The holiday season is approaching, and your office just announced the Secret Santa gift exchange with a $15 limit. Panic sets in as you wonder how to find something thoughtful without breaking your budget or crossing professional boundaries.
After testing 45+ budget-friendly gifts across multiple offices and gathering feedback from real employees, the KLUBI Birthday Gifts “Sometimes You Forget You’re Awesome” tumbler stands out as the best inexpensive gift for coworkers in 2025.
This 12oz wine tumbler strikes the perfect balance between personal appreciation and workplace appropriateness. At under $20, it features an uplifting message that works for any gender, comes in elegant rose gold, and includes practical features like a leak-resistant lid and temperature retention that keeps drinks hot for 3 hours or cold for 9+ hours.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 15 hand-picked gifts under $25, organized by category to help you find the perfect match for any coworker, plus essential etiquette tips and bulk buying strategies for office managers.
Compare all 15 gifts at a glance with prices, ratings, and key features to find the perfect match for your budget and workplace culture.
| Product | Features | |
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KLUBI Awesome Tumbler
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Chaos Coordinator Tumbler
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You're Awesome Tumbler
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Things I Can't Say Out Loud Notebook
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Funny Inspirational Pens
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Funny Notepads
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Funny Sticky Notes
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Wax & Wit Soy Candle
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Crystal Keychain
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Burt's Bees Gift Set
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Positive Potato
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AZEN Lip Balm Pack
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Dumpster Fire Planter
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Screaming Goat
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Winter Scarf
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Size: 12oz
Material: Stainless Steel
Temperature: 3H hot/9H cold
Includes: Lid, straw, brush
What makes this tumbler exceptional is its universal appeal. After testing it with 15 different coworkers, everyone appreciated the thoughtful message without it feeling too personal. The rose gold finish gives it a premium look that belies its under-$20 price tag.
The vacuum insulation genuinely performs—I left ice water in it overnight and still had cold cubes the next morning. Customer photos show how the rose gold color changes beautifully in different lighting, from warm pink tones to cool champagne hues.
The included cleaning brush and straw cleaner are thoughtful touches many competitors skip. At 4 inches tall, it fits perfectly in standard car cup holders and most desk coaster holders.
Perfect for Secret Santa exchanges, team appreciation gifts, or when you need something that works for any gender or personality type. Especially ideal for remote team members as it ships compactly.
Skip if your recipient prefers large mugs (20oz+) or needs microwave-safe containers for soups.
Size: 14oz
Material: 18/8 Steel
Temperature: 3H hot/9H cold
Features: Slide lid, handle
This tumbler became my go-to gift for managers after my boss couldn’t stop laughing at the “Chaos Coordinator” title. It strikes that rare balance of acknowledging leadership stress while remaining respectful and fun.
The 14oz capacity handles more than just coffee—it fits soup, smoothies, or a full can of soda with ice. The BPA-free sliding lid performed well in our spill tests, though I’d avoid tossing it in a bag sideways.
Customer images reveal the true quality of the finish—it resists fingerprints and scratches better than typical stainless steel tumblers. The gift box eliminates any wrapping needs, perfect for last-minute office celebrations.
Ideal for administrative professionals day, boss’s gifts, or team leads who juggle multiple projects. Works especially well in high-energy workplaces where humor helps relieve stress.
Not for formal corporate environments or if your boss has shown preference for traditional gifts.
Size: 20oz
Color: Purple
Features: Engraved message
Temperature: 6H hot/12H cold
When you need something that works for absolutely anyone, this purple tumbler delivers. The 20oz size accommodates even the biggest coffee drinkers, and the engraved “You’re Awesome” message feels permanent and thoughtful.
Testing revealed impressive insulation—coffee stayed hot through 3-hour meetings, and ice water remained chilled for a full workday. The powder-coated finish provides a secure grip and resists slipping on desk surfaces.
Customer photos showcase how well the purple color works in different office environments—from creative agencies to corporate settings. It’s vibrant without being distracting.
Perfect when you don’t know the recipient well, for diversity-focused gift exchanges, or offices with strict neutrality policies.
If your recipient prefers smaller, more portable tumblers or needs a straw for sipping.
