalized tea box is the gift that keeps on giving. It automatically sends four new premium teas based on their preferences each month. Find more gifts for tea lovers.
For the Workaholic: The Work Wellness Deck
When work gets hectic, it’s important to take some time to recharge. This wellness-oriented deck helps your pal do just that. Each card includes a prompt for stretching, breathing, practicing gratitude and other wellness tasks.
For the Teenager: A “Little Bag of Big Congrats”
Small yet heartfelt, this sentimental gift is a great way to say “Congratulations!” from afar. It’s loaded with a balloon, confetti and tiny tokens to help your favorite first-time employee feel appreciated.
For the Sports Fanatic: Basketball Mug
Make coffee breaks and lunchtime a little more fun with this basketball mug. It includes a miniature hoop so they can toss sugar cubes into tea and coffee, or tidbits such as oyster crackers into soup.
For the Sweet Tooth: Custom Cookie Box
A new job has never tasted so sweet! You can send two hand-picked cookies, such as Iced Celebration Sprinkle to really commemorate the occasion, along with a custom card. It’s guaranteed to make their (first) day! Read our Sugarwish review for the full scoop.
For the Hydrated Friend: Travel Mug
Whether the new job is in-office or at home, they’ll need a sturdy coffee mug for their morning brew. This one from YETI holds 20 ounces and comes with a leak-resistant lid. Plus, it’s available in several colors and can be customized with text, a monogram or graphic.
For Your Spouse: Beautiful Bouquet
One of the most iconic new job gifts, a beautiful bouquet of flowers is always welcome. We love a floral arrangement from Urban Stems. Choose a mix of blooms (or a plant) that’s as special as your partner—or BFF!
For the Notetaker: Personalized Pen
A sleek, personalized pen is one of those new job gifts they’ll enjoy for years to come. We love both the custom pen and the optional holding case.
For the Music Connoisseur: Bluetooth Headphones
Start their job off on the right note (pun intended!) by gifting them a fresh pair of headphones. These Beats Solo on-ear headphones aren’t too bulky or technical, so they’re great for everyday listening. We like their Bluetooth capability and sleek aesthetic, too.
For the Organizer: Rose Gold Desk Organizer Set
Set your friend up for success with this cute desk organizing set. It includes everything they’ll need to keep a tidy desk, from an inbox to a pen cup to a sticky note holder, all in a pleasing matching metal design. For an over-the-top gift package, pair it with one of these Amazon gift baskets.
For the Meal Prepper: Salad Container
A new job calls for new gear, and this genius lunch container is sure to be appreciated. It keeps snacks and salad toppings organized and fresh, and even includes an attached fork so they don’t have to make an emergency run to the lunchroom.
For the Traditionalist: Congratulations Gift Basket
Snacks are always a great gift idea. And this congratulations basket from Harry & David is loaded with everything they need to celebrate. We love sending this as a retirement gift, too.
For the PTO Taker: Desk Calendar
Keep track of important dates (and count down to that next vacation!) with this gold desk calendar. Because it only utilizes month and day cards, your friend will be able to use this gift for years.
For the Techie: Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Trade in that tension headache for these sleek blue light-blocking glasses. This two-pack guards against glare from computer and phone screens, plus you’ll have one pair to keep at the office and another to wear at home.
For the Exerciser: Insulated Water Bottle
For the friend who’s always tagging you in healthy recipes and hydration challenges, gift this gorgeous water bottle. It’ll help them meet their water goals, and because it’s made of insulated stainless steel, their drink will keep fresh and cool all day.
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