Holiday Gifts for Co-Workers and Employees That They'll Actually Want

Now that they've been around for years, smart plugs are inexpensive, and so simple to set up and use that anyone can do it. They are endlessly versatile -- you can schedule lights or fans to turn on and off whenever you want, remotely start your coffee maker in the morning, or turn any outlet into one that now has a switch. They are especially useful for holiday lights that are hard to reach to plug and unplug them, because everything is controlled with an app or voice command.

Online game Worldle has taken the world by storm, and we all have one colleague who's obsessed with figuring out the day's five-letter word. Now they can play IRL with the brand-new official Wordle board game. It pits teams with whiteboards against each other as they attempt to guess the secret word in six tries, proving that this game is even more fun with friends.

This set of colorful fountain pens is one of those things you wouldn't necessarily buy yourself, but you'd be delighted to receive. In other words, it's a great gift. Ooly's eight brightly colored pens have a matte surface that's easy to grip, and they're great for taking meeting notes. Refills are sold separately.

If you have a co-worker who loves the Emmy-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, this board game from Funko Games will be a hit. Featuring trivia and quotes from the show, two to four players help each other out in this cooperative party game. It's a great way to unwind after a long day of work, the Ted Lasso way.

If your cubicle pal loves their coffee but takes their time sipping it, help elevate their office java experience with the help of a smart coffee warmer. This nifty gadget will keep their brew warm throughout the 9 to 5. It also has a smart design, meaning there's no need to turn it on and off. Instead, it'll warm up once a mug is put on it.

There's always a foodie in the office --- the one whose lunch is a little more extra than the usual ham and cheese sandwich. If they love packing a few courses and some snacks, help them make storing it a little easier, with a bento box. This handy bento not only has two separate tiers, but it also has adjustable dividers, a compartment for utensils and a separate sauce box.

Add some color to a friend's workspace with this cheeky Ban.do vase. Designed to look like a retro orange juice carton, this 9.75-inch-tall ceramic vase is the perfect receptacle for office flowers or even supplies. But it's so cool, your co-worker will want to bring it home.

It can be a struggle to stay hydrated, but having this motivational water bottle on hand can do wonders for water consumption. The BPA-free bottle is decorated with enthusiastic phrases like "you've got it" and "well done!" at measurement points throughout the day, coaxing your co-worker to drink 128 ounces. Available in 20 different colors.

Whether you're a kid or an adult, Legos are an absolute joy to build. This Lego set is a unique gift that will appeal to your co-worker's creative side, and it's a CNET favorite. Check out more of our CNET staffers' favorite Lego sets. 

The Milk Bar Sampler includes the NYC establishment's most coveted treats: a three-pack of rainbow-vanilla B'Day Cake Truffles, three chocolate B'Day Cake Truffles, a slice of heavenly Milk Bar Pie and one of each cookie. All the goods are individually wrapped and tucked into a gift tin. Just don't leave this assortment of goodies unattended in the break room.

There's always one co-worker traveling to and from offices in different states. If they're perpetually on the move, make their frequent flying a little more enjoyable by gifting them a luxurious travel kit. The one from Malin+Goetz fits the bill, featuring the brand's best sellers. It includes everything from a face cleanser to a body wash, so all they'll need to do is pack this as their toiletry kit and be on their way.

Got a cube mate with a green thumb? A plant could help them take their space up a notch. Choose an indoor plant like the Parlor Palm and an optional pot or basket, and order conveniently online. No trip to the local nursery is necessary, and Plants.com offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee -- easy.