48 Clever, Affordable Gifts That’ll Impress Your Boss and Office Bestie

Whether you’re scrambling for a last-minute holiday gift for your boss or just want to show your work bestie some love, small gifts are a great way to show your colleague appreciation. 

That said, I’ve learned that picking the right present is easier said than done. Whenever an office gifting moment comes up—secret Santa, white elephant, you name it—a million questions run through my head. How much should I spend? What counts as “too personal?” And for remote teammates, what do you get for someone you’ve never met in person? 

To help you avoid the stress—and maybe even score some brownie points—I’ve rounded up the best coworker gifts out there. We’re talking gifts that’ll impress your manager, your direct report, and your work best friend, all organized by price. 

Read on for all my faves, including desktop essentials, self-care staples, and sweet treats.

$15 and Under

Who doesn’t love flowers? These crochet potted blooms bring the charm of greenery without any of the maintenance—basically the best of both worlds. With over 15 designs to choose from, this sentimental gift is sure to earn a permanent spot on their desk.

If they’re always misplacing their earbuds (I know I am), this cute little case is a game-changer. The puffy nylon protects their pods from drops and scratches, and the fun design makes it easy to find, whether in the office or on the go.

If your lunch buddy seems to always forget a fork, this reusable utensil set is a must-have. It comes with a fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks, all stored in a convenient carrying case that they can toss in their lunchbox or work bag.

Looking for something personal without getting too personal? A monogrammed option, like this pencil case, strikes the perfect middle ground. Available in five colors, the sleek PU leather exterior keeps it simple yet stylish.

I’m in my matcha era, but those café runs can get pricey. If your coworker always has a beverage by their side, this starter kit will save them some trips (and cash). It comes with a whisk, scoop, and sifter—plus a helpful handbook perfect for beginners.

$30 and Under

I’m always looking for ways to make my desk a little cozier, and this rug-inspired mouse pad does just the trick. It not only protects their desk from scratches and squeaks but also adds a warm, homey feel to their workspace.

For the coworker who tends to get a little antsy throughout the day, a Japanese zen garden kit is a fidget toy all grown up. It’s relaxing, decorative, and fun to play with.

Whether they’re sipping tea at their desk or experimenting with recipes at home, this Drizzle Honey set is a sweet (pun intended) gift for any coworker. The trio includes three of the brand’s bestsellers—white raw honey, turmeric gold raw honey, and cinnamon-spiced raw honey—each small enough to bring on the go.

With Zoom calls, lunch meetings, and daily tasks to keep track of, this planner helps your coworker stay on top of their to-do list. We love that it’s organized by day of the week and undated, so they can start whenever they want.

I’m obsessed with this whiteboard, which makes the most of limited desk space. They can jot down notes, prop their phone up in the built-in slot, and even open it up to reveal hidden organization compartments for storing pens, tacs, paper clips, and more.

Don’t let its small, clutter-free design fool you—this storage organizer can fit a lot. I’m talking pencils, paper clips, tape, and pretty much every office essential. And, when it's closed, it doubles as a decorative pear accent on their desk.

$50 and Under

I’m a sucker for Vera Bradley, and this checks all the boxes of the perfect lunch bag: spacious, stylish, and easy to clean. It’s roomy enough to fit a sandwich, snack, and a drink—with room to spare—and the top handle makes it easy to throw in a bag or carry on its own. Bonus: it’s machine washable.

My work bag can sometimes feel like a black hole, but this organizer insert keeps all the essentials easy to find. It has five pockets, plus a mesh front pocket that’s perfect for storing chargers and cords. The handy hook-and-loop design makes it easy to attach to bags inside bags or backpacks.

If I had to pick one item on the list to get from our office bestie, it might be this portable back massager. The heat-and-massage combo provides the ultimate relaxation, loosening tense neck muscles with just the right amount of pressure. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to unwind at their desk, during their commute, or on the couch at home.

With loose items scattered across their desk, this catch-all tray is a stylish way to reduce the clutter. It's the perfect spot to store their phone, headphones, loose pens, jewelry, and more—and the 8-by-8-inch design fits well in small spaces. You can even add their monogram for no additional charge.

We love this portable lunch warmer from Crock-Pot, which ensures you’ll always be able to enjoy your lunch. When we tested the Crock-Pot, we experienced no leaks or spills, and the exterior remained cool to the touch (despite the food inside being warm throughout).

$50+

No matter the temperature outside, my office is always freezing—and this office chair blanket is the perfect solution. The cozy sherpa material keeps you toasty all day, while the hands-free design makes it easy to type and take notes without braving the cold AC.

Turn every workday into a self-care moment with this Salt & Stone Hand Cream Trio. Select any three of their five scents for an extra customized present. They can keep one in their work bag, one on their nightstand, and one at their desk.

I love catching up on movies on a flight, but the uncomfortable airline headphones? Not so much. For the frequent flier, this device lets you connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones instead. Even better, it can sync two pairs at once, so they can listen with a friend.

Who We Are

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over two years of experience writing gift guides. She’s participated in her fair share of work gift exchanges, and her go-to present is usually something self-care related or a relaxing candle.