Christmas is coming and it’s time to start shopping or making gifts! But, what do you get for coworkers? I don’t know if it’s just me, but these are the hardest people to buy for… (possibly because they often aren’t my REAL LIFE friends?)
Maybe you have some people at work that you are semi-close to, enough that you’d like to get them a gift but aren’t sure what to buy. Or perhaps you adore gift-giving and would like to make a little something for everyone at work because that’s just you. These ideas of Christmas gifts for coworkers cover everything from DIY gifts that look classy and professional to things you can easily buy online.
Why You Should Get Christmas Gifts for Your Coworkers
You shouldn’t ever feel obligated to give your coworkers Christmas gifts. But, if you’re a gift giver by nature, there’s lots of great reasons to give gifts:
1. Fostering Relationships: Giving gifts can strengthen relationships with coworkers, showing that you appreciate their hard work, their friendship, or both.
2. Boosting Morale: If you are a manager, team lead, or hold another “boss position” know that giving Christmas gifts contributes to a positive work environment by boosting morale. Getting gifts makes your workers feel good, they feel special and thought of.
3. Building Connections: Gift-giving, even something small, can help deepen connections with your coworkers. Whether you have simply never connected with certain colleagues or have had disagreements in the past, giving a Christmas gift shares goodwill and could possibly help to make future work interactions more positive and productive too.
4. Recognition: If your employees have been working hard all year, it’s nice to recognize that hard work with a Christmas gift. It’s a way to acknowledge the efforts of your colleagues throughout the year.
5. Networking: Giving gifts during the holidays can be a great opportunity to network and build connections within your company that may be beneficial in the future.
Whatever reason you’ve chosen to give gifts to your coworkers, know that they will appreciate it and it will make them feel special, even if it’s something small.
DIY Christmas Gifts for Coworkers
Christmas gifts for coworkers can either be homemade or store-bought. They can be big or small. Typically small gifts are more appropriate for coworkers unless it is someone very close to you such as a secretary, personal assistant, or virtual assistant.
When in doubt, I like to go with something that can be consumed. This is always my default when I’m not certain of what to gift… and there are loads of easy to make treats that make perfect DIY gifts to take to the office.
DIY gifts show that you put time, effort, and energy into the recipient, also.
Homemade gifts can be special baked goods, a cute gift in a jar, or something else. If you don’t have the time to make all of your coworkers gifts that’s ok too. There’s something extra special about DIY Christmas gifts, and bonus, they usually cost less than the store bought kind.
Here’s some gifts to consider making for your coworkers:
Mason Jar Cocktail Gift Sets
Cocktail kits are a wonderful idea for a Christmas gift and mason jar cocktail kits are so easy to make. You’ll have fun creating handmade cocktail kits and the lucky recipients will be thrilled with these fun and thoughtful handmade gifts. (Perfect to hand out at an office Christmas party!)
Chocolate M&M Popcorn DIY Gift Kit
You’re going to fall in love with this gourmet popcorn recipe. This popcorn DIY gift kit is perfect for parties, movie night or gift giving to your coworkers and neighbors.
Hot Cocoa Gift Jars
Make cute hot cocoa gift jars for you coworker gift this year! All they have to do is pour the contents of these cute jars in the slow cooker along with a half-gallon of milk for a perfect treat.
Living Succulent Christmas Tree Ornament
Learn how to make your own living succulent Christmas ornament for your colleagues this year.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar
This Homemade Vanilla Sugar combines the sweet, rich, warm flavor of vanilla beans with granulated sugar for the ultimate flavor enhancer! Add it to baked goods, flavor your tea, use it to rim cocktail glasses, and more!
Goat Milk and Honey Soap Recipe (Melt and Pour)
This goat milk and honey soap recipe uses a melt and pour soap base for a homemade soap that is easy to make. Heating the ingredients in the microwave is the key to making these soaps fast with very little mess.
Thrifty Tea Bag Christmas Tree Gift
If you’re looking for a cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift, you can’t go wrong with this tea bag Christmas tree! This is an affordable gift that is very unique and cute.
Lime Chocolates
Recipes like these lime chocolates are perfect to make for your coworkers. That way you can make one giant batch and then simply place some on a Christmas paper plate wrapped in cellophane with a gift tag for a personal touch.
Olive Oil Chocolates
These olive oil chocolates have a luscious center and a crunchy, dark chocolate shell. The flavor combination of extra virgin olive oil and dark chocolate is so unexpectedly delicious. These decadent olive oil truffles are a must try and make the perfect gift.
CHRISTMAS PUDDING CHOCOLATE BISCUITS
Christmas pudding chocolate biscuits are a perfect gift to give at Christmastime. They have a festive look and yummy flavor that your colleagues will love.
Easy Christmas Popcorn Recipe
This Christmas popcorn is fun and easy to make and a festive sweet treat. Make it just before you are planning on giving it out and place into clear cellophane baggies. To make it last even longer and look cuter, place it into jars and tie a Christmas ribbon around the top of the jar.
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
These chewy ginger molasses cookies are a traditional cookie that will remind everyone of their childhood. They make a perfect gift to give during the holidays.
HOMEMADE LAVENDER SCENTED EPSOM BATH SALTS
Calming lavender scented epsom bath salts make an easy, and beautiful gift for everyone on your holiday list.
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
Homemade Vanilla Extract only has 2 ingredients, is super easy to make and will save you lots of money if you use it often. You can also package it up really pretty and it makes a lovely gift for family, friends, teachers, coworkers and more!
DIY Beeswax Hand Salve
This DIY Beeswax Hand Salve recipe is a winter savior for dry or chapped hands. Made with all-natural ingredients, this simple hand balm moisturizes the skin with each use.
DIY Marbled Nail Polish Mugs
Easy DIY marbled nail polish mugs make the perfect homemade gift! A simple craft done in a few minutes that looks like it took hours of work!
Store-Bought Christmas Gifts for Coworkers
If you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to DIY your Christmas gifts that’s ok too! It’s easy to buy small gifts to give out if you don’t have too many coworkers. Try out these ideas!
- Coffee Mugs. These can be inexpensive and can be bought even at your local dollar store or big box store. To make them even nicer add a treat inside like a hot cocoa packet or candy.
- Desk Plant. If you work in some type of office, your coworkers might appreciate a small desk plant.
- Coffee or Tea. A holiday-flavored drink is perfect for cold weather holidays.
- Candle. Buy in bulk or go to a local dollar or big box store for holiday-scented candles.
- Reusable Water Bottle. Everyone is into staying hydrated these days.
- Snack basket. Fill a small basket with some snack-sized nuts, chips, and candy.
- Chocolates. Truffles or a chocolate bar make a great holiday gift.
- A journal. You can find lots of affordable blank journals with nice messages on the front.
- Fuzzy socks. You can give everyone their own pair of winter socks to stay warm and cozy.
- Spa gift basket. You can either buy a premade gift set or make your own with some soap, a bath bomb, and lotion.
- A gift card to their favorite coffee place. Let’s be honest, this is not your grandma. You don’t have to show that you thought about this gift for months, and free coffee is ALWAYS appreciated.
Any Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Coworkers Will Be Appreciated
When you want to extend the holiday cheer to the people at your work pick something from this list of gifts to make them feel special. Whether you take the time to hand-make each gift or buy something small and simple it doesn’t matter. What matters is you are spending your time and money to make someone’s day, and that is something special.