Skip to content
Personal Chic
  • Home
  • 30+ Cheap & Unique Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers
30+ Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers to Show Your Appreciation
Gift Inspiration

30+ Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers to Show Your Appreciation

Public 14 Jul 2025
share
Copy to clipboard

Looking for the perfect way to show appreciation to a colleague who helped you meet a deadline, supported your project, or simply made work more enjoyable? These thank you gift ideas for coworkers offer heartfelt ways to express your gratitude—whether you're on a budget, want to go the DIY route, or prefer something custom-made.

Personalized Thank You Presents for Coworkers

Personalized gifts bring warmth and intention to workplace gratitude. Whether you're thanking a colleague for support, collaboration, or kindness, these personalized thank you gifts for coworkers offer a unique touch that goes beyond the usual.

  • Personalized Mug by Personal Chic – $19.95

A lighthearted yet thoughtful thank you gift for coworker relationships built on shared coffee breaks and inside jokes. Personal Chic allows you to customize the mug with their name, cartoon likeness, and even skin tone or hairstyle—making it personal but still office-appropriate.

I gifted this to a teammate who always brought a smile to our Monday meetings. The caricature was surprisingly accurate, and the ceramic quality felt solid. After months of microwave use, the print still looks great. Several buyers on-site also praised its fast and reliable shipping.

  • Custom Notepad with Name & Role by PrettyLittlePeach on Etsy – $14.00

Ideal for managers, teachers, or anyone who thrives on organization, this personalized notepad includes their name and title in elegant script. It's a classy yet budget-friendly personalized gift for coworkers who love handwritten lists and thoughtful details.

While browsing Etsy, I found this notepad to be one of the top-rated for design and paper quality. Many reviewers mentioned it was a hit during Teacher Appreciation Week. I like how it's subtle yet customized—it doesn’t scream “personal” but still feels exclusive.

  • Personalized Canvas Tote Bag by Personal Chic – $24.95

Customizable with a name or funny quote, this canvas tote works well for coworkers who juggle lunches, laptops, and errands. It’s one of the most functional thank you gift ideas for coworkers that they’ll actually use daily.

I’ve seen this tote become a favorite among teachers and HR reps in my office. What stood out for me was the durability—unlike many novelty totes, this one holds weight without sagging. Plus, the personalization options (fonts, icons, slogans) feel endless.

  • Engraved Wooden Pen with Gift Box by Dayspring Pens – $21.99

A timeless option for a professional setting, this engraved pen comes in a wooden box with the option to add initials or a short message. It’s an elegant choice for thank you gifts for colleagues in more formal roles.

I ordered this for a mentor who helped me transition into a new team. The pen writes smoothly and the engraving was crisp. I chose this over metal pens because it feels warmer and less corporate. Just note: shipping may take a bit longer during peak seasons.

  • Personalized Metal Keychain by Personal Chic – $22.95

This engraved keychain is a minimalist way to say thanks—great for team members you don’t know deeply but still want to appreciate. Ideal as small gifts of appreciation for coworkers. I chose this when organizing group gifts for interns. It felt personal without being too intimate, and everyone loved the sleek finish. Bonus: it’s light but sturdy, so no worries about it weighing down keys or bags.

  • Thank You Soy Candle Jar with Custom Label by Sweet Water Decor – $20.00

Choose from relaxing scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla, and add a thank-you label for a warm, cozy vibe. It’s one of the more universally appreciated thank you gifts for coworkers, especially in wellness-conscious workplaces.

I’ve gifted Sweet Water Decor candles for everything from birthdays to client thank-yous. They burn clean, last over 40 hours, and come packaged beautifully. A few buyers noted the scent is subtle—perfect for office spaces.

  • Personalized Tumbler (20 oz) by Personal Chic – $29.95

Whether they’re a coffee enthusiast or hydration fanatic, a custom tumbler keeps your coworker fueled in style. Add a name, quote, or team name for practical thank you gifts for colleagues.

I opted for this over other tumblers due to the double-wall insulation—it really keeps drinks cold or hot for hours. The lid fits snugly (great for commuters), and the matte finish feels premium. Several reviews also mention it’s dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

  • Engraved Bookmark with Appreciation Quote by Ink & Timber on Etsy – $12.00

Perfect for readers, educators, or quiet coworkers, this wooden bookmark is engraved with a custom thank-you quote. A sweet and subtle thank you present for coworkers that says, “I see and value you.” I gave this to a book club coworker after she helped me prepare a big report. It felt like a unique token that she could actually use—and reviews consistently highlight the smooth wood finish and beautiful script.

  • Personalized Acrylic Plaque by Personal Chic – $29.95

This appreciation gift for coworkers works especially well for professional settings where you want to show sincere gratitude without being overly personal. The plaque has the polish of an award but with personal touches that make it feel thoughtful. It suits mentors, team leads, or retiring coworkers and looks great on any desk or bookshelf.

