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15 Best Gift Ideas For Coworkers

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Updated on November 6, 2022 by
coworker gifts

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Choosing fantastic gifts for your coworkers is often trickier than it seems. Overall, you want to pick gifts that are affordable, thoughtful, fun, and work-appropriate. Humor is always great, but you want to avoid offensive items. All of this makes finding the perfect balance a bit difficult.

You can skip the frustrating search process and check out our 15 gifts under $40 for every coworker. There’s something for every taste and budget, so each recipient gets a truly unique present. Read on to explore the best gift ideas for coworkers based on our research.

Best Coworker Gifts For Under $10

1. Desktop Tetherball: It’s a Wrap!

Desktop Tetherball: It's a Wrap!

Recess is a treasured part of childhood, but it’s not a luxury for most working adults. Give your coworkers a nostalgic break with “Desktop Tetherball: It’s A Wrap!” by Alan Goldsher. This gift features a miniature tetherball pole, ball, rope, and a 32-page paperback book full of trivia, rules, and more.

In addition to “Desktop Tetherball: It’s A Wrap!” Goldsher offers these enjoyable game and mini-book combinations:

  • “Desktop Surfing: With Gnarly Tunes!”
  • “Finger Log Rolling: Lumberjack Approved!”

No matter which one you choose, these fun and budget-friendly picks are awesome for any of your coworkers.

2. Everything is Fine Paper Pad

Everything is Fine Paper Pad

A small gag gift is a witty addition to any traditional gift for your coworker. For the colleague that’s always joking, this cartoon-printed notepad is an excellent pick. The top says ‘everything is fine’, and the bottom depicts a desk worker up to his neck in water. We’ve all felt that way during busy days in the office, and this 50-sheet notepad makes it easier to laugh the stress away. Any of your coworkers are sure to appreciate the classic humor of this item. For under $10, it’s ideal as a gag gift or stocking stuffer.

3. Made in the Office: Tasty And Hasty Meals

Made in the Office: Tasty And Hasty Meals

Buying lunch each day can get really expensive, but reheated leftovers aren’t always appealing. ‘Made In The Office’ is an innovative cookbook that any coworker can appreciate. It contains 70 pages of recipes that only require the use of hot water, a microwave, or a toaster. All of the meals can be cooked quickly to enjoy during the lunch hour. From poached eggs to pesto pasta, there are dozens of delicious and healthy options. Your colleague can save money on their lunch without sacrificing taste.

4. Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Staying hydrated throughout the workday is essential, and the Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water Bottle puts a tasty spin on it. The 25-ounce bottle has an infusion rod that can be filled with berries, lemon, cucumber, and more. It comes with an insulative cover to prevent messy condensation at your coworker’s workstation. This versatile gift is practical, thoughtful, and affordable.

5. Moodycards

Moodycards

For a funny but tasteful gift, Moodycards are the ideal solution for any of your coworkers. The miniature message board stands upright and features 30 silly messages. Simply flip over the cards for a new phrase each day. Some of the amusing phrases displayed on Moodycards are:

  • ‘Do I Look Like Google?’
  • ‘Stressed Out!’
  • ‘Drinks After Work?’

It also includes a few practical messages like ‘Back In 5’, and a blank dry-erase card for customized phrases. This affordable gift is a fantastic way to add a touch of fun to your office environment.

Best Coworker Gifts Under $20

6. 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings

100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings

For your coworker with a good sense of humor, check out the book ‘100 Tips To Appear Smarter In Meetings’. This satirical guide is packed with illustrations, scenarios, and advice.

Some of the playful tips include:

  • “Nod continuously while pretending to take notes.”
  • “Draw a Venn diagram.”
  • “Repeat the last thing the engineer said, but very, very slowly.”

The book contains over 170 pages of ‘work smarter, not harder’ content. Get your coworker laughing with this budget-friendly and unique gift.

7. Executive Mini-Sandbox

Executive Mini-Sandbox

It’s pretty common to daydream about a day at the beach while you’re stuck in the office. This mini-sandbox is great for your coworker that’s eager to vacation. The five-by-five inch sandbox comes with white sand and these tiny accessories:

  • sand pail
  • grooming rake
  • digging shovel
  • sun umbrella with stand
  • beach chair
  • colorful seashells

At under $15, this gift gives coworkers a bit of seaside serenity during the daily hustle and bustle.

