The Ultimate Coworker Gift Guide

This is a partnered post with Cost Plus World Market, but all my opinions are my own. We always purchase coworker gifts and stocking stuffers at Cost Plus World Market!
It’s the holiday season. You’re checking gifts off your list when you discover your predicament. Your mouth drops open in horror because…. you’ve forgotten to purchase Christmas gifts for co-workers. Worse, you’re not sure what to get them.  I can hear you asking, “What does the office Crazy Cat lady really need?”  That’s okay.  I have suggestions for almost everyone on your list. Better yet, they’re not gifts they’ll throw in a drawer or re-gift. Here’s The Ultimate Co-Worker Gift Guide.
Great Gifts for Coworkers small

Great Holiday Gifts for Coworkers

Several years ago, when Bryan asked me to help him purchase gifts for his co-workers, I was perplexed. I barely knew these people and he wanted me to help purchase a gift for them? I suggested we shop at Cost Plus World Market Store in Chattanooga, Tennessee, because they have unique inexpensive gifts for everyone.  Here is a list of gifts I’ve purchased and repurchased year after year. People have come to expect these gifts and await them each year! Did I mention you can get all of these gifts for coworkers for $12 or less?

1. Coffee Gifts for Coffee Lovers–  Know someone who keeps their cup of coffee in hand all day long? Surprise them with this delicious limited edition Chocolate Peppermint holiday coffee. With hints of rich chocolate and cool peppermint in each cup, this coffee will remind them of the holidays whenever they enjoy a cup of this tasty brew!

Chocolate Peppermint Ground Coffee
The World Market Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Coffee (12 ounces) retails for $8.99. 

2. For the Chocolate Lover– Who doesn’t love chocolate? This Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa is made of all natural, organic ingredients and comes packaged in an adorable reusable glass jar. Serve the cocoa with whipped cream and a sprinkle of *Peppermint Dust* for a decadent treat. Hint: Suggest they leave some cocoa at the office for “sharing.”
Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate
The Silly Cow Farms Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa retails for $5.99 and The Pepper Creek Farms Peppermint Dust retails for $2.99. 

3. For the Snacker– We all know the person who constantly walks by with something to eat in their hand. Instead of eye-rolling when they pass by, help elevate their snacking to the next level with Christmas Crunch Popcorn.  This is classic caramel popcorn with a drizzle of chocolate and cinnamon. But, that’s not all. They’ve added almonds and sweet Michigan cherries for a grown-up touch.
Christmas Crunch Popcorn
The South Bend Christmas Crunch Popcorn retails for $6.99. 

4. For the Foodie– Nothing says holidays like the gourmet treats of the season.  This Chocolate Peppermint Quick Bread will allow the foodie co-worker to get their holiday goodie fix without spending a lot of time baking. The package makes one loaf of bread or twelve muffins so they’ll have a treat to bring to the holiday party or just eat for breakfast.
Peppermint Quick Bread
The Pelican Bay Chocolate Peppermint Quick Bread retails for $4.49.

5. For the Tea Lover- Just like the co-worker with the constant cup of coffee, the tea drinker keeps a “cuppa” on her desk at all times. This Peppermint Chocolate Tea comes in a package of 36 bags and is caffeine-free, calorie-free, and produced without additives.
Peppermint Chocolate Tea
The Republic of Tea Peppermint Chocolate Tea retails for $10.99. 

6. For the Baker- Remember the person who brings all the sweet homemade treats to the office parties? Surprise them with this Mini Bund Cake Pan. It has a nonstick finish and makes 12 mini cakes in three different designs. Add a recipe and “suggest” they bring it to the next office party. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
bundt pan
The Mini Bund Cake Pan retails for $7.49. 

7. For the Whiskey Enthusiast– And then there’s the guy who discusses all the latest and greatest craft brews. Give him the gift of a Tasting Glassware Collection to explore his collection. Available in straight, tulip. or teardrop styles, these glasses come in a package of six.
whiskey gift set
The Tasting Glassware Collection retails for $7.99. 

