31 Holiday Gifts Your Coworkers Will Actually Appreciate

Christie Calucchia
·13 min read

Although some people look forward to holiday shopping, others dread the annual rite. No matter which camp you fall into, continuously coming up with budget-friendly ideas for the people on your holiday shopping list can be a challenge, especially when it comes to shopping for people you might not know very well.

Coworkers can be among some of the most difficult people to shop for, and this year poses its own unique challenges to the tradition. Even if you have a few close office pals, you might be working remotely or skipping regular in-person holiday events. However, that’s no reason not to show your coworkers you’re thinking about them this season.

RELATED: 26 Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Your Long-Distance Bestie

So we’ve found 31 original, office-appropriate holiday gift ideas for coworkers. Order them online and ship them directly to the recipient if you’re not able to see them in person, or wrap them up if you’re still heading into the office. Now you can relax (you don't even need to leave your sofa) while you do your shopping.

Included in our list is something for most types of people you likely encounter at work—whether they’re into cooking at home, keeping plants, or treating themselves to self-care. These gift ideas are versatile enough that just about anyone would enjoy unwrapping one of them at the office holiday party (whether it’s in person or over Zoom this year).

The best news? Each gift is under $35, proving that giving great gifts doesn’t require spending a lot. Here are the 31 best Christmas gifts for coworkers.

Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug with Lid

This insulated mug is for anyone who always shows up to the office or morning video call with a coffee in tow. The stainless steel cup is entirely dishwasher-safe. Designed to keep liquids cold or hot in extreme outdoor temperatures, it will certainly keep their bevvy warm for hours.

Buy It: Yeti Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug with Lid ($25, Amazon)

Bellini Gummy Candies

Any colleague who can’t resist a sugary snack in the afternoon will appreciate this sleek cube filled with bellini gummy bears. The adult-friendly candy is infused with the flavors of tart peach for an elevated burst of sweetness.

Buy It: Sugarfina Bellini Candy Cube ($20, Nordstrom)

100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings Book

A comedic book that anyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to, 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings is the thing to give to the jokester at work. The pages are filled with pieces of advice dripping in satire, like “Nod continuously while pretending to take notes” and “Ask the presenter to go back a slide.”

Buy It: 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings: How to Get By Without Even Trying ($10, Amazon)

Silicone Straws

For the coworker who is passionate about the environment, these silicone straws let them skip the straw for their homemade iced coffee. These straws are eco-friendly and—unlike metal straw alternatives—bendy and temperature-safe. Give this set of 10 straws, one cleaning brush, and a carrying bag to an environmentally conscious coworker to show you care.

Buy It: Flathead Products Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws ($9, originally $15, Amazon)

Chunky Fringed Throw Blanket

It’s no secret that average office temperatures skew on the cool side, and that’s why this blanket is a great gift idea for any colleague who’s perpetually chilly at work. Featuring a classic knit design with fringed edged, the 50x60-inch blanket will fit in with any decor. Plus, its polyester material is easy to clean. (Take that, coffee spills!) Have them keep it at their desk or work-from-home set up so they can wrap themselves up wherever they are.

Buy It: AmazonBasics Chunky Fringed Throw Blanket ($29, Amazon)

Loch Ness Monster Tea Infuser

Tea drinkers are sure to find this accessory adorable. The Loch Ness Monster-inspired infuser opens to hold any type of loose leaf tea, and “Baby Nessie” will swim inside any mug for a seriously cute cuppa. The best part is that it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup after every use.

Buy It: Ototo Baby Nessie the Loch Ness Monster Tea Infuser ($12, originally $14, Amazon)

Japonica French Cade Lavender Petite Embossed Glass Jar Candle

Whether you know your coworker loves me-time or you pulled the name of someone you hardly know for the office Secret Santa gift exchange, a candle has almost-universal appeal. This one comes in a beautiful jar and smells of French cade wood, verbena, and Bulgarian lavender. It burns for about 50 hours, meaning it will last long into the new year.

Buy It: Voluspa Japonica French Cade Lavender Petite Embossed Glass Jar Candle ($10, Nordstrom)

Artificial Succulents

Do you know someone stuck in a workspace away from a window or lit by fluorescent lights? Gift them this set of three artificial succulents suitable for almost any desk or home office (each plant is about 4 by 3 inches). They're sure to appreciate a little worry-free plant life to spruce up their desk.