I saw this plaque displayed on my manager’s desk after we gave it as a team gift, and it’s just gorgeous. The engraving is precise, the material feels weighty and smooth, and the stand gives it a floating, elegant look. Compared to similar products online, this one offers more flexibility in design and messaging. Some customers noted it looks even better in person than in photos—something I completely agree with.

  • Engraved Acrylic Desk Nameplate by 3DTableArt on Etsy – $28.00

For coworkers who just earned a promotion or recently joined the team, a custom nameplate adds polish and pride to their desk space. It’s a stylish and professional appreciation gift for coworkers that blends utility and recognition.

I bought this as part of an onboarding kit for a new hire, and it was one of the most complimented items. Reviewers love its clean etching and modern style. Compared to standard plates, it feels less stiff and more contemporary.

Inexpensive Thank You Gifts for Coworkers

Looking to show your appreciation without spending a fortune? These thank you gift ideas for coworkers prove that small gestures can leave a big impact. Budget-friendly yet thoughtful, each pick below is under $20 and perfect for expressing gratitude in a low-key, office-appropriate way.

  • Mini Desk Plant – Succulent in Ceramic Pot – $8.99

A small succulent is cute, non-intrusive, and brings life to any desk space. It’s ideal when you want to say thank you with a gift that’s not too personal but still cheerful. I’ve given this to two coworkers and they both loved it—it’s basically a low-maintenance desk buddy. A safe bet for any type of team member and one of the most popular thank you gifts for colleagues on Etsy and Amazon.

Mini Desk Plants as Small Gratitude Gifts for Coworkers
Mini Desk Plants as Small Gratitude Gifts for Coworkers
  • Moleskine Cahier Pocket Notebook (3-pack) – $10.95

Sleek, functional, and universally useful—especially in team meetings or client calls. I gifted these to a team of interns and paired each with a note on the front page. They felt more polished than generic pads and made excellent coworker thank you gifts for folks who like jotting things down on the fly.

  • Burt’s Bees Travel-Size Hand Cream Trio – $12.99

A classic small luxury, these hand creams are practical and pampering. They work well for coworkers who type all day or sanitize often. I’ve seen these gifted at company Secret Santas and they’re always appreciated. The scents are subtle but pleasant (like almond milk or lavender), and the texture is rich without being greasy. One of the go-to cheap thank you gifts for coworkers, especially for winter months.

  • Reusable Stainless Steel Straw Set (with Case & Brush) – $6.95

It’s eco-friendly, trendy, and practical. Great for coworkers who bring drinks from home or are trying to live more sustainably. I’ve received a similar set and use it daily. It feels like a thoughtful nod to someone’s values without overstepping. This makes a useful, compact gratitude gift for coworkers—plus, it fits easily into a desk drawer or bag.

Reusable Stainless Steel Straw Set as Cheap Coworker Thank You Gifts
Reusable Stainless Steel Straw Set as Cheap Coworker Thank You Gifts
  • Mini Stress Relief Fidget Cube – $8.95

Great for high-pressure jobs or coworkers who love to fidget during long calls. Subtle and desk-friendly. I’ve had one on my desk for a year—it’s durable and quiet. Reviewers often call it “weirdly satisfying.” If you’re not sure what to give someone, this is a versatile option among coworker appreciation gifts.

  • Knock Knock “Make a Decision” Sticky Notes – $5.99

These quirky notes are perfect for coworkers with a sense of humor or decision fatigue. Funny but useful, they add a touch of personality to any desk. These were a hit at my old job—I gave a few as small thank-yous after a project wrap-up. They’re good quality, stick well, and genuinely made people smile. An underrated pick among thank you gift ideas for coworkers who enjoy clever office supplies.

  • Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pen Set (4-pack) – $7.99

For coworkers who love color coding, journaling, or taking notes. A colorful pen set is thoughtful and fun. I’ve bought this exact set multiple times for coworkers and myself. The ink glides smoothly and doesn’t smear. Pens are weirdly personal, but this set works for both casual and close coworkers alike—an easy win for gifts of appreciation for coworkers who enjoy stationery.

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens as Inexpensive Thank You Gifts for Coworkers
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens as Inexpensive Thank You Gifts for Coworkers
  • Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bar (variety flavors) – $4.99

Gourmet chocolate with ethical sourcing and bold flavors. It’s a treat that feels intentional. I gifted these during a stressful month-end sprint and it brightened everyone’s mood. Flavors like caramel sea salt are addictive. It's a small but satisfying thank you gift for coworker who needs a pick-me-up.

  • $10 Starbucks Gift Card

Universally appreciated, a coffee gift card is simple, functional, and can be paired with a handwritten note. This is my go-to for last-minute thank you gift ideas for coworkers—it’s instant, easy to personalize, and always gets a “you read my mind” kind of reaction. It may not seem creative, but it’s always appreciated.

