Office Pen Jokes That Are Actually Safe to Give

A joke on a pen should never become an awkward conversation with your colleague. The easiest rule is to choose humour that celebrates a shared moment rather than labels a person.

A useful joke is usually specific

Like a Boss can make sense after a colleague fixes a difficult problem, and #Bossin can work where that phrase is already part of the team’s banter. You OK Hun? is more personal and needs a friend who understands the tone. If you can’t picture the recipient smiling, that’s a reason to choose something less loaded.

A name-only pen is a valid alternative

The Your Name Personalised Pen puts the recipient’s name ahead of a joke and comes as a classic white plastic ballpoint. It’s worth remembering when you’re buying for somebody you don’t know well. In workplaces, useful and uncontroversial can be more thoughtful than trying too hard to be funny.

Things to think about

• Ask whether the joke would still be comfortable in a team meeting.
• Avoid any design that picks on a protected trait or personal difficulty.
• Keep private jokes for friends who have actually shared them.

Compare the product options

You can see each pen here, rather than relying on a tiny picture in a gift guide.

• #Bossin Pen — classic white plastic ballpoint, supplied without a case.
• #Like a Boss Pen — classic white plastic ballpoint, supplied without a case.
• You OK Hun? Pen — classic white plastic ballpoint, supplied without a case.
• Your Name Personalised Pen — classic white plastic ballpoint, supplied without a case.

Can I give a funny pen to my boss?

Yes, if the relationship supports that humour. When in doubt, a simple personalised name pen is the more dependable choice.

The best office gifts invite a smile, not an explanation. Remember that the recipient has to keep using the item afterwards.

For more small gifts with a cheeky line, browse our Social Sass quote pens.

If you want to keep reading

• Gifts for Work Colleagues: Small Ideas That Aren’t Awkward
• Small Gifts for Work Colleagues: Practical Ideas