8. DEFINITELY NOT COFFEE Enamel “Coffee” Mug

DEFINITELY NOT COFFEE Enamel Coffee Mug

Do you have a coworker who always has a cup of coffee in hand? This clever mug by Swag Brewery is sure to put a smile on their face. In addition to ‘Definitely Not Coffee’, you can choose from mugs printed with phrases like:

  • ‘May Contain Alcohol’
  • ‘Probably Beer’
  • ‘Tears Of My Enemies’

No matter which style you choose, your coworker can enjoy their daily coffee with a touch of humor.

9. Stylio Zippered Padfolio Portfolio Binder

Stylio Zippered Padfolio Portfolio Binder

Organization and efficiency are key parts of a successful career. The Stylio Zippered Padfolio is a multifunctional binder that your coworker is sure to appreciate. The faux leather case is compact for convenience, and the inside features:

  • An iPad or tablet holder.
  • A phone holder.
  • Two-tier expanding folder.
  • Two business card pouches.
  • A zippered pouch.
  • A pen holder.
  • A two-way letter pad slot.

An elastic Velcro strap and zipper design ensure that all of the binder’s contents stay secure. Help your colleague boost their daily work routine with this thoughtful gift.

10. 365 New Words-A-Year Page-A-Day Calendar

365 New Words-A-Year Page-A-Day Calendar

Daily desktop calendars are an old-school, classic item for any office worker. Most people rely on digital organization now, but this fun throwback calendar from Merriam-Webster makes a terrific gift. It features 365 unique, strange, and funny words. On the reverse side of each page, there’s a bit of entertaining trivia info for each word. This budget-friendly gift is a terrific way for your word-enthusiast coworker to kick-off 2021.

11. T&H Aromatherapy Stress Relief Candles

T&H Aromatherapy Stress Relief Candles

On hectic work days, it’s common to go home feeling wound up. Give your coworker some peace with T&H Aromatherapy Stress Relief Candles. The set includes four candles made with natural essential oils. Scents include:

  • Warm Amber
  • Wild Mint
  • Sweet Basil
  • Fresh Citrus

The unique complementary blends are designed for mix and match use. It’s easy to unwind after the daily grind with these therapeutic candles.

12. AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker

AdirChef Grab N' Go Personal Coffee Maker

Coffee is an essential part of many worker’s morning routines. Help out your caffeine-loving coworker with the AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker. This compact single-serve coffee maker quickly brews a 15-ounce mug of coffee. The petite and portable design is ideal for home or office use. The coffee maker comes with an insulated stainless steel mug to keep coffee warm. It also includes a permanent reusable filter and automatic shut-off feature for ultimate convenience. Your coworker will really appreciate this handy and efficient gift.

Best Coworker Gifts Under $40

13. Burt’s Bees Classics Gift Set

Burt's Bees Classics Gift Set

Indulging in self-care is a fine way to reduce work stress. The Burt’s Bees Classic Gift Set is perfect for your coworker who loves a bit of pampering. The set features six of Burt’s Bees bestselling products including:

  • Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
  • Hand Salve
  • Original Beeswax Lip Balm
  • Res-Q Ointment
  • Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream
  • Coconut Foot Cream

The products are packed neatly into a reusable tin container. For less than $30, your coworker will feel spoiled from head to toe.

14. Keeptop Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager

Keeptop Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager

If you want a truly superb gift for a close coworker, this thoughtful Keeptop massager is worth every penny. It combines heat with deep tissue pressure to relieve aching muscles and has three intensity levels. The electric massager is u-shaped to fit around the neck and shoulders. However, the flexible and adjustable design means it can be used on the back, legs, and shoulders for pain relief. This luxury-level gift is competitively priced and perfect for your colleague.

15. Monbento Original Bento Box

Monbento Original Bento Box

Bringing lunch to work from home can be a hassle without high-quality food storage. The Monbento Original Bento Box is an excellent way to store and transport all types of foods. It features a two-tier design and has a total capacity of one liter. The compartments are airtight to prevent inconvenient leaks and spills. The sturdy plastic helps keep food safe and is built to last. This best-selling bento box is dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. It’s a thoughtful gift for any coworker in the office.

Final Thoughts

‘Tis the season for gift-giving, and you want to make the most of it. You can get truly awesome presents for your coworkers without breaking your budget. Use our list of popular gift ideas, and you’ll easily please every recipient in the office.

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