That is a very common office gift dilemma, and thankfully, the sub-$10 price point has a lot of great, low-key, gender-neutral options. To hit that $5-8 sweet spot, you should focus on unique desk items or high-quality single-serve consumables.
Here are a few categories and specific product examples that fit your under $10 (and ideally $5ish) budget for all 15 coworkers:
1. Unique Desk & Office Fun (Practical and Playful)
These are small, non-essential items that can add a bit of fun or organization to a workspace without taking up much room.
Fidget/Stress Toys: A small, satisfying item can be a great desk accessory. Items like the NeeDoh Nice Cube Squish Toy are popular stress relievers and are typically around $5.00.
Mini Organizers: Look for small, quirky organizing items. For example, a novelty item like the Shibuya Stationery Mini Mixer that functions as a paper clip dispenser, which is about $3.99.
Small Lighting/Tech: Battery-powered Mini Desk Lamp (around $3.00 from discount stores) or simple tech accessories like cable organizers or fun webcam covers (often under $5).
Stationery: A nice set of quality felt-tipped pens, a small, elegant journal, or a desktop notepad set (often found in curated boxes for under $10).
2. Gourmet Consumables (Better than Cocoa)
Skip the mug set and go for a single, high-end treat that feels like an indulgence.
Artisan Snacks: A small package of something savory or sweet that they wouldn't buy for themselves. For example, a small box of specialty crackers, like the Tresors Gourmands French Crispy Sea Salt Waffle Crackers (around $4.39 - $5.58), or a small bag of gourmet flavored popcorn.
Specialty Tea/Coffee: Instead of hot cocoa, consider unique tea bags (like a holiday blend sampler) or a single-serve packet of quality instant coffee that is a step above the usual office brew. Tea favors in small jars can be found for as low as $1.13-$3.76 on sale.
High-End Candy: Individually packaged gourmet chocolates, salted caramels, or a unique foreign candy bar.
3. Personal Wellness/Self-Care
These items are universally useful and appropriate, especially for a mixed-age, mixed-gender group, provided you stick to mild or neutral scents.
Hand Creams/Lip Balms: A set of neutral-scented, natural moisturizing hand creams or lip balms. If you buy a multi-pack, the per-item cost can drop well under $5.
Small Candles/Diffusers: A mini natural soy candle in a light, neutral scent (like ocean or cedar) is a highly rated gift option and can often be found for around $6.00.
Sheet Masks: For a mixed office, a well-regarded, single-use sheet mask (for hydration, not strong anti-aging) is a quick, inexpensive treat that is appreciated by both men and women. They can be found for as low as $2.20.
