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30+ Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Coworkers They’ll Actually Love
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30+ Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Coworkers They’ll Actually Love

Public 12 Jul 2025
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Need the perfect Secret Santa gift for a coworker? Whether you're shopping for a teammate you know well or drawing a name at random, these Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers hit the sweet spot: thoughtful, professional, and fun. These ideas work for every personality and budget, especially for office settings where humor and usefulness go a long way.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Coworkers Female

  • Personalized Tote Bag from Personal Chic – $24.95

Totes are both functional and fashion-forward. Add initials, a custom avatar, or a cheeky phrase like “Office Warrior” to make it stand out. Ideal for commuting, carrying lunch, or weekend errands.

I chose this for a teammate known for her ever-growing notebook collection. The canvas was thick and stitched well, and the custom print came out beautifully. Compared to generic store totes, this one gets compliments. Easily one of my go-to personalized gifts for coworkers under $30.

  • Personalized Candle Jar – $16.95 (Etsy or Amazon)

Ideal for coworkers who appreciate a cozy vibe or need to unwind after work. Add her name or a funny quote to make it feel tailored. I gave one with “Namast’ay at Work” to a yoga-loving teammate. She loved the lavender scent and laughed at the label. It burned evenly, and the frosted jar looked upscale. Among Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers female, this one delivers calm and personality.

  • Personalized Metal Keychain from Personal Chic – $22.95

A small but thoughtful gift for female coworker that can be personalized with initials, name, or a small icon (like a coffee cup or star). It’s subtle, durable, and useful—perfect when you don’t know her too well but want to give something meaningful.

I was surprised by the quality—the engraving was sharp, and it had a nice weight to it. My coworker attached it to her work lanyard right away. It’s also one of the easiest gift ideas for office Secret Santa when you’re working with a tight budget.

  • Mini Desk Plant in Cute Pot – $12.99 (The Sill, Target, or Amazon)

Plants brighten up workspaces and boost mood. Choose a low-maintenance succulent or air plant in a decorative pot shaped like a cat, llama, or minimalist face design. These are always a hit. I’ve gifted a few over the years and people love that they’re hard to kill and pretty to look at. Bonus: many come in biodegradable pots or eco-packaging. A safe, cheerful gift for any coworker.

  • Personalized Tumbler from Personal Chic – $29.95

Great for the coworker always sipping iced coffee or tea. This double-walled tumbler can be personalized with a name or even a cartoon avatar, making hydration a little more fun.

I gifted this to our social media manager. She loved the matte finish and said her drinks stayed cold all day. It’s dishwasher safe (huge plus) and fits perfectly in car cup holders. Practical and cute—a win for Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers female.

  • Funny Office Socks – $9.99 (Amazon, Blue Q, or Happy Socks)

Socks are cozy and safe—but hilarious when you pick designs like “If You Can Read This, Bring Me Coffee” or “Meetings Are Bullsh*t.” A budget-friendly win. I’ve gifted these more than once. Everyone laughs, and they actually wear them. They come in high-quality cotton blends, and packaging is usually gift-ready. One of the funniest low-stress presents for female coworkers.

  • Personalized Office Wood Sign from Personal Chic – $29.95

Ideal for adding a bit of flair to a desk or home office. Customize it with a funny title like “Queen of Spreadsheets” or simply her name. Makes a great conversation starter. This one always gets a reaction. I gave it to our team lead, and she hung it next to her desk the same day. The wood is smooth, not flimsy, and the engraving adds a personal, professional touch.

  • Desk Spa Kit – $17.99 (Target, Ulta, or DIY)

A mini self-care set is perfect for busy coworkers. Include a travel-size hand cream, lip balm, and an eye mask. It’s indulgent without being too personal. These go over really well—especially during winter. I like putting together my own using local or Etsy brands. A small makeup bag and ribbon seal the deal. It’s like giving a mini break.

  • Personalized Jewelry Dish from Personal Chic – $24.95

This elegant trinket tray is ideal for holding rings, earrings, or desk accessories. Add her name, initials, or a sweet message like “You’ve Got This.” It’s thoughtful without being too personal—great for casual gifting. I chose this for a coworker who always removed her rings at her desk. She loved that it was “just for her” and said it looked chic next to her keyboard. Among Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers female, this one adds charm and function to her workspace in a subtle, stylish way.

  • Custom Notepad or Planner – $15–$20 (Papier, Etsy)

Perfect for coworkers who are always scribbling to-do lists or doodling during meetings. You can personalize the cover with their name, favorite quote, or initials. 

