21 DIY Christmas Gifts for Coworkers They’ll Actually Love

The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for those around us, including our coworkers. While it’s easy to pick up a generic gift, putting in the effort to create something personalized and thoughtful can make all the difference.

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If you’re looking for DIY Christmas gift ideas for your office mates, this list of 21 DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers will inspire you to create gifts that are both meaningful and practical.

From homemade treats to personalized desk accessories, these ideas are sure to be a hit in the office.

1. Customized Coffee Mugs

A customized coffee mug is a simple yet thoughtful gift that your coworkers will appreciate every day. You can personalize a plain mug with a funny quote, their name, or even a custom design using ceramic markers or vinyl decals.

If your coworker is a coffee lover, consider filling the mug with their favorite coffee beans, a mini bag of hot cocoa mix, or tea bags for a complete gift.

2. Scented Candles

A scented candle can bring warmth and a lovely fragrance to any desk or home. You can easily make your own candles by melting soy wax, adding essential oils for fragrance, and pouring the mixture into a small jar or decorative container.

Customize the scents to match the recipient’s tastes, whether it’s lavender, cinnamon, or peppermint. Add a personalized label or ribbon to make the gift extra special.

3. DIY Bath Salts

DIY bath salts are a relaxing and luxurious gift that any coworker will appreciate. You can create your own bath salts by mixing Epsom salt, Himalayan pink salt, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

Add a touch of dried lavender or rose petals for a more elegant touch. Package the bath salts in a cute glass jar and add a festive ribbon for a beautiful and thoughtful gift.

4. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Everyone loves a cozy cup of hot chocolate, especially during the colder months. Create a homemade hot chocolate mix by combining cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

For an extra special touch, add mini marshmallows or crushed peppermint. Package the mix in a mason jar and attach a cute tag with instructions for making the perfect cup of cocoa. This is an affordable and thoughtful gift that anyone would enjoy.

5. Personalized Desk Calendar

A personalized desk calendar is a practical and charming gift for any coworker. You can easily create a custom calendar using online templates and personal photos, or use a printable calendar design.

Add personal notes or reminders to each month, such as their birthday or important office events. This gift is both functional and decorative, making it perfect for anyone who loves staying organized.

6. Handmade Soaps

Handmade soaps are a luxurious and thoughtful gift that can be customized to suit anyone’s preferences.

You can make your own soap by melting glycerin soap base, adding essential oils for fragrance, and coloring the soap with natural pigments like beet juice or turmeric.

Consider adding extras like dried flowers or exfoliating ingredients such as oats or coffee grounds. These handmade soaps are both functional and beautiful.

7. DIY Cookie Mix in a Jar

If your coworker loves to bake, a DIY cookie mix in a jar is a fun and delicious gift. Layer the dry ingredients for their favorite cookies (like chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies) in a mason jar.

Include a tag with the wet ingredients and baking instructions, so they can easily bake the cookies at home. This is a great gift that allows them to enjoy freshly baked treats without much effort.

8. Personalized Notepads

A personalized notepad is a practical and thoughtful gift for coworkers who are always jotting down notes or making lists. You can easily create a custom notepad by printing their name or a fun quote on each page.

Alternatively, create a set of stationery with their initials or a design that reflects their personality. These notepads are both functional and stylish, making them perfect for the office.

9. Homemade Granola

A jar of homemade granola makes for a healthy and delicious gift that’s easy to prepare. Combine oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit to create your own mix, and bake until golden and crispy.

Package the granola in a cute mason jar with a decorative lid, and add a personalized label with a festive greeting. This is a perfect gift for coworkers who are health-conscious or enjoy having a quick, nutritious snack on hand.

10. DIY Coasters

DIY coasters are a practical and personal gift that can add a touch of creativity to any desk or living room. You can create your own coasters using materials like ceramic tiles, felt, or wood slices.

Decorate them with a fun design, a quote, or even a photo. These coasters will not only protect their furniture but also remind them of your thoughtful gift every time they use them.

11. Customized Plant Pots

A small potted plant makes a lovely gift, and you can personalize the plant pot to match your coworker’s style. Use acrylic paints or permanent markers to create a custom design, or even paint their initials on the pot.

Choose a low-maintenance plant like a succulent or a small fern that’s easy to care for in an office environment. This gift adds a bit of nature to their workspace and is sure to brighten their day.

12. Holiday-Themed Sugar Scrubs

Holiday-themed sugar scrubs are a perfect DIY gift for coworkers who enjoy pampering themselves. You can create the scrub by mixing sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils like peppermint or cinnamon.

