Smart gifts that build smarter teams!
Office birthdays. Work anniversaries. That last-minute holiday gift exchange. Finding the right gifts for coworkers can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Coffee mugs are overdone. Scented candles are hit or miss. What if there were a gift that offered real value? One that sticks with your team long after the wrapping paper is gone?
Enter professional courses.
Not only are they thoughtful, but they also show that you believe in someone’s growth. These courses sharpen skills, boost confidence, and sometimes even spark a career shift. Gifting a course is like saying, “I see your potential—and I’m investing in it.”
So, if you’re looking to give something meaningful, here are the best professional courses from top platforms that make perfect gifts for colleagues.
Why Gift a Professional Course?
Before diving into the list, here’s why a professional course is a gift worth giving:
- It’s practical
- It lasts beyond the moment
- It supports their goals
- It’s completely clutter-free
- It fits almost any budget
Plus, with so many global learning platforms, it’s easy to find a course that fits any niche—from finance to fashion.
List of 12 Professional Course Platforms
1. LinkedIn Learning
Best for: All-round professional development
LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of bite-sized courses that range from beginner to expert level. Whether your colleague wants to improve time management or master Excel, there’s something here for them.
Top course categories to gift:
- Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Remote Work Essentials
Why it’s a great gift:
- Easy to access via LinkedIn
- Comes with certificates
- Fresh courses added monthly
A 1-month premium gift card is a low-commitment, high-value gesture.
2. Coursera
Best for: University-level learning
Want to gift your coworker a course from Stanford, Yale, or Google? Coursera makes it possible. It offers certifications and even degree programs from top institutions.
Great course picks for professionals:
- Google Project Management
- Yale’s The Science of Well-Being
- Negotiation Strategies by the University of Michigan
- Data Analytics with IBM
Why coworkers love it:
- They learn from the best
- Earned certificates are LinkedIn-friendly
- Some courses are self-paced, others are instructor-led
Perfect for colleagues looking to climb the corporate ladder.
3. Udemy
Best for: Affordable niche skills
Udemy is packed with short courses on almost every topic imaginable. From accounting to animation, there’s no shortage of interesting picks.
Unique course ideas for gifts:
- Time Management for Busy Professionals
- Mind Mapping Mastery
- Business Writing Essentials
- Productivity Habits for Remote Workers
What makes it click:
- Pay once, access forever
- Lifetime updates to course material
- Great for both tech and creative minds
A one-time purchase can add long-term value to their career.
4. edX
Best for: Ivy League prestige
edX brings the classroom to your screen. It features university-level courses from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley. Some courses are free, while some have an optional paid certificate.
Giftable course topics:
- Leading in a Remote Environment (MIT)
- Business Foundations (Wharton)
- Ethics and Corporate Responsibility
- AI for Everyone
Why it’s gift-worthy:
- Courses can be audited for free
- Certification options available
- Adds prestige to their resume
A great pick for your high-achieving colleague.
5. MasterClass
Best for: Creative professionals
If your coworker is creative or loves storytelling, MasterClass will feel like a treasure chest. It features video lessons from world-renowned experts. Think Gordon Ramsay teaching cooking or Anna Wintour on leadership.
Engaging gift picks:
- Chris Voss on Negotiation
- Bob Iger on Business Strategy
- Shonda Rhimes on Writing
- Howard Schultz on Business Leadership
Why it stands out:
- Beautifully produced video lessons
- Real-world wisdom from legends
- Great for inspiration, not just instruction
It’s perfect for creative teams, marketers, and team leads.
6. Google Digital Garage
Best for: Free skill-building
Yes, Google offers professional courses too—and many of them are completely free. Digital Garage covers digital marketing, tech, and soft skills for modern professionals.
Smart course options:
- Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
- Improve Your Online Business Security
- Design Thinking
- Get Started With AI
Why it’s a strong gift:
- It’s free to access
- Provides Google-accredited certificates
- Bite-sized lessons fit into busy schedules
It’s a great no-cost gift option with big-time value.
