What are good inexpensive gifts for coworkers?

10/14/24 9:12pm

I have been at my job for 5 years and really like and enjoy working with my teammates. I want to get small presents for my coworkers just to express my appreciation. So what would be a good gift that everyone would like, that isn't too expensive (since I'll need to buy about 10 of them)?

(Also, one of my coworkers is retiring, so if you have ideas for presents that may be especially appropriate for that, I'd appreciate that too, but this gift I may give separate from all the others, so it doesn't necessarily have to be the same as the gift everone else is getting.)

WikiFlamingoGlider952

10/15/24 6:13am

Great question! It depends on your budget and your work environment but try one of these gift ideas:

-Personalized mugs that everyone can use at the office. They'll think of you whenever they use them!
-Mini candles. You can get pretty cheap ones at 5 Below or the dollar store and they're still pretty nice.
-Nice cards that say you appreciate them. You can buy them or make them yourself. Thrifty and meaningful, especially if you include a $5 Dunkin Donuts giftcard or a candy bar.
-Fuzzy one-size-fits-all socks. This is what management gets us every year for Christmas. It's impersonal, but a big crowd pleaser. I always love them.
-Cater lunch one day. If there's a place you guys like to eat order from them for everyone or just show up with food.

For the coworker who is retiring, get them something along the same theme as what you get everyone else, e.g. if you get everyone mugs, get the retiring colleague a mug plus a bag of gourmet coffee or hot chocolate, fancy pretzels or truffles, tea. Make a nice gift basket.

WikiSkyDancer042

10/15/24 7:10am

An easy way to show you appreciate your colleagues is by bringing in food to work. My favorite coworker from my job years back would bring in homemade cookies and muffins regularly and I will never forget her! It's also thriftier than buying gifts for every single person.

We have someone in my current office who keeps our break room stocked with interesting goodies--unique teas and coffees, cocoa, hard candies in nice bowls, a big box of mini chip bags and granola bars under the cupboard for anyone who forgets their lunch. We love her!

I guess another takeaway from this comment is, be a person who is generally appreciative, instead of doing a one-time nice thing for your colleagues. Not that there's anyhing wrong with having a special day to show them you care, but I will never forget these coworkers who make being kind and thoughtful a part of their personality and elevating the workplace atmosphere.

WikiStoatWatcher119

10/15/24 10:20am

I’d get something specific to your job and easily customizable. So like…if you all work at a bank, you could get nice checkbooks for all of your coworkers and have their names embroidered on the front. Or if you all work at a wine distributor you could buy them decanters with their initials etched in the glass. Something job-specific will stick out in their memory as an homage to the work you all do more than a random, general gift ever could.

WikiCapybaraRunner114

10/16/24 1:52pm

Do you guys hang out together after work ever? If you kind of have a good social rapport going with everyone, I’d actually recommend taking them out for drinks. At 2-3 drinks a person, you’ll spend about what you would on most gifts, and the memory of the night will mean more than some kind of trinket most of your coworkers never wanted in the first place. The social experience will also help you guys bond as a group, which could pay off at your job.

WikiOwlGlider937

10/16/24 4:07pm

If you’re really on a budget, there’s nothing wrong with handmade cards and thoughtful messages. You don’t actually have to spend anything. When I think of the most memorable gifts I’ve received from coworkers or bosses, none of them actually had a lot of monetary value. They were little trinkets or handmade items that were chosen specifically for me.

WikiLlamaSlinger279

10/16/24 9:13pm

Do you all work in an office? If so, mug warmers are the perfect gift. They’re inexpensive and I can almost promise none of your coworkers have one. Mug warmers are these little coaster-like things that you plug into a USB port. When you put a mug on one, it clicks to turn on and begins heating the base of the cup. It’s the perfect gift to keep coffee or tea warm at your desk.

What do other wikiHow readers have to say?

Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.

Reader Tips from 65+ Best Birthday Messages to Give Your Coworkers

Anonymous Reader

Try to find out your coworker's hobbies through casual conversation, and get them a gift that relates to it. That way, you can guarantee that they'll use your gift.

Anonymous Reader

Chat with your other coworkers to see if they want to pool money together for a joint gift.

Reader Tips from How to Give Someone a Great Gift

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Ask what they would want for Christmas or another gift-giving day, and then surprise them by giving them that thing for their special day!

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Make something: it will mean a lot to them if it comes from your heart!

Reader Tips from How to Choose a Gift for Your Friends

Anonymous Reader

Don’t go overboard with spending. While expensive gifts are often a nice surprise for a great friend, there are plenty of lower-cost gifts that can show someone that you care. Remember, “It’s the thought that counts.” Keep it personal and meaningful.

Anonymous Reader

The best gifts come from the heart not a store. Take some time to make something for them if you don't have alot of time to make something big, you can still take a moment to write a sweet, simple card saying how much you value your friendship.

Anonymous Reader

Buy them something unique. Something that they actually want. They may be surprised with what you gave and and can appreciate it.