Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas For Co-Workers To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Finding the right Christmas gift for coworkers can feel tricky when you want to show appreciation, but let’s be honest, you don’t want to spend that much!

You have a lot of other people to buy for and maybe you don’t want to tap that emergency fund just for the holidays.

But, if you are having and office Secret Santa gift exchange, you can still find great gifts like the ones below and not go over budget.

Whether you’re shopping for a Secret Santa exchange, planning a small team surprise, or picking out a few simple thank-you gifts, there are plenty of creative ideas that fit under $10 or $20.

You can even put together a lot of nice items from freebie sites like these and stay WAY under budget.

This guide walks you through budget-friendly gift ideas, easy DIY options, and practical tips for group gifting.

You’ll also find where to shop smart and how to make the most of your holiday budget while keeping the season cheerful and stress-free (mostly.)

You can still apply frugal living tips and not suffer during the holidays. Check out this list of frugal Christmas gift ideas that work for anyone on your list.

Top Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas for Co-workers

There are plenty of inexpensive Christmas gift ideas for coworkers that will still make people happy.

My favorite places to shop for budget-friendly Christmas gifts:

• Amazon co-worker gifts list  
• Etsy coworker gift ideas

Small but thoughtful items like desk accessories, plants, or cozy socks can still be something your co-workers actually want and like, even though you didn’t spend much at all!

If you want to save up more money for Christmas next year, try using sinking funds to help.

1. Personalized Desk Accessories

You can make a simple workspace feel special with personalized desk items. There are awesome budget-friendly ideas for gifts like engraved nameplates, custom mouse pads, or monogrammed pen holders.

Even a matching monogrammed leather set makes a great gift. The fun thing about a custom mouse pad like this one, is that you can make it personal with your coworker’s pet picture, or a funny quote they always say.

Personalized items help coworkers feel recognized and valued. They also add a touch of organization and style to any desk. Even stylish and useful folder organizers can work as Christmas gift.

If you’re on a budget, you can find affordable options online or even DIY something small like a labeled pencil cup. These items are the perfect office Christmas gifts!

A few ideas of desk accessory gifts include:

• Custom acrylic name tags
• Initial keychains for desk drawers
• Personalized sticky note holders

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2. Fun Office Supplies

Fun office supplies are simple Christmas gifts for co-workers that they can use. Think colorful pens, quirky notepads, or themed paper clips. These small items add personality to a workspace without being distracting.

Plus you can choose notepads or novelty stationery sets with quotes or designs unique to the person you are buying for, making it an even more personal gift.

These sarcastic office themed notepads are a super fun, inexpensive gift.

Office supplies make great Secret Santa gifts because they’re inexpensive and universal and will help you not overspend.

If you want to build a small bundle or personalized office supply gifts, include:

• A mini stapler in a fun color
• Washi tape rolls
• A compact notebook with a cheerful cover

Check out these fun time saving products you might want.

3. Mini Plants or Succulents

Mini plants bring a bit of life to any office. Succulents, air plants, or small cacti require little maintenance and thrive in indoor light. They add color and freshness to a desk or shelf and are one of our best cheap gift ideas for co-workers.

You can buy small potted plants for under $10 at most garden stores or supermarkets. Choose simple pots or decorate them with paint or ribbon for a personal touch.

Not to mention they can improve air quality for everyone in the office!

Need extra cash this holiday season? Try these tips for making an extra $1,000 fast.

4. Coffee Mugs

One of my favorite holiday gift ideas for co-workers is a coffee mug.

A coffee mug is a classic and reliable coworker gift that is budget-friendly. And it is something pretty much everyone can use, and will use every day!

You can find ceramic mugs, travel mugs, or funny printed mugs for a low price. Choose one that matches your coworker’s personality—something humorous, simple, or themed.

Personalized mugs with names or initials make the gift feel more special. You can also fill the mug with small treats like tea bags, hot cocoa packets, or chocolates.

Coffee mug Christmas gift ideas:

• Reusable travel mugs
• Minimalist white mugs with initials
• Mugs featuring office humor

5. Scented Candles

Scented candles are the perfect cheap and easy Christmas gift for co-workers. Look for soy-based candles or natural wax candles with light, neutral scents like vanilla, lavender, or cedarwood.

Smaller candles or tea light sets often cost less than $10. You can wrap them nicely with a ribbon or place them in a small gift bag for a polished look.

You can also get candles on Etys with customized quotes or text like a monogram or something sarcastic and funny for the office like this.

6. Picture Frames

Who doesn’t want a nice frame for family photos? Picture frames make meaningful and affordable gifts.

A small photo frame for a desk or shelf gives coworkers a place to display family photos or even motivational quotes. This really pretty frame is on sale for only $3.99 and it doesn’t look cheap!

You can choose from wood, metal, or acrylic frames depending on their style. Some frames even come with built-in stands or magnets for easy display.

