Top 10 Easy-to-make Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Search for easy do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers? These handmade ideas strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and appropriate, allowing you to show appreciation without overspending. Whether you’re crafting for Secret Santa, a team gift exchange, or just spreading seasonal cheer, these DIY options are sure to make your coworkers smile.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Jars

Hot chocolate mix jars are classic homemade Christmas gifts for coworkers because they balance warmth, taste, and presentation. They’re inexpensive, easy to assemble in batches, and suit office relationships perfectly—festive without feeling too personal. If you're looking for coworker gifts under $10 for Secret Santa or white elephant, this is a winner.

It’s perfect even if you don’t know your coworker's dietary habits in detail. Based on market trends, food-based Christmas DIY gifts for coworkers consistently top lists on Pinterest —so you know it's well-loved.

Hot Chocolate Mix Jars as Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Mason jars (8–12 oz)

• Hot cocoa mix

• Mini marshmallows

• Chocolate chips or crushed peppermint

• Ribbon, tags, and stickers for decoration

How to make it:

1. Layer hot cocoa mix at the bottom of the jar.
2. Add marshmallows, then chocolate chips or candy cane bits.
3. Seal the jar, tie with ribbon, and add a label with instructions like: “Add to 1 cup hot milk. Stir & enjoy!”

Homemade Festive Popcorn Bags

These popcorn bags are ideal DIY Xmas gifts for coworkers if you work in a large office or need to make small gifts for team members in bulk. Edible gifts are always a safe bet, and popcorn is both inexpensive and universally enjoyed. Add a holiday twist—like white chocolate drizzle or crushed peppermint—and it becomes a festive, shareable snack.

I first made this during a last-minute office potluck, and it became my go-to. Everyone loved the sweet-salty combo, and the holiday-themed packaging took it to another level. Plus, it’s scalable—you can make 10 or 50 in an evening. It’s one of the best options when you want to be thoughtful but don’t have time for complex crafting.

Festive Popcorn Bags as Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Popcorn kernels

• White chocolate

• Crushed candy canes

• Cellophane bags or paper bags

How to make it:

1. Pop the corn and let it cool.
2. Melt chocolate and drizzle over popcorn.
3. Toss with crushed candy canes.
4. Let set, then portion into bags and label.

Hand-Painted Ornaments

This is one of most popular do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers because it blends creativity with sentiment without becoming too personal. It's perfect for semi-close coworkers—maybe your pod buddy or team lead—since you can incorporate lighthearted office jokes, initials, or holiday icons.

One year, I painted a set of wooden ornaments featuring everyone's initials and simple snowflakes. The reaction was so warm! People hung them on their desks before taking them home. I prefer wooden or ceramic blanks because they hold paint better than glass. I also love that this gift can be scaled to match your artistic ability—even abstract designs look charming when sealed with varnish.

Hand-Painted Ornaments as Christmas DIY Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Blank wooden or ceramic ornaments

• Acrylic paint or oil-based markers

• Ribbon or string

• Optional: clear sealant spray

How to make it:

1. Sketch or paint your design onto the ornament.
2. Let dry fully (apply sealant if desired).
3. Loop ribbon through and tie.
4. Package in a small box or wrap in tissue pape

Desk Succulent Planters

If you want some do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers that feel fresh, calming, and long-lasting, mini succulent planters are the way to go. They’re visually appealing, add a touch of nature to often-sterile office desks, and require little care—making them perfect for coworkers of all personality types.

I first gifted DIY succulent planters after seeing how popular they were on Instagram and in coworking spaces. Personally, I like the flexibility—you can use quirky mugs, vintage teacups, or clean glass jars depending on your coworker’s style. Compared to other DIY Xmas gifts for coworkers, this one hits all the right notes: sustainable, stylish, and personal without being overly sentimental.

Desk Succulent Planters as Homemade Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Small jars, mugs, or teacups

• Potting soil

• Succulent cuttings (often under $2 per plant)

• Decorative rocks or moss

• Acrylic paint (optional for decorating pots)

How to make it:

1. Fill your container with soil and plant the succulent.
2. Top with rocks or moss.
3. Paint or decorate the container, and add a small tag like “You Grow Girl!”

Homemade Scented Candles

Candles are always among the top-ranking gifts for coworkers, because they offer relaxation and atmosphere without needing to know the recipient intimately. These do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers are especially great if you want to make something useful, elegant, and suited for both men and women in your office.

The first time I made homemade candles, I was surprised how simple and customizable the process was. The scent customization really makes these feel more personal than a store-bought candle. According to recent DIY trends, candle-making kits are among the best-selling crafting items in winter. Bonus: You can make multiple candles from one kit—great for group gifting.

Homemade Scented Candles as Christmas DIY Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Soy wax flakes

• Candle wicks

• Essential oils

• Glass jars or tins

• Wooden sticks or pencils to hold wicks

How to make it:

1. Melt wax in a double boiler.
2. Add essential oils once melted.
3. Pour into jars with the wick held in place.
4. Let cool and solidify (about 24 hours).
5. Trim wick and label with the scent name.

