Best Motivational Gifts for Coworkers Who Are Secretly Burned Out

We all have that one coworker - okay, maybe several - who’s holding it together with caffeine, chaos, and sheer willpower. If you've seen someone mutter “I’m fine” while rage-typing, this blog is for you. Whether you're gift-hunting for the office MVP who’s on the verge or just want to say, “Hey, I see your burnout and raise you a journal,” here are motivational gifts with just the right mix of humor, function, and emotional support.

Burnout Is Trending—Let’s Gift Accordingly

Signs Your Coworker Deserves a Midweek Pick-Me-Up

• They respond to “How are you?” with a 2-second blink and “livin’ the dream.”
• Their desktop background is a crying meme.
• They’ve scheduled a “meeting” that is definitely just them hiding in their car.
• They’re on their third coffee and second existential crisis of the day.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to step in with a snarky-but-sincere gift.

The Dual Threads Burnout Survival Kit (Unofficial, But Highly Effective)

We’re not saying these gifts will replace therapy, but they will make it easier to survive another day of fake-smiling through calendar invites.

1. To Do: Cry, Snack, Spiral Journal

Perfect for the coworker whose brain operates like 12 open tabs and a podcast on 2x speed. Let them write it out, spiral it out, or sketch their way to sanity—one snack break at a time.

2. 90% Sugar & I Love It Travel Mug

For the colleague whose blood type is Cold Brew and who refers to whipped cream as a personality trait. It’s the caffeine fix with identity attached. Bonus: it’s spill-proof during Monday meltdowns.

3. Adulting: 0 Stars Journal

Let them document every “why is this my job?” moment. This journal doesn’t judge—it just holds space for mini breakdowns and petty gratitude lists.

4. Just Snacks Tote Bag

Snacks = life. This bag is for the coworker who eats granola bars like meals and always has something crunchy in a desk drawer. It’s practical, personal, and holds snacks *and* secrets.

5. Mood: Icy Tumbler

Some days require more chill than others—this tumbler says “I’m fine” but make it frosty. For the coworker who needs hydration, boundary-setting, and a personality cup all in one.

Because Burnout Is a Team Sport

Why These Gifts Actually Work

Motivational gifting doesn’t have to be cheesy. In fact, the best gifts acknowledge the chaos, celebrate the effort, and make someone laugh mid-breakdown. These aren’t generic office mugs—they’re emotional support tools with fonts.

Make It Personal, Make It Funny

A well-timed journal or mug can say “I see you spiraling” in the most loving way possible. And nothing strengthens office friendships like shared trauma and a tote bag that says, “Just Snacks.”

Which Gift Fits Which Coworker?

🧠 The Organizer of Chaos

Gift them the Cry, Snack, Spiral Journal. Color-coded breakdowns? We love to see it.

😴 The Chronically Tired One

The 90% Sugar Travel Mug is their new emotional support bottle. Sleep is a myth.

📓 The Soft-Spoken Spiralist

They'll love the Adulting: 0 Stars Journal. It's quiet, sarcastic, and full of feelings—just like them.

🍿 The Snack Hoarder

Just Snacks Tote. No notes. It’s literally perfect.

❄️ The Passive-Aggressively Chill

The Mood: Icy Tumbler keeps drinks cool and emotional walls cooler.

More Chaotic Gifting Inspiration

• 5 Signs You Might Be Addicted to Graphic Tees (And Honestly, Same)
• Notebook Therapy: Why Journaling Feels Like Screaming into the Void (But Make It Cute)

FAQ: Coworker Gifting for the Overworked and Under-Caffeinated

Q: Is it weird to give someone a journal that low-key calls them out?

A: Only if it doesn’t make them laugh. Pick the right tone and you’re basically the emotional support coworker.

Q: Can I gift these items anonymously?

A: Absolutely. Just leave it on their desk like a burnout fairy. (Bonus if you add snacks.)

Q: What if I want to buy something for myself too?

A: You are the coworker. Treat yourself, spiral queen.

Q: Do these items come pre-wrapped?

A: Not typically—but the vibes are so good, they don’t need wrapping. Just attitude.

Q: What if they don’t like it?

A: Unlikely. But if they don’t? That’s on their birth chart, not you.

Wrap Up the Chaos (Literally)

You don’t need a formal occasion to give someone a mini moment of joy. From burnout to brainstorms, Dual Threads has the sarcastic survival gear your team needs. Shop the full collection of mugs, journals, totes, and tumblers to keep everyone functioning—or at least pretending to be.