Struggling Over Secret Santa? Check Out These Affordable Gifts Your Co-workers Will Actually Appreciate

Practical yet thoughtful.

Last Updated on November 24, 2021

Thinking of the best Christmas gift ideas for coworkers is a tough job.

While coming up with endless ideas for your family and friends is already tough, doing it for colleagues is so much worse.

While you might be close to some colleagues, the struggle is real when you draw the name of someone you barely know out of the Secret Santa hat. What do they even like to do outside of work?!

5 women dressed in black at Fashion Week — Shutterstock

What you need are gifts that are practical, affordable, and have zero chances of offending anyone.

I’m not gonna lie, they can be difficult to find – but it’s certainly not impossible. We’ve rounded up the best gifts for your colleagues — from your picky boss, to the colleague you only talk to three times a year.

These gifts aren’t for those looking for a meaningful and sentimental item, but instead I’ve gone down the practical route.

I’ve found one present idea for someone who’s always glued to their phone, one for your colleague that spends hours chatting in the kitchen and a couple for those co-workers you barely know – so whoever you draw from that hat, I’m sure you’ll find something on the list to solve your struggles.

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Gift Ideas for Coworkers

Love in Bloom Desk Planner, £15.99, Papier – buy now

Desk planners are great no matter the occasion, but especially during this time of the year. Help your colleague get off to a good start to the New Year with this pretty pick.

Gold Gingko Leaf Wire Lights, £12, Paperchase – buy now

These cute wire lights are great for just about any room in your friend’s house. If they’re into décor, I’d buy them these.

Brew Tea Co. Tins, €15, Anthropologie – buy now

Tea is always a good idea. Any excuse for a break!

Christmas Ornaments, £15, Not Another Bill – buy now

Add something to their holiday decor with the help of these cute Christmas ornaments.

Quilted Laptop Case, £17.99, H&M – buy now

Your co-worker might need a little help in keeping their laptop safe, snug and stylish. This one is perfect for that!

Las Frutas Diary, now £19.19, Papier – buy now

I’ve always loved proper diaries – Google Calendar just doesn’t do it for me.

Papier has a huge selection of gorgeous yearly planners, but this is my favourite.

Wireless Charger, now £32, Not Another Bill – buy now

This is for that colleague that’s constantly on their phone – and is also perpetually complaining about their low battery. I’m probably that colleague.