Secret Santa gifts for coworkers
Buying for a colleague you barely know? These ideas are work-appropriate, easy to like and safe to open in front of the whole team, from desk upgrades to treats to gifts for remote colleagues.
What makes a good coworker gift
Below are 40 ideas, grouped by type, each with a line on why it works. Prices vary by shop and country, so treat the budget as a guide and check before you buy. Equivalents in other currencies are rough round numbers, not exchange rates.
Still need to draw names? Use the free Secret Santa generator.
At the desk
- Insulated mug with lid Why it works: Every office drinks coffee or tea, and spills are no joke near a laptop.
- Desk plant (succulent or snake plant) Why it works: Low-maintenance and brightens a workstation.
- Quality notebook and pen Why it works: Meetings, lists and ideas: universally useful.
- Phone or tablet stand Why it works: Handy for calls and second screens.
- Desk organizer Why it works: Tidies clutter without being personal.
- Cable management kit Why it works: Solves a small, real annoyance.
- Sticky-note and highlighter set in nice colors Why it works: Fun, practical and very low risk.
- Wrist rest or mouse pad with support Why it works: Comfort for long days at the keyboard.
Treats (check allergies)
- Gourmet hot chocolate Why it works: Comforting and suits most people.
- Assorted teas Why it works: Lets them try new flavors at their desk.
- Coffee beans or pods (ask which machine) Why it works: A daily lift that shows you thought about it.
- Chocolate selection (dark, milk or vegan as needed) Why it works: Classic and easy to tailor.
- Snack box to share with the team Why it works: Generous, inclusive and quickly appreciated.
- Biscotti or shortbread tin Why it works: A tin that stays useful after the treats are gone.
- Honey sticks or flavored syrups for coffee Why it works: A small upgrade to the office drink routine.
Tech that helps
- Compact power bank Why it works: For travel days and forgotten chargers.
- Wireless charger Why it works: Reduces cable clutter on the desk.
- Webcam cover set Why it works: Small, practical privacy for remote calls.
- USB-C hub or adapter Why it works: Useful for anyone juggling devices; check what they use.
- Bluetooth item tracker Why it works: Helps find keys, bags and lanyards.
- Noise-reducing earplugs for open offices Why it works: Quiet focus without headphones.
Wellbeing
- Reusable water bottle Why it works: Encourages a healthy habit during busy days.
- Hand cream (unscented) Why it works: Office air is dry, and unscented suits shared spaces.
- Stress ball or fidget toy Why it works: A light-hearted, practical desk toy.
- Lip balm set Why it works: Inexpensive and used all winter.
- Microwavable heat pad Why it works: Helps with stiff shoulders after long meetings.
- Desk-friendly stretching cards Why it works: Gentle reminders to move during the day.
Fun but safe
- Pocket card game for the break room Why it works: Something the team can play together.
- Mini desk puzzle or brain teaser Why it works: A quick mental break.
- Book of crosswords or logic puzzles Why it works: Good for lunch breaks and commutes.
- Desk calendar with a theme they like Why it works: Useful all year and easy to personalize.
- A paperback bestseller in a genre they like Why it works: Thoughtful if you’ve seen their wish list.
For remote colleagues
- E-gift card for a coffee shop Why it works: Instant, local to them, and avoids shipping.
- Digital subscription month (audiobooks, music) Why it works: Easy to send across borders, if available where they live.
- Online class voucher Why it works: A shared experience the team can talk about.
- Small parcel: tea and a handwritten card Why it works: Light to post and personal.
- Charity donation in their name Why it works: Meaningful and works anywhere.
- Desk plant delivered locally Why it works: Brightens a home office without international shipping.
- Snack box delivered to their door Why it works: A treat that arrives ready to enjoy.
- Cozy socks in a padded envelope Why it works: Cheap to post and appreciated in winter.
How to choose a gift for a coworker
- Read their wish list or questionnaire answers first
- Check allergies and diet before buying food
- Skip strong scents unless you know they like them
- Avoid clothing unless you know the size
- Stay within the agreed limit, including postage if that’s the rule
- Add a short note: it makes a small gift feel personal
Not sure what they’d like? Send them the Secret Santa questionnaire.
More gift ideas
Frequently asked questions
What’s a good gift for a coworker I don’t know?
Check their wish list first. If there isn’t one, choose something useful and impersonal that most people enjoy: a nice drink or snack (mind dietary needs), a desk item, a mug, a plant, stationery or a small book. Avoid very personal items like clothing, perfume or anything that could be awkward at work.
What is a sensible budget for an office Secret Santa?
Pick one amount that the lowest-paid person taking part is comfortable with, and write it down where everyone can see it. Many workplaces choose a lower amount than families do. Make it a limit, not a target, so nobody feels a cheaper gift is a failure.
Is it OK to give gift cards?
If your group allows them, yes: they’re practical, easy to post and impossible to get “wrong”. Some groups prefer to ban them because they feel less personal. Put your group’s decision in the rules or the note so everyone knows before shopping.
Is it OK to go slightly over the Secret Santa budget?
It’s better not to. The point of a shared limit is that every gift feels equal, and a noticeably more expensive gift can make others feel awkward. If something costs a little more, combine a smaller item with a handwritten note instead.
What should I write on the gift tag?
Write the recipient’s name and “From your Secret Santa”. If you want to stay anonymous, print the tag or ask someone else to write it, since handwriting is easy to recognise. Some groups add a riddle or a hint for a fun reveal.
Should an office Secret Santa be compulsory?
No. Make it opt-in and make saying no easy and private, for example by asking people to reply to the organizer rather than in a group chat. People skip it for all sorts of reasons: money, religion, workload or simply not enjoying it, and none of them should need explaining.
Do you earn money from these gift ideas?
No. There are no affiliate links or sponsored products on this page, and nobody paid to be included. The ideas are generic so you can buy them wherever you like.
How did you choose these gift ideas?
They are general suggestions that suit most people at the budget: useful, consumable or fun things that are hard to get badly wrong. There are no product tests or reviews behind them, and prices vary a lot by shop and country, so check before you buy.
Updated · Written by the GiftShuffle team