Cheap DIY Gifts For Coworkers [TOP IDEAS]

Note: This page contains affiliate links. 
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

Gift-giving is one of those timeless traditions that keeps our workplaces lively, connected, and human. Whether it’s a birthday, a work anniversary, a holiday, or just a small token of appreciation for a job well done, finding the right gift can go a long way in strengthening relationships with coworkers. But here’s the catch: you don’t have to break the bank to make a meaningful gesture. Cheap DIY gifts for coworkers can be just as thoughtful, personal, and impactful as their expensive counterparts.

DIY gifts show that you put in effort, creativity, and care-traits that are often more valuable than the price tag. Plus, they can be completely customized to match the personality and preferences of each recipient, making them feel special and appreciated in a unique way. Now, if you’re thinking that creating a DIY gift sounds like a time-consuming or difficult task, fear not! The key to pulling off a great DIY gift on a budget is planning, a bit of creativity, and knowing how to cater to your coworkers’ personalities and needs.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to choose the perfect DIY gift, offer tips on what to avoid when giving gifts in a professional setting, and share some of the best places to find materials for your handmade gifts. Ready to become the office gift-giving guru? Let’s dive in.

10 Cheap DIY Gifts For Coworkers

1. Personalized Mugs

Who doesn’t love a good coffee mug? Personalized mugs make for one of the best DIY gifts because they’re super easy to customize and inexpensive. Whether you add a funny quote, a name, or an inside joke, a unique mug is sure to make your coworker smile every time they grab their coffee. Plus, they’re practical! No one can have too many mugs at their desk, right? It’s the perfect little gift to show you care, without breaking the bank.

Best Buys:

2. Scented Candles

Scented candles are a great choice because they create a cozy atmosphere, and everyone loves a little relaxation after a hectic workday. You can find affordable candles in tons of scents-from lavender to vanilla to fresh linen-so there’s something to suit every taste. Plus, the act of gifting a soothing candle feels like you’re giving a little moment of calm amidst the stress of the office. You could even pair it with a small note for that extra touch of thoughtfulness.

Best Buys:

3. DIY Craft Kits

DIY craft kits are super fun because they let your coworkers unwind and get creative. Whether it’s making their own jewelry, painting mini canvases, or even creating their own soap or candles, these kits provide a hands-on experience and a relaxing break from the daily grind. You can find tons of inexpensive craft kits that are perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters. It’s a gift that’s both entertaining and useful-plus, the finished product could end up being a cool office decoration!

Best Buys:

4. Succulent Plants

A small succulent plant can brighten up any workspace, and they’re so easy to take care of-just a little water and sunlight, and they’re good to go! Giving a tiny plant like a succulent is a thoughtful way to bring some greenery to a coworker’s desk without the hassle of a high-maintenance plant. Plus, they add a little Zen to the office, helping to improve air quality and creating a calming atmosphere. It’s low-cost but high impact!

Best Buys:

5. Customized Notebooks

A personalized notebook can be both practical and sentimental. You can add your coworker’s name, a motivational quote, or even an inside joke to the cover, making it a really thoughtful gift. Plus, everyone uses notebooks! Whether for jotting down meeting notes, ideas for personal projects, or keeping a journal, it’s something that will definitely get used. And since they’re so affordable, you can make it special without splurging. This is a no-fail DIY gift for anyone who loves stationery.

Best Buys:

6. Desk Organizers

A desk organizer is a fantastic gift for coworkers who are always struggling to keep their workspace tidy. You can find affordable organizers that help with everything from pens and papers to charging cables and sticky notes. It’s an easy way to help your coworker stay organized while also giving their workspace a little upgrade. Plus, some organizers come in unique designs or with extra little compartments that add a bit of personality. This gift is both thoughtful and functional!

Best Buys:

7. Mini Desk Games

Mini desk games are perfect for breaking up the workday and adding a little fun to the office environment. Think tiny desktop basketball hoops, mini air hockey, or even stress-relief fidget games. These little gadgets can be a great way to bond with coworkers during break time or just to have a laugh when things get too stressful. Plus, they take up barely any space, so they’re easy to keep on your desk and whip out when you need a quick mental break.

Best Buys:

8. Personalized Keychains

A personalized keychain is a small but meaningful gift. You can have it engraved with initials, a fun saying, or a design that reflects your coworker’s personality or hobbies. It’s something they can carry with them every day, making it a constant reminder of your kindness. And the best part? Keychains are super affordable, so you can customize them without spending a lot. Plus, they’re so practical-everyone needs a keychain, right?

Best Buys:

9. DIY Cookie or Brownie Mix Jars

Who doesn’t love homemade treats? A DIY cookie or brownie mix jar is an excellent way to gift your coworkers something sweet and personal. You can layer the ingredients for cookies or brownies in a mason jar, add a cute label with instructions, and maybe even a little note. It’s a great way to make your gift feel homemade, and it’s pretty budget-friendly too. Plus, it’s a fun gift because your coworker gets to bake their own goodies (and who doesn’t love that?).

Best Buys:

10. Inspirational Desk Quotes/Prints

A little motivation goes a long way, especially in the middle of the workday grind. Gifting an inspirational desk print or quote is a great way to lift your coworker’s spirits and add a personal touch to their workspace. You can find so many beautiful designs that would look great on a desk or wall. Whether you go for something super motivational or just something quirky and fun, it’s a simple and thoughtful gift that will brighten their day.

