Sending gifts in offices during the holiday season is one of the most exciting traditions. Homemade gifts in Secret Santa are special. They show creativity and personal effort, and they’re also budget-friendly.
If you are taking part in an office Secret Santa and look to make an impact, DIY gifts can be an excellent option. They can be made cheaply and can also be used in an official setup if well-created. Some suitable DIY Secret Santa gift options that can be implemented in an official scenario have been listed below.
Why Choose DIY Gifts for Office Secret Santa?
There are numerous benefits of ‘Do it yourself’ or ‘DIY’ gifts in an
- They are more personal but not prying
- They are budget-friendly
- They promote creativity while maintaining professionalism
- They are appropriate for people you work with whom you don’t really know.
A handmade gift, when done well, expresses labour of love and therefore remains unforgettable for the recipient.
DIY Secret Santa Gift Ideas – The Personal Touch
1. Personalised Coffee Mugs
Office-going individuals would swear by coffee or tea. What you have to do is buy plain ceramic cups. Then you could use oil-based markers or paint pens to decorate the cups. Design it with quotes or doodles. The idea is also to paint the person’s initials. Bake the cups in the oven, and you have your own personalised item.
2. Desk Plant in a Hand-made Pot
Adding plants will uplift the entire workspace. Find a hard-to-kill plant such as a succulent or a cactus. Plant it in a pot that you’ve personally designed. You could paint the terracotta pot or string it with jute rope. It is a meaningful gift representing both growth and positive energy.
Also Read: Give Your Homemade Spirits a Professional Touch with Essences and Quality Bottles
3. Homemade Candles
Candle-making is something everyone can enjoy. It involves melting soy wax, adding scents, and filling containers. One can decorate the containers with ribbons or labels. A lavender or vanilla-scented candle can relax your colleague after a long day at the office.
4. DIY Snack Jars
Arrange ingredients in a jar for hot chocolate, cookies, or trail mix. Tie a ribbon with a recipe card to the top of the jar. It is a great present idea as it fulfils the craving for something sweet in the office.
5. Personalised Station
Create custom notebooks, bookmarks, or sticky pads in interesting designs. One can either print templates or create small sketches for this purpose. Having customised accessories in an office always proves to be beneficial, and this gives an extra twist to them.
6. Handmade Coasters
You can make coasters using cork, wood slices, or ceramic tiles and use them as decorative accessories. Make them colourful using paints or decoupage them using decorated papers. These can be useful as desk accessories.
7. DIY Stress Relief Kits
If you think your workplace is stressful, you might consider gifting a relaxation kit. This involves filling a small gift box with items such as herbal tea bags, a stress ball, essential oils, or a journal. All you need is to pack these items in a nice manner, and you’re ready.
8. Photo Collage or Memory Frame
And remember to share office fun times with your colleague. You should print out pictures and display them in a handmade frame. This is a thoughtful gift that celebrates friendship at work.
9. Homemade Soap
Making soaps using natural ingredients like shea butter, coconuts, and essential oils is quite easy. Package the soaps in holiday paper or in an attractive box. This is an indulgence within everyone’s budget.
10. DIY Keychains
By using beads, leather, or resin, you could create unique keychain designs. Add their initials or characters that represent their interests to personalise it. This gift is portable and functional as well.
Tips to Select the Appropriate DIY Gift
- Know your audience: Consider their interests, office behaviours, or favourite foods.
- Avoid overly personal or romantic gifts: Such things are not suitable for a professional atmosphere.
- Be budget-conscious: Keep within the predetermined budget for the Secret Santa.
- It’s all about presentation: Either wrap your gift nicely or put a tag on it. It’s all about making the entire experience special.
Also Read: 5 Simple Steps to Stay Healthy and Fit This Christmas Season
Final Thoughts
DIY Secret Santa gifts are exactly what the office needs to make the holiday season a little bit brighter and a little bit more exciting. They represent the fact that you cared enough to think about the person and make something special just for them. DIY Secret Santa gifts can be anything, and they will make a huge impact, so they are a great option to spread holiday cheer within the office. The true essence of Secret Santa is, therefore, the act of giving, and not the value associated with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if I’m not that crafty?
You don’t necessarily need advanced skills to create homemade gifts. Some simple gifts that can be made with minimal effort but still look like you’ve tried hard include snack jars, decorated mugs, and stationery.
Q2: How Much Should I Spend On A Secret Santa Gift?
Typically, there will be some budget agreed upon by the office, which may range from £20 to £50. DIY gifts will cost less; however, the efforts you make to create them will give them significant value.
Q3: Are DIY gifts appropriate for all coworkers?
Yeah, if they’re professional and mindful of others. No personal belongings and more items that can be enjoyed in an office setup.
Q4: What can I do to make my homemade gift more professional?
Packaging is important. Add some ribbons or labels, or use some festive wrapping paper. No matter how humble the gift may be, it will look great if it is packaged well.
Q5: What is the best last-minute DIY gift project?
Snack jars or customised mugs are quick to make and don’t require special materials. They’re perfect if you’re short on time.
Q6: Are DIY gifts eco-friendly?
Absolutely. Reuse jars made of recycled materials, or pack in biodegradable materials. It shows people you care about the earth as well.