7. Skillshare
Best for: Design and creative thinking
Is your colleague the go-to person for designing decks or planning events? Skillshare is built for creators. From graphic design to UX to photography, the course options here are endless.
Gift-worthy courses include:
- Productivity for Creatives
- Business Branding Strategy
- Public Speaking Skills
- Creative Writing
What makes it work:
- Hands-on projects
- Great for visual learners
- Monthly and annual memberships are available
Give them a creative outlet with a professional twist.
8. HubSpot Academy
Best for: Marketing professionals
If your coworker is in sales, customer service, or marketing, HubSpot Academy has a stack of relevant free certifications.
Courses to consider:
- Content Marketing Certification
- Inbound Sales
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Strategy
Why coworkers love it:
- Free of charge
- Globally recognized certifications
- Sharpens current job skills
Help your team sharpen the tools they already use.
9. FutureLearn
Best for: International learners
UK-based FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer professional development courses. It’s ideal for global offices or remote colleagues.
Valuable course categories:
- Business and Management
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Law and Politics
- Tech and Coding
Why it’s worth gifting:
- Some courses are free to access
- Easy-to-follow layout
- Many short courses are under 4 weeks
A solid pick for international or remote teams.
10. Pluralsight
Best for: IT and tech teams
Working in tech? Pluralsight is tailored for software developers, data scientists, and IT pros. If your coworker is knee-deep in code, this is the ultimate toolbox.
Popular course categories:
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps
- Python Programming
Why it’s different:
- Progress assessments
- Learning paths to guide skill development
- Team gifting options are available
This one’s all about leveling up technical minds.
11. Alison
Best for: Soft skills and personal growth
Alison offers a surprising number of free courses. From wellness to workplace ethics, it’s ideal for holistic professional development.
Course ideas to gift:
- Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
- Stress Management Techniques
- Workplace Communication
- Leadership Skills
Why it’s meaningful:
- Free certificates
- Good for entry-level professionals
- Broad course selection
Small courses with a big personal impact.
12. The Great Courses Plus (Wondrium)
Best for: Lifelong learners
For that colleague who always wants to know more, Wondrium (formerly Great Courses Plus) offers engaging lecture-style lessons in everything from business psychology to cultural studies.
Gift-worthy picks:
- How Great Leaders Think
- The Art of Negotiation
- Strategic Thinking Skills
- Financial Literacy for Professionals
What makes it unique:
- College-style lectures
- Great for team leaders
- Monthly or annual plans
An inspiring gift for the curious mind.
The Best Way to Pick the Right Course Gift
When choosing gifts for colleagues, think about these:
- Their job role and career path
- Any interests they’ve shared casually
- What skills might help them grow
- Your relationship with them
You don’t need to know everything. A general professional course shows thoughtful effort. And many platforms let recipients choose their own course after you gift them access.
Final Tip: Pair It With a Note
Don’t just send the course. Write a small card or message. Something like:
“Here’s to growing your amazing talent. Hope this course adds fuel to your fire.”
It turns a virtual gift into a personal one.
A Smart Gifting Tip From Suggest Me A Gift
At Suggest Me A Gift, we believe gifting should feel meaningful. That’s why we explore creative, thoughtful ways to surprise your loved ones—even at work. A professional course is more than a kind gesture. It’s a gift of future opportunities.
We keep hunting for ideas that help people show they care, even in the most unexpected ways. Whether it’s a birthday or a promotion, our blogs cover the best of what to gift and why. Keep exploring our latest posts, and find the gift that says it all.
Conclusion
When it comes to gifts for coworkers, a professional course says more than a fancy notebook ever could. It says, “I care about where you’re headed.” It says, “You deserve to grow.”
With global platforms making learning easier than ever, there’s no excuse for dull office gifts anymore. So go ahead. Swap that boring box of cookies for something bold. Something brilliant. A course that just might change their future. That’s the kind of gift worth giving.
Also Read: Boost Morale With These 14 Creative Office Gift Ideas
