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Holidays have a way of creeping up on you. One minute it’s Halloween, and the next, it’s Christmas. Before you know it, your post-Christmas White Elephant Party has come and gone and you’re buying flowers for Valentine’s Day. But no matter the occasion, the SPY team is here doing our best to help you get ahead in the gift-giving game. We’re always hard at work creating gift guides for everyone on your shopping list. We’ve got everything from a luxury gift guide for big spenders to Schitt’s Creek, Star Wars and Ted Lasso gift ideas for pop-culture junkies.
Whether you’ve just been named employee of the month or your review didn’t go as well as you’d hoped, who is the person you turn to at your 9 to 5? Your work bestie, of course. They’re always there for you during the ups and downs of the job, and that doesn’t change whether you’re working from home via Zoom or still at the office together. After all, pre-COVID, you probably spent more time with your coworkers than your real family. Though the structure of work-life has changed for many, our relationships with our coworkers have not. And to show your appreciation, picking out just the right gifts for coworkers is key, beyond White Elephant swaps and Secret Santa gift exchanges.
There’s a good chance it’s not just your work wife or work husband that you’re doing holiday shopping for. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best gifts for coworkers of all ages and stages, from your boss down to the assistants. Best of all, they all ring in under $50, and we’ve also added some of our favorite gag gifts, too.
Scroll on through the guide for the best gifts for coworkers and you might even pick something up for yourself.
1. Orastone Electric Hand Warmers
We all have the coworker who’s constantly complaining that the office is too cold. And since many people naturally run cold, there’s a chance you are that person. That’s why some of the best gifts for coworkers fall under the personal heating category, and if you keep scrolling, you’ll find cozy blankets and heaters. We also love these chicly decorated electric hand warmers, which have been tested and approved by the SPY team.
2. OMOTON Adjustable Cell Phone Stand
Have a coworker who’s trying to juggle using their smartphone and their laptop at the same time. Are they getting disastrous results? This adjustable cell phone stand can be used to hold a phone vertically and horizontally, and it has a universal fit for both Apple and Android phones. The aluminum stand has a low center of gravity and rubber grips on the bottom, so it won’t topple over. They come in gray, silver, red and rose gold, and because they’re available via Amazon Prime, they also make great last-minute gift ideas.
3. ban.do Planners and Notebooks
This company makes adorable notebooks and planners with pastel colors and fun sayings like “I Am Very Busy” and “Progress Not Perfection.” If you’re looking for the best gifts for coworkers, check out the brand’s collection of mini notebooks and 2023 planners, available via Amazon Prime.
4. Plants from The Sill
The Sill is one of the best places to buy indoor plants online, and they have a collection of beginner-friendly plants that are great for offices and other low-light spaces. (You can also take the easy way out and buy a digital gift card.) Even if your cubicle mate kills their new plant friend, the decorative planter is theirs to keep.
5. Dimux Coffee Mug Warmer
We all have a coworker who’s constantly making trips into the kitchen to reheat their coffee. Help them save some time and energy with this smart coffee warmer that they can keep at their desk, either at home or in the office, so that their coffee or tea will stay warm until they’re finished.
6. Bourbon & Whiskey Barrel Aged Coffee
No list of coworker gift ideas would be complete without plenty of coffee gifts! Cooper’s Cask uses grade 1 single-origin beans for all of its coffees. Each 4-ounce bag contains whole bean coffees ready to be ground and enjoyed. This set contains a bag of Uprising Stout Whiskey Paired with Sumatra Lingtong beans, Battle Cry Whiskey Paired with Ethiopian beans, Thomas Tew Run Paired with Rwanda Single Origin beans, and Kentucky Bourbon Paired with Columbian Single Origin beans. All of them arrive in a Cooper’s Cask box set. This is one item that will be incredibly popular during White Elephant gift exchanges.
7. Adult Coloring Book
Read More: https://spy.com/articles/health-wellness/stress-relief/adult-coloring-book-stress-relief-art-203305/">Our Favorite Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books aren’t quite as popular as they were a few years ago or during the pandemic, but they’re still some of the best gifts for coworkers. If you know any creative folks who could use a little mindfulness and downtime, then this is a fun and simple gift idea. You can find adult coloring books on a variety of themes and fandoms, so be sure to match your gift to the recipient’s personality.
8. TOZO W1 Wireless Charger
We’ve tested and reviewed this ultra-thin wireless charger, which is so small it might be mistaken for a coaster. This is also one of the best gifts under $25 if you’re on a budget, and it’s a perfect desk accessory.
9. Dusen Dusen Everybody Tissue Box Cover
Everyone should stay home if they’re feeling under the weather — sneezing and coughing up a storm — to avoid passing any germs off to their colleagues. However, while your work buddy is at home building their strength back up to return to work, this ultra-colorful tissue box, with happy faces and linear accents, can uplift their spirit.
10. Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock
A Bluetooth speaker is the kind of gift that works for everyone, and this highly portable Bluetooth speaker comes from one of the brands we trust the most at SPY — Amazon. The Echo Dot 5th generation with a clock packs big sound into a small size, and it’s one of the best gifts for coworkers under $50. Plus, did we mention, compared to previous versions, this edition added layers of privacy protection that will keep all your personal information safe and secured.
11. YETI Rambler Insulated Mug
You know that Yeti’s coolers are indestructible and keep things cool for hours and hours. Their insulated mug could be one of the best gifts for coworkers, coffee, and tea lovers because their drinks will stay hot for an incredibly long time. The mug is constructed with a double-wall vacuum insulation and 18/8 stainless steel. It’s also dishwasher-safe, rust-proof and puncture-proof, too. This BPA-free mug has a lid, so coffee won’t spill out. It holds 14 oz. of liquid and can go from home to car with ease.
12. FLY BY JING Sichuan Chili Hot Sauce
We named this Instagram-famous hot sauce one of the best Christmas gifts back in 2021, and it made the list once again in 2022. Perfect for adding a little spice to lunch, it’s the perfect coworker gift idea for anyone that has a collection of hot sauce at home.
13. Diptyque Mini Scented Candle Roses
Shopping for your boss is one of the toughest gifts for coworkers to get just right. A candle is a simple solution, especially when it’s one as luxe and delightful as this floral fragrance by Diptyque. The blend of jasmine and roses is a scent that will suit every room of your house. Also, the glass can upcycled for your own personal use after its final burn.
14. Evecase Foam Splash & Shock-Resistant Laptop Case
Do any of your coworkers have little ones, or are they slightly accident-prone? If it’s a yes to either or both, then this laptop case will protect it from any type of accident. This could be the best gift for coworkers who have toddlers. It’s lightweight and has a padded foam exterior that’s splash-proof and can absorb shocks from minor falls and bumps. There’s an extra padded interior to cushion laptops, netbooks, or a large tablet. The laptop case has a top zipper and is slim enough to slide into a backpack, messenger bag or briefcase.
15. Baggu
Baggu reusable tote bags have been on our radar since 2020, and even after all this time, we still think they’re some of the best gifts for coworkers in 2022. These cute little toes come in dozens of fun designs, and they’re perfect for running lunchtime errands.
16. JanSport Fifth Avenue, Surplus Camo, One Size
Yes, fanny packs are trendy, but they’re also useful. If you have a coworker who likes to jog, hike, travel or just appreciates the ease of running errands with free hands, you should definitely get them this sporty fanny pack, which comes in camo and solid colors. It’s affordable, can be worn on the waist or across the chest and fits all of their necessities.
17. Meanmuggin Dunder Mifflin Two-Tone Coffee Mug
Well, The Office may be over, but the fandom will live on forever. Have a coworker who can recite an entire episode, line by line? Is there a “Michael Scott” type in your office? Give them a coworker holiday gift that they’ll proudly show off all year long. This two-toned mug has artwork on both sides and will hold 15 ounces of whatever your coworker wants to drink. It’s microwave and dishwasher-safe.
18. Chunky Knit Blanket Cozy Chenille Throw
For the coworker who could use a little more coziness in their life (or their cubicle), we’ve got these fleece blankets, which come in dozens of colors and a few different sizes. In the battle for the office thermostat, this coworker gift idea could also give you the edge.
19. Soundcore Wireless Earbuds
Looking for a co-worker’s Christmas gift that looks more expensive than its price tag? If so, take a gander at these wireless earbuds from Soundcore. At this price, you can give one to your coworker and keep one for yourself. These Bluetooth-enabled in-ear buds have 10 hours usage before it needs to be re-charged. These earbuds are compact, fast-charging and water-resistant. They also come in their own carrying case. They can also be used for phone calls too.
20. VIVITEST Ceramic Stone Diffuser
Who doesn’t appreciate their home smelling amazing? This chic, modern diffuser is the best gift for your coworker who loves all things fragranced.
21. LOOPS Weekly Reset Rejuvenating Hydrogel Face Mask
For the work wife who absolutely loves a pampering herself and putting self-care in the forefront of everything outside of the office. After a long week, LOOPS can rejuvenate your skin with their hydrogel face mask, which is cruelty-free and omits the toxins we wish to avoid.
22. Stanley Quencher Travel Tumbler
TikTok has declared the Stanley Quencher the perfect tumbler, and this cult-favorite gift has earned fawning reviews on SPY, The New York Times and countless other outlets — which is why it’s almost always out of stock and the subject of ridiculous price gouging. However, it’s in stock in time for the holidays. This travel tumbler is perfect for our commuters who spend a lot of time on the road, as it’s designed to fit into a car cup holder but still hold a lot of liquid.
