10 Cheap Office Christmas Gift Ideas: Budget-Friendly Yet Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Your Coworkers

Last year, I almost bought my colleague a fancy pen... only to find out she doesn’t even write by hand anymore. That blunder taught me an important lesson: thoughtful office gifts don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to match the person. In fact, small office spaces and shared desks remind me daily — creativity matters more than price.

Whether you’re shopping for your work bestie or that quiet guy from finance, here are 10 cheap office Christmas gift ideas I’ve personally used or seen bring a smile during Secret Santa season. And if you love playing with space planning like I do, you’d get a kick out of tools like room planner when imagining cozy work corners.

1. Personalized Coffee Mugs

They’re functional, easy to find, and you can add inside jokes or team mottos. Just make sure you sneak in a dishwasher-safe version if your office kitchen is a warzone.

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2. Mini Desk Plants

Low-maintenance succulents or air plants add life to a cubicle. Plants are proven to lift mood, though you do need to warn them not to overwater — learned that the hard way.

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3. Funny Calendar

Daily memes, motivational quotes, or adorable animals keep desks cheerful. A good one turns into a conversation starter.

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4. Reusable Water Bottles

Helps them stay hydrated and eco-friendly. Look for lightweight versions so they don’t curse you when carrying it to meetings.

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5. Cozy Office Socks

Perfect for those freezing office AC days. Not always HR-approved for visible wear, but great for under the desk. Around here, our team even did a sock swap.

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6. Mini Desk Organizer

For the tidy or the wannabe tidy, these keep chaos at bay. Bonus if you can match their style — I used free floor plan creator once to visualize matching stationery with desk colors.

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7. Pocket Notebooks

Great for quick notes, doodles, or venting about Monday. The challenge? Not losing them in the first week.

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8. Scented Candles

For those who WFH or have a private office, a soft scent can make afternoons bearable. Beware though — scented gifts can be divisive in open-plan spaces.

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9. Cable Management Kit

Helps tame that spaghetti mess under the desk. If they’re tech-heavy, they’ll bless you for it. I once used a kitchen layout planner to figure out routing cables in a shared creative studio.

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10. Novelty Stress Balls

In the shape of a Christmas pudding or snowman, they’re silly, useful, and surprisingly good at diffusing December deadline stress.

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FAQ

1. What counts as a cheap office Christmas gift?

Anything thoughtful under about $20 can qualify. It's more about meaning than price.

2. Are edible gifts a good idea?

Yes, but check dietary restrictions first. Homemade cookies or gourmet popcorn are easy wins.

3. How do I choose for someone I barely know?

Go safe and practical — like desk supplies, plants, or amusing calendars.

4. Should I wrap office gifts?

Absolutely. Even simple wrapping makes a small gift feel special.

5. Any gifts to avoid?

Avoid overly personal items like perfume unless you know their taste really well.

6. Is it okay to give handmade gifts?

Yes, especially if you’re crafty. Hand-knit coasters or office decor can be unique and appreciated.

7. Can I give gift cards?

Yes, but choose something broad like a coffee shop chain, so they can definitely use it.

8. What if my office has a strict budget cap?

Stick to it — that’s part of the fun and challenge of Secret Santa. According to Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), budget limits keep workplace gifting fair and inclusive.