8. For the Pet Lover “aka Crazy Cat Lady-” We all know a crazy cat lady. At our house, it’s probably me. I purchased these Crazy Cat Lady Stoneware Mugs last year for everyone in my family. Seriously. These mugs are adorable and perfect for coffee or tea. One mug says “One Cat Short of Crazy” and the other says “Crazy Cat Lady.” No one in my family can agree which one should be mine.
Crazy Cat Lady
The Crazy Cat Lady Stoneware Mugs retails for $11.98 for a set of two. 

9. For the Spa Lover- A day at work doesn’t feel like a day at the spa, but the addition of these Vanilla Soap Petals can help.  In the shape of real rose buds, these petals have a delightful vanilla smell and come in a package of twenty. Other scents like Floral, Lavender, or Moroccan are available. Each petal is the perfect size for handwashing.
Soap Petals
The Vanilla Soap Petals retails for $7.99. 

10. For the Hostess–  Who can forget the office hostess? She’s the one who organizes all the parties, pulls off all the details, and never seems frazzled. This Ivory Vanilla Bean Filled Jar Candle is hand poured into a reusable jar.  With 60 hours of burn time and made from all natural ingredients and essential oils, this is sure to help her relax in her downtime.
Vanilla Bean Candle
The Vanilla Bean Filled Jar Candle retails for $9.99. 

Gifting Ideas

Of course, part of the fun of gifting is the presentation. I like to create gift baskets or incorporate useful items for wrapping.  One of my favorite ideas is a “Foodie Gift Basket,” tailored to the interest of the recipient. I use the White (or Red, depending on the look I’m going for) Melamine Batter Bowl as a base. I fill the bowl with crinkled kraft paper and then the sky’s the limit! I’ve made baking baskets with different holiday baking mixes, drink baskets with cocoa, tea, and coffee, cookie baskets with holiday mixes and cookie cutters, and snack baskets with popcorn and candy. I always add a dish towel to the basket as a finishing touch. Foodie Gifts are so much fun to make!
gift basket foodie
The Melamine Batter Bowl retails for $12.99 and the Holiday dish towels retail for $7.99 each.

Treat the spa lovers in your life to  Spa Gift Baskets made with the soap petals and a candle. They’ll feel relaxed in no time. 
Spa gift basket

The package of 8 Die Cut Kraft Gift tags retail for $7.98. The White Gift Box set retails for $3.99.

Make a Mug Gift Set by adding a napkin and their favorite drink to the crazy cat lady mug. 
Mug Gift Set

The Airmail Santa Napkins retail for $15.99 for a set of four. The Pinecone ornaments retail for $5.99.

Other good ideas include a  Baking Set with a bundt pan and the peppermint bread mix. Tie it with a bow and add an ornament for decoration. For the Whiskey Lover, the tasting glasses, along with airplane bottles of different liquor make a fun gift.

Shop This Post:

Shop this post 1
1. Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Coffee
2. Silly Cow Farms Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa
3. Pepper Creek Farms Peppermint Dust
4. South Bend Christmas Crunch Popcorn
5. Pelican Bay Chocolate Peppermint Quick Bread Mix
6. The Republic of Tea Peppermint Chocolate Tea
7.  Mini Bund Cake Pan
Shop this post 2
8. Tasting Glassware Collection
9. Crazy Cat Lady Stoneware Mugs
10.  Vanilla Soap Petals
11. Vanilla Bean Filled Jar Candle
12. Airmail Santa Napkins 
13. Sentiments Die Cut Kraft Gift Tags
14. Red and White Santa Jacquard Christmas Towel
15. Pinecone With Frosty Glitter Ornament
16. White Melamine Batter Bowl
17. Set of 2 Medium White Gift Boxes

Find It In The Store:

Where to find cocoa and more

Find coffee and mugs

 

You can find all of these ideas in the store or online. Need to find a Cost Plus World Market near you? Use this Store Finder Link.  You’ll have appreciative coworkers plus you’ll have one-stop shopping to get those holiday gifts in a hurry. What are your favorite ideas for inexpensive gifts for coworkers?

