Frugal Coworker Gifts for the Office

Coworker gifts are a nice gesture, but the cost of buying for everyone in the office can be a real headache. Reign in the cost with these simple and affordable gift ideas.

A gift for the whole gang
If you work in a large office, buying individual gifts can be a real drain on your wallet. To get around this, opt for a group gift instead. Buy gourmet coffee to replace your boring office brew, treat everyone to a homemade lunch or decorate the office to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Personalized mugs
Tired of going to get a cup of coffee at work only to find that there aren’t any clean mugs? Chances are your co-workers are too. Solve this problem by making or buying a mug with each person’s name on it. Not sure how to make your own? Just purchase plain mugs from the dollar store, and then freehand or stencil each name onto a mug using an enamel paint that’s food and dishwasher safe. Your local craft store should have plenty of colors to choose from.

A gourmet treat
Save time and money by picking up a special regional treat for your co-workers on your next business trip or vacation. Think maple syrup from New England, salsa from the Southwest or barbeque sauce from the South. Every locale has a specialty, so find something tasty that fits your budget.

A new toy
Is there a new product that has made your life easier? Think back over the year and choose your favorite find for the year. Maybe it’s a new cleaning product, a new storage solution or a just a tasty snack cracker. Whatever it is, pick up several and give one to each of your co-workers. To make this gift extra fun, include a list of your top 10 favorites for the year in place of a card.

A gift that offers a break
A hectic lifestyle is pretty much a given these days, so help to lighten everyone’s load by giving the start to a tasty and simple-to-make meal. Make up batches of waffle mix for a quick weekend breakfast, soup mix for a hearty winter meal or cookie mix for last-minute baking. Thumb through your recipes for a tried-and-true favorite, or visit one of the many websites dedicated to jar-mix recipes.