I gifted one from Papier, and the recipient said it was “too pretty to use—but I will.” The paper is thick, doesn’t smudge, and the cover holds up in bags. Fun fact: Papier was featured in Forbes’ Favorite Gifts Under $25 list in 2023. A stylish Secret Santa gift idea for female coworkers who love stationery.

  • Scented Hand Sanitizer Set – $12.95 (Bath & Body Works)

Cute, useful, and perfect for flu season. Choose sets with fun scents like eucalyptus mint or vanilla sugar, plus add a mini carrier or case. I’ve gifted these in little bundles. People love the portability and scent options. It’s not the flashiest gift—but it’s one they’ll actually use daily. A functional option for Secret Santa gifts for coworkers female that’s pandemic-smart.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Coworkers Male

  • Personalized Mug from Personal Chic – $19.95

A classic office favorite, now with a twist. Add a cartoon avatar, name, or sarcastic quote like “Another Day, Another Meeting” to make it stand out. Perfect for coffee drinkers or tea lovers who live at the Keurig.

I gave one to our IT guy—complete with his beard and gaming headset—and he still uses it daily. The print quality is sharp, and it’s microwave-safe. It’s one of my top Secret Santa gifts for work when I want something personal but not over the top.

  • Magnetic Bottle Opener – $14.95 (Amazon or Etsy)

This sleek, wall-mounted opener with a magnetic cap catcher is ideal for the coworker who hosts happy hours or enjoys craft beer. It’s functional, masculine, and fun to use. I gave one with a logo engraved, and the magnet actually caught five caps at once—no joke. For a low-key option under $20, this is one of my favorite male co worker gift ideas for office Secret Santa that feels high-end without breaking the bank.

  • Funny Personalized T-shirt from Personal Chic – $24.95

A humorous tee customized with inside jokes or light-hearted titles like “Meeting Escape Artist” or “Spreadsheet King.” Office-safe and great for remote workers too.

We made one for a remote colleague with a custom quote from a Slack thread. It was hilarious and spot-on. The fabric’s soft, the print is long-lasting, and it made our Zoom calls 10x funnier. Definitely one of the most creative Secret Santa gifts for coworkers male I’ve ever given.

  • Desktop Basketball Hoop – $12.95

Ideal for stress relief or light desk procrastination. Great for the coworker who always needs to “blow off steam between spreadsheets.” Ours became the unofficial team challenge station. It’s compact, quiet, and fun. Not overly personal, but still memorable—a top pick among office Secret Santa gift ideas for guys.

  • Funny Metal Sign from Personal Chic – $32.95

Perfect for cubicle walls or home offices, this sign can be personalized with their department, role, or a ridiculous faux title like “Chief of Napping.”

Ours read “Official Office Snack Inspector” and it became an instant hallway attraction. The metal is sturdy and print quality excellent. A standout for Secret Santa gifts for work when you want big laughs in a small package.

  • Whiskey Stones Gift Set – $17.99 (Amazon, Uncommon Goods)

For the coworker who loves their evening drink chilled—but not watered down. Whiskey stone sets consistently rank in the top 10 Amazon gifts for men under $25 during the holiday season. I gifted a set with a velvet pouch and faux-wood box. The recipient was thrilled, and they kept it at their home bar. It’s classy, compact, and office-appropriate.

  • Personalized Leather Wallet from Personal Chic – $29.95

More refined than a gag gift, this sleek wallet can be embossed with initials or a short quote. Ideal for more senior colleagues or work friends you’ve known a while.

I was impressed by the genuine leather and quality stitching. It felt like something you’d buy from a premium brand. While on the higher end of Secret Santa budgets, it’s a meaningful option for Secret Santa gifts for colleagues that they will actually use.

  • Cord Organizer or Cable Wrap Set – $9.99 (Amazon)

Perfect for coworkers who hate desk clutter or constantly travel for work. These keep tech cables neat and prevent headphone chaos. My developer coworker now swears by them. Easy to use, durable, and surprisingly satisfying. A quiet hero among Secret Santa gifts for coworkers who are into tech or organization.

  • Funny Flip Desk Sign – $15.95 (Amazon)

Flip signs with messages like “In a Meeting,” “On a Break,” or “Talk to Me Later” add humor to any cubicle. Lighthearted and useful—especially in shared spaces. We use one in our shared workspace—it flips constantly. Coworkers appreciate the clarity and comedy. A solid option among Secret Santa gifts for colleagues who love office banter.