34 Comments

  1. This is great! Co-workers can be so difficult to buy for, especially when there are so many of them. Getting a nice gift at a low price is always a win in my book!

  2. Co-workers are some of the hardest people to buy for. You know them but you don’t. Some business do Secret Santa, and they have a budget to stick within. You have a little something for everyone

  3. Thank you for sharing this! These gifts will not be for my co-worker but for my friends! LOL

  4. I just love gift sets and these looks awesome! I wouldn’t mind giving or receiving these from my coworkers!

  5. I would love some hot chocolate powder.I can already imagine how good it smells when you make it.

  6. These are all cute ideas, I may just grab some for my co-workers. I am running out of time to get my holiday shopping done! Love all the food ideas too, I like buying gifts that can be used.

  7. These are awesome gift idea! I love all these! Adding some to my wishlist!

  8. My friend Agnes would love that mini bundt cake pan. She always brings baked goodies at work every Monday. I still have enough time to get her this for Christmas.

  9. You really nailed this list. I enjoy giving my coworkers some nice treats.

  10. I don’t have any coworkers to buy for this year. However, I would have loved this list last year!

  11. These are all great gifts and I wish you were my co-worker because I’d like any of these

  12. These are really wonderful suggestions. Much better than the “I didn’t know what to buy you so I got you a candle”. I know you have a candle listed (not knocking it because it’s still a great gift) but I also like to see more fun options like the rest that you have listed too.

  13. This is such a great list! I always struggle to find gifts for coworkers, and I am definitely not a good baker so this is helpful!

  14. These are all pretty simple yet elegant and crafty gift ideas for coworkers. I love your list of ideas, and I am certain they will help many people purchase a nice gift for their coworker this holiday season.

  15. It’s been a while since I’ve had to shop for a coworker! I think this is awesome! I really like the options that you have here, they’re also affordable!

  16. I never thought of making chocolate peppermint quick bread but that sounds great! All of these are great ideas and the mug is so funny.

  17. kellyhutchinson37920

    It can be so hard to buy a gift for your co workers. I love the crazy cat lady mugs! My sister needs one of those!

  18. The chocolate peppermint quick break looks really good. Perfect for holiday entertaining.

  19. This is a great list of gifts for coworkers. I think candles are great because they are so versatile and thoughtful. You have a lot of great ideas here.

  20. These are some super cute gifts. I bet any co worker would love receiving these.

  21. It really doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that they’ll enjoy! It think these are awesome ideas for gifts! I really like the hot chocolate and the coffee!

  22. Awesome gift guide as I am contemplating the same thing for my boss at work. So hard to decide what to get during the holiday season.

  23. I usually gift everyone with Christmas cards with a homemade mason jar goodie. One year it was 15-bean soup, another time it was brownie mix. It’s easy to prepare, thoughtful and inexpensive.

  24. Great ideas and I love Cost Plus World Market, one of my favorite stores.

  25. I am my own co-wroker so maybe I should just gift myself some of these awesome ideas 😉

  26. My coworkers know I would be happy with any of these more especially the candles. I am loving some of the items here I did not even consider them

  27. What a fabulous gift guide! I’m always happy when people bring me food, so I do the same for others.

  28. Those peppermint dust sprinkles are really neat. You have come up with some really good gift ideas for co-workers. Tons to choose from.

  29. rememberkim@verizon.net

    I absolutely love these type gifts for anyone that’s hard to buy for. Lots of good pics here too.

  30. I can’t believe Christmas is almost here, I don’t know where the year went. I’d like a crazy cat lady mug for myself!

  31. Love the Peppermint Dust Sprinkles! These are all great gift ideas for coworkers because I can never think what to get them.

  32. These are all great gift ideas! I would refer these to my friends and family who have co-workers.

  33. I am always wondering what to get for them. This was a great page to give me some great ideas.

  34. These are great! When I was out in the workforce, I always made it a point to get something nice (but cheap) for my coworkers.