51 Great Gifts for Coworkers Under $50 That They’ll Definitely Appreciate
Updated: Jun. 16, 2022These gifts for coworkers will wow your colleagues—without breaking the bank.
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The art of choosing gifts for coworkers
Whether your office is stuffy or laid-back, there’s a rule to live by when it comes to birthdays, holidays, and any present-giving occasion in between: Keep gifts for coworkers fun but not too personal. “Gifts of clothing should be avoided because the quickest way to embarrass a coworker is with a clothing size that is either too big or small,” says Susan Hosage, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, a senior consultant with OneSource HR Solutions. “Men gifting jewelry, cologne, or other personal items to women, and vice versa, can also have unintended implications and consequences.”
Food items can also be problematic because people may have allergies and medical conditions that restrict what they can consume. And, of course, you also want to ensure any gift ideas are compliant with any company policies. So while it might’ve been de rigueur in the Mad Men era, Hosage strongly advises against gifting booze.
So what can you give? Gifts for coworkers that play on an office theme are always fun, and self-care gifts for her and gifts for him come in handy after the nine-to-five. We’ve rounded up dozens of gifts for coworkers that prove just how thoughtful you are. And yes, there are Amazon gifts and last-minute gifts for worker bees who leave everything to the eleventh hour. Whether you’re shopping for your coworkers or are on the hunt for gifts for bosses, secret Santa gifts, or white elephant gifts, you’ll find something your office buds will adore.
CHICHIC Cat Magnets
Best for: The coworker who loves cats
Every office has someone who loves cats as much as Taylor Swift. Give the feline fanatic more kitty decor with a six-pack of cat magnets. They’re small but mighty, measuring under two inches each but with the power to hold thick papers to their fridge or office whiteboard. Need more ideas for the cat lady in the neighboring cubicle? Consider these gifts for cat lovers.
Dr. Pawpaw Sleeping Beauty Gift Collection
Best for: The sleep-deprived coworker
Late nights at the office can make a full night’s sleep hard to come by. Your coworker will appreciate this collection, which makes going to sleep easier and more fun. The stackable Scrub and Nourish pots exfoliate and nourish the skin, while the overnight lip mask helps rejuvenate the lips. The set of self-care gifts also comes with an eye mask to help block out sunlight, so your coworker will snooze until the blare of the alarm.
Audible Premium Plus Gift Membership
Best for: The book-loving coworker
The only thing better than gifting someone a great book is gifting them a way to read it on the go. Audible Premium Plus gift memberships offer all the perks of a subscription without the commitment. That means audiobooks to thousands of bestsellers, plus originals you can only get on Audible, sleep tracks, meditation programs, and podcasts. And with a Premium Plus gift membership, your favorite book lover will also get an additional title every month from an extended list of bestsellers and new releases not available with a standard Audible subscription. Not sure how long your giftee will want to listen? Gift memberships range between one month and one year.
Faber-Castell Hexo Rollerball Pen
Best for: The coworker who still takes notes by hand
It’s more fun to take notes and jot down important stuff with a stylish writing instrument. This pen is lovely to look at and fun to use. It’s created for smooth writing for both right-handed and left-handed users. When it comes to gifts for coworkers, it’s hard to go wrong with a reliable pen.
Mimeo Gift Card for Personalized Photo Wall Calendar
Best for: The coworker whose desk is covered in family photos
The picture-perfect gift for new parents or coworkers who display family photos on their desks, a gift card from Mimeo lets them build a personalized calendar. They can customize each month with a different family photo, then hang it on the wall at the office. Find some more budget-friendly gifts here.
OttLite LED Cone Lamp
Best for: The coworker who is obsessed with sanitizing
In the era of COVID-19, going back to the office means keeping cleanliness top of mind. Every time this OttLite cone lamp is turned on, it kills bacteria on items (like smartphones and wallets) that are within the illuminated area. While it doesn’t target the coronavirus, it’s sure to give a germaphobe coworker greater peace of mind. Shop more amazing products with this list of gifts for boyfriends.
Bodleian Library High Jinks Bookshelves Journal
Best for: The bibliophile coworker
This journal was made to last, and it celebrates the beauty of bookshelves with a gorgeous, intricately detailed cover. It has a pocket at the back for storing scraps of paper and ribbon bookmarks for keeping track of important pages. It’s the ideal gift for book lovers or diary keepers.
Uber Appliance Mini Fridge
Best for: The coworker who likes a cool drink
It’s satisfying to crack open a cold can of soda for that mid-afternoon caffeine kick, but nobody wants warm cola. Enter the Uber Appliance mini-fridge, which comes in five color options. It fits under a desk, so coworkers can have easy access to sodas, seltzers, or snacks any time they have a craving. It’d also be a good gift for fathers-in-law who like to have a cold beer handy at home.
