When you spend so much time with people at work, it’s nice to add a bit of holiday cheer to their lives.
But you don’t have to blow your Christmas budget to do it.
Coworkers gifts shouldn’t drain your wallet but I get that you want to give them something thoughtful and a little fun.
Thankfully, there are tons of small and affordable gift ideas that are still cheap but don’t come off as a last minute thought.
Here are some cheap coworker Christmas gift ideas that don’t take much time or money but still make you look like you’ve totally got it together.
Cheap Gifts
These are the easy wins that don’t cost much but still look cute.
They’re the kind of things coworkers grab during the day anyway, so gifting them feels casual and useful.
Nothing complicated here, just simple little ideas that won’t slap your bank account.
1. Cozy Socks
Cold office floors are a whole thing, so socks always get a smile.
Go for something cute or stick with basics if they’re more low-key.
They’re easy to wrap and feel a bit comforting on long days.
Most people toss them on at home and instantly forget they were a “cheap” gift.
2. Mini Desk Calendar
A tiny calendar adds a bit of personality without crowding their workspace.
Pick simple designs or one with funny little quotes if that fits their vibe.
It’s something they’ll glance at every day.
You can toss a quick note in with it if you want it to feel extra sweet.
3. Cute Sticky Note Pack
Everyone burns through sticky notes at work.
Bright colors or themed sets make reminders feel less boring.
hey’ll use them for everything from tiny tasks to “don’t touch my lunch” messages.
4. Small Succulent or Desk Plant
A tiny plant instantly makes a desk look happier.
Succulents barely need attention, which is perfect for busy coworkers or plant killers.
Grab a pot that fits their style, plain or quirky.
It’s an easy little boost of green in an office full of beige.
5. Travel-Size Hand Lotion
Dry office air is no joke, so lotion always gets used.
Stick with a light scent so the whole room doesn’t smell like a fruit salad.
It slips right into a desk drawer or bag.
eople reach for this way more often than they admit.
6. Fun Pens or Gel Pens
Good pens vanish in offices like it’s a sport.
A colorful pack or smooth gel pens feel like a tiny luxury.
They’re nice for planners or quick notes during the day.
You’ll probably catch them hiding these from the supply thief.
7. Reusable Water Bottle
A simple water bottle keeps coworkers hydrated through back-to-back meetings.
Pick a clean design or a color they’d actually like. It looks nice sitting on a desk.
Handy for work, home, and everywhere in between.
8. Coffee Mug With a Simple Design
A cute mug is pretty much a universal win for caffeine people.
Pick something classic that won’t get them roasted by the office comedian.
It slides right into their morning routine.
Toss in a couple tea bags if you want it to look a bit more “done.”
9. Desk Phone Stand
A phone stand makes checking messages less chaotic.
It keeps things tidy and helps with video calls too.
Look for one that doesn’t slide all over the place.
It’s one of those little things people don’t buy but end up using nonstop.
10. Decorative Paper Clips or Binder Clips
These bring a bit of personality to boring paperwork.
Pick colors or shapes that match their vibe.
They make sorting piles feel a little less soul-sucking.
People use these constantly without even noticing.
DIY Gifts
Homemade gifts hit that sweet spot between cute and cheap.
They look thoughtful, they’re fun to put together, and you can make a whole batch without spending much at all.
11. Homemade Sugar Scrub
Mix sugar, oil, and a light scent in a bowl until it looks soft and sandy.
Scoop it into a small jar and tie a ribbon or bit of twine around the top.
It feels like a pampering gift without being too personal.
Easy to make a bunch at once if you’ve got several coworkers on your list.
12. Hot Chocolate Jar With Toppings
Layer cocoa mix, marshmallows, and chocolate chips inside a tiny jar so it looks cute right away.
Add a tag with quick instructions so they know what to do with it.
It sits nicely on a desk until they’re ready for something warm.
Great for any coworker who loves sweet little treats.
13. DIY Peppermint Shower Steamers
Mix baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and a few drops of peppermint oil until it feels like damp sand.
Press the mixture into silicone molds and let them dry completely so they hold their shape.
Wrap each one in a little piece of parchment or a tiny bag.
They turn any shower into a minty, wake-you-up moment your coworkers will actually use.
14. Hand-Poured Mini Candle
Melt wax in a small pot, add a light scent, and pour it into a tin or jar.
Candles always feel special when they’re homemade.
Stick to mild scents so it works for most people.
It’s a tiny craft that looks way more impressive than it is.
15. Personalized Bookmark
Cut cardstock, add a pattern or quote, and laminate it if you want it sturdier.
A ribbon at the top makes it look extra cute.
t’s great for coworkers who read on breaks or before bed.
You can match the colors to something they like.
