The holidays are tough enough on the wallet, with gifts to buy for family and friends. But you can’t ignore coworkers, unless you want to start off the new year on a bad note. Whether you’re buying a little something for a few close colleagues or a more anonymous white elephant gift, these budget-friendly choices are sometimes practical, more often playful, and all under $10.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Burt’s Bees Essentials Gift Set
$10 from Amazon Shop Now
This thoughtful set will make a coworker feel pampered with five all-natural products: a deep cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, food cream, and lip balm.
Related: Cool Secret Santa Gifts You’d Buy for Yourself
Unique Trinket Tray
$7 and up from World Market Shop Now
Any of these colorful and unique catch-alls would make a cheerful addition to any desk for things like paper clips, rubber bands, binder clips, and more.
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Desktop Boxing
$10 from Amazon Shop Now
Let that perpetually stressed coworker take out some aggression (or have a laugh, at least) with this mini-punching bag. The set includes a suction cup-equipped bag, two finger gloves, and a mini book with basic finger boxing moves and boxing trivia.
Related: Unusual Gifts They’ll Never See Coming
Desktop Cornhole
$10 from Amazon Shop Now
For a more fun game that many in the office might enjoy during break time, there’s this set modeled after the classic backyard game.
Blue Peacock Gold Mesh Ball Tea Infuser
$5 from World Market Shop Now
For those who like to break for afternoon tea (and take it seriously enough to use loose tea), this bejeweled infuser is actually quite a bargain.
Related: Perk ‘Em Up with These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers
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Magic 8 Ball
$8 from Target Shop Now
“Will the boss let us go home early today?” “Outlook good.” This classic piece of Americana will become an office favorite when the future is uncertain.
Related: Fun and Hilarious Gag Gifts for the Prankster in Your Life
Sunset Sandscape Desk Accessory
$10 from Bits and Pieces Shop Now
For those who always seem to have their eye on the end of the day, this desk accessory keeps that goal in mind. It’s a picture frame filled with colored sand that creates “unique, relaxing images every time you flip it.”
Teamwork Magnetic Clip Holder
$10 from Successories Shop Now
On the surface, this “motivational gift” is all about teamwork, but with an undercurrent of sarcasm — depending who gives and gets the gift. This desk accessory is ideal for that coworker who all but groans out loud when group projects are launched.
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An Artsy Face Mask
$13 from Etsy Shop Now
By this point, wearing face masks has become a part of ordinary life for us all. That doesn’t mean face coverings need to be ordinary, too. For an artsy coworker, choose from colorful cloth masks designed by classic artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.
Plan of Attack Sticky Notes
$6 from Amazon Shop Now
Procrastinators can’t pretend they didn’t know what was on the agenda with this practical product that has a big attitude to match its oversize format. (You know they’ll laugh at the to-do list’s “not a chance” section.)
‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’ Aluminum Bottle
$8 from Successories Shop Now
Staying hydrated is important, whether the job is outdoors or in a fast-paced office. This practical gift features BPA-free construction and a spill-proof lid. Other slogans range from “Thanks for Being Awesome” to “Together We Can.”
PopSocket
$10 and up from Amazon Shop Now
PopSocket collapsible grips stick to the back of a device, making it easier to hold. It also serves as a stand for those long office video calls.
Friendship Compass Necklace
$7 from Amazon Shop Now
For that coworker who you not only like but think is going places, this compass-themed pendant necklace makes an apt and likely appreciated gift.
Striped Necktie
$6 from Cheap Neckties Shop Now
For the guy who never fails to dazzle with his ties, this microfiber design resistant to stains and wrinkles is a colorful addition to a collection. It can make a bold statement for team members who dress up only for big meetings.
Badger Sleep Balm
$10 from Amazon Shop Now
Ideal for colleagues who could use some rest, Badger Sleep Balm is a blend of essential oils including bergamot, balsam, and lavender that can help speed them off to dreamland naturally. It’s made in New Hampshire, certified organic, and cruelty-free, too.
Funny Office Vinyl Sticker
$2 and up from Etsy Shop Now
Here’s a fun little something for that eternal (or ironic) optimist at your job. Or just for that person who can never get enough stickers. Or memes.
‘Swearing Is Good for You’ Book
$19 from Amazon Shop Now
Directly contradicting the concept that swearing is a sign of “a stunted vocabulary or a limited intellect,” author Emma Byrne takes a scientific look in this book at how profanity can actually have “surprising benefits.”
Related: Gifts for the Lovable Lady Pottymouth in Your Life
Emergency Clown Nose
$10 for a pack of 12 from Amazon Shop Now
For those times when a laugh is needed urgently, these emergency clown noses are a quick and easy way to bring on the chuckles. The squishy foam noses can be used for any occasion and come in a 12-pack so other coworkers can share in the fun.
Cat Hair Clip
$8 from Amazon Shop Now
For the resident cat lady in your midst, this inexpensive gift gets great reviews from buyers, most of whom note that it’s sturdy, cute, and has a great grip.
Related: Best Gifts for Cat Lovers
Monkey Vegetable Peeler
$15 from Amazon Shop Now
If your colleague would appreciate a little whimsy in the kitchen, this funky monkey helper will probably bring a smile — and encourage a battle over who gets to peel the potatoes for a holiday dinner.
Related: Kitchen Gifts They’ll Actually Use
The ChapStick Keychain
$10 from Amazon (6 ct.) Shop Now
Although it’s commonly called the ChapStick keychain, this cult-classic accessory is not made by the famous lip balm company. Slapped with bright floral-psychedelic patterns, it’s designed to keep snug one tube of lip balm in the standard tube shape that ChapStick made universal.
Chocolate Golf Balls
$7 from Etsy Shop Now
These solid chocolate golf balls are for the colleague who believes the real business gets done on the links. They’re available in milk, white, or dark chocolate, and available individually or in packs of up to 20.
Related: Gift Ideas for Men Who Love Golfing
Animal Paw-Print Socks
$10 from Amazon Shop Now
Let your colleague’s inner animal out with these socks, printed with images of animal paws. Choose from seven different critters, including dogs, polar bears, and more.
Related: Great Gifts for Dog-Obsessed Humans
Personalized Luggage Tag
$8 and up from Etsy Shop Now
It would be a shame if something happened to their fancy new luggage on a business trip. Make their bag stand out from a sea of lookalikes at the airport with a personalized leather luggage tag. Available in 11 colors.