Buy It: LuckyGreenery Artificial Succulents Set of 3 ($10, Amazon)

PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger

We all seem to know one person who always asks to borrow a phone charger. If the name of a certain coworker popped into your head, this is the gift for them. It’s a compact portable charger designed for Apple and Samsung products that charges a phone in as little as one hour, no matter where they are. What’s more, it comes in sleek blue, red, white, or black.

Buy It: Anker PowerCore5000 Portable Charger ($20, Amazon)

Lunch Bag Tote

An adult lunch box that looks professional, this tote-style bag is ideal for anyone who brings a homemade packed lunch to work or enjoys a mid-day picnic break from working at home. It’s stylish, it’s designed to keep food cold or warm, and it can be stored in the refrigerator. The 8x10-inch bag has room for multiple reusable containers, snacks, and water bottles. Choose from geometric and floral patterns, then gift this chic lunch bag to the health-conscious (or money-conscious) colleague who likes to meal prep.

Buy It: Baloray Lunch Bag Tote ($13, Amazon)

Matte Picture Frame

If you notice a coworker with a bare desk, consider giving them this simple picture frame for the holidays. It’s the perfect excuse for them to bring a few photos into the office or spruce up their work-from-home setup. The matte black frame comes in a variety of standard sizes so they can frame photos or prints that make them happy all day.

Buy It: Mainstays Picture Frame ($9, Walmart)

Week-to-Week Desk Notepad

This colorful desk notepad caters to a super organized officemate who loves to jot down daily tasks. It’s part planner, part sticky notes, and it has room to write down daily and weekly goals. The pad comes with 52 bright sheets, so whoever you gift it to will be set for the entire year ahead.

Buy It: Ban.do Week-To-Week Desk Notepad ($15, Amazon)

Felt Letter Board

Displaying positive messages boosts everyone’s morale. So help get the word out by gifting this message board to a quotable coworker. The frame comes with white plastic letters, punctuation marks, and numbers that show up against the black board in its wood frame.

Buy It: Obliviscar Felt Letter Board with Letters ($21, Amazon)

Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Sampler Gift Set

This tasty gift set is from Stonewall Kitchen, a family business started in New Hampshire nearly two decades ago. It contains petite jars of jams, mustards, and jelly, from blueberry jam to maple champagne mustard. Give this gift set to the coworker who’s not afraid of flavor.

Buy It: Stonewall Kitchen Holiday 2020 Sampler Collection Gift Set ($30, Amazon)

Shea Butter Hand Cream

Hand cream is an inexpensive holiday gift idea that still feels thoughtful. Shea butter, honey, almond extracts, and oil combine in a silky smooth lotion that works well and smells nice. Colleagues will appreciate a tube of this handy skin soother—especially during the colder months.

Buy It: L’Occitane Fast-Absorbing 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream ($12, Amazon)

Grooming Wood and Spice Beard Oil

For the person in your office with an impressive beard, wrap this nourishing beard oil for a personalized gift. The product contains omegas 3 and 6 and oil from walnuts, sunflowers, avocado, and macadamia nuts to moisturize and protect strands from breakage.

Buy It: Proraso Men’s Grooming Wood and Spice Beard Oil ($16, Nordstrom)

Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

These plush toys—a fox, a raccoon, and a squirrel—don't have any stuffing, so dog lovers won’t have to worry about cleaning a mess if playtime with their pup gets too rough. They’re durable and contain high-quality squeakers to excite any dog, but at 18 inches long, they’re best for medium sizes.

Buy It: ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy ($10, originally $16, Amazon)

Congrats, Boss! Gift Box

Whether it’s for your actual boss or a coworker you know will go far, this thoughtful gift box will be a welcome arrival in the mail. It comes with cookies, a notebook, a portable power bank, and a card for you to leave a special message. Send one to a coworker you miss seeing in the office every day.

Buy It: Small Packages Congrats Boss Box (from $35, Small Packages)

Gaiam Stay-Put Yoga Mat Towel

If there’s someone in your office who typically does yoga as soon as they’re finished working, this towel would make a thoughtful gift. Made from hypoallergenic microfiber, it absorbs sweat for a slip-free yoga practice. Any yogi would love to unwrap this sporty accessory.

