Coworkers can be the toughest people to buy gifts for.
But they don’t have to be! No matter how many holiday parties, secret Santas, or white elephant exchanges you’ve committed to this holiday season, let us take the pain out of finding meaningful — and affordable — gifts for your work family. These 16 gifts are all guaranteed to be a hit, *and* they won’t cost you any more than $30.
(See all of our gift guides here to find a gift for everyone on your list!)
1. Be BOLD Today by Leigh Burgess
Be BOLD Today author Leigh Burgess is a long-time Ink+Volt customer, so when we heard she released a book, we couldn't wait to read it - and it blew us away. Be BOLD Today is an inspiring, actionable guide that feels like having a wise, encouraging mentor in your corner. It's a polished, professional gift for any coworkers who loves to keep motivation close by.
2. Daily Reflection Journal
This journal is an executive coach in a book - what could be better for inspiring a coworker or helping them level up their amazing work? Designed for a simple daily review of progress, goals, and plans for tomorrow, this book is incredibly functional as well as being beautiful to look at.
The Ink+Volt Today Organizer Pad is the *perfect* gift for your highly organized, super productive colleagues. It's one of our top sellers of all time for a reason! This at-a-glance daily notepad will help them maximize their daily productivity by helping them visualize what is most important.
The Today Organizer features hourly time blocks to manage your schedule, a task checklist to organize your important to-dos, and a "tomorrow" section for future tasks. And of course it's important to stay hydrated while you're being so productive, which is why this pad includes a water intake tracker too.
4. A fun coffee table book
Looking for a gift that's both fun and timeless? This beautifully designed Ultimate Book of Card Games covers over 350 games, from Solitaire to Bezique. With clear instructions and illustrations, it's perfect for coworkers of all ages and skill levels. Ideal for a home office, library, or their next game night, this book is a clever conversation-starting gift that keeps entertainment close at hand.
5. A storm cloud desk accessory
Perfect for the office meteorologist, this cute glass cloud is filled with special liquid that crystallizes in different formations depending on the barometric pressure. Plus it brings a little bit of personality to any desk.
6. 5-minute hourglass
This hourglass is so chic and sleek - it is a perfect desk accessory! Not only does it look good, but it is a highly effective productivity tool as well. A tool like an hourglass can help them leverage small bursts of focus to kickstart their energy and motivation every day. Give your coworker the gift of style and success with this bestselling hourglass.
7. Prompt Journal
This creativity-boosting journal is perfect for a coworker who loves to read, write, or otherwise stretch their creative muscles. This prompt journal offers 91 daily journal prompts, plus 13 longer weekly prompts, to help anyone amplify their writing practice and dive deeper on their creativity.
8. Sarasa Grand Vintage Gel Pen
If you have a coworker who loves to write, you can't go wrong with a high quality pen. With it's jewel-toned metallic body and Rapid Dry Ink Technology, the Sarasa Grand Vintage combined elegance with everyday functionality. The smooth gel ink glides effortlessly across the page; no smears, no smudges, just clean writing every time. It's a stylish upgrade to any coworker's desk that they'll reach for again and again.
9. A seasonal scented candle
There's nothing that makes an office feel cozy and comfortable like a seasonal scented candle. From fresh florals to warm, woodsy notes, these candles are great for every desk, office, or workspace. Plus, each candle supports a meaningful cause, so your gift spreads a little light beyond the office.
10. Palomino Blackwing pencils
For the artist in the office, these pencils are an absolute must-have. Beloved for decades, the key to this pencil’s cult following is its soft Japanese graphite core, allowing it to write soft and smooth for everything from daily doodles to a finished masterpiece.
11. Action Plan Pad
Help your coworkers stay sharp and stress-free with the Action Plan Pad. Perfect for tackling big projects or simply staying on top of the day, this notepad makes it east to set priorities, block focused work time, and keep tasks organized. It's a thoughtful gift for the coworker who loves high quality productivity tools; or the one who could use a little help getting things done.
12. Lip butter and hand lotion
In the cold winter months, dry skin is a frequent irritation. Create your coworkers own at-work self-care kit by bundling some moisturizing products together. These items are a great gift because you can give a few things that feel special, while still staying within the office-approved price limit.
13. Work Week Deskpad
Delight your hyper-organized coworkers (or give your disorganized colleagues some help) with a super stylish weekly deskpad, like this one (super structured) or this one (lots of space for freeform plans). These deskpads have space to scribble in your main goals, focus points, events and plans for the busy week ahead. The gold foil details and fountain-pen friendly paper are subtle yet elegant features, giving their weekly plans a little extra shine.
14. A personalized mug for coffee or tea
A cute, personalized mug is the perfect way to show your coworker you care *and* help them combat that dreaded 3 o’clock slump. These gold detail monogram mugs are pretty, classy, and useful — make the perfect interoffice gift.
15. Local gift card
Don’t just fall into the same old boring trap of an Amazon or Visa gift card — put some thought into it! Is there a local cafe or lunch spot that your coworker loves? Are they always raving about the donuts from down the street?
Treating them to their favorite latte or dessert is a sweet way to show you care during the holidays. Plus, you can jazz it up by tucking it inside a thoughtful card like this one.
16. Gratitude journal
Did you know that cultivating a consistent gratitude practice is one of the only scientifically proven ways to make you happier? And what better gift is there than happiness?
This award-winning journal has 60 daily entries for observations and reflections, plus 10 weekly challenges to help enhance your gratitude practice. Inspirational quotes found throughout the journal will encourage and motivate. The perfect affordable, meaningful gift!
Written by Emily Morrow