To personalize the gift, you could include a printed quote or a team photo.
Affordable sets of two or three small frames often cost under $10 and add a nice decorative touch to any workspace.

7. Personalized Tea or Dish Towels

Personalized tea towels make cute co-worker Christmas gifts that won’t break your budget. You can find cotton towels with embroidered initials, printed patterns, or small holiday designs.

You can customize them with names or simple messages using iron-on transfers or fabric paint or

just buy one already customized. This small effort adds a personal element without increasing cost.

A few design ideas:

• Holiday-themed prints
• Minimalist monograms
• Funny kitchen quotes

They’re lightweight, easy to wrap, and appreciated for their usefulness.

8. Bath and Body Products

Bath and body products are always a great gift and one of the best cheap gift ideas for co-workers.

You can buy hand creams, lip balms, or mini lotion sets with mild scents. These are affordable and easy to find in holiday gift displays. Body scrub is always a great Christmas gift.

I love this gift box set that is less than $10 but still looks posh.

Plus, they aren’t just for women! There are plenty of options now for men like beard oil, or lotions and body wash.

You can create a small care bundle with:

• A mini hand lotion
• A bar of natural soap
• A small bath bomb

Stick to neutral fragrances like vanilla or citrus to suit everyone’s preferences.

9. Cozy Socks

Cozy socks like these are inexpensive and always appreciated during winter. Choose soft knit socks, fleece-lined pairs, or fun patterned designs. They’re practical and bring comfort during cold office days.

You can find multipacks and divide them among coworkers for an economical option.
For a personal touch, wrap each pair with a small note or candy cane.

Popular choices include:

• Holiday-themed prints
• Neutral colors for everyday wear
• Fluffy slipper socks

They’re simple, warm, and easy to gift! Plus, they are super cheap.

10. Smart Phone Charger

A small portable phone charger or charging cable is something you know that anyone can use! For something really fun, you can get the bling bling one above!

Coworkers often need an extra charger for the office, car, or travel bag. This is one of the best cheap Christmas gifts since it is practical and something a co-worker would use every day.

Look for compact designs with universal USB compatibility.
You can even find multi-cable sets that support different devices and you can even get cute chargers these days like this one.

11. Coffee Mug Warmer

When it comes to cheap work Christmas gift ideas, anything coffee related works! A coffee mug warmer keeps drinks hot at the desk, making it an ideal gift for coffee or tea lovers.

These small electric warmers plug into a USB port or wall outlet and maintain a steady temperature so your coffee stays warm. This one is only $9.99.

You can find affordable models online that work with standard mugs. They’re compact, safe, and easy to use in the office.

Pair it with a small bag of coffee or tea for a complete gift set. It’s a practical item that adds comfort to the workday! (and productivity with that coffee!)

12. Journal or Yearly Planner

A journal or yearly planner like these helps coworkers stay organized and focused and makes for great employee Christmas gifts.

You can choose a design and style that fits your coworker. Either a journal or a yearly planner are great work Christmas gifts. You can even get them one of these best business planners.

Many planners include monthly and weekly sections to track goals and appointments. This super cute planner is less than $10.

You can find affordable options at bookstores or online, often under $10. Add a pen or bookmark for a small extra touch.

Christmas is the perfect time of year to gift someone a yearly planner for the next year as well!

DIY Christmas Gifts for Co-workers

You can make thoughtful gifts for coworkers without spending much by using simple materials and everyday ingredients.

There’s nothing better for your budget than DIY! Focus on small, useful, and personal creations that show appreciation while keeping your budget and time in check.

13. Homemade Treats

Food gifts work well because they’re easy to make in batches and pretty much anyone likes free food.

You can bake cookies, fudge, or mini loaves and wrap them in clear cellophane tied with ribbon. Label each with the flavor and a short note for a personal touch.

If you prefer something savory, try spiced nuts, seasoned popcorn, or flavored pretzels. These store well and travel easily to the office.

Add a tag with ingredients for coworkers who have allergies or dietary preferences.

14. Handcrafted Ornaments

Making ornaments gives you a creative way to share holiday spirit while giving budget friendly Christmas gifts for coworkers.

You can use air-dry clay, felt, or wood slices to create simple shapes like stars or snowflakes. Paint or decorate them with initials or the year to make them personal.

If you enjoy crafting, try salt dough ornaments—a mix of flour, salt, and water baked until firm. Once cooled, paint them and finish with a clear sealant for durability.

Keep designs neutral so they suit different decorating styles. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and place it in a small box or envelope to make it stylish and cute.

15. Custom Gift Jars

Gift jars combine presentation, practicality and affordability. You can fill them with hot cocoa mix, cookie ingredients, or bath salts depending on your coworkers’ preferences. Layer dry ingredients neatly to create a decorative look.