Best Buys:

How To Choose Cheap DIY Gifts For Coworkers

Choosing the right DIY gift involves a balance of creativity, practicality, and, of course, consideration of the recipient’s tastes. Here’s how you can go about it:

Consider Their Interests And Hobbies

The best gifts always come from a deep understanding of the person you’re giving them to. If you know that a coworker is a coffee enthusiast, you could create a custom coffee blend with a personalized mug. For someone who loves plants, a hand-painted pot with a small succulent could be perfect.
- Hobby Ideas For Inspiration
  - Artsy coworkers: Handmade sketchbooks, DIY paint sets, or custom art prints.
  - Foodies: DIY spice mixes, flavored oils, or homemade jam.
  - Book lovers: A personalized bookmark, a small book of inspirational quotes, or a hand-knitted book cover.
Practicality Vs. Personalization

While personal gifts are fantastic, make sure they’re not too niche or impractical for the office environment. A personalized desk organizer or a quirky mousepad can be both useful and personal without being over-the-top. Balance is key. Keep in mind that coworkers might not always have space for large items, so smaller, desk-friendly gifts are ideal.
Budget Constraints

Just because you’re aiming for cheap doesn’t mean the gift should be cheap in thoughtfulness. Focus on finding items that can be reused, repurposed, or even consumed (like snacks). There’s a lot of value in things that serve a purpose. For instance, a homemade candle, while inexpensive, can add a personal touch to someone’s desk or home.
- Budget-friendly Ideas Include
  - Scented candles made from repurposed jars.
  - Handcrafted bookmarks or keychains.
  - Personalized stationery or hand-lettered notes.
Group Consideration

If you’re in a situation where you want to gift the same thing to several coworkers (like during a holiday season), consider making something that feels unique but isn’t time-prohibitive. Think DIY gift baskets with small personalized touches-everyone gets a little something special, but it’s easy for you to create on a budget.

Understanding Preferences And Needs

The key to a successful gift is understanding what the recipient will truly appreciate, and this requires some observation and thoughtfulness. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

Observe Their Workspace

Take a look around their desk. Are they always drinking coffee? Maybe a DIY coffee station or personalized mug is a great idea. Do they have photos or little knick-knacks on their desk? You could create something that complements their existing decor.
Casual Conversations

Listen closely to what they talk about. Are they constantly commenting on how stressed they feel? Maybe a DIY stress relief kit filled with handmade soaps, calming teas, or a small essential oil roller would brighten their day. Are they frequently commenting on their love of a certain color or pattern? A custom tote bag or desk accessories in their favorite shade could be a hit.
Workplace Culture

Always consider the tone and culture of your workplace. Some offices are more relaxed, and a humorous gift could be totally appropriate. Others may prefer something more professional. Be sure that whatever you choose fits the tone of the work environment. A silly joke gift might not work as well in a corporate setting, whereas a DIY succulent in a small, elegant pot could fit well anywhere.

Common Gift-Giving Mistakes To Avoid

Even with the best of intentions, gift-giving can sometimes go awry. Here are some common missteps to watch out for when giving DIY gifts in a workplace setting:

Overcomplicating Things

Sometimes the more complex the gift, the more room there is for something to go wrong. Keep things simple, especially if you don’t know the recipient well enough. A simple, well-thought-out gift often holds more meaning than something elaborate that might be overbearing or irrelevant.
Ignoring Workplace Boundaries

Office gift-giving should be respectful of professional boundaries. Avoid overly personal gifts, such as anything too intimate or suggestive. You don’t want to cross any lines, so always consider how your gift will be received within the context of your work relationships.
Forgetting To Consider Taste

It’s easy to get caught up in what you would enjoy and forget that your tastes may not match your coworker’s. Avoid gifting something that reflects your personal preferences-like a scented candle with an unusual fragrance or a quirky piece of decor that may not fit their style.
Imbalance Of Effort

If you’re giving DIY gifts, remember that some coworkers might feel uncomfortable receiving something that looks like it took a lot of time and effort. On the flip side, putting too little effort into a gift can make it seem like you didn’t care enough. Make sure your gift strikes the right balance between effort and appropriateness.

Where To Find The Best Gifts

When it comes to sourcing materials for your DIY gifts, there’s no shortage of options. Here’s where to look:

Craft Stores

Stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Joann Fabrics are perfect for finding affordable supplies for all types of DIY projects. They offer everything from fabric to paint to candles, all at a range of price points. Many of them even offer coupons to make your shopping even cheaper.
Online Marketplaces

Etsy isn’t just for buying finished products-it’s also a great place to find unique materials. Many independent sellers offer raw materials for crafting, such as yarn, beads, and custom fabric, often at reasonable prices. Amazon also has a great selection of DIY kits and supplies.
Dollar Stores

Don’t underestimate the power of the dollar store! Many inexpensive office supplies, craft items, and even holiday-themed materials can be found here. It’s an excellent place for things like mini notebooks, pens, jars, and decorative items that are perfect for DIY gifts.
Home And Garden Stores

If you’re thinking of a more nature-inspired DIY gift, home and garden stores are a great place to find small planters, herbs, and crafting materials for nature-themed gifts like a DIY terrarium or hand-painted plant pots.

Cheap DIY Gifts For Coworkers [TOP IDEAS]