October 28, 2026
Gifts for Coworkers and Secret Santa, by Price
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Office gift exchanges are awkward. You have a price limit, a coworker you barely know and not much time, and you still want them to smile when they open it.
So here are gifts we like, grouped by price. Start with $15, $30 or $50 and under, and take it from there. We hope you find one that makes someone’s day.
Prices change, so check Amazon before you buy.
Prices and availability checked on October 28, 2026.
$15 and under
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ALBANESE
Snack
We think these beat the more famous European gummy bears. The sour ones are properly mouth puckering, so pour them into a bowl instead of bringing the whole bag with you.
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VACU VIN
Wine gift
Most people don't know champagne stoppers exist. They keep an opened bottle of sparkling wine good for a day or two, so one glass a night is back on the table. Wine friends who already own a few will still want more.
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FYTHAO
Cozy gift
A hot water bottle is cozy and a little old fashioned, the kind of thing you'd find in a Victorian novel. Fill it with hot water (be sure to read the instructions first), take it to bed, and you get to be nice and cozy under the blanket while keeping your thermostat down.
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MD PRODUCT
Notebook
A well made, pared down notebook that lies flat when you open it. There's a whole culture around how to use these and how to accessorize them, if that's your thing. It works for casual note takers and intense journalers alike.
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MOTHCA
Phone accessory
A matte screen protector is easier on the eyes and nicer to touch. We've been through a couple, and when one cracked we assumed the screen was broken. It was only the protector, which saved us a bunch of money. Be sure to choose the right model for their phone.
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L'OCCITANE
Hand cream
A cute travel size hand cream from an excellent French institution. It hydrates without leaving your hands feeling oily.
$30 and under
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YETI
Coffee mug
This YETI mug keeps drinks hot or cold for a long time. It's the small espresso and cortado size, so it's a good gift for espresso lovers. A larger size is available too.
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YETI
Coffee mug
The larger size of the same stackable YETI, with a MagSlider lid.
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LAO GAN MA USA
Chili crisp
Lao Gan Ma is the chili crisp to end all chili crisps. Spoon it onto scrambled eggs or use it to make a home cooked meal better. This is the big restaurant size, and a jar still goes fast in our household.
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Desk gifts
Our friends recommended these desk gifts from their own experience. An air circulator, a glass whiteboard or a felt flower can make the workday a little nicer for your fellow 9-to-5ers.
$50 and under
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DIPTYQUE
Candle
A Diptyque candle is a small way to make a desk or shelf feel nicer. The scents are better and more refined, so it works for the coworker who notices that kind of thing.
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MARIAGE FRÈRES
Tea
Mariage Frères is about as good as tea gets. It comes in individual muslin sachets, which even experienced tea drinkers will like using.
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ZERO JAPAN
Kitchen gadget
We can't point to a kitchen tool we use more often. The sound it makes when you close the lid is wonderful, and it means a good meal is on the way. Fill it with kosher salt and get to work.