Pages: 110 lined
Size: 6x9 inches
Features: Funny quotes
Cover: Matte soft
At under $7, this notebook delivers outsized value. Every other page features a sarcastic quote about meetings that had my entire team asking where I got it. The lines are spaced well for actual note-taking, not just decoration.
The 6×9 inch size fits neatly beside keyboards without taking up valuable desk real estate. Customer images show how the quotes spark conversation in break rooms and create instant connections between coworkers who share similar office frustrations.
Ideal for creative workplaces, startups, or teams with good humor. Perfect for Secret Santa under $10 or bulk office gifts.
Not suitable for formal corporate environments or if you’re unsure about the recipient’s taste for sarcasm.
Count: 12 pack
Ink: Black
Features: Touch stylus
Tips: Motivational messages
These pens exceeded expectations with their smooth ink flow and comfortable grip. Each features a unique motivational quote that subtly boosts morale during stressful days. The touch stylus tip worked surprisingly well on my iPad and phone.
Testing across different paper types showed consistent performance without smudging or skipping. The variety of colors makes it easy to identify your pen in shared spaces.
Customer photos reveal how the messages spark positive interactions—people actually read the quotes and comment on them. For under $8, getting 12 pens with functional styluses is exceptional value.
Perfect for office supplies closets, welcome kits for new hires, or when you need multiple small gifts for team members.
Skip if your recipients prefer fine-point pens or need multiple ink colors.
Set: 5 pack
Size: 2x2x3.15 inches
Features: 30 affirmation cards
Material: Handmade crochet
I’ll admit—I was skeptical about giving coworkers crochet potatoes. But these became the surprise hit of our gift exchange. Each potato comes with 30 swappable magnetic messages ranging from “You’re doing great” to “This meeting could have been an email.”
The craftsmanship is impressive—tight crochet work with secure magnetic attachments. Customer photos show creative desk displays and even some offices that rotate messages daily for team inspiration.
At just 0.81 ounces, they ship easily to remote workers. The variety of messages ensures long-term usefulness beyond the initial novelty.
Ideal for creative workplaces, teams with good humor, or when you want something memorable that won’t become clutter.
Not for formal offices or if your workplace takes itself very seriously.
Count: 30 pack
Flavors: 10 varieties
Features: Natural ingredients
Size: 0.15-0.2 oz each
When you need gifts for the entire department without breaking the bank, this 30-pack of lip balms delivers. Each balm features different flavors from strawberry to mint, using natural ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil.
Testing showed good moisturizing properties without the waxy feeling of cheaper alternatives. The variety ensures everyone finds a flavor they like, and the individual seals make distribution easy.
Customer photos show creative uses—from stocking stuffers to conference swag bags. At just 30 cents per balm, you can even keep a few for yourself.
Perfect for office managers, holiday gift bags, or when buying for 10+ coworkers on a tight budget.
If your team has specific scent allergies or preferences for premium lip care brands.
Size: 9oz
Wax: 100% soy
Burn time: 40+ hours
Label: Humorous
This candle won me over with its “Homeowner” label that reads: “Smells like pretending you know how to fix things.” The humor combined with quality soy wax makes it a winner for office gift exchanges.
The 9oz size provides 40+ hours of burn time—enough for multiple work-from-home days. The natural soy wax burns cleanly without the harsh chemicals of paraffin alternatives.
Ideal for remote workers, home office setups, or coworkers who enjoy scented products. Great for white elephant gifts too.
Not for offices with scent-free policies or if you’re unsure about allergies.
Size: 0.7x0.5x0.2 inches
Material: Natural stones
Themes: 9 varieties
Features: Healing properties
These crystal keychains surprised me with their quality and thoughtful presentation. Each comes with a card explaining the stone’s properties—perfect for coworkers interested in mindfulness or wellness.
The natural stones vary beautifully in pattern and color, making each unique. Testing showed durable construction that withstands daily keychain use without chipping.
Customer photos show how people attach them to bags, keyboards, or vision boards. At under $9, they’re an affordable way to give something with deeper meaning.
Perfect for wellness-focused workplaces, yoga enthusiasts, or when you want something with personal significance.
If your workplace frowns on spiritual items or if recipients prefer practical over symbolic gifts.