Funny Flip Desk Signs as Funny Secret Santa Gifts for Work
Funny Flip Desk Signs as Funny Secret Santa Gifts for Work
  • Keychain Multi-Tool – $11.95 (Amazon)

A handy gadget that includes a bottle opener, mini wrench, screwdriver, and more—all on a durable keyring. Perfect for engineers, IT pros, or outdoorsy coworkers. I picked this for our warehouse lead. He keeps it on his belt loop now. Rugged and actually useful—rare for novelty gifts. For Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers male, it’s both cool and functional.

DIY Secret Santa Gifts for Coworkers

  • Homemade Cookie Jar Mix

It’s nostalgic, festive, and perfect for anyone who loves to bake (or wants to try). Layer dry ingredients for classic cookies into a mason jar, attach a handwritten baking instruction tag, and tie it with ribbon. I made these for my team one year—they looked adorable on everyone’s desks. It’s a sweet blend of presentation and practicality. A top pick among DIY Secret Santa gifts for coworkers who appreciate edible gifts.

Homemade Cookie Mix Jars as DIY Secret Santa Gifts for Colleagues
Homemade Cookie Mix Jars as DIY Secret Santa Gifts for Colleagues
  • Custom Desk Calendar

Great for close teammates—add inside jokes, birthdays, and quirky team quotes to make each month special. It’s both practical and personal. I designed one on Canva and printed it on thick paper—it cost less than $5 per gift. It got big laughs and now lives year-round on desks. One of the most underrated office Secret Santa gift ideas I’ve tried.

  • Mini Plant in Decorated Pot

Plants bring life to dull desks. Decorating the pot adds a personal touch, and succulents are easy to care for. I painted geometric shapes on mine, and coworkers still talk about it a year later. It’s one of those DIY Secret Santa gifts for work that feels homemade but looks polished.

  • DIY Hot Chocolate Kit

Perfect for cold winter days and universally loved. Layer cocoa mix, marshmallows, and a mini whisk or candy cane into a clear bag or jar. I put these in glass test tubes for a science theme—people loved the concept and flavor. Ideal for casual Secret Santa gifts for work under $5.

DIY Hot Chocolate Kits as DIY Secret Santa Gifts for Coworkers
DIY Hot Chocolate Kits as DIY Secret Santa Gifts for Coworkers
  • DIY Personalized Keychain

It’s functional and meaningful—great for new hires or coworkers you know personally. Use shrink plastic or leather scraps for a polished touch. I used shrink plastic and drew little caricatures. It felt like adult arts and crafts, and people were genuinely impressed. A standout option among DIY Secret Santa gifts for colleagues that they’ll keep.

  • Hand-Painted Mug

Painted mugs feel both personal and useful. You can customize the quote or doodle depending on their personality. I’ve made dozens—my favorite said, “Shhh… almost coffee time.” Porcelain pens work well, and they hold up after baking. Among gift ideas for office Secret Santa, this lets you flex some creativity.

  • “Open When” Note Pack

It’s a deeply thoughtful idea for a coworker you’re close to—write notes for moments like “open when you need motivation” or “open when Monday hits hard.” I made one for a teammate who was switching departments—she said it made her feel seen. A personal, heartfelt addition to any DIY Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers list.

“Open When” Notes as DIY Gift Ideas for Office Secret Santa
“Open When” Notes as DIY Gift Ideas for Office Secret Santa
  • Homemade Body Scrub

Simple and luxurious. Sugar scrubs feel fancy but are super easy to make. Perfect for coworkers who deserve a little pampering. I gifted a coffee scrub version—one recipient told me it was better than a brand she bought from Sephora. DIY bath gifts saw a 35% rise in Etsy searches during Q4 of 2023, showing their popularity during holiday seasons.

  • Mini Cork Board with Pins

Cute and functional. Add motivational quotes or personalized notes and let your coworker add their own flair. I added “Quote of the Week” cards and a tiny pushpin holder—it made a great desk addition. Simple, affordable, and surprisingly unique for DIY Secret Santa gifts for colleagues that they won’t expect.

  • DIY Scented Candle in a Teacup

Repurpose a vintage teacup and fill it with wax for a charming gift. Choose calming scents like lavender or cinnamon. I thrifted cups and added cinnamon vanilla scent—instant win. People couldn’t believe they were homemade. One of the most elegant DIY Secret Santa gifts for work I’ve ever pulled off.

DIY Scented Candles in a Teacup as Office Secret Santa Gift Ideas
DIY Scented Candles in a Teacup as Office Secret Santa Gift Ideas

In conclusion, finding great Secret Santa gift ideas for coworkers doesn’t have to be stressful. With 30+ ideas above, you can give a gift that your coworker will genuinely appreciate—without overspending or overthinking. Whether you go DIY or personalized, thoughtfulness always wins. Happy gifting!

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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.

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