10 Unique Small Thank You Gifts for Coworkers Ideas to Make Them Smile
Showing appreciation in the workplace is something I’ve always valued deeply. Over the years, I’ve realized that even the smallest gesture—a cute note, a DIY treat, or a thoughtful desk accessory—can bring a huge smile to a coworker’s face. In this article, I’ll share 10 unique small thank you gifts for coworkers ideas that I’ve personally seen work wonders. Whether you’re planning something fun for a birthday, looking for farewell tokens when leaving, or just want low cost ways to spread appreciation, you’ll find plenty of creative inspiration here.
While writing this blog post, I couldn’t help but reflect on the times I’ve been surprised by my own coworkers. A tiny jar of cookies, a farewell basket, or even a handmade card—those little acts of kindness made me feel valued. That’s why I’m passionate about creating this list to help you spark joy in your workplace too!
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1. Cute Desk Accessories for Everyday Use
When it comes to small thank you gifts for coworkers ideas, you can never go wrong with cute desk accessories. Think mini desk plants, fun sticky notes, or colorful pen holders. These unique gifts are practical yet playful, making the workspace a little brighter.
One of my coworkers once gave me a tiny succulent in a painted pot. It cost very little, but every time I glanced at it during a busy workday, it reminded me of their thoughtfulness. These are great low cost and fun ways to add positivity to employees’ desks.
2. DIY “In a Jar” Gift Ideas
DIY in a jar gifts are always a hit. They’re cheap, creative, and customizable. You can put together cookie mix jars, “spa in a jar” with small lotions and candles, or even “motivation jars” filled with uplifting notes.
These fun and cute gifts make employees feel appreciated without spending too much. I once created a “coffee in a jar” gift for a colleague who loved caffeine fixes. They were thrilled by the thought and creativity that went into it.
3. Small Gift Baskets with a Personal Touch
Another classic idea is a gift basket. Appreciation baskets don’t need to be extravagant; even a few snacks or office goodies wrapped together can go a long way. You can theme them around birthdays, New Year celebrations, or farewell moments.
For example, I once assembled a basket filled with tea sachets, a cute mug, and honey sticks. It was simple, low cost, but made the recipient feel truly special.
4. DIY Homemade Treats
If you love baking or cooking, homemade treats make unique small thank you gifts for coworkers ideas. Think cookies, brownies, or granola bars packed in cute boxes or bags. This option is cheap, can be made in bulk, and feels incredibly personal.
I remember baking a batch of brownies and distributing them as farewell gifts when leaving a company. It was a heartfelt gesture that everyone appreciated.
5. Fun Farewell Gifts When Leaving a Job
Goodbyes don’t have to be sad—they can be fun and memorable. Farewell gifts such as personalized mugs, framed team photos, or survival kits (filled with snacks and desk supplies) are creative and thoughtful.
One of the cutest farewell gifts I received was a desk basket filled with candy and handwritten notes from my team. It was low cost but left a lasting impact.
6. Creative New Year Gift Ideas
The New Year is the perfect time to show appreciation. Consider planners, calendars, or affirmation cards—these are fun, useful, and set the tone for a fresh start. Bulk orders are great if you want to thank multiple employees at once.
I once gifted small pocket calendars to my coworkers. They weren’t expensive, but they were practical and a thoughtful way to celebrate the season of new beginnings.
Amazon Gift Recommendations
To make things even easier, here are three of my favorite small thank you gifts for coworkers that you can grab on Amazon. I’ve either gifted or received these items and can vouch for how much joy they bring.
1. Succulent Desk Plant Set
Succulents are cute, low maintenance, and brighten up any desk. A set of mini succulents makes a unique and creative appreciation gift for coworkers. They’re also budget-friendly and can be bought in bulk for employees.
👉 Check the Succulent Desk Plant Set on Amazon
2. DIY Mason Jar Kit
If you love the “in a jar” gift idea, consider grabbing a mason jar kit. You can fill them with candy, bath salts, or homemade cookies to create a personalized DIY thank you gift. It’s fun, cheap, and makes for a thoughtful gesture.
👉 Get Your DIY Mason Jar Kit Here
3. Coffee Gift Basket
A coffee gift basket is always a winner in the office. Many coworkers appreciate a caffeine boost, and these baskets often come with mugs, beans, and snacks. It’s a creative way to show appreciation without going over budget.
https://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">👉 Grab a Coffee Gift Basket on Amazon
7. Birthday-Themed Small Thank You Gifts
Birthday gifts don’t need to be extravagant. A basket with a cupcake kit, candles, or even desk balloons can make someone’s day special. DIY cards or low cost keychains are also fun and meaningful ways to say happy birthday.
I once created a “birthday in a box” gift that included confetti, a cupcake, and a mini candle. My coworker said it was the most creative birthday surprise they’d ever received.
8. Low Cost but High Impact Gifts
Sometimes, the smallest tokens carry the biggest meaning. Bulk candy bags, tea samplers, or handwritten appreciation notes are cheap but powerful. These are perfect for showing gratitude to a large group of employees without breaking the bank.
Once, our team leader left a bag of chocolates on each desk with a simple “thank you” note. It was a small, low cost act, but it lifted everyone’s spirits instantly.
9. Appreciation Gifts in Bulk
For companies with many employees, bulk appreciation gifts are the way to go. Think stress balls, pens, or fun desk gadgets. They may be inexpensive, but with creative packaging, they can feel unique and thoughtful.
During one holiday season, our office manager handed out cute bulk keychains. They weren’t pricey, but the gesture was enough to make everyone feel included and appreciated.
10. Creative DIY Farewell or Thank You Cards
Sometimes the best gifts don’t cost much at all. DIY thank you cards are cute, fun, and filled with heartfelt appreciation. You can design them with funny quotes, inside jokes, or warm messages that your coworkers will treasure.
I once received a farewell card handmade by the entire team, with little doodles and notes inside. It was one of the most unique gifts I’ve ever received, and I still keep it to this day.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a desk plant, DIY jar, birthday basket, farewell card, or bulk appreciation gift, the truth is that small gestures go a long way. These 10 unique small thank you gifts for coworkers ideas prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make employees feel valued. Cute, low cost, creative, and fun gifts can truly transform workplace relationships.
As I wrote this post, I kept recalling those moments when a coworker’s kindness brightened my day. I hope these ideas inspire you to spread that same joy. After all, showing appreciation is one of the most meaningful things we can do for the people we work with every day.