Great Gifts for Co-Workers Under $50

When we create our holiday gift guides, our goal is simple: to offer practical, thoughtful solutions to real challenges—not just a collection of trendy, overpriced, or impractical ideas that look better on Pinterest than they do in real life. This year, we set our sights on one of the most challenging categories: office-appropriate gifts. (Spoiler: these ideas work well for many people, not just co-workers!).

Shopping for co-workers can be tricky. What’s the right budget? Should the gift be fun or professional? How do you find something meaningful without overspending?

Above all, my priority is always the same: no junk—just gifts people will genuinely appreciate.

Our Approach to Co-Worker Gift Shopping

Stick to a Budget
The first step to stress-free gift shopping is setting a price range. For this list, we capped our picks at $50, with many options between $25 and $30. This range feels generous without being excessive—perfect for colleagues you see daily, maybe know personally or you just want to share a token of appreciation.

Focus on Practicality
Let’s be honest: the world doesn’t need more desk clutter or useless trinkets. Practical gifts that solve everyday problems or enhance work life are always a hit. .

Prioritize Presentation
A beautifully packaged gift can make even the simplest item feel extra special. Thoughtful wrapping or sleek presentation elevates a gift and shows you put in effort, even on a budget.

15 Thoughtful and Affordable Gifts for Co-Workers

With all this in mind, we’ve curated a list of fantastic gift ideas for your office family. Each pick is budget-friendly, practical, and sure to be appreciated—perfect for an end of year thank you, office swaps, or simply spreading holiday cheer.

You them as a stand alone gift or to “beef” up a gift card.

1. Rechargeable Book Light , $12.39:

This rechargeable Book Light is the perfect gift for any book lover—and it’s under $15! Compact and available in several colors, it’s ideal for bedtime reading or travel. Pair it with a gift card to a local bookstore for an extra thoughtful touch.

2. Small Travel Jewelry Case – $27.99:

I love a small gift with a lot of impact, and the Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case is a great example. With several colors and patterns still on Cyber Sale, you can give a practical, chic and personalized gift for well under $50.

3. Barefoot Dreams 2-Pack CozyChic^™ Socks , $38:

A gift you wouldn’t typically buy for yourself is always a thoughtful choice. Cozy socks might not be high on my personal priority list, but I’d be thrilled to receive a pair—especially if they’re from Barefoot Dreams. You can pick up this ultra-soft sock set at Nordstrom and add their gift box for just $5. (Yes, I remember when gift wrapping was free, but this box includes tissue and a ribbon, giving your present an elegant touch with minimal effort—all while keeping it under $45.)

4. L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream, $30:

I always keep a few tubes of L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream in my gift closet—they’re a lifesaver when I need a quick, thoughtful addition to a present. They’re perfect for pairing with teacher gifts! For an extra-special touch, find out where your recipient loves to get their nails done, grab a gift card, and wrap it up with the hand cream. It’s an easy yet incredibly thoughtful gift idea.

5. Heated Electric Blanket, $39.99:

For your office mate or remote team member who is always freezing, what could be better than a cozy, heated blanket? As someone who works from home and is FREEZING this time of year, I can’t recommend this enough and it’s only $40. Available in a range of colors.

6. Stick-To-It Weekly Calendar Sticky Notes, $13.99:

Nothing spikes my gift-giving anxiety like a super small budget “Keep it under $15!” But I found these Stick-To-It Weekly Calendar Sticky Notes at The Container Store and think they are so cute and practical. Add a cute pen, wrap in a cellophane bag and add a ribbon – done!

7. Thymes Frasier Fir Heritage Poured Candle, $48:

The Thymes Frasier Fir Candle is hands down the best holiday candle ever made—truly incredible. I keep them all over my home and even use their hanging scents in our trees (we have three—one real and two artificial—and the artificial ones smell completely real!). Their 13oz candle is a bit of a splurge at $48, but it lasts well beyond the New Year if you start burning it around Thanksgiving. For a more budget-friendly option, their $16 votive is perfect for a guest bathroom and just as delightful.

8. Label Maker Machine, $29.99.

Full disclosure: I have a slightly pricier version of this Label Maker Machine, and it’s both incredibly useful and surprisingly fun to use. If you have an A-type, organization-obsessed friend, this is the perfect gift—they’ll absolutely love it! (THIS is the one I have.)

9. Porcelain Ornaments Gift Set, 2 for $20:

Ornaments make such a thoughtful gift if you know someone celebrates the holidays with a tree. These Porcelain Ornaments from Rifle Paper Co. are absolutely stunning—and currently on sale for two for $20! You can gift them individually, pair them together, or even use one as a charming addition to the wrapping of a larger present.

10. BonBon Gift Box: Starting at $18:

BonBon is a New York City-based Swedish candy shop renowned for its high-end, hard-to-find sweets. While it’s a bit of a splurge, it’s the perfect treat for a friend with a sweet tooth! You can customize your own mix or let them choose by simply selecting between sweet or sour. And the packaging? Absolutely adorable—perfect for gifting!

11. Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Electric Lunch Box, $39.98:

I don’t know who needs this, but someone does. How stinking cute is this Crock-Pot Lunch Box? What a great idea to bring soups and stews to lunch!

12. Candle Warmer Lamp, $31.99:

This Candle Warmer Lamp is a stylish and practical gift that elevates any space. It gently warms candles from the top, releasing their fragrance without the need for a flame—making it safer and longer-lasting. Perfect for creating a cozy ambiance, it’s a thoughtful choice for anyone who loves candles and home decor.

13. Blackwing Pearl Pencils, 12 for $32:

Who doesn’t love a gift with a story? Originally created in the 1930s, Blackwing pencils gained a devoted following, including John Steinbeck and Chuck Jones, who used them to create Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters. Discontinued in the ’90s, fans once paid up to $40 a pencil. In 2010, we revived the Blackwing brand for a new generation of creatives seeking a more natural experience. For a stationary loving co-worker what could be better?

14. Brightland Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $37:

I don’t think there is a better, under $40 gift for a someone who loves to cook like good olive oil, so if you work with someone who is always talking about cooking a bottle of Brightland Extra Virgin Olive Oil is perfect. Wrap in a tea towel with a silk ribbon and you look like the most thoughtful rockstar gift-giver.

15. LL Bean Boat and Tote, $39.95:

As a longtime fan of the Boat and Tote, I can confidently say they make amazing gifts. You can customize and personalize them, and they’re built to last for years. No matter how many you own, there’s always room for one more. At just $40, they’re a surprisingly thoughtful and impressive gift.