Attach a small card with instructions, like “Add 1 cup of milk and heat” for cocoa or “Mix with butter and eggs” for cookies. You can also buy pre-mixed customer gift jars.

Use recycled jars to reduce cost and waste while keeping the presentation polished.

Group Christmas Office Gift Ideas on a Budget

Pooling money with coworkers lets you give something more meaningful without overspending.

You can focus on gifts that improve the shared workspace or create moments of connection that everyone can enjoy together.

Shared Office Gadgets

When everyone chips in, you can upgrade the office with practical gadgets that make daily tasks easier.

A shared coffee maker, electric kettle, or mini snack station can boost morale and convenience without costing much per person.

You might also consider wireless charging hubs, Bluetooth speakers, or a desk humidifier for a more comfortable environment. Look for compact, energy-efficient models that fit the office layout and serve multiple people at once.

Choosing one or two shared items helps you stretch the budget while giving something useful that everyone appreciates.

Team Experience Gifts

Instead of buying physical items, you can plan a low-cost team experience that builds camaraderie.

A casual lunch outing, coffee tasting, or after-work trivia night can bring everyone together without requiring a large budget. Here are some tips to save at restaurants that will help your money go further.

Ideally though, this is something you can ask your company to foot the bill for.

If your team prefers something in-office, organize a holiday potluck or a DIY ornament exchange. Each person contributes a small part, keeping costs low while adding a personal touch.

You can also pool a small amount for a group class, like a virtual cooking session or craft workshop. Online options often cost less per person and still feel special.

These experiences create shared memories that last longer than most physical gifts and help strengthen workplace relationships.

Gift Exchange and Secret Santa Tips

A thoughtful exchange works best when everyone feels included and comfortable. Keeping spending fair and adding a personal touch to the presentation helps make the experience enjoyable for the whole team.

Setting a Price Limit

Establishing a clear budget keeps the exchange fair and stress-free. Decide on a price range that fits everyone’s comfort level—often between $10 and $25 for workplace exchanges.

This range allows for practical and fun gifts while preventing anyone from feeling pressured to overspend.

You can take a quick office poll or use an anonymous survey to set the limit. Once agreed, communicate it clearly in the event invitation or email.

To make shopping easier, share a few gift category ideas within that budget:

Keeping the limit consistent ensures that every gift feels equally valued and the exchange stays fun rather than competitive.

Creative Gift Wrapping

Presentation adds excitement to even the simplest gift. You don’t need expensive materials—brown kraft paper, twine, or recycled wrapping can look great with a little creativity. Add a handwritten tag or small ornament to make it personal.

Try using color themes like silver and blue for winter or red and green for a classic holiday feel. If your workplace encourages humor, disguise the gift in an unusual box or shape for a lighthearted surprise.

You can also organize a “best-wrapped gift” mini contest to boost participation. The goal is to make the exchange visually fun and memorable without adding extra cost or effort.

Where to Find Affordable Christmas Gifts

You can find low-cost but thoughtful Christmas gifts in both online and local spots. Shopping smart means comparing prices, watching for sales, and choosing items that balance quality with affordability.

Online Marketplaces

Websites like Amazon,  Etsy, and eBay offer thousands of inexpensive gift options. You can filter by price, shipping speed, and category to match your budget and timeline.

Many sellers also provide small business or handmade items that feel more personal than mass-produced products.

Check for holiday promotions and coupon codes before checkout. Signing up for email alerts or using browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten can help you catch discounts automatically.

If you’re buying for multiple coworkers, look for bulk deals or multi-pack items like candles, mugs, or stationery sets.

These can lower your cost per gift and make coordination easier. Always read buyer reviews to confirm quality before purchasing.

Local Stores and Boutiques

You can often find affordable and unique gifts by visiting local boutiques, craft fairs, and discount stores. Small shops may sell handmade soaps, local snacks, or ornaments that make memorable presents without exceeding your budget.

And of course, stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods often stock name-brand items at reduced prices. Seasonal sections in drugstores or supermarkets can also have small but festive gift options.

Shopping locally saves shipping time and supports nearby businesses. Many shops offer gift-wrapping services or holiday bundles, which can save you extra effort.

Visiting in person also lets you check the quality and packaging before buying, ensuring your gifts look thoughtful and well-chosen.

Conclusion

You don’t need a big budget to show appreciation at work. Simple, thoughtful gifts—like a succulent, a personalized mug, or a desk accessory—can brighten your coworker’s day without spending much.

Focus on gifts that are useful, fun, or add a little comfort to the workday. A small treat or item that makes their desk cozier often feels more personal than something expensive.

Here’s a quick reminder of budget-friendly ideas:

When you choose something that fits your coworker’s personality, it shows you notice and care. Even a handwritten note or small snack can make a positive impression.

Keep it simple, stay thoughtful, and enjoy giving gifts that make your workplace a little warmer this season.