Christmas Gift Ideas For Work

Hey there, office elves and cubicle commanders! The holidays are creeping closer, and with them comes the annual challenge: finding the 12 Days Of Christmas Gift Ideas For Work?

Fear not, for , your friendly neighborhood gift guru, am here to sprinkle some festive cheer on your gifting woes!

Over 80% of respondents expressed a desire for the company to organize festive activities during the holiday season. Inspired by the classic “12 Days of Christmas,” this guide offers a whopping 50 gift ideas spread over 12 “days” – that’s more than enough to delight your colleagues, from the resident coffee connoisseur to the tech wiz.

12 Days Of Christmas Gift Ideas For Work

I’ve been giving gifts at work for a long time. Over the years, I’ve learned what makes a really good present that people love, and what kind of gift might not be so great. By trying different things (and getting it right more often than not!), I’ve become an expert at choosing nice, affordable gifts that make people truly happy. 

Through practice and paying attention to what works, I’ve mastered picking out thoughtful little surprises that spread cheer without breaking the bank. I love making my coworkers’ days with gifts that show I put in some effort to find something special just for them.

So, grab your metaphorical Santa hat and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree (The Gift of Comfort)

• Cozy Throw Blanket: Instead of a plain throw, consider one with a fun twist! Opt for a blanket with a built-in hood for extra coziness, a weighted throw for a sense of calm, or a one with a pocket for keeping hands warm while reading or watching TV.

Microfiber offers a soft and lightweight feel, while Sherpa fleece is luxuriously warm. Cashmere throws are the ultimate in luxury, but be mindful of budget constraints Many online