Zum Mini Mist Trio Pack
Best for: The coworker who loves trying new scents
This aromatherapy spray pack is formulated to make a room smell great, and it doubles as a body spray so your coworker will smell wonderful too. These mini mists come in rich scents like frankincense and myrrh, sea salt, and patchouli. Keep shopping with these great gifts for sisters.
Billion Dollar Art Gallery
Best for: The art-loving coworker
Transform an ordinary television into a world-class art museum with this fun tech gift. Once your coworker plugs the sleek, chrome USB drive into a TV, the screen will come alive with 500 of the most iconic paintings in history. Users are in control, so they can decide how long they want to linger on each painting.
The Comfy Wearable Blanket
Best for: The coworker who’s always chilly
Available in a variety of colors, the Comfy is a wearable blanket that truly provides warmth. It’s the perfect warm, cozy gift for the work-from-home set as well as the office worker who’s always cold. The one-size-fits-all blanket is lined with faux Sherpa, so it’s safe for vegans and animal lovers too. This is about as cozy and fun as gifts for coworkers can be.
Alder New York Black Obsidian Gua Sha
Best for: The coworker who loves skincare
The gua sha has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and is now used to promote circulation in the face and relieve tension. The user just adds a few drops of face-friendly oil and then gently strokes the skin of the face.
MacKenzie-Childs Vintage Buttons Frame
Best for: The coworker who loves to display photos
No desk is complete without framed photographs of loved ones, and this vibrant, colorful picture frame is oh so pretty. The green frame has brass trimming and accents, and the buttons in each corner draw the eye. It’d make a great gift for Grandma as well.
Made by Mary Bold Jude Linear Earrings
Best for: The coworker who loves accessories
These bold and beautiful earrings will fit with any fashion style. They add a touch of elegance to any office outfit, and your coworker will appreciate the subtle nod to office supplies—the design is reminiscent of paperclip links.
JLab Go Work Wireless Headset
Best for: The coworker who loves to chat
Here’s a headset to suit anybody who spends time on phone or video calls. It easily works as a wired or wireless headset, and it has a powerful boom mic that can be moved up when not in use. It will free up your colleague’s hands for note-taking. Or buy it as a gift for the brother who’s into online gaming.
Ban.do I Am Very Busy Sticky Note Set
Best for: The coworker who’s swamped with work
Sure, the office provides Post-Its in standard pale yellow, but for the coworker who prefers office supplies that are a lot less stuffy, turn to Ban.do. This set comes with eight sticky notepads and page flags in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s one way to make the workday more fun.
Oribe Obsessed Discovery Set
Best for: The coworker who takes a lot of business trips
Wow your favorite coworker with a luxury brand. This gift set comes with travel-sized versions of Oribe’s Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, and Dry Texturizing Spray. It’s the perfect gift for business travelers.
Belkin Car Vent Mount
Best for: The coworker with a long commute
From salespeople who spend hours driving around their territories to office workers who take conference calls during their commutes, everyone needs a hands-free way to navigate and use the phone. The Belkin car vent mount to the rescue. This car accessory secures your smartphone to your car’s air vent without the need for tools. The adjustable brackets ensure a snug fit for your phone model, and it swivels 360 degrees for portrait or landscape views.
The Happiness Project Don’t Break the Chain Habit Tracker
Best for: The coworker who wants to make some changes
True, lasting change comes from establishing daily habits that lead to the results you want. The Don’t Break the Chain Habit Tracker comes with clear instructions to help goal-setters plan and record their progress. It’s a smart pick for coworkers who constantly claim they’re quitting smoking, starting an exercise routine, or taking up meditation.
Floral Street Sunflower Pop Mini Eau de Parfum
Best for: The art-loving, scent-obsessed coworker
A collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Floral Street’s beautifully packaged perfume comes in a bottle that has the image of the artist’s “Sunflowers” painting on it. The invigorating citrus fragrance is available in a mini spray worthy of your office mate and a larger size you might want to purchase for yourself. It’d make a wonderful gift for girlfriends.
R-fun AirPods Case
Best for: The coworker who listens to tunes while working
AirPods may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but keeping track of them? That’s a whole different story. Any Apple-centric music buff will appreciate a molded silicone pocket specifically designed to keep AirPods secure. Use the included carabiner to attach the case to your bag or key chain; a little access area along the bottom allows for charging. Genius.
American Landscapes 2022 Daily Planner
Best for: The nature-loving coworker
Give your coworker a glimpse of the outdoors even while they’re in their office with this planner featuring some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. It’s as beautiful as it is practical (and it might just inspire them to pencil in some vacation time).
