Quick answer
For most coworkers, $10 to $25 is a comfortable amount. For a Secret Santa, stick exactly to the agreed limit. For a boss or a colleague who's leaving, chip in on a group gift rather than spending a lot on your own. Always check your workplace's gift policy first.
Office gifts come with unwritten rules. Spend too little and it can feel careless. Spend too much and it can feel awkward, or even like you want special treatment.
This guide gives typical budgets for common workplace occasions and explains the etiquette that keeps gift-giving comfortable for everyone.
Key takeaways
- $10 to $25 suits most individual coworker gifts.
- Secret Santa budgets are a rule, not a suggestion.
- Gifts for a manager work best as a group gift.
- Consistency matters: treat teammates similarly.
- Always check company gift policies first.
Typical coworker gift budgets
These ranges are common starting points, not rules. Adjust them to your workplace, your relationship and what feels comfortable for you.
- A coworker's birthday: $5 to $15, or simply a card signed by the team.
- Holiday gift for a close teammate: $10 to $25.
- Secret Santa or gift swap: exactly the agreed amount, often $15 to $30.
- Thank-you for help on a project: $5 to $15, or a handwritten note.
- Farewell or retirement: a group gift, with each person adding $5 to $20.
- Gift for your manager: a group gift or a card, rather than an individual present.
Why modest budgets work best at work
Workplaces mix people with different incomes and roles. A modest budget keeps things fair and stops anyone feeling pressure to match an expensive gift. It also keeps the focus on appreciation, not price.
Should you buy a gift for your boss?
It's generally not expected. Gifts usually flow down or across a workplace, not up. If you'd like to show appreciation, a sincere card or a small group gift from the whole team is the most comfortable option.
How to organize a group gift
- Ask one person to collect money and choose the gift.
- Suggest a range, like $5 to $20, and make it clear that any amount is welcome.
- Keep contributions private so no one feels judged.
- Choose something useful or experiential, like a restaurant gift card or a plant for their new desk.
- Pass around a card for everyone to sign. It's often the part people keep.
Check workplace gift policies
Some employers, especially in government, healthcare, finance and education, limit the value of gifts staff can give or accept. A quick check with HR or your manager avoids problems.
Gift ideas at each budget
- Under $10: a café gift card, hand cream, homemade cookies or a handwritten thank-you note.
- $10 to $25: a tea sampler, a quality pen, a small desk plant or good chocolates.
- Group gifts: a restaurant gift card, a nice plant or a coffee sampler.
For full write-ups of each idea, see gifts for coworkers.
How much should a manager spend on their team?
Gifts from a manager to their team are common and welcome, because they flow down. Many managers spend $10 to $30 per person, or treat the team to lunch. The most important thing is that every team member gets something similar.
Good choices are things everyone can enjoy, like good coffee, a team meal, or a small gift with a personal note about each person's work. The note often matters more than the gift.
Gifts for remote coworkers
For people you only see on video calls, choose something that's easy to send:
- A café or food-delivery gift card sent by email.
- A small treat or tea sampler shipped to their home, if you have their address and they're comfortable sharing it.
- A team card signed online by everyone.
Remember that shipping across countries can be slow and costly, and gift cards often only work in one country.
What if a coworker gives you a gift and you didn't get them one?
Say a warm, sincere thank-you. That's enough. You don't need to rush out for a gift in return. If you'd like to, a small treat or a handwritten note in the next few days is a kind way to return the gesture.
If you've just started a new job
Watch what others do before giving. Ask a friendly coworker whether the team usually exchanges gifts, runs a Secret Santa or just shares treats. Bringing something to share with the whole team, like a box of pastries, is a safe way to join in.
Put this advice into practice
Gift guides where this advice applies.
Frequently asked questions
Is $20 enough for a coworker gift?
Yes. $20 is a generous, very normal amount for an individual coworker gift.
Do I have to give gifts to everyone on my team?
No, but if you give gifts to some teammates, try to include everyone in a similar way so no one feels left out.
What if I can't afford a gift?
A sincere card or note is always appropriate. Many people value a thoughtful message more than a present.
How much should I put into a group gift?
Whatever feels comfortable. Common contributions are $5 to $20, and organizers should make it clear that any amount is welcome.
Is a gift card too impersonal for a coworker?
Not usually. A gift card for a café or lunch spot near the office is practical and welcome. A short note makes it personal.
Should managers give gifts to their team?
It's a kind gesture and common in many workplaces. Keep it equal across the team, and add a personal note thanking each person.
What do I do if a coworker gives me a gift unexpectedly?
Thank them sincerely. You don't have to give one back, though a small treat or note later is a nice touch.
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