16. Cookie Mix in a Jar
Layer flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and other add-ins so the jar looks pretty from the side.
Add a little tag with baking steps.
It gives them a treat they can make anytime.
17. Photo Frame With a Simple Print
Pick a small frame and add a neutral print or quote inside.
Keep it simple so it fits any home or desk.
It’s quick to put together and still looks thoughtful.
Works for coworkers you don’t know super well too.
18. Mason Jar Office Survival Kit
Fill a jar with things like gum, paper clips, mints, and mini lotion.
Add a cute label so it feels fun.
Everything in it actually gets used at work.
It’s basically a tiny emergency kit that makes people smile.
19. DIY Spice Blend
Mix a mild, all-purpose seasoning and pour it into a shaker or tiny jar.
Keep the flavors simple so more people can use it in their cooking.
You can write the blend name on a little tag.
t’s a quick kitchen gift that looks adorable.
20. Homemade Bath Salts
Stir Epsom salt, baking soda, and a light essential oil together until it’s evenly mixed.
Package it in a small jar or pouch.
It’s a cozy little gift for anyone who likes quiet nights in the bath.
Takes only a couple minutes to make but looks really pretty when it’s packaged.
Food Gifts
Who doesn’t love a treat at Christmas?
These are easy, budget friendly snacks you can make in batches or grab at the store.
They look cute packaged up and fit right into the “I wanted to get you something small” vibe without costing much at all.
21. Individual Hot Chocolate Bombs
Melt chocolate, coat a silicone mold, and pop it in the fridge to set.
Fill the shells with cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, then seal the halves together with a warm spoon.
Wrap each one in a little bag so it looks festive.
Coworkers get a cozy drink the second they drop it into hot milk.
22. Snack-Size Gourmet Popcorn
Pop a batch at home or buy a flavored bag and split it into tiny portions.
Caramel, cheddar, or holiday flavors look cute in clear treat bags.
Add a tiny ribbon around the top.
Perfect for afternoon munching at their desk.
23. Mini Holiday Cookie Box
Bake a small batch of cookies or grab a few from a bakery.
Pack two or three into a tiny box so it feels like a sampler.
A little tissue paper makes it look polished fast.
24. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Dip pretzels in melted chocolate and lay them on parchment to set.
Add sprinkles or a drizzle before the chocolate hardens.
Package a few in a small bag.
Sweet and salty wins every time!
25. Single-Serve Tea Sampler
Pick a few different teas and bundle them with a bit of twine.
You can mix calming flavors or keep it classic.
Slip them into a small bag or envelope.
t’s a handy little stash for afternoon breaks.
26. Small Jar of Local Honey
Buy a tiny jar or split a larger bottle into mini jars.
Add a simple label if you’re making your own.
It pairs with tea, toast, and baking.
27. Holiday Trail Mix
Mix nuts, chocolate, pretzels, and festive candies together in a big bowl.
Scoop portions into clear bags so the colors show through.
Tie them off with a bit of ribbon.
Great when you need gifts for several people at once.
28. Wrapped Bakery Muffin or Scone
Grab a fresh muffin or scone and wrap it in parchment.
Tie it with a bit of string so it looks handmade even if it’s store bought.
It’s a cute morning surprise for coworkers.
Works for both early birds and the half-asleep crowd.
29. Mini Loaf of Banana Bread
Bake a batch of mini loaves using a simple recipe.
Wrap each one once it’s cooled, either in parchment or small treat bags.
You can add a tiny tag if you want.
30. Flavored Instant Coffee Packets
Buy assorted instant coffee packs and group two or three together.
Add a little clip or tie them with twine.
They fit easily into a desk drawer.
Super handy for busy mornings or long afternoons.
Gift Baskets
You can keep these super cheap by mixing a couple small items together.
Even a tiny basket or box looks extra cute once it’s filled, and you don’t need anything fancy to make it feel special.
Most of these come together with dollar store finds, a little ribbon, and whatever small goodies you already have on hand.
31. Mini Coffee Lover Basket
Grab a small basket or box and add instant coffee packets, a mini creamer, and a tiny treat.
You can tuck in a biscotti or chocolate square to make it look fuller.
It fits right into a desk drawer for slow mornings.
Simple, cozy, and super easy to put together.
32. Desk Essentials Basket
Mix sticky notes, gel pens, cute clips, and a small notepad.
Arrange everything so the colors look nice together.
It’s basically a little upgrade from the usual office supplies.
33. Self-Care at Work Basket
Fill a small container with hand lotion, lip balm, mints, and maybe a tiny stress ball.
Pick a couple soft colors so it looks calm and tidy.
Everything inside is something they’ll grab during the day.
It gives them a quiet mini-break right at their desk.