Buy It: Gaiam Stay-Put Yoga Mat Towel ($20, Amazon)

Plaid Triangle Scarf

Traditional plaid goes with almost everything in a wardrobe. But even better, this thick scarf goes everywhere too. It provides an extra layer of warmth outside or in the office, and your stylish coworker will love it.

Buy It: Wander Agio Plaid Triangle Scarf ($10, Amazon)

Ondine Catchall Pouch

Give a coworker a secure (and cute) place to hold their odds and ends. Ideal for earphones and other cords, paper clips, or anything else that might clutter a desk, the little zip-up containers are handy at home or on the go.

Buy It: Ondine Catchall Pouch ($24, Anthropologie)

Stick On Credit Card Wallet

If you know someone who is always searching for their ID card, gift them this handy card wallet that sticks onto phones. It keeps two important cards handy. This version from Amazon comes in a variety of colors, including rose gold and silver glitter.

Buy It: Case-Mate Stick On Credit Card Wallet ($10, Amazon)

The Art of Mandala Coloring Book

Give the gift of me-time to a hard worker. Filled with intricate illustrations of mandalas, the book promotes relaxation through coloring. Even people who don't consider themselves artsy might find their creative side.

Buy It: The Art of Mandala: Adult Coloring Book Featuring Beautiful Mandalas Designed to Soothe the Soul ($5, Amazon)

Citron de Vigne Oval Soap

A bar of scented soap makes a safe Christmas gift for coworkers, particularly ones you don’t know well yet. This vegetable-based bar contains shea butter for a smooth, nourishing experience and is infused with a sparkling champagne-inspired scent for luxurious aroma.

Buy It: Fresh Citron de Vigne Oval Soap ($15, Nordstrom)

Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler

Socially distant picnics and barbecues practically require this stainless steel wine tumbler that keeps wine (or other chilled drinks) cool. It comes with a spill-resistant BPA-free lid, can hold up to 12 ounces, and is available in a variety of cute colors. Give it to a colleague who’s always ready for happy hour.

Buy It: Jearey Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler ($7, Amazon)

Healing Crystals and Tumbled Stones

Each crystal and stone in this set is meant to harness a different type of energy. People interested in crystal healing and energy will appreciate this collection of gems from around the world. If the idea of aligning chakras sounds intimidating, they can simply set some of the crystals on their desk to promote productivity and positivity.

Buy It: Beverly Oaks Energy Infused Natural Raw Healing Crystals and Tumbled Stones ($18, Amazon)

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking Book

Both novice and expert cooks will appreciate learning from Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. Also a Netflix series, the book breaks cooking into four basic elements. Any foodie would be happy to unwrap this gift.

Buy It: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking ($21, originally $38, Amazon)

Natural Acacia Coasters

A set of contemporary-style coasters will come in handy for anyone who likes to decorate their home. The double-sided leather looks like marble to work with any decor—even the office to prevent water rings on their desk. For $13, the set of six comes with a handy holder.

Buy It: Ankzon Leather Coasters with Holder Set of 6 ($13, Amazon)

Reusable Shopping Bag

Machine-washable and capable of holding up to 50 pounds, this reusable bag doubles as an eco-friendly grocery bag. The colorful striped design means your coworker won't forget it either. It folds into a 7x7-inch square for easy storage.

Buy It: Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag ($12, Amazon)

Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass

This hilarious wine glass holds an entire bottle of vino. It’s sure to have whomever you gift it to laughing. And after the difficult year so many have faced, everyone could use a bit of comedic relief (and wine).

Buy It: BigMouth Inc. Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass ($18, Amazon)

Blue Light-Blocking Glasses

Unfortunately, a huge part of many jobs involves looking at a screen for the majority of the day. That’s where these blue light-blocking glasses come into play. The lenses employ light-deflecting technology to block 100 percent of UV rays and relieve eye fatigue caused by looking at computer screens for long hours. They would make a great gift for any coworker who often complains about tired eyes or simply loves trying out the newest wellness trends.

Buy It: Tijn Blue Light Blocking Glasses ($17, originally $21, Amazon)