23. Speks 2.5mm Magnet Balls
Read More: https://spy.com/articles/gear/accessories/best-desk-toys-216836/">23 Fun Desk Toys for Stressed-Out Office Workers
Sure to be a load off after the work week has been a drag. Produced from rare earth, neodymium magnets, Speks magnetic balls are one of the coolest and most popular desk toy ever made. With these unique balls, you can relieve stress or build a shape to unleash creativity.
24. Faux Potted Donkey Tail
The nicest plant you can gift to a coworker is a fake one. It’ll brighten up their office or whatever space they choose, and it requires zero effort to keep alive! This faux potted donkey tail has cool trailing branches and looks quite realistic. It makes for great, low-maintenance decor.
25. Galison Now House by Jonathan Adler Vertigo 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
We love this 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, which is perfect for any dissectologist. Once assembled, this puzzle reveals a QR code which can be scanned on your phone. Winners can receive up to a $2 million grand prize, but there are tons more prizes to be had. Buy one for everyone in the office and see who wins.
26. Bento Lunch Box
Bringing lunch to work is the way to go, at least a few times per week, to prevent from eating up all your money. This bento lunch box will encourage your favorite coworker to pack more meals since it keeps everything separated and fresh. It’s BPA and lead-free, durable, microwave and dishwasher safe, and leakproof. The three compartments are perfect for packing a main, a side and a sweet snack without anything getting contaminated.
27. OUAI Hand Cream
Between COVID-19 and winter season, regular hand washing is going into even higher gear. Hand soap at the office isn’t typically the most softening, so pamper parched hands with this luxurious, creamy hand balm from OUAI. It’s free of all that bad stuff and instead includes quality ingredients such as murumuru seed butter, shea butter and coconut oil.
28. Interior Illusions Plus Lime Mini Balloon Dog Bank
Brighten up your coworker’s workspace every day by gifting this fun green balloon dog bank. It’ll make quite the statement piece on their desk. Plus, the fact that it’s a functioning bank, thanks to the removable coin stop, is a fun tongue-in-cheek reminder for them to hit their work goals to get that raise.
29. Matcha Powder
For the coworker who could use some energy in the morning — without the jitters: This organic, ceremonial grade Japanese green tea matcha is the something for them to start the day with. It’s soothing, packed with antioxidants and numerous health benefits, and easy to make by adding to your choice of water or milk. But don’t overkill, caffeine is one of the ingredients.
30. Happy Socks Mixed Dog Socks Gift Box 3-Pack
There’s at least one in every office, right? I’m talking about dog parents. For the holidays give them this set of dog-themed socks. The unisex trio of socks (white is shown, black and aqua background for the other two) come in a nicely packaged gift box.
31. Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Cold brew is an expensive habit, but unlike regular hot coffee, it’s not so easy to make yourself. Help your coworker’s cold brew addiction flourish while making it a bit more cost-effective with this SIMPLETASTE cold brew coffee maker. It’s solid and brews a lovely cold brew that you can enjoy any time.
32. Out of Office Embroidered Cap
When it’s time to take some time off or use those vacation days, you AND your colleagues are ready to dash out of work and turn on out of office automatic email reply. Yes, we’ve all been there. How about making it more clear donning those words embroidered on a slick cap.
33. Everlane's The ReNew Transit Backpack
Most people can make use of a backpack, and this one, in particular, is super useful for work and commuting. It’s fashionable and functional as well as water-resistant — made with several interior pockets for all your essentials. Two water bottle holders to make sure you’re hydrated while on the go. The handy accessory arrives in a few muted colorways.
34. Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are quickly becoming a must-have for office drones. When we’re not staring at glowing rectangles of light at work, we’re staring at glowing rectangles of light at home. To help employees avoid harmful blue light that can disrupt our circadian rhythms, blue light glasses help filter out harmful bandwidths of light. These also make great gifts for groups of coworkers, although you may get teased if everyone in your department is wearing matching glasses.
We have two options for blue light glasses. If you want to splurge a little, head to Felix Gray to pick out a more upscale pair of lenses and frames. If you’re looking for something more affordable, we also have less expensive frames available via Amazon Prime.
35. Swedish Dishcloth Set
A good dishcloth is a kitchen essential. You want it to dry quickly and not hold on to pesky germs so that you can always feel like your hands and dishes are clean. These Swedish dishcloths are the perfect alternative to sponges and paper towels, since they’re super absorbent and can run through the washing machine or dishwasher to keep clean. The cute colors and patterns also make them a great gift.
36. Ban.do Sip Sip Insulated Tumbler with Reusable Silicone Straw
If your cube mate has been using the same old boring water bottle since you started working together, it’s time for an update. This eco-friendly sipper adds a fun pop of color to their workspace and features double-walled insulation to keep their 20-ounce drink cold sans any annoying condensation. The flat lid easily screws on and off and the included bendy silicone straw won’t break.
