Gifts for coworkers are a nice way to say thanks at the holidays, but they can add up fast if you work with a big team. The good news is that most people don't expect anything expensive from a coworker. A small, thoughtful item feels more appropriate at work than a pricey one. Below are 30 cheap gifts for coworkers sorted into treats, desk items, cozy and practical picks, and personal touches, plus tips to keep the whole thing on budget.
How to keep coworker gifts cheap and appropriate
1. Set one limit for everyone
Pick one small amount per person and stick to it, so no coworker feels singled out. If your office runs a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange, follow its limit instead. Add coworker gifts to your overall holiday plan; our Christmas on a budget guide shows how to set a total and split it.
2. Choose one idea and do it in bulk
Making or buying the same gift for everyone is cheaper and faster than shopping for each person. A batch of cookies or a multipack of pens split into small bags covers a whole team.
3. Keep it neutral
Stick to items almost anyone can use. Avoid anything too personal, like clothing sizes, perfume or jokes that could land wrong. If you're unsure about dietary needs, choose a non-food item.
4. Use rewards and store sales
Buy supplies during holiday sales and stack free cashback and store loyalty rewards. The ScanSave rewards list collects free programs, and our Black Friday tips help you spot real discounts.
Edible treats coworkers love
- Homemade cookies or brownies. Bake one big batch and pack a few in a cellophane bag with a ribbon.
- Hot cocoa jar mix. Layer cocoa mix and mini marshmallows in a small jar with a tag.
- Tea or coffee sampler. Split a multipack of tea bags or single-serve coffee into small bundles.
- Spiced nuts or snack mix. Easy to make in bulk and shares well.
- Candy canes or wrapped chocolates. Tie a few to a card for a quick desk drop.
- Microwave popcorn bundle. Add a fun seasoning shaker for an afternoon snack.
- Fresh fruit or clementines. A simple, healthy break-room treat for the whole team.
- Mug with a treat inside. A plain mug filled with cocoa packets or candy doubles as wrapping.
Useful desk and office gifts
- Nice gel pens. Buy a multipack and split it into sets of two or three.
- Sticky notes in fun shapes. Everyone uses them and they brighten a desk.
- Mini notebook or pocket planner. Handy for meetings and to-do lists.
- Desk succulent or plant cutting. Start cuttings from a plant you already own and pot them in small jars.
- Phone stand. Simple and useful for video calls.
- Cable organizer clips. A small fix for cluttered desks.
- Reusable water bottle sticker pack. Fun for coworkers who like to personalize their things.
- Bookmark. Great for the readers on your team, especially if handmade.
- Mouse pad or coaster. A practical desk upgrade.
Cozy and practical gifts
- Hand cream or lip balm. A winter must-have in dry offices.
- Hand sanitizer with a cute holder. Practical for commuters.
- Cozy socks. A safe, universal gift that works for almost anyone.
- Reusable tote bag. Useful for lunch, groceries or the gym.
- Instant hand warmers. Great for coworkers with a cold commute.
- Lip balm and tissues kit. A small "survive winter" pouch.
- Lunch bag or food container. Helps coworkers bring lunch and save money too.
Many of these also make good stocking fillers; see our cheap stocking stuffers list for more small ideas.
Personal touches that cost almost nothing
- Handwritten thank-you card. Name one specific thing they did this year. It costs almost nothing and gets remembered.
- Printed photo from a team event. Put it in a simple frame or card.
- Favorite recipe card set. Share a recipe with a small ingredient that goes with it.
- Custom playlist. Share a link to a playlist made for the team.
- Puzzle or brain-teaser book. Fun for breaks and easy to pass around.
- Deck of cards or a small travel game. Good for team lunches.
Ideas for the whole team
If you want to include everyone without buying individual gifts, bring a shared treat to the break room, organize a potluck lunch, or pass around one card that everyone signs. For gifts to a manager, chip in as a team for a single small gift or card instead of buying individually.
Wrap it cheaply
Use brown paper with twine, paper lunch bags with a sticker, reused gift bags or a mug or jar as the wrapping. A handwritten tag makes even a simple gift look finished. More low-cost ideas are in our household swaps guide.
Coworker gift checklist
- Check whether your office has a gift exchange or limit.
- Set one modest amount per person.
- Pick one idea to make or buy in bulk.
- Choose neutral items almost anyone can use.
- Check for food allergies or pick a non-food gift.
- Buy supplies with store rewards and cashback.
- Wrap simply with paper bags, jars or reused bags.
- Add a short handwritten note to each gift.
- Use a group card or shared treat for big teams.
Cheap gifts for coworkers FAQ
What is a good cheap gift for coworkers?
Small consumables and everyday desk items work best: homemade or bulk-bought treats, good hot cocoa or tea, a nice pen, sticky notes, a hand cream, a plant cutting in a small pot or a handwritten card. They are useful, easy to share and don't feel too personal for the office.
How much should you spend on gifts for coworkers?
Keep it small and consistent. Many offices set a shared limit for gift exchanges, so follow that if there is one. If not, pick one modest amount for everyone on your team so no one feels singled out, and remember a thoughtful note matters more than the price.
Do you have to buy gifts for all your coworkers?
No. Gifts at work are optional. If you want to include your whole team, a shared treat for the break room or a group card is a kind, low-cost gesture. Many people only exchange gifts with the few coworkers they work closely with, or join an organized Secret Santa or white elephant exchange.
Is it okay to give your boss a gift?
Gifts usually flow down, not up, at work, so you don't need to buy your boss a gift. If your team wants to, chip in together for one small group gift or a card signed by everyone instead of individual presents.
How can I buy gifts for a lot of coworkers cheaply?
Pick one idea and make or buy it in bulk: a batch of cookies, a multipack of nice pens split into small bags, or a jar mix you assemble yourself. Buying one item in quantity, using store rewards and cashback, and wrapping simply keeps the per-person cost low.
Store sales and rewards program terms change. Check each store or program's own site before you shop. Last reviewed Nov 4, 2026.