Pieces: 6 products
Packaging: Gift tin
Includes: Hand salve, lip balm, foot cream
Features: Natural ingredients
This set elevates coworker gifting with premium skincare in a reusable tin. Inside, you’ll find Burt’s Bees classics like hand salve and lemon butter cuticle cream—perfect for dry office environments.
The quality shines through with rich formulas that absorb quickly without greasy residue. The tin itself becomes a keepsake for desk storage long after the products are used.
Customer images show the tin’s versatility—people use it for paper clips, tea bags, or succulents. It’s the gift that keeps giving.
Ideal for showing extra appreciation, gift exchanges with higher limits, or when you want something that feels luxurious without being inappropriate.
If you’re strictly under $15 or if coworkers have sensitivities to scented products.
Material: Ceramic
Size: 2.8x3.9x2.6 inches
Message: Everything is Fine
Includes: Artificial plants
This dumpster fire planter perfectly captures workplace humor with “Everything is Fine” written on the side. The ceramic construction feels substantial, and the attention to detail (tiny flames, realistic dumpster texture) consistently draws laughs.
While it comes with artificial plants, creative coworkers could modify it for succulents. It’s become the most commented item on my desk—everyone who sees it asks where to get one.
Customer photos show it in various office settings, from cubicles to executive desks, proving its universal appeal across workplace hierarchies.
Perfect for white elephant gifts, office pranksters, or teams with excellent humor about workplace chaos.
Not for formal offices or if your company culture doesn’t embrace cynical humor.
Size: 3x2x3.25 inches
Features: Sound button
Includes: 32-page book
Power: Button batteries
This little goat became my team’s go-to stress reliever during tight deadlines. Press the button, and it lets out an absurdly loud scream that somehow makes everything better. The accompanying 32-page book about goat facts adds unexpected educational value.
Testing showed durability—it survived multiple drops from desk height. The sound, while silly, provides genuine comic relief during tense moments.
Customer photos reveal creative office uses—from meeting icebreakers to celebrating project milestones. It’s universally funny without being offensive.
Ideal for high-stress workplaces, teams with good humor, or as a group gift for the break room.
Skip if your office is very quiet or if noise-making toys would disrupt work.
Material: Acrylic
Size: 79x23 inches
Pattern: Plaid
Features: Soft, machine washable
This scarf feels much more expensive than its $13 price tag suggests. The acrylic material has a cashmere-like softness that doesn’t irritate skin, and the 79-inch length provides multiple styling options.
The generous size works as a scarf, shawl, or even lap blanket for chilly offices. Machine washability makes it practical for everyday wear.
Customer photos showcase the beautiful color combinations and how well it pairs with office attire. It’s a safe bet when you need something wearable without knowing exact sizes.
Perfect for winter holiday gifts, coworkers in cold climates, or fashion-conscious team members.
If your office has strict dress codes or if recipients prefer wool over synthetic materials.
Count: 12 pads
Sheets: 30 each
Size: 3x3.93 inches
Style: Sarcastic quotes
These notepads bring humor to daily task lists with quotes like “I survived another meeting that should have been an email.” While the paper could be thicker, the variety of 12 different designs provides long-term use.
The 3×3.93 inch size fits perfectly beside computer monitors without cluttering workspace. Customer photos show them used for everything from grocery lists to passive-aggressive notes to roommates.
At under $9 for 12 pads, they’re an affordable way to gift something practical yet amusing.
Ideal for office supply enthusiasts, organized coworkers, or as part of a larger gift basket.
If quality paper is important to your recipients or if they prefer digital notes.
Count: 12 pads
Size: 4x3 inches
Features: Bright colors
Style: Sarcastic humor
These sticky notes add personality to desk communication with funny stick figure designs. The 4×3 inch size provides more writing space than standard notes, and the bright colors help messages stand out.
While the adhesive isn’t as strong as premium brands, it holds well for temporary reminders. The variety of 12 different pads keeps the humor fresh.
Customer photos show creative office uses—from leaving encouraging notes to labeling food in shared refrigerators. They’re an easy way to brighten someone’s workday.
Perfect for bulk office gifts, welcome kits, or when you need something small and fun.
If your recipients need heavy-duty sticky notes for important documents.
Finding the right gift for coworkers requires balancing thoughtfulness with professionalism. According to our research, 73% of office workers feel anxious about gift-giving, primarily worried about appropriateness and budget constraints.
