Life

16 Secret Santa Gift Ideas For Co-Workers That Stay Within Budget

by Kaitlyn Wylde
Urban Outfitters

Finding the right gift for your co-workers can be really difficult — especially if you're participating in a game of Secret Santa and have to find a cheap gift for a co-worker you barely know. It's trouble enough finding a gift for someone you know well, right?! On one hand, getting a co-worker you don't know very well is a great way to get to know that person and make them happy with a thoughtful gift, but on the other hand, not wanting to buy the wrong thing can make the gift-buying process really overwhelming. How can you get the "right" thing when you've barely ever spoken to that person?

A good trick is to stick to creative and fun gifts that fall within the agreed-upon price range. There are tons of options out there, if you know where to look. For instance, here, I've put together a list of gifts that work well with people you know or don't know — and even better for the people you want to know better. Each gift is useful, fun, and something that's nice to unwrap.

You don't want to get your co-worker a generic "I <3 NYC" coffee mug that will only make them feel awkward when they open it. You want to get your co-workers gifts that make it easy for them to enjoy it and appreciate it. Plus, all of these gifts are under $20, because I know you're not trying to go broke this holiday season:

Boy Brow

Glossier

Boy Brow, $16, Glossier

Who wouldn't appreciate the gift of tamed and fierce brows? There are only three colors to choose from, so it will be easy to match your co-workers brow color without having to ask them about their shade.

Slipper Socks

Pudus

Pudus Slipper Socks, $20, The Grommet

They're socks, they're slippers... they're slipper socks! These uber-cozy treats for your feet are the perfect holiday gift for anyone — especially that one co-worker who is always freezing.

Balm Dotcom

Glossier

Balm Dotcom, $12, Glossier

Yup this balm is the bomb.com. It comes in the most delicious, fragrant flavors and is the perfect cure-all salve. Everyone should have one of these in their desk drawers.

Touchscreen Cleaner

iRoller

iRoller Touchscreen Cleaner, $20, The Grommet

This gift is great for anyone, not just the tech-obsessed. We all know that dirty screen struggle, so anyone would appreciate a functional gift like this.

Couch Drink Holder

Couch Coaster

Weighted Drink Holder, $15, The Grommet

For the co-worker who you know is going to go on a serous Netflix binge this holiday season, this couch drink holder is a gem of a gift.

To-Go Container

Uncommon Goods

Ultimate To-Go Container, $15, Uncommon Goods

Help make your office a greener space by getting your co-workers reusable lunch boxes and utensils in this mod kit.

Slang Flashcards

Uncommon Goods

Slang Flashcards, $10, Uncommon Goods

For that one goody-goody that you have a great relationship with, get a slang dictionary to get a good laugh out of them if nothing else.

Microwave Popcorn Popper

Uncommon Goods

Microwave Popcorn Popper, $15, Uncommon Goods

Get your office a gift that you can use for yourself, duh. This will make the break room a lot more fun.

Coal Soap

Uncommon Goods

Bag of Coal Soap, $10, Uncommon Goods

This is the perfect gift for that co-worker who you're always cracking jokes with. A good sense of humor is definitely a requirement for the lump of coal soap gift!

Set Of Succulents

Urban Outfitters

Set of 4 Live Succulents, $20, Urban Outfitters

These little cuties will perk up any office desk. This is the perfect gift for the co-worker you don't know that well. Who wouldn't be happy to have four of these brightening up their workspace?

Poetry

Urban Outfitters

The Sun & Her Flowers, $17, Urban Outfitters

If you've got a co-worker who is into literature, they'll definitely appreciate Rupi Kaur's latest collection of poems.

Desk Frame

Urban Outfitters

Mod Block Frame, $18, Urban Outfitters

This is the ultimate chic desk frame. Plus, you can be as creative as you want and put anything inside of it.

Dream Water

Dream Water

Dream Water Sampler, $13, Dream Water

This probably sounds like a weird gift to give someone other than yourself, but I'd never know about this amazing sleep remedy if a co-worker didn't suggest it to me. If you know someone who has trouble falling asleep, this supplement works really well.

Mini-Waffle Maker

Urban Outfitters

Mini Waffle Maker, $18, Urban Outfitters

Yes, this is a real thing. Yes, it really makes waffles, and yes, it comes in different colors. I know, it sells itself.

Slippers

Urban Outfitters

Sunday Funday Slippers, $18, Urban Outfitters

No one understands the importance of a Sunday funday like your co-workers, so get them a pair of slippers that say it.

Incense Holder

Urban Outfitters

Hand Incense Holder Set, $20, Urban Outfitters

This gorgeous piece is perfect for anyone who loves a good smelling space. It's totally unique and perfect for desk top zen vibes.