I love the holidays, especially around the office. It is a time of cheer, fun, and laughter. But, what about gift ideas for coworkers? If you are like me, you want to give thoughtful gifts without spending a small fortune! Here are five inexpensive, but meaningful, gift ideas for coworkers.
Gift Ideas for Coworkers
As you read down through the list, you’ll notice a couple of things. First, all of these gifts are super practical. I LOVE PRACTICAL GIFTS. My husband teases me because I once asked for a steam mop for my birthday…what can I say, I wanted one and it does make my life so much easier! You’ll also notice that these are inexpensive gifts for coworkers. That’s right! They all come in at or under $10 each so they won’t break the bank. Finally, these gifts are personal. I didn’t list Starbucks gift cards because they don’t take any thought or effort. These are thoughtful, yet easy, gifts that will have a personal touch. So, let’s get started! Here are inexpensive gift ideas for coworkers!
1. Gratitude Notes
Never underestimate the power of a sincere gratitude note as gifts to coworkers. The holidays are a great time to reflect back on the year and identify a specific time a colleague helped you or a trait that you really admire and appreciate. 2020 was full of ups and downs and thoughtful words mean more now than ever. Write a sincere note to each coworker that includes a specific example that illustrates why you appreciate that person. It may sound sappy, but everyone enjoys receiving compliments and gratitude and it won’t cost you anything but time and a few bucks for stationary.
2. Healthy Snacks
The office is usually riddled with candy, cookies, and desserts this time of year. It can be a breath of fresh air to receive something that nourishes your body. If you enjoy cooking or baking, consider making healthy treats, and neatly packaging them as gifts. You’ll have to be mindful of allergies, but I really like this festive paleo mixed nut recipe by Real Simple Good. Consumable, healthy gifts are a nice, thoughtful touch during the holiday season.
3. Scratchpad Wine
This gift idea is one of my favorites because you can combine a thoughtful note (from idea number one) and a consumable gift (from idea number two)! If you haven’t heard of Scratchpad Wine, it is a brilliant marketing concept! Choose from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir. Then, use pencils, markers, or pens to write a personalized note, draw a funny sketch, etc. on the blank wine label. For more ideas and inspiration, check out Please the Palate’s article, “Design Your Own Wine Label with Scratchpad Wines.” These wines are excellent gift ideas for coworkers year around coming in at about $10 per bottle!
4. Knock Knock Notepads
So, what if your office environment is less sentimental and more sarcastic? Perhaps you’ll enjoy the Knock Knock Notepads. With loads of different options, you’re sure to find the perfect notepad for each of your coworkers! From “Office Citations” to “WTF” notepads, this is the gift that will keep giving laughs throughout the year!
5. Individual Ornaments
Are you looking for something more personal yet? How about perusing the ornament isles and bins at Target in search of the PERFECT $3 ornament for each colleague on your team? You’ll be shocked at what you can find. Did something funny or memorable happen in the office this year? Look for an ornament to commemorate it. Putting that ornament on the tree each year will remind your coworkers of those great moments and bring a good laugh.
Honorable Mention: Inexpensive Gifts for Coworkers
I had to choose my top five favorites; however, there are still a few more that could easily make this list!
- Humourous Daily Calendars – Want a daily joke or good laugh in the office? Calendars.com has an entire section of funny calendars that would make fabulous and inexpensive gifts for coworkers!
- Trader Joe’s Holiday Snacks – I love Trader Joe’s and I bought a smattering of holiday treats last weekend for gift boxes and they were all under $10 each! Chocolates, cookies, nut mixes, you name it, they have it and these treats are great gift ideas for coworkers!
- Pez Dispensers – I’m taking us all back to childhood with this one! Who doesn’t love a funny PEZ Dispenser though? Thoughtfully choose one that is a coworker’s favorite character, reminds you of a funny memory with him or her, etc. Coming it at about $1.99 each, you can through in a few PEZ packets and be under $5 with this fun gift!
I absolutely love the holidays and writing this article brought me joy just because creative gift-giving is fun for me! Don’t miss a single article, sign up for my email newsletter at the bottom of the page!
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