Christmas and the holidays are usually wild. Whether we have long or short lists of people to buy for, it can get crazy heading to stores or shopping online. Then just when a busy mom thinks it's all over, it may not be. Because many folks work closely with their coworkers, they may want to get them a gift to show their appreciation. There are lots of times coworkers are hard to deal with, but when they're good, they're great.
That said, work is work, so unless this person, or the team, are one step from being blood relatives, it's OK to make the gifts meaningful but thrifty. And by thrifty we mean cheap (not in quality but in terms of spending). After buying gifts for family and friends, the budget may be tight by the time we think about the people we work with. Plus, things can add up with teams of more than one or two people.
Gifts for colleagues don't have to be elaborate. It can be something that lets them know we're thinking of them. It can even be both useful and speak to their interests without breaking the bank. Whether the gift is small or big, coworkers will enjoy that someone thought of them this holiday season and have a thank-you for working so hard during the year. Read on for some easy and inexpensive ideas.
Personalized Christmas Mason Jar Glass
Coworkers go out for drinks all the time. Give coworkers their own set of mugs to toast with around the holidays — and this one is personalized with their name (or whatever fun nickname they might go by at work).
Personalized Christmas Mason Jar Glass ($20, Personalization Mall)
Personalized Money Clip
Money clips are small but useful when it comes to keeping the essentials in one place. Coworkers will definitely appreciate it. After all, we go to work to make money … and this will help them keep it organized after payday.
Personalized Money Clip ($13, CaddyBayCollection/Etsy)
Sam's Choice European Cookies
Cookies are usually a safe bet to be a great gift. These look absolutely delicious and are only $10 for a tin. They're also a great last-minute find — if you don't have time to order them online, they can be picked up at Walmart on the way to work or while you're grocery shopping.
Sam's Choice European Cookies, 26.4 oz. ($10, Walmart)
Personalized Engraved Wood Ballpoint Pen
Pens are definitely used frequently in the workplace, and these ones can be personalized. The wood and engraving look clean and professional, and this seller on Etsy offers plenty of different options for customization.
Personalized Engraved Wood Ballpoint Pen ($10, TexansEngraving/Etsy)
Camp Socks
Socks are another tried and true gift. These look so warm (and won't break the bank at $8, should there be more than one purchased). After checking these out, you might want to grab a pair for yourself, too.
Camp socks ($8, J.Crew)
Custom Notepad
This notepad has a thoughtful touch with the chance to add a custom image or message to it. It is a wonderful gift for that coworker who is always taking notes — or who might just want something nice to add to their desk.
Custom 5.5" x 6" Notepad ($10, Zazzle)
Monogrammed Cuff Links
Cuff links are a thoughtful gift that can be worn in a professional work environment. They are a great gift for a boss who is always in his best suit, or anyone who frequently has to dress formally for work.
Monogrammed Cufflinks with Initials (from $25, DaniqueTrends/Etsy)
Cat Paper Clips
This gift is absolutely perfect for all the cat-loving (or owning) coworkers. The good news is that they're functional paper clips that can be used for paperwork. Work can get a little draining at times, so why not inject some fun into their day?
Cat Paper Clips ($9, Amazon)
Personalized Men's Classic Wood Tie Clip
This is another classic gift for a person who wears a tie most days. This laser engraved tie clip is classy, affordable, and personalized, and will likely be put to good use, unlike a lot of more random coworker gifts.
Personalized Men's Classic Wood Tie Clip ($18,Etsy)
Terrarium Candle
Succulents are all the rage, as are candles (though they never really weren't the rage?). Anyway, they make a cute gift to put on a desk at work or at home — especially for those of us who don't exactly have a green thumb.
Terrarium Candle ($26, Uncommon Goods)
Insulated Travel Mug
This mug is super useful and can be used for hot or cold beverages, which in a coworkers case likely means coffee. It is top quality at a great price … and it's much less expensive than other similar stainless steel cups.
Contigo 24 oz. SnapSeal West Loop Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug ($15, Walmart)
Modern Mousepad
Mousepads are a fun way to personalize a work space. This mousepad is made from wool felt and must feel absolutely cozy. It is available in more than 20 colors to match any coworker's desk style.
Mouse Pad Mat Cute Modern Mousepad Wool Felt ($18, feltplanet/Etsy)
Pencil Cup With Phone Stand
Pencil cups are a classic desk accessory, but this one is updated with a slot to hold a smartphone. Coworkers will have a place to put their phone and their pens, and the wood looks classy on a desk.
Pencil Cup with Phone Stand Brown – Threshold ($9, Target)
'Because Work' Stemless Wine Glass
No matter how great a job is, we all get a little stressed out sometimes. This gift is humorous and a good pick for wine lovers who might need to pop a cork at the end of a particularly stressful day in the office.
Because Work Stemless Wine Glass ($9, JenniferCraftCorner/Etsy)
Hatch Notebook
Technology has most of us typing these days, but it's sometimes a good idea to put pen to paper. Hatch notebooks are top quality and make for a thoughtful gift for a coworker who still does things the old-fashioned way.
Hatch Notebook – Idea Journal, Project Planner & Personal Organizer ($25, Amazon)
Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Holiday Gift Set
Anyone at work ever complain about chapped lips or rough hands? Solve that problem by gifting them a Burt's Bees kit. It comes with hand lotion, lip balm, and more for a quick dry-hand fix.
Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Holiday Gift Set ($10, Walmart)
Succulent Christmas Gift Box
By giving the gift of a succulent box, particularly this one, 89 cents gets contributed to One Tree Planted. It helps the planet and also looks good on a desk while also being low maintenance.
Christmas Gift Box – 1 Succulent ($19, Succulents Box)
Someecards Calendar
Someecards have a funny way of making the mundane laughable. Give that gift to a coworker in the form of a Someecards wall calendar, with each month showing a funny Someecard illustration that will add some levity to the work day.
Someecards Calendar ($16, Calendars.com)
Mini Backpack
If your coworker is struggling to keep it all together, maybe they need a classy mini backpack to haul their essentials back and forth from work. This one is under $30, comes in three colors, and is super classy.
Mini Olivia Backpack ($28, Target)
A Comfy Beanie
It's cold outside, and can anyone really have too many beanies? This is a stylish and practical gift — and you don't have to worry about choosing the wrong size, which is a plus.
Knit Beanie ($20, Carhartt)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