For a festive touch, add red food coloring and dried cranberries. Package the scrub in a small jar, and decorate it with a ribbon or holiday tag for an elegant and indulgent gift.

13. DIY Tea Blends

For coworkers who love tea, a DIY tea blend is a thoughtful and personalized gift. Choose a combination of herbs, spices, and dried fruits to create a custom blend, such as chamomile, peppermint, or spiced chai.

Package the tea blend in a small jar or pouch, and add a label with brewing instructions. You can even include a cute tea infuser for an extra touch of thoughtfulness.

14. Decorative Jars of Spices

A decorative jar of spices is a creative and useful gift, perfect for the coworker who loves to cook.

You can fill small jars with unique spices like cinnamon, paprika, or garlic powder, and label each jar with the spice name and potential uses.

For a festive touch, you can even add some dried herbs or peppercorns and decorate the jars with holiday ribbons.

15. DIY Knit Scarf

If you’re handy with knitting, a handmade scarf is a warm and personal gift for your coworkers. Choose soft yarn in colors that match your coworker’s style, and create a simple knit or crochet pattern. This thoughtful gift will keep them warm during the cold winter months and show that you’ve put in time and effort to create something special just for them.

16. Homemade Jam or Jelly

Homemade jam or jelly is a timeless gift that’s always appreciated. You can create your own jam by using seasonal fruits like strawberries, apples, or cranberries, and adding sugar and pectin to create a sweet spread.

Package it in small jars, and decorate with fabric lids and a cute tag. This classic gift is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to holiday baked goods.

17. DIY Felt Ornaments

DIY felt ornaments are a fun and festive gift that’s perfect for the holiday season. You can create custom felt ornaments in fun shapes like snowflakes, trees, or snowmen.

Add a little embroidery or embellishments to make the ornaments unique. These handmade decorations make a thoughtful and personal gift that your coworkers can hang on their tree for years to come.

18. Handmade Leather Keychains

For a more practical gift, consider making handmade leather keychains. Using leather scraps and basic tools, you can create stylish keychains that are both durable and chic.

Personalize them by adding initials or a small design using leather stamps. This DIY gift is both functional and personal, making it a great choice for any coworker.

19. Christmas-Themed Cupcakes

Christmas-themed cupcakes are a sweet treat that makes a festive gift for any coworker with a sweet tooth. You can bake cupcakes in red and green colors, and decorate them with holiday-themed toppers like mini candy canes or snowflakes.

Package them in a cute box or cupcake carrier for a fun and edible gift that will make their holiday season even sweeter.

20. DIY Desk Organizer

A DIY desk organizer is a functional gift that will help keep any workspace tidy and stylish. You can create a simple desk organizer from wooden boxes, tin cans, or even cardboard, and decorate it with fabric or paint.

Add compartments for pens, paper, and other office supplies, making it both useful and attractive. This is a thoughtful gift that shows you care about your coworker’s work environment and their need for organization.

21. Holiday-Themed Bookmark

If you’re giving a book or planner, a holiday-themed bookmark is a small but meaningful addition. You can make a bookmark from cardstock, wood, or leather, and decorate it with festive designs like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or holly leaves.

Personalize it by adding a quote or a small note that resonates with your coworker. This is an affordable and easy-to-make gift that is sure to be appreciated by any book lover.

22. Hand-Painted Rocks

For a creative and personalized gift, consider making hand-painted rocks. Choose smooth, flat stones and decorate them with acrylic paints to create unique designs, such as holiday motifs, inspirational quotes, or even funny illustrations that reflect your coworker’s personality. These hand-painted rocks can be displayed on their desk, used as paperweights, or even kept as decorative items at home. This quirky and thoughtful gift is perfect for a coworker who loves all things creative and artistic.

23. Reusable Fabric Gift Bags

In an eco-friendly effort, reusable fabric gift bags are a thoughtful, sustainable DIY gift that can be used again and again. You can sew small bags from scrap fabric or old clothing, then personalize them with fun designs or embroidered initials. These versatile bags are perfect for wrapping small gifts or as an accessory to carry groceries or personal items. This environmentally conscious gift idea adds both practicality and charm, while also reducing waste.

24. DIY Potpourri

DIY potpourri is a fragrant and natural gift that can fill any room with delightful scents. You can create your own potpourri by combining dried flowers, citrus peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a jar. Add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the fragrance, and finish the potpourri with a ribbon or festive decoration. This homemade gift is perfect for coworkers who enjoy filling their spaces with pleasant aromas and is an ideal gift to brighten up any office or home.

