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Coming up with gift ideas for co-workers — whether they’ve been a longtime desk mate or you just see them onscreen every week — can be challenging. But the general principles remain the same as for any other gift: You’re looking for items that are thoughtful (and affordable) and that they’ll enjoy using.
We did the legwork for you and hunted down the best gifts for less than $50 for every type of co-worker, broken down into six categories (if you’re shopping for something specific, jump ahead using the table of contents). Whether they’re a foodie, an amateur skin-care scientist, or constantly trying to improve their desk space, we’ve found a tried-and-true Strategist favorite they’ll enjoy. We also have guides for the rest of your list — including everyone from tween boys to grandparents.
Update on November 18, 2024: Added some products; updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
Food and drink
For the co-worker who packs their lunch
For the co-worker trying to go plastic-free
A set of utensils — including chopsticks — they can take to the office or anywhere else.
For the co-worker who loves to make cocktails
A classy set of glasses to show off their handiwork.
For the co-worker whose new hobby is making pizza
For the office baker
For the co-worker with a sweet (but not too sweet) tooth
A treat with some zing. (Or pair with the vanilla paste above for another ingredient the office baker will appreciate.)
For the co-worker cutting down on to-go espressos
For the co-worker who just got back from Rome
An stovetop espresso-maker, so they can do as Romans do, even when they’re not in Rome.
For the co-worker who loves a novel beverage
Something fun they can mix into cocktails, mocktails, or just with soda water.
For the co-worker who lives for movie night
A stovetop popcorn popper that makes it even more of a ritual.
For the condiment-collecting co-worker
A spicy addition to their chile crisp lineup.
For the co-worker who likes a fancy snack
For the co-worker whose favorite food group is chocolate
This pack comes with six different flavors, including nougat, caramel, and sea salt.
For the co-worker who’s always on the road
The collapsible kettle Ben Gibbard always takes on tour.
For the co-worker who prefers tea
A high-quality English-breakfast blend they can drink hot or iced …
For the co-worker who prefers tea with some spice
… Plus a delicious chai mix they can add to it.
For the co-worker who makes tea time an hourly ritual
This mug has an included strainer so they can brew loose leaf tea right into their cup. It comes in a wide range of colors, too.
For the co-worker who’s always hydrating
Whether they prefer to chug from the bottle or sip through a straw, this bottle has options for both. Either way, they won’t have to unscrew the top just to get a drink.
Accessories
For the co-worker who runs cold
For the co-worker who prefers a nighttime run
This knit hat has a built-in head lamp so they can see and be seen.
For the co-worker who’s always schlepping something
This Strategist-favorite tote has a shoulder strap plus handles, and a clasp on the top to keep things from spilling out while they get settled at their desk.
For the co-worker who’s lost their ID for the third time
A wallet that’s easy to keep track of (and doubles as a phone stand).
For the co-worker who’d rather be outdoors
A really great pair of wool socks that are ideal for hikes or even wearing out and about.
Self-care
For the co-worker battling winter dryness
This moisturizing cream — which has been recommended to us over and over by makeup artists and celebrities — has an ultrarich texture that will help keep their skin dewy and nourished.
For the co-worker who’s always complaining about their aches and pains
For the co-worker who wants the office ice-cold
This eye-catching fan can keep them cool without having to crank the A/C, and it’ll give their desk a little flair when it’s not in use.
For the co-worker who could use more shut-eye
Tech
For the co-worker who’s always in need of a charging cable
For the multitasking co-worker
For the multitasking co-worker on the go
This phone stand is easy to move around for better viewing anywhere they go and takes up very little space.
For the co-worker who does everything on their phone
For the co-worker with nice cans
A place they can keep those cans close.
For the office
For the co-worker who’s a cat person
For the co-worker who likes nice things …
An especially lovely desk notepad, made in France in a workshop built by Gustave Eiffel.
… Especially things that are practical
For the co-worker with a pen collection
They probably don’t have this pen that’s also a ruler, screwdriver, and level.
For the co-worker with a sideline in Etsy crafts
For the co-worker who’s always dialed in
For the co-worker who eats at their desk
A cute little contraption that picks up crumbs and other bits of detritus.
For the co-worker whose meeting notes are a work of art
Every page of this notebook has a different grid design, so they’ll never run out of inspiration. “This pattern is simultaneously a constraint (because grid) and a mild creative prompt (because variable),” says Strategist contributor Molly Young.
For the co-worker who wishes they could take their desk with them
With this set of scaled-down scissors, stapler, crafting blade, and other handy stationery items, they can.
For the co-worker who’s always jotting down ideas
John Wilson’s favorite notebook is weatherproof, so when they’re scribbling down all their thoughts and tasks, they won’t have to worry about a rainy day or an upended water bottle ruining it all.
For the co-worker who likes to decorate their desk
A vintage-inspired vase that’s a conversation starter.
For the home
For the co-worker with the “fun” desk
For the co-worker who’s a bit of a homebody
A cozy-smelling three-wick candle that’ll keep them company.
For the co-worker who already has plenty of candles …
A nicer way to light them that doesn’t require any refilling.
… But would still appreciate some home fragrance
Get them this earthy, woodsy scent of Japanese cypress from a beloved incense-maker.
For the competitive co-worker
For the co-worker with creative tendencies
For the co-worker who’s fragrance-averse
A soap made in Palestine from just olive oil, water, and mineral salt.
For the co-worker who likes a gag gift
For the co-worker with three drinks at their desk
These wool coasters come in an assortment of cheery colors and help keep their desk free of condensation. Strategist writer Emma Wartzman says these coasters “both absorb and evaporate moisture and thus stay in perfect condition no matter how many drinks sweat on them.”
For the super-organized co-worker …
… who’s tired of their stuff going missing
Not only will they be able to keep everything neatly categorized, but they’ll also be able to keep track of the good stapler everyone keeps “borrowing.”
For the co-worker who wants to cultivate their green thumb
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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