Simply Charmed Crystal Magnetic Wine Glass Charms
Best for: The coworker who loves wine
At first, you might not think colorful crystals go hand in hand with wine drinking, but that’s only because you’ve never seen the Simply Charmed crystal magnetic wine glass charms. What a classy way to help distinguish between wine glasses at any soiree, without having to play the “Is this my lipstick shade?” game. It’s the perfect gift for wine lovers.
1,000 Places to See Before You Die 2022 Desk Calendar
Best for: The coworker with wanderlust
We all have a life outside of the office, right? Help your travel-obsessed coworkers book some of that unused vacation time by giving the gift of travel inspiration. The 1,000 Places to See Before You Die page-a-day calendar will expand their bucket list and inspire some awesome vacation planning. (But hopefully you won’t be stuck working on all their projects as they jet off to Fiji.)
XLeader SoundAngel A8 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best for: The coworker who’s passionate about music
Give the audiophile in your office the gift of high-definition sound in a super-compact design. This portable speaker with Bluetooth technology offers 12 to 15 hours of music and pairs with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. That means your coworker can take their tunes from home to the office without missing a beat. For more great gifts, browse these subscription boxes.
Function 101 Button Remote for Apple TV
Best for: The coworker who loves watching Apple TV
Here’s something unexpected and innovative. The button remote is compatible with Apple TV and the Apple TV 4K. It uses traditional remote control buttons (easier for many to navigate than Apple’s touchy remote) and is easy to set up and use. It’s one of the best gifts for coworkers who spend nights watching Ted Lasso on their Apple TV and mornings discussing the show with you.
Silver Buffalo Friends Central Perk Cookie Jar
Best for: The coworker who loves Friends
We all know people who have a healthy obsession with the classic ’90s sitcom Friends. They will flip over this adorable cookie jar’s logo: Central Perk, the beloved coffee shop where the young friends spent their leisure time. Just don’t break into a rendition of “Smelly Cat” while presenting this fun present. Hunting for Hanukkah gifts? Our list has you covered.
Linda Cabot Design Square Scarf
Best for: The coworker who loves to accessorize
This lightweight scarf is among the best gifts for coworkers who love feminine accents and florals. With its beautiful navy color and lace motif, it can be worn to liven up a basic work suit or add a bit of color to a dark dress.
Everyday for Future Beauty Advent Calendar
Best for: The coworker who always looks their best
Here’s a gift that will keep on giving. This advent calendar has 24 mini sachets of spa-quality beauty products, like masks, body creams, and scrubs. This would also make an excellent present to take to your next white elephant gift exchange.
Candescent Stress Balls
Best for: The coworker with lots of stress
Work is stressful. Show you care with this set of two gel balls that help relieve tension with each squeeze. Motivational phrases—”mindset determines happiness” and “enjoy every moment”—inspire calm in even the most stressful situations.
The Sill Marble Queen Pothos
Best for: The coworker with a green thumb
Green-thumbed coworkers who have been missing their plant babies since returning to the office will love getting a plant they can keep at their desks. This marble queen pothos requires little indirect light, so it’s a good option for anyone without a window office. If you’re willing to shell out more, you can get it in a pretty pot. Hunting for even more goods? Browse these gifts for cat lovers.
Arteza Bullet Journals
Best for: The coworker who takes notes by hand
The coworker who likes to jot down notes or plan projects by hand will love this set of two versatile bullet journals. At six by eight inches, they’re the right size to easily fit in most purses and briefcases. Each journal has a sewn binding and 96 sheets of acid-free paper.
Korissa Jute Basket Set
Best for: The coworker who stays organized
These baskets look great in a home of any style and could warm up a stuffy corporate office too. Each of the four handmade baskets is made of natural jute by artisans in Bangladesh. They’re the perfect gifts for coworkers who are über-organized—or the keeper of the office candy bowl. Here are some irresistible gifts for your sister-in-law.
Rachel Parcell for Blue Sky Ballpoint Pens
Best for: The coworker who collects pens
This set of three retractable ballpoint pens features beautiful, romantic designs and gold accents. They look luxuriously upscale, but they’re very affordable and are a practical gift that any coworker can use.
Earth Therapeutics Dream Silk Cozy Socks
Best for: The coworker who’s serious about relaxation
These comfy, cozy socks double as house slippers. They’re incredibly soft and feel luxuriously soothing because they’re infused with moisturizing shea butter and relaxing lavender. Might as well get a few pairs—they make great stocking stuffers for women.
Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+
Best for: The coworker concerned about skincare
Gifts for coworkers can go beyond the office, speaking to their passions. And this one says you totally understand their obsession with good skincare. Eva Naturals makes this wildly popular vitamin C serum—good for men and women of all skin types—from ethically sourced vegan ingredients. It helps repair damaged skin while preventing further harm.
