Buying for a tech colleague is harder than it looks. They already own every gadget worth owning, their desk is a nest of cables, and the last novelty gift they got (a USB-powered cup warmer that never quite worked) is still in the bottom drawer next to a free conference lanyard.
The good news is that people who work in tech have a very particular sense of humour, and right now most of it is about AI. They are the ones who explain it at every meeting, fix it when it goes wrong, and quietly use it to write the email explaining why it went wrong. Here are our favourite funny gifts for tech colleagues, picked because they actually get used.
How to pick a gift that won't end up in a drawer
- Go for daily use. A mug on the desk or a tee on dress-down Friday gets seen every week. A desk toy gets seen once.
- Make it an in-joke. The best tech gifts are the ones only people in the office really get.
- Keep it friendly. Tease the job, the meetings and the inbox, never the person.
- Don't overthink the size. If you are unsure, a mug or a sticker sheet means no awkward guessing.
For the one who sounds suspiciously polished in meetings
Dear AI... Thanks For Helping Me Sound Smart In Meetings Mug (from £12.99)
For the colleague who used to say "yeah, sounds good" and now says "let's align on the key deliverables". Nobody is asking questions. Everybody knows. Comes in 11oz or a bigger 15oz for long stand-ups. See the Dear AI Mug.
Dear AI... Thanks For Helping Me Sound Smart In Meetings T-Shirt (£19.99)
The same confession, but wearable. Perfect for the team away day, or for turning up to a video call and letting the shirt do the talking. See the Dear AI T-Shirt.
For the one whose auto reply never switches off
Out of Office T-Shirt (£19.99)
Out of office. My AI is covering. For the developer who automated half their job in a weekend and has been "monitoring the situation" ever since. A soft unisex cotton tee that works just as well at the pub as at the desk. See the Out of Office T-Shirt.
For the one who prompts before they speak
Eat, Sleep, Prompt, Repeat Mug (from £12.99)
The full daily routine of anyone who asks their AI about absolutely everything, from bug fixes to what to have for tea. Printed on both sides, so it reads whichever hand they hold it in. See the Eat, Sleep, Prompt, Repeat Mug.
For the one who mentions AI within five minutes
How Do You Know If Someone Uses AI? Mug (from £12.99)
Don't worry, they'll tell you. Usually before you have taken your coat off. An affectionate nudge for the office evangelist, and a mug they will be secretly proud of. See the How Do You Know Mug.
Fake It Till You Prompt It Mug (from £12.99)
The old career advice, updated for anyone whose confidence now comes with a chat window. Ideal for the new starter who already seems to know everything. See the Fake It Till You Prompt It Mug.
For the laptop that needs more personality
Everyday AI Sticker Sheet (£7.99)
Eight funny AI stickers on one sheet, ready to peel off and stick on a laptop lid, water bottle or notebook. Every tech person has a sticker-covered laptop, and there is always room for one more. A great little extra to tuck in with a mug. See the Everyday AI Sticker Sheet.
Buying for the whole team?
If you are sorting gifts for a whole department, delivery is free on UK orders over £50, and buying more than one gets you a little off automatically at the checkout. Everything is printed to order, usually within 5 to 10 working days, so please order by Wednesday 9 December for UK delivery before Christmas.
Browse our full range of office and Secret Santa gifts, or if there is a spending limit, start with our Secret Santa gifts under £15.
Whoever you are buying for, we hope it makes them laugh in the next meeting, and that it stays on the desk long after the conference lanyard has gone.