Awesome Affordable Gifts for Your Co-Workers

Choosing a gift for your co-worker can be challenging. Depending on your relationship, you might consider this person one of your closest friends. Alternatively, perhaps the only connection you have is the daily work experiences you share. Either way, that connection can be powerful, even if it's localized to your place of employment.

Whether you're celebrating an event or sharing solidarity and gratitude, an appropriate co-worker gift should be both functional and affordable. [From buying a cake to celebrating a career milestone to getting some thanksgiving animated greeting cards for the holiday, finding the appropriate gift for your co-workers will be tricky.] Here are some awesome, affordable gifts to surprise your work family with.

A floral arrangement

Sometimes it's best to keep things simple when giving a co-worker a gift. Floral arrangements are a stunning way to show your friendship and appreciation, while still being budget-friendly. Your co-worker will appreciate receiving flowers to brighten their workspace on a dreary day.

Before you present your co-worker with gorgeous affordable flowers, take some time to do a little research on their likes and dislikes. It's particularly important to confirm that your co-worker doesn't have any allergies, or your thoughtful gift could quickly become a problem!

A desk plant

If a floral arrangement doesn't seem right for your co-worker, or you want something longer-lasting, consider a desk plant instead. There are several types of desk plants you can buy for low-light environments — like a windowless cubicle. There are also several low-maintenance options for a pop of green when your co-worker lacks a green thumb.

For a perfect balance between a floral bouquet and a desk plant, consider a blooming potted plant. Some of the best options for an office include the African violet, an orchid or bromeliads. For a tough-to-kill office plant that will withstand even the worst plant parent, you can't go wrong with a snake plant.

A coffee or tea kit

Relying on a hot beverage for motivation is a part of office culture. Give your co-worker the gift of a coffee or tea kit to help them get through the day. This versatile gift can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows.

Start by supplying them with a few packets of their favorite beverage. Consider getting a sampler pack so they can try something new. Pair the beverage with a new novelty mug that captures the essence of your time together at work.

For a true coffee snob, you can elevate the gift with a portable pour-over coffee maker or a teapot for the tea connoisseur. Finally, cap it all off with a USB mug warmer if it’s in your budget. This is a great gift for both in-office and work-from-home settings.

An aromatherapy diffuser

Aromatherapy is a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere and invoke a sense of stress relief at the office. While many places have smell restrictions, you can typically get around them with a small desktop diffuser. These devices emit a subtle vapor that releases the aromatherapy scents without spreading them throughout the room. [The big benefit of this is that it helps to promote relaxation and aids the mental wellbeing of people at work. If you’re a manager or business owner, this is a fantastic gift idea to help your employee's mental health. You’re giving them something that can prevent stress and get them to focus more on the job at the same time.]

Some of the best essential oil smells for relaxation and focus include bergamot, citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, lavender, and clove. Put together a small assortment of oils with a mini diffuser for a gift that keeps on giving, even on the worst work days.

A wireless phone charger

A wireless charger is another functional, affordable gift that is perfect for co-workers. This gift will be appreciated by all, especially by those who tend to lose chargers to family members at home. Your co-worker can leave their best charger at the office (i.e. the one you give them!), so they don't have to worry about it disappearing into the USB abyss.

When choosing a wireless charger, be sure to look at its compatibility. Most newer phones are compatible with wireless chargers, but the technology is still relatively new. Read reviews online to find one that works for your co-worker.

A desk caddy

A clean desk is a happy desk — or so they say. Giving the gift of a desk caddy can help your co-worker stay organized to reduce stress and anxiety while at work. There are plenty of affordable options for desk caddies, as well as more costly custom options to choose from. A desk caddy is a great option for trying to modernize their office space and make it more stylish.

Any of these gifts are valuable and affordable choices and will be appreciated by your co-workers and friends at work. Don't forget to grab yourself one of these fantastic gifts, too!