37. Group Gift Idea for Coworkers: Lap Desks
Do you work in a hybrid office? Then give your employees something they can use on their days at home. These colorful lap desks come in packs of one or 12, so you can pick up a bulk order for everyone in the office. Keep in mind, this particular style only accommodates smaller laptops like 13-inch MacBooks.
38. Herschel Charlie Rfid Card Case Wallet
Especially if your colleague has new business cards to show off, a card case is a great gift for coworkers. This unisex option by Herschel comes in 24 colorways, ranging from camouflage to florals to abstract prints to solid hues, so there’s one out there for every personality type. Made from 100% polyester, it has a protective RFID blocking layer, multiple card slots and a top access storage sleeve.
39. Lucas Papaw Ointment
This Australian-made skin ointment can come in handy for anyone, especially during the winter. It’s made from Australian papaws, or papayas, which have numerous benefits for the skin. This twin pack has gotten thousands of five-star ratings and rave reviews from customers whose skin has been saved by the salve.
40. BALORAY Lunch Bag Tote
The brown bagger in your life will love this cute lunch bag tote. It’ll upgrade her meal every day. Completely leakproof, it features a heat welded insulated liner to keep food at just the right temperature — warm or cold for up to four hours — sans spills. Its compact design and two short handles are great for dining on-the-go. Despite its petite size, you can really pack a lot in, plus the outside pocket is great for utensils and napkins. Lightweight and foldable, it’ll be even more compact on the way home. The inner food-grade aluminum foil is BPA-free and easy to clean.
41. Otters Wooden Tabletop Mini Bowling Game
Have a coworker who’s trying to juggle using their cellphone and their laptop at the same time. Are they getting disastrous results? Dropped phones and other weird things. This adjustable cell phone stand can be used to hold a phone vertically and horizontally. They can easily watch a training video or join in a Skype session while also working on their laptop. It holds phones that are sized from four-to-eight inches and less than six inches wide. It can be used by both Apple and Android phones. The aluminum stand has a low center of gravity and rubber grips on the bottom, so it won’t topple over. There’s a hole to thread the charging cord through. It does come in other colors like gray, silver, red and rose gold, and all can be there before Christmas.
42. Barwench Games' Executive Mini Desktop Golf Game
When looking for the best gifts for coworkers, you have to have at least one funny gag gift. Welp, this could be it. (It’s also a fun gift for golfers.) It comes with a putter, flag and two golf balls. You know, in case one gets lost in the weeds.
43. Evofly Wall Mounted Magnetic Bottle Opener
This bottle opener can be hung on the fridge or anywhere it’s convenient because of the magnetic backing. You know what else is magnetic? The bottom. When you open up a bottle, the magnetic bottom immediately snags the bottle cap. And it stays there until you’re ready to toss it in the trash. A great coworker holiday gift that’s pretty cool. Whether your coworker’s a beer lover, prefers their soda to come in old-timey looking bottles or prefers aged cider, this bottle opener opens them all.
44. Rose Create Little Ceramic Succulent Owl Pots
A little plant is a perfect way to brighten a workspace, making this the perfect gift for coworkers. Countless studies have shown the power of nature, even when it’s just a plant on your desk. This set of six adorable mini ceramic oil planters is sure to bring a small to your co-worker’s face. It’s ideal for holding succulent or cactus plants. The plants aren’t included, so you could do a tiny bit of gardening and add some greenery to each pot and share them with six co-workers or give them all to your favorite.
45. Thin Bins Collapsible Containers
Not only are reliable storage containers great for your coworkers to bring their lunch to work, but they’re also a staple to have at home that anyone will be able to use. You really can’t go wrong in gifting someone this rectangular set of four varying sized, colorful, BPA Free, Microwave, Dishwasher and Freezer Safe storage containers.
46. Amazon Basics 1500W Ceramic Personal Heater
This 1500-Watt ceramic heater is perfect for cubicles and small offices. If you’re tired of hearing your work friend complain about being cold, then this is the solution you’ve been searching for. The best gifts for coworkers will actually get used, and this is one of our favorite coworker gift ideas for Christmas.
47. Jonathan Adler Metallic Zebra Dish
From paperclips to office supplies to their keys, most people have lots of little things floating around on their desks. Keep them nice and tidy with this incredibly chic Jonathan Adler Metallic Zebra Dish. Though it’s small in stature, it’s big on personality, making it a fun desk accessory and a great gift for coworkers.
48. Best Gift for the Office: Nespresso Machines
Here’s a fun idea: buy a gift the entire office can enjoy. Not only will you personally benefit from this gift idea, but it’s sure to make you more popular around the office. The Nespresso coffee maker is always a popular gift idea, and it’s a great gift for the whole office to enjoy.