Personalized Office Survival Kits

This is one of the more humorous and practical DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers. It works well for high-stress offices or close-knit teams where jokes and shared deadlines are part of the culture. You can tailor each kit with essentials like chocolate, Advil, tea, and sticky notes—nothing too intimate, but all items that will eventually be used.

I gave this to a group of copywriters during our end-of-year crunch, and it was a total hit. Each person opened their kit, laughed, and immediately started using something from it. What I love most is how customizable it is—you can scale it up or down based on budget. Compared to other DIY gifts, this one balances humor and usefulness perfectly.

Office Survival Kits as Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Small boxes or zip pouches

• Mini chocolate bars

• Bandaids, Advil packets, hand sanitizer

• Tea bags, mints

• Sticky notes or mini stress toys

How to make it:

1. Arrange items in the box.
2. Include a funny card like “For Emergency Use Only.”
3. Decorate with office-themed stickers or mini ribbons.

DIY Cookie Mix in a Jar

Cookie mix jars are nostalgic and practical DIY Xmas gifts for coworkers. They're especially suited for coworkers who enjoy baking or have families. The ingredients are shelf-stable, so there's no pressure to bake immediately, and the layering looks beautiful in a clear jar. This is a great low-cost gift that still feels premium thanks to its presentation.

My favorite recipe includes oats, chocolate chips, and brown sugar—it smells like Christmas even before you bake it. Compared to pre-baked cookies, this version travels better and has a longer shelf life. Bonus: you can print personalized instructions for an extra thoughtful touch.

DIY Cookie Mix Jars as Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Mason jars

• Flour, sugar, baking soda, chocolate chips, oats, etc.

• Tag with baking instructions

How to make it:

1. Layer dry ingredients by color/texture.
2. Seal tightly and decorate.
3. Add tag: “Add 1 egg, ½ cup butter, mix & bake at 350°F for 10–12 min.”

Homemade Sugar Scrub

This is a small self-care gift that’s universally appreciated and one of the most practical homemade Christmas gifts for coworkers. It’s non-intrusive, affordable, and suits a wide variety of personalities—from the always-polished project manager to the overworked admin. With the right essential oils, it adds a bit of luxury to a simple gesture.

I stumbled upon this idea while looking for quick DIY spa gifts, and now I always keep a batch at home. It takes minutes to make, smells amazing, and looks impressive when presented in a cute jar. I once used brown sugar, coconut oil, and orange essential oil—coworkers commented on how it made their skin feel like silk. It’s also been featured on Buzzfeed’s “Best DIY Office Gifts” list, proving it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs as Do It Yourself Christmas Gifts for Coworkers 

Materials Needed:

• Brown or white sugar

• Coconut oil or olive oil

• Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, citrus)

• Small jars or tins

How to Make It:

1. Mix 1 cup sugar with ½ cup oil in a bowl.
2. Add 10–15 drops of essential oil.
3. Spoon into jars and seal.
4. Decorate with ribbon and a label like “Peppermint Glow Scrub.”

DIY Sharpie Mugs

Coffee and tea mugs are a staple in any workplace, which makes this one of the most functional do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers. By customizing a mug, you add just enough personality—inside jokes, quotes, names—without overstepping personal boundaries. It’s especially great for coworkers who love their morning ritual or always have a drink at their desk.

I made these mugs during the pandemic when we returned to hybrid work—it was my way of bringing a little joy back to everyone’s desk setup. Using oil-based Sharpies, I drew small puns and doodles like “You’re Brew-tiful” and “Deadline Fuel.” It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly durable if baked properly. I also appreciate that mugs are gender-neutral and suit all ages.

DIY Sharpie Mugs as DIY Christmas Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Plain white ceramic mugs

• Oil-based Sharpie markers

• Oven for baking

How to make it:

1. Clean mug surface with rubbing alcohol.
2. Draw your design and let it dry completely.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Cool in the oven before handling. Hand-wash recommended.

DIY Mini Recipe Books

This is one of the more personalized DIY Christmas gifts for coworkers who enjoy cooking or baking. It feels intimate in a nostalgic way—not invasive, but special—especially if you include family recipes or global holiday dishes. It's also a thoughtful way to share culture or traditions in a diverse workplace.

I made mini recipe zines last year featuring five holiday cookie recipes from around the world, and they sparked so many fun conversations in the break room. It was also a creative outlet for me—I used Canva to design it and had it printed on recycled paper. Compared to basic recipe cards, the booklet felt more intentional and was easier to present nicely.

Mini Recipe Books as Christmas DIY Gifts for Coworkers

Materials needed:

• Recipe cards or printable template

• Decorative paper or cardstock

• Ribbon, string, or stapler

• Optional: cover art or holiday stickers

How to make it:

1. Select 3–5 favorite recipes and format them into mini booklets.
2. Print and assemble using staples or string.
3. Decorate the cover with a title like “Holiday Favorites.”
4. Wrap or pair with a festive wooden spoon for flair.

Giving do it yourself Christmas gifts for coworkers is a chance to show thought, creativity, and appreciation in a personal but professional way. So skip the impersonal gift cards this year and craft something memorable instead. Happy DIY gifting—and happy holidays!