25. Handcrafted Wooden Coasters

For a more rustic touch, you can create handcrafted wooden coasters by cutting and sanding small wood slices from logs. Use a wood burner tool to add custom designs, initials, or even a holiday message. These coasters are perfect for adding a warm, natural element to any workspace, and they’re especially great for coworkers who appreciate rustic décor. Paired with a set of mugs or a cute plant, these coasters can be a memorable and functional gift.

26. DIY Chocolate Bark

DIY chocolate bark is another easy-to-make, delicious gift that will be appreciated by everyone, especially chocolate lovers. Start with a layer of melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and then sprinkle toppings like crushed peppermint, dried fruit, nuts, or sea salt. Allow the chocolate to set, then break it into shards and wrap it in cellophane with a ribbon or a cute holiday bag. This simple yet indulgent gift is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your coworker’s holiday season.

27. Personalized Phone Stand

A personalized phone stand is a functional and creative gift for any coworker who relies on their phone for work or entertainment. You can make a phone stand out of wood, acrylic, or even 3D-printed materials, and personalize it by engraving their initials or adding a fun design. This practical gift will help them keep their phone organized and easily accessible at their desk or at home, making it a thoughtful and useful Christmas gift.

28. Mini Christmas Tree Terrariums

For a whimsical, nature-inspired gift, mini Christmas tree terrariums are a wonderful choice. You can create these small, self-contained ecosystems using a glass jar or terrarium container. Place a tiny artificial Christmas tree, along with decorative moss, stones, and small holiday ornaments inside. These cute, low-maintenance gifts will bring some holiday cheer to any desk or home, and your coworker will love the unique, festive touch.

29. Homemade Trail Mix

A jar of homemade trail mix is an easy-to-make and highly customizable gift. Mix together a selection of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and even a little chocolate or granola to create a sweet and savory snack. Package it in a mason jar or small bags, and decorate with a cute tag or ribbon. Trail mix is a great option for coworkers who love to snack during work or enjoy healthy snacks, making it a thoughtful and energizing gift.

30. DIY Hand Warmer Bags

Hand warmer bags are a cozy and practical gift for coworkers who spend a lot of time in cold offices. You can sew small fabric pouches and fill them with rice or flax seeds, which can be heated in the microwave to provide warmth. Add a bit of essential oil like lavender or peppermint for a soothing scent. These DIY hand warmers are a thoughtful gift that will help keep your coworkers comfortable during the colder months.

31. Handmade Ornaments

Making handmade ornaments is another easy and personal way to give a coworker a special gift. Use materials like felt, wood, or clay to create custom ornaments. You can personalize them by adding the coworker’s initials or a design that reflects their personality. These ornaments will be a sweet and meaningful addition to their Christmas tree and can be cherished for years to come as a reminder of the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

32. DIY Friendship Bracelets

For a fun and trendy gift, DIY friendship bracelets are perfect for coworkers who appreciate handmade accessories. You can create colorful bracelets using embroidery floss, beads, or even charms. Personalize the bracelet by choosing colors or designs that match your coworker’s style. Whether worn as a fun accessory or used as a keychain, these bracelets are a lovely way to show you care and put in the time and effort to create something special.

33. Christmas-Themed Puzzles

For coworkers who love a challenge, a Christmas-themed puzzle can make for a fun and interactive gift. You can create a custom puzzle using a holiday photo or design, then have it printed through a photo service. Package the puzzle pieces in a festive box with a note about the holiday cheer to spread. This gift is perfect for a coworker who enjoys puzzles or is looking for a relaxing way to pass the time during the holiday season.

34. Homemade Baked Goods Basket

A homemade baked goods basket filled with assorted cookies, muffins, or mini cakes is a festive and delicious gift. You can bake a variety of treats, like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or mini fruitcakes, and arrange them in a beautifully decorated basket. Add a personal touch by wrapping the basket in cellophane or a holiday-themed gift bag. This classic homemade gift is always a hit, especially in an office environment where everyone can share in the holiday spirit.

35. Personalized Wooden Pens

For a more polished and professional gift, personalized wooden pens are a great option. You can either buy blank pens and customize them by engraving names, initials, or even a favorite quote. Wooden pens feel elegant and make a practical gift for anyone who writes a lot during the workday. This subtle but thoughtful gift will make a coworker’s desk a little more personal and stylish.

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By putting in the effort to create a DIY Christmas gift, you’re not only providing your coworkers with something practical or fun but also showing them that you value their presence in your work life. Whether it’s a personalized notebook, homemade treats, or something more creative like a hand-painted mug or handmade soap, these gifts will be cherished and appreciated long after the holiday season.