18 Inexpensive Thank You Gift Ideas

A simple thank you for a job well done goes a long way. It keeps team morale high and shows that you appreciate the effort.

Thankfully, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to show your gratitude. Keep reading to learn some of the best inexpensive gift ideas for you to use.

dog wearing reindeer ears

A Handwritten Note

Let’s start with one of the simplest, and least expensive, options. While it might not seem like a lot, writing a handwritten note can make more of an emotional impression than an expensive gift. It’s a great way of showing that you have seen the work that someone has put in and that you appreciate it. Or you can pair it with a small present for a bigger emotional impact.

There are a few tips that you can use when writing these notes. First, make it personal. Start it with the person’s name. Also, be specific about their role and how they contributed. Try to keep the message brief, under a page or two.

Bookmark

If you want to encourage a love of reading, it might be a good idea to give a bookmark. There are plenty of cheap options to be found online, starting at a few dollars. If you want to take things to the next level, you can make these yourself. All you need is some strips of leather and a design to stamp.

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Candle

One of the best ways to relax is by lighting a candle and watching the flickering light. Even better if the candle is releasing a calming scent. Plus, they don’t need to break the budget. Most will cost between $5 to $10.

Reed Diffuser

These are a great way to keep a home or office smelling delightful. Plus, they are safe, as they don’t need a flame or steam to disperse the scent. There are plenty of fragrances for you to choose from, so you will be able to find the ideal one for the recipient.

Bar of Chocolate

Everyone appreciates a delicious bar of chocolate, especially after a day of hard work. It’s often best to spend a little more money to get a premium brand. But there are a few things you should consider to find the right type of chocolate, including:

  • Dietary restrictions
  • Whether they are vegan or vegetarian
  • Whether they prefer light or dark chocolate
  • Size of the bar
Halves rainbow bath bombs on white background

Bath Bombs or Bath Salts

A bath remains one of the best ways to relax. One of the best ways to cultivate a soothing atmosphere is by using a bath bomb or some salts. All you need to do is put them into the water and smell the delightful aromas. There are lots to choose from, so you should be able to find a scent that they will appreciate.

Personalized Stationery Set

If you are working in an office or other professional setting, this can be the ideal choice. There are lots of ways you can embrace this theme. For example, you might want to engrave their name on a nice metal pen. Or you can have it printed on envelopes or sheets or writing paper. You can also decide on a color or template for their paper.

lots of coffee cups - coffee time

Mug

This is a useful and versatile gift. There are also plenty of options for you to choose from. You can pick a simple white one. Or you can take the personalized route, getting one with their name or monogram on it. You can get a custom image printed onto the mug. Alternatively, you can choose one that has a comedic image or message on it. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that they will love.

Coasters

These are useful while being a beautiful addition to any home. You can opt for ones that are made from plastic or cork. Though, if you can spend a few extra dollars, you can get some ones that are made of ceramics or marble. These will last for years.

Cactus pot. Concrete pot. Cactus and succulent plants in modern triangle geometric concrete planters on white wooden shelf isolated on white background.

Ceramic Planters

If you want to reward a green thumb, you can always give them a ceramic planter. There are lots of these to choose from, so pick one that comes with a fun design. If you want to go the extra mile, you can fill it up with potting mix and put in a plant. There are a few other gift ideas that you can get for a plant lover, including:

  • Watering can
  • Gardening gloves
  • Solar lights
  • Wind chimes

Tea Towel

If you have a friend who loves cooking, this is the ideal option. Each time they use it, they’ll be reminded of you. Sometimes, you might be able to find one with a Thank You design printed on it. Or you can get one that has an image that will make them smile. You can also get it personalized with their name or initials.

coffee beans on a sack cloth

Coffee or Tea

Coffee and tea make amazing gifts. They will come in a huge range of varieties to suit any taste. If you want, you can get a metal airtight container to accompany the present. Not only will it look cute, but it’s also a great way of keeping your coffee and tea fresh. Another option is to pair a mug with it.

Personalized Phone Case

These days, the phone has become a necessity. A case will protect the phone. It can also be a great way of showing your sense of style. Because of this, a personalized case can be ideal. Though it can also be tricky. To get the sizing right, you will need to know what model their phone is.

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude journals are a great way of improving your mental health. Each day, you write something that you are thankful for in the book. This helps people pay attention to the smaller positive details, which can sometimes be easy to overlook. If you want to make this extra special, you can write a thank you note on the first page of the book, telling the recipient why you are thankful for them.

Woman coloring an adult coloring book, new stress relieving trend, mindfulness concept, hand detail

Adult Colouring Book

Colouring books are one of the most popular trends in the mindfulness space. Focusing on the picture and coloring it in will make it easier to calm down. There are hundreds of these books to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that the recipient will love. This includes hard rock bands like Iron Maiden.

Car Accessories

There are plenty of gifts that you can give to the rev head in your life. Some of these options include:

  • Scent diffusers
  • Steering wheel cover
  • Seatbelt cover
  • Dashboard bobbleheads
  • Car polish and a sponge

USB Hub

If you want a cool tech gift, you might want to consider a USB hub. These are ideal for busy office workers. It allows you to connect multiple USB devices through the same port. Not only is this cool, but there are plenty of colors and designs to pick from. Just make sure that you are buying through a reputable site, so it will last for a long time.

Game

If you are purchasing for a younger person, or someone with a family, a game might be a good option. There are lots to choose from. You can go with a timeless classic, like Jenga or UNO. You could opt for a game of Monopoly that is themed on their favorite movie. Or you can choose something a little more adult, like an expansion pack for Cards Against Humanity.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a worthwhile present. Instead, it’s often best to choose something that shows that you have been thinking about that person, getting something that matches with their personality. Hopefully, these ideas will make your hunt for the ideal present a little easier.