  • Adjustable Phone Stand for Desk – $9.99

Clean, functional, and helpful for Zoom calls, videos, or charging. It’s a great choice for any tech-savvy colleague. I gave this to a hybrid-work teammate and she immediately added it to her desk setup. Lightweight yet sturdy, and adjusts angles easily. One of the most practical appreciation gifts for coworkers under $10 I’ve found.

Adjustable Phone Stands for Desk as Small Coworker Appreciation Gifts
Adjustable Phone Stands for Desk as Small Coworker Appreciation Gifts

DIY Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers

  • Handwritten Gratitude Jar

A mason jar filled with personal notes is intimate yet workplace-appropriate. It’s great for close colleagues or team leads who made a difference. I made one of these for my supervisor, filling it with 30 messages—one for each workday of the month. She said it was her favorite desk companion. It's a lasting reminder of appreciation and a creative take on gratitude gifts for coworkers.

  • Homemade Baked Goods

Brownies, banana bread, or cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a sweet way to say thank you to coworkers who’ve had your back. I once baked a batch of lemon cookies for a teammate and added a tag saying “Thanks for being zest the best!” Bake goods are perfect small gifts for team members to show your appreciation when you're good in the kitchen.

Homemade Baked Goods as DIY Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers
Homemade Baked Goods as DIY Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers
  • Painted Plant Pot + Small Plant

A cheerful desk plant is even more meaningful when the pot is hand-painted. Add the recipient’s name, role, or favorite color. I gifted this to a colleague going through a stressful period and wrote “You grow girl!” on the pot. She loved it—and the plant is still thriving.

  • Customized Office Survival Kit

It’s a humorous yet helpful way to thank someone who's helped you through chaos. Include fun and functional items like gum, coffee sticks, and pain relievers. I gave one to our admin assistant after a tough audit season and labeled it “For When Excel Crashes Again.” She still talks about it.

  • DIY Soy Candle in a Tin

Candles offer calm in chaotic office settings. Making your own lets you customize scent and message—ideal for a manager or mentor. I made lavender candles in small gold tins for my team and added “You light up the office” labels. The scent was relaxing and reviews were glowing. One of the most well-received appreciation gifts for coworkers I’ve tried.

DIY Soy Candles as Small Thank You Gifts for Colleague
DIY Soy Candles as Small Thank You Gifts for Colleague
  • DIY Tea Sampler Pack

Warm, comforting, and easy to tailor, a tea sampler feels elegant without being over the top. Ideal for coworkers who take tea breaks seriously. I packaged mine in a kraft envelope with a tag that read “You're my cup of tea.” Super easy to assemble and well-received as thank you gifts for coworkers who enjoys little rituals.

  • Handmade Beaded Bracelet or Keychain

Personal without being too intimate, handmade accessories are wearable gratitude. Great for team members you’ve worked closely with. I made neutral-toned bracelets using wood and black beads for male coworkers—simple and stylish. They appreciated the sentiment and craft.

  • Homemade Sugar Scrub Jar

Pampering meets practicality. It’s especially great for coworkers who are always multitasking and could use a moment to unwind. I made lemon-vanilla scrubs in mini jars and gave them with “You’re worth melting for” tags. Multiple coworkers asked for the recipe.

Homemade Sugar Scrub Jars as DIY Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers
Homemade Sugar Scrub Jars as DIY Thank You Gift Ideas for Coworkers
  • DIY Photo Coaster

Sentimental and functional, coasters with a fun team photo or memory are perfect for office buddies or project collaborators. I made a coaster set using Mod Podge and ceramic tiles with our project team pic—it was surprisingly easy and durable.

  • Printable Thank You Coupon Book

Fun, free, and fully customizable. Include coupons like “Free Coffee,” “Spreadsheet Help,” or “Lunch Buddy.” It’s a lighthearted thank-you, ideal for desk neighbors. I created one in Canva and printed it on card stock. My work buddy said it was the most creative gift she’s received. A playful take on thank you presents for coworkers that gets everyone smiling.

In summary, finding the right way to say “thank you” doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you go handmade, keep it simple, or choose something customized, these thank you gift ideas for coworkers are thoughtful gestures that show your appreciation in a lasting way. A small act of gratitude can go a long way in building workplace positivity and connection.

Back to blog
share
Copy to clipboard
Personal Chic
Olivia Knightley

Olivia Knightley is the engaging blog writer for Personal Chic, the go-to website for personalised gifts that add a touch of individuality to every occasion. With a creative flair and a keen eye for the latest trends, Olivia curates content for the blog, offering insightful gift ideas, comprehensive guides, and thoughtful suggestions for a variety of celebrations and holidays. Having joined Personal Chic in 2021, Olivia has dedicated herself to becoming a connoisseur of all things gift-related, ensuring that every piece of content she crafts is both informative and imbued with a personal touch. Her background in creative writing and marketing, combined with her passion for celebrating life's moments, big and small, resonates through her engaging and relatable writing style.

Read more Read Less

Related posts

1 586
Read more Read Less