34. Hot Chocolate Night Basket
Add a cocoa packet, mini marshmallows, a chocolate square, and a cute spoon.
Pack it tight so it looks warm and cozy.
You can wrap it in clear wrap if you want it extra festive.
erfect for a winter night after a long shift.
35. Snack Break Basket
Fill a tiny basket with popcorn, pretzels, a little candy, and maybe a granola bar.
It’s basically a tiny stash of afternoon pick-me-ups.
You can match the snacks to their favorites if you know them well.
36. Tea Sampler Basket
Mix different tea bags with honey sticks and a small cookie.
Place the cookie right in front so it looks cute.
This one fits tea lovers perfectly.
t’s something they can enjoy at work or take home.
37. Winter Comfort Basket
Add fuzzy socks, a mini candle, and a packet of cocoa or tea.
Soft colors make it feel extra cozy. It’s a sweet little winter bundle.
Great for coworkers who love comfort gifts.
38. Desk Cozy Basket
Pick a small desk plant, a soft coaster, and a cute pen.
Arrange them so it looks like a tiny workspace makeover.
It adds warmth to any desk fast.
39. Morning Boost Basket
Add a small muffin or cookies, a couple coffee or tea packets, and a cheerful note.
It feels like handing them a better start to their day.
ou can keep it simple with parchment and twine.
40. Relax at Home Basket
Fill a container with bath salts, a small lotion, and a calming tea.
Keep the colors soft so it looks relaxing right away.
Everything inside is easy to use after a long day.
It’s a little “take a breath” moment in basket form.
Bulk Gifts
Buying in bulk makes gift giving way easier, especially when you’ve got a whole team to cover.
You can split up multipacks, add a cute tag or bit of twine, and suddenly you’ve got a bunch of individual gifts that look way more thoughtful than they cost.
Super simple, super budget friendly, and great when you need a lot of little things fast.
41. Holiday-Scented Tealight Candles
Grab a big pack of tealights and divide them into tiny bundles.
Pick cozy scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine.
Slip a few into a clear bag with a bit of ribbon.
They look cute and smell like instant winter.
42. Bulk Pack of Face Masks
Buy a multipack and hand out one or two to each coworker.
Choose gentle formulas so they work for most people.
Add a tiny tag if you want it to feel a little more fun.
43. Multi-Pack Lip Balms
Lip balms disappear nonstop in winter.
Split a pack and give everyone one or two.
Stick to soft scents or unscented options.
They land in desk drawers, bags, and coat pockets right away.
44. Holiday Pencils or Pens
Grab a festive pack and split it into small bunches.
Tie a ribbon around each set so it looks purposeful.
These get used at work without a second thought.
45. Mini Hand Sanitizers
Buy a multipack and hand them out one by one.
Pick light scents or unscented versions.
These fit perfectly in bags or desk drawers and they’re super practical for cold and flu season.
46. Multi-Pack Notebooks
Split a pack of mini notebooks so each coworker gets one.
Let people pick their cover if the pack comes with assorted designs.
They’re perfect for quick notes or lists during the day.
You can add a pen if you want to dress it up.
47. Assorted Candy Bags
Pour a big bag of mixed candy into smaller treat bags.
Tie them up so the colors show through.
You can customize them a bit if you know someone’s favorites.
These disappear from desks fast!
48. Keychain Multipack
Choose a multipack with simple keychains that fit anyone.
Hand them out plain or add a tiny note.
People use these for keys, bags, or lanyards.
49. Cozy Gloves Multipack
Split a pack of winter gloves and give each coworker a pair.
Stick to neutral colors so they match everything.
Great for anyone who commutes or walks into a freezing office every morning.
50. Travel-Size Lotion or Body Spray Multipack
Grab a multipack and divide it up.
Pick soft scents or unscented options so they work for everyone.
These tuck nicely into bags or desk drawers.
How to Make Your Gift Not Look Cheap
You can stretch a tiny budget pretty far with the right little touches.
Most of the “wow” factor comes from how you package things, not how much you spend.
A simple gift looks way more thoughtful when you add small details like twine, kraft paper, or a handwritten note.
Pairing two inexpensive items together works great too, like a mug with a hot chocolate packet tucked inside.
A five dollar coffee gift card slipped into a homemade card also feels cute and personal.
It doesn’t take much at all to make a budget gift look intentional and put together.
Cheap Coworker Gifts for Christmas Anyone Would Love
Finding something thoughtful for coworkers doesn’t have to turn into a money pit!
A small, simple gift with a personal touch goes a long way, and most people care more about the gesture than the price tag.
With a little planning and some clever choices, you can put together cute gifts that feel warm and thoughtful without stressing your budget.
Pick whatever fits your office vibe, wrap it up nicely, and you’re all set.
