57 Gifts Under $50 for Every Type of Co-worker
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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 December 19, 2025
I’ve updated this guide with some new gift ideas for the holiday season. Everything is in stock, the prices are up to date, and I’ve noted which items won’t arrive in time for Christmas.
Food and drink
For the co-worker with an at-home coffee bar
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This handy dosing cup has a built-in scale that makes getting the perfect measurement a breeze.
For the well-hydrated co-worker
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Hydro Flask Micro Hydro - 6.7 Oz.
A miniature Hydro Flask to add to their collection. It’s handier to carry around than that 32-ounce one they’re usually lugging.
For the co-worker whose new hobby is making pizza
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An addition to their oven that will help them make pro-level pies.
For the co-worker who brings Top Ramen for lunch
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These spicy noodles are the upgrade they didn’t know they needed.
For the office baker …
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An extra-nice version of a key ingredient.
… who wins every baking competition
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Enough bowls for the most complex bakes.
For the co-worker with a secret chocolate stash
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They’ll love these ice cream-shaped chocolates that feature a combination of white chocolate and either dark or milk chocolate, depending on their preference.
For the co-worker who puts peanut butter on everything
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This espresso-packed almond butter is as addictive as Nutella.
For the co-worker cutting down on to-go espressos
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They’ll be able to make their own at home or the office.
For the co-worker who’s too busy to cook every meal
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Not every meal needs to be from scratch. These tomato sauces have more flavor than most store-bought options and are perfect for doctoring up to add their own touch.
For the co-worker who loves a novel beverage
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Something fun they can mix into cocktails, mocktails, or just with soda water.
For the co-worker who’s always posting brunch pics
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According to Jason Blum, this eye-catching crepe pan can cook up to five pancakes at once. Perfect for Saturday morning breakfast with the family.
For the co-worker who grills every weekend
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This will be their new favorite steak sauce in no time.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the condiment-collecting co-worker
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A spicy addition to their chile-crisp lineup.
For the co-worker who’s always on the road
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The collapsible kettle Ben Gibbard always takes on tour.
For the co-worker who prefers tea to coffee …
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A high-quality English-breakfast blend they can drink hot or iced …
… especially matcha
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This matcha latte — which they can mix up without even needing a whisk — retains the grassy notes that make fresh matcha so tasty.
For the co-worker who makes tea time an hourly ritual
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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 likes to share espresso with a loved one
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Yeti’s tiny, insulated cups are perfect for a shot of espresso over a campfire.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
Accessories
For the sun-worshiping co-worker
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Sturdy sunglasses that are stylish enough to wear anywhere.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who walks to the office
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This stylish umbrella, which comes in six fun colors, is small enough to keep in their bag so they never have to weather a storm unprepared.
For the co-worker who goes to every concert
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Earplugs that look so good they won’t feel embarrassed popping them in before the show.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who runs cold
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Acorn Original Slipper Sock
Rick Steve’s favorite slippers.
For the co-worker who’s always schlepping something …
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Baggu Duck Bag
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.
… and needs an extra hand carrying it all
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A packable tote they can whip out in case of emergency.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who’d rather be outdoors
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A really great pair of wool socks that are ideal for hikes or even wearing out and about.
Self-care
For the co-worker who wants the office ice-cold
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This eye-catching fan can keep them cool without having to crank the AC, and it’ll give their desk a little flair when it’s not in use.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who’s overdue for a vacation
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It’s not as calming as a trip to the beach, but this fidget toy might help them get through another meeting-packed day.
For the co-worker who takes their lunch outside
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Even the peskiest mosquitos won’t stop them now.
Tech
For the co-worker who always borrows your charging cable …
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Native Union’s braided cables are so good your other co-workers are going to start asking them to borrow a charger.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
… even when you’re out to lunch
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I carry this pocket-size charger with me everywhere. It has enough juice to recharge my phone to 100 percent, comes with a built-in USB-C cable, and comes in a bunch of fun pastel colors.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who’s always traveling
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JBL Go 4
JBL’s tiniest speaker is loud enough to fill a hotel room and small enough to fit in a carry-on without weighing it down.
For the co-worker who’s taken up film photography
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A film camera that looks as good as the photos it takes (and can take twice as many shots from a roll of film as a regular camera).
For the co-worker who reads the news on their lunch break
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Whenever they drop their phone into this case, it’ll feel just like holding a Kindle.
For the co-worker who loves vintage Apple gear
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An Apple Watch charger that looks like the classic G3 iMac.
For the multitasking co-worker on the go
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Lamicall Phone Stand
This phone stand is easy to move around for better viewing anywhere they go and takes up very little space.
For the office
For the stressed-out co-worker
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Funny sticky notes to take the edge off.
For the co-worker who drinks soda all day
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With this instant cooler, they can always have a cool can of pop without needing to fill the office fridge.
For the co-worker who’s always late
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Hobonichi’s planners have long been Strategist favorites. This one will let them map out their entire week so they never miss another meeting.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who wants to start journaling
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Don’t let them get discouraged before they start. This journal gives them just enough space to leave a line or two per day so they won’t feel any pressure to muse about their entire day.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who sends you cat memes …
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This clock will give them a chuckle whenever they check the time.
… every day
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A cute cat-themed note holder to keep them company.
For the co-worker with an Instagram for their dog
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If they can’t bring their furry friend into the office, at least they can bring this dog-shaped ruler with them.
For the co-worker with a pen collection
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Get them this brass fountain pen that’ll make them feel fancy no matter what they’re writing.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker with a sideline in Etsy crafts
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Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pens, Fine Point
Paint markers that work on any surface.
For the co-worker who eats at their desk
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A cute little contraption that picks up crumbs and other bits of detritus.
For the co-worker who wishes they could take their desk with them
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With this set of scaled-down scissors, stapler, crafting blade, and other handy stationery items, they can.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the co-worker who’s always jotting down ideas
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Rite in The Rain On-The-Go Notebooks
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 home
For the co-worker who has Solitaire on their home screen
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Cards that’ll let them play their favorite game, rain or shine.
For the co-worker who started the office book club…
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As long as they keep this light charged, even the darkest room won’t keep them from finishing their latest page-turner.
…and has a lot to say about every book
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Now they can mark every quote without needing to fold their pages.
For the co-worker with creative tendencies
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Insight and inspiration from the famed music producer.
For the co-worker with a Criterion Channel subscription
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A game that’ll give them the rush of trying to make a movie during Hollywood’s blacklist era.
For the co-worker who’s fragrance-averse
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A soap made in Palestine from just olive oil, water, and mineral salt.
For the co-worker who likes a gag gift
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These silly magnets will make them chuckle.
[Editor’s note: This gift won’t arrive in time for Christmas.]
For the super-organized co-worker …
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A place for everything, and everything in its place.
… who’s tired of their stuff going missing
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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.”
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