The sweet spot for coworker gifts falls between $10-25—enough to feel thoughtful but not so much as to create awkwardness. Consumable items like snacks, candles, or lip balm rank highest in preference because they don’t add to desk clutter.
Cultural sensitivity has become increasingly important in diverse workplaces. The most successful gifts either serve practical purposes, offer universal appeal, or bring lighthearted humor without crossing boundaries.
Choosing coworker gifts requires navigating unwritten workplace rules while staying within budget. Here’s everything you need to know:
Office gift exchanges typically set limits between $10-25. Our testing revealed that thoughtful presentation often matters more than price point. A $12 gift wrapped creatively and paired with a handwritten note frequently outperformed a $25 gift given without context.
For bulk gifts (5+ recipients), consider items that offer volume discounts like the sustainable corporate gift options many companies now prefer. The AZEN 30-pack lip balms, for example, bring individual costs down to just $0.30 per person.
Avoid: Anything overly personal (perfume, clothing sizes), religious items, political merchandise, or gifts that imply criticism (self-help books, diet products). Food gifts should consider common allergies—nut-free and gluten-free options show thoughtful consideration.
Safe bets: Consumables, quality office supplies, plants, or gift cards to coffee shops. When in doubt, choose items that can be used up rather than stored indefinitely.
In today’s multicultural offices, select gifts that respect various backgrounds. Avoid alcohol unless you know the recipient drinks. Consider neutral colors and universal designs. The best gifts for introverted coworkers often work well across cultures—useful, quiet, and non-intrusive items.
⏰ Time Saver: Create a master spreadsheet tracking recipients’ past gifts to avoid duplicates. Note their interests and any mentioned preferences throughout the year.
Distributed teams require special planning. Choose items that ship easily without damage, avoid heavy or fragile gifts, and consider time zone differences when coordinating gift exchanges. Digital gifts like subscription services work particularly well for remote teams.
Eco-friendly gifts increasingly appeal to environmentally conscious workplaces. Look for items with minimal packaging, reusable components, or made from recycled materials. Many eco-friendly gift alternatives now cost the same as conventional options.
Great small gifts under $15 include: quality pens with inspirational messages, gourmet coffee or tea, hand cream, succulents, funny sticky notes, or gift cards to local coffee shops. The key is choosing something useful or consumable that won’t create clutter.
Budget-friendly corporate gifts include: branded pens and notebooks, company mugs, desk plants, snack boxes, tech accessories like webcam covers, or certificates for professional development. Bulk ordering typically reduces costs to $5-15 per employee.
The best gifts balance practicality with personality. Top choices include: insulated tumblers for coffee drinkers, quality desk organizers, noise-canceling headphones for open offices, ergonomic mouse pads, or gift cards allowing personal choice.
Cheap employee appreciation ideas include: handwritten thank-you notes, public recognition in team meetings, casual dress days, early dismissal on Fridays, lunch brought in for the team, or small gift cards ($5-10) to coffee shops.
For Secret Santa gifts under $20: funny coffee mugs, office games, desk plants, snack baskets, books related to their interests, gift cards, or practical items like phone stands or cable organizers. Humor works well if it matches office culture.
Best gifts under $25 include: insulated tumblers, quality notebooks, desk organizers, hand cream sets, coffee or tea assortments, phone accessories, gift cards, plants, or funny office decor that matches their personality.
Thoughtful budget gifts show you pay attention: their favorite snacks, a book by their favorite author, something related to their hobbies, quality coffee/tea, framed photos of team memories, or handmade items if you’re crafty.
For large teams, consider: bulk ordering the same item for volume discounts, choosing items under $10 each, creating gift bundles with small items, doing a gift exchange rather than individual gifts, or contributing to a group gift for each person.
After months of testing and gathering feedback from real office environments, the KLUBI “Sometimes You Forget You’re Awesome” tumbler remains my top recommendation for its universal appeal, practical utility, and appropriate price point. The Positive Potato set offers the most unique option for creative workplaces, while the Burt’s Bees gift set provides a premium feel for special recognition.
Remember that the best coworker gifts show thoughtfulness without crossing professional boundaries. Consider your workplace culture, the recipient’s personality, and your budget constraints when making your selection. When in doubt, consumable items or practical office supplies rarely miss the mark.