ESPRO Ultralight Coffee Press P0
Best for: The coworker who runs on caffeine
Get your coffee-addicted coworker a lightweight French press. It’s perfect for making coffee on the go, with a double micro-filter to keep out grit and sludge. Coffee stays hot for hours, thanks to the double-walled, insulated stainless steel. Talk about the perfect gift for coffee lovers!
Jovivi Thumb Worry Stone
Best for: The super-stressed coworker
Your stressed-out coworkers will appreciate worry stones that help them self-soothe during even the most stressful work situations. This eye-catching amethyst symbolizes protection and the cleansing of negative thoughts. With a thumb-shaped dip in the center, it works as a meditation tool, piece of decor, or focus item when anxiety spikes.
Silver Buffalo Winnie the Pooh Mug
Best for: The coworker who dreams of escaping to the Hundred Acre Wood
The charming art on this ceramic mug depicts a watercolor scene of Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and Piglet. It also includes a sentimental statement—”Some paths are destined to cross”—to let your office bestie know how glad you are to be working side by side. For more Disney gifts for the fan in your office, browse our roundup.
Love Desk Mats Custom Desk Mat
Best for: Coworkers who love to decorate their desks
This large, customizable desk mat can liven up your coworker’s desk with any image that’s meaningful to them. Whether they have a favorite painting or a special color, use it make a mat that expresses their passions. It’s durable and easy to clean, too, so they won’t have to worry about spills.
Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Farm Gardening Kit
Best for: The coworker who dreams of gardening
How great would it be to grow your own organic mushrooms? Coworkers who love food gifts will enjoy Back to the Roots’ easy indoor gardening kits. Assuming your corporate policies allow for plants, they can start gardening right at their desk (or take it home if not). Maybe once the veggies are fully grown they’ll share the bounty with you by cooking a special team lunch. Win-win!
Totally Bamboo A Slice of Life State Cutting Board
Best for: The coworker with hometown pride
Sure, you could acknowledge your coworker’s hometown love with some sports memorabilia, but how about something a bit more useful? A bamboo serving and cutting board in the shape of their home state is a fun conversation starter and perfect for entertaining. This one comes with a pre-drilled hole, so your recipient can hang it in a cubicle or kitchen.
Genuine Fred Daily Mood Desk Flipchart
Best for: The coworker with wild mood swings
It can be hard to navigate moods around the office, and not everyone can read the room. This desk chart is both a funny gag gift and a useful workplace tool that can help you avoid awkward conversations and office faux pas. Your coworker can turn the chart to any of the 47 moods, and the rest of the office will know whether to engage or steer clear.
Papier Joy Gratitude Journal
Best for: The coworker who strives for self-improvement
Research has shown that gratitude can help reduce stress and even improve sleep. This gratitude journal will help your coworker focus on the things that inspire joy and happiness every day. It’s full of gratitude prompts and instructions for mindful activities.
Teleties Spiral Hair Coils
Best for: The coworker who loves to try new hairstyles
This is no old-school scrunchie! Teleties are flexible, sturdy hair ties reminiscent of telephone cords. (Go ahead and tell tales of corded telephones to your Gen Z coworker.) We love that they come in a variety of colors and patterns to match any style. As a plus, the pretty hair ties double as bracelets. They would also work as a great gift for moms who are style-conscious.
Dr. Teal’s Soothe and Sleep Foaming Bath
Best for: The sleep-deprived coworker
Pick gifts for coworkers that will delight for weeks to come. This foaming bubble bath fits the bill. With Epsom salt and lavender essential oil, the product was formulated to soothe muscles, relieve stress, and help your colleague catch some Z’s.
Gaiam Essentials Balance Ball & Base Kit
Best for: The coworker who is a fitness enthusiast
You’ve probably heard that sitting is the new smoking. So if your office hasn’t yet embraced the standing desk phenomenon, you can give your coworker a balance ball to sit on instead of a chair. It increases core strength while improving posture. It can even boost circulation—something nobody gets enough of during back-to-back conference calls. Is your coworker more of a friend? Then don’t miss our roundup of best friend gifts.
Homesick Candles Home Office Candle
Best for: The coworker who works from home
Your coworker might not be able to burn this baby in a corporate office, but it’s fair game when they’re working from home. With top notes of water lily and amber, middle notes of cinnamon, and base notes of patchouli and vanilla, this scented candle is a great way to mark the boundaries of your home office.
Desktop Skee-Ball
Best for: The coworker who thinks best while distracted
Gifts for coworkers don’t need to be practical. A bit goofy but definitely fun, this desktop Skee-Ball game gives ’em something to do when they’re brainstorming their next genius idea. Next, check out the best gifts for your boss that show you’re paying attention.
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Source:
- Susan Hosage, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, a senior consultant with OneSource HR Solutions
