1. Personalized Coffee Mug

Nothing beats a customized mug for the office coffee enthusiast.

What You’ll Need:

• A plain white ceramic mug
• Oil-based paint markers or sharpies

Steps:

1. Clean the mug thoroughly.
2. Use markers to draw fun designs, write their name, or add an inside joke.
3. Bake the mug at 350°F for 30 minutes to set the design.
4. Fill it with treats like coffee sachets or mini marshmallows for an extra touch.

 

2. Desk Plant in a Decorated Pot

A little greenery can brighten anyone’s workspace.

What You’ll Need:

• Small succulents or cacti
• Mini terracotta pots
• Acrylic paints and brushes

Steps:

1. Paint the pots with cheerful holiday designs or motivational quotes.
2. Let the paint dry and plant the succulent.
3. Add a tiny “Care Instructions” card if needed.

 

3. Homemade Scented Candles

Candles are universally loved, especially during the cozy winter months.

What You’ll Need:

• Soy wax flakes
• Candle wicks
• Small glass jars (like mason jars)
• Essential oils (e.g., cinnamon, vanilla, or pine)

Steps:

1. Melt the wax flakes in a double boiler.
2. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the melted wax.
3. Attach the wick to the bottom of the jar and pour in the wax.
4. Let it set, then decorate the jar with ribbons or labels.

 

4. Cookie Mix in a Jar

A sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is to give.

What You’ll Need:

• A mason jar
• Dry cookie ingredients (flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.)
• Ribbon and a tag with baking instructions

Steps:

1. Layer the dry ingredients in the jar for a visually appealing effect.
2. Seal the jar, tie a festive ribbon around the lid, and attach the recipe.
3. Add a personal message for a warm holiday touch.

 

5. Holiday Survival Kit

Help your coworkers get through the hectic holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• A small basket or box
• Items like lip balm, hand cream, tea bags, snacks, and stress-relief goodies
• A mini handwritten note

Steps:

1. Arrange the items neatly in the basket.
2. Add a decorative ribbon and a holiday-themed tag saying something like “You’ve Got This!”

 

6. Customized Notebooks or Planners

Great for coworkers who love organization or jotting down ideas.

What You’ll Need:

• Plain notebooks or planners
• Washi tape, stickers, or stencils
• Metallic markers

Steps:

1. Decorate the cover with patterns, initials, or uplifting phrases.
2. Add a pack of colorful pens or sticky notes for bonus points.

 

7. DIY Hot Cocoa Kits

Warm your coworkers’ hearts (and hands) with a delicious treat.

What You’ll Need:

• Small mason jars or clear bags
• Hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes
• Holiday ribbon

Steps:

1. Layer the cocoa mix, marshmallows, and candy canes in the jar or bag.
2. Seal and tie with a festive ribbon.
3. Attach a tag with instructions like “Just add hot milk and enjoy!”

 

8. Handmade Ornaments

Perfect for adding a touch of you to their holiday decor.

What You’ll Need:

• Clear plastic or glass ornaments
• Glitter, paint, or miniature decorations

Steps:

1. Remove the ornament cap and fill it with glitter or small decorations.
2. Use paint pens to personalize with their name or a holiday greeting.
3. Replace the cap and add a ribbon for hanging.

 

9. DIY Aromatherapy Spray

A quick spritz of refreshing scent can be a perfect pick-me-up during the workday.

What You’ll Need:

• Small spray bottles
• Distilled water, witch hazel, and essential oils (like lavender, peppermint, or citrus)

Steps:

1. Fill the bottle with 2 parts distilled water and 1 part witch hazel.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil to create your desired scent.
3. Shake well and label the bottle with a festive or calming name, like “Winter Breeze” or “Holiday Calm.”

 

10. Miniature Zen Garden

For the coworker who could use a little relaxation at their desk.

What You’ll Need:

• A small shallow dish or box
• Sand, pebbles, and miniature figurines (like a tiny rake or rocks)

Steps:

1. Fill the dish with sand and arrange the pebbles or figurines.
2. Include a small stick or mini rake to let them create designs in the sand.
3. Package it with a card that says, “For a moment of peace during your day.”

 

11. DIY Lip Balm

Keep their lips moisturized in the chilly winter months.

What You’ll Need:

• Beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter
• Small tins or lip balm tubes
• Essential oils for flavor (e.g., peppermint or vanilla)

Steps:

1. Melt equal parts beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil for flavor.
3. Pour the mixture into tins or tubes and let it cool and set.
4. Decorate the containers with festive stickers or labels.

 

12. Customized Keychains

A small yet practical gift that can be personalized for everyone.

What You’ll Need:

• Blank keychain bases (available at craft stores)
• Resin, beads, or charm

Steps:

1. Decorate the keychain base with resin or attach beads/charms for a unique design.
2. You can create monograms or fun shapes like stars and snowflakes.
3. Tie the finished keychain to a holiday tag for gifting.

 

13. Seasonal Spice Blends

Perfect for coworkers who enjoy cooking or baking.

What You’ll Need:

• Small jars or tins
• Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or paprika

Steps:

1. Mix spices to create a holiday blend like “Winter Spice” (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) or “Savory Holiday” (paprika, garlic powder, and thyme).
2. Fill jars with the blend and label them with cooking suggestions, like “Great for cookies or mulled wine!”
3. Decorate the jars with ribbons or festive stickers.

 

14. DIY Photo Holder

Help them display their favorite memories at their desk.

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden blocks or small corks
• Wire or paperclips
• Paint, markers, or glitter

Steps:

1. Paint or decorate the wooden blocks or corks.
2. Twist wire into a loop at one end (or use paperclips) to hold a photo or note.
3. Attach the wire to the block or cork, and include a photo or fun message.

 

15. Decorated Holiday Treat Bags

Quick, easy, and delicious!

What You’ll Need:

• Small festive bags or boxes
• Homemade or store-bought treats (cookies, chocolates, candy canes)
• Stickers, tags, or ribbons for decoration

Steps:

1. Fill the bags with an assortment of treats.
2. Decorate the bags with stickers or tie them with holiday-themed ribbons.
3. Add a personalized tag that says, “Sweet Holidays to You!”

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