What are the best gifts for someone starting a new job?

A personal and thoughtful gift is bound to have a better impact than a strictly professional one. You might get them a set of plants that they can utilize in their office or new working environment.

• You can't go wrong with a practical gift. Starting a new job can be overwhelming, and there are often lots of little items a person will need. You can relieve some of your giftee's stress by giving them office supplies critical to their new role.

You might also consider going big and giving them an entire gift basket of office supplies. If you stock them up for the first year of their new position, they are sure to be grateful.

Good examples of other practical gifts are business planners, tile key trackers, and smart plugs. If you know their office or store space well, and they are lacking an item that would make their life easier or better in some way, this is sure to be a good purchase.

• Consider getting a gift directly related to their job. This includes many different items, such as books on business strategy or self-improvement.

If they just started working at a fitness club, perhaps a durable water bottle is the right gift. If they just got a real estate license, maybe you want to get them a car-related gift because realtors are often on the move.

A gift that is directly related to their new job is thoughtful and is a great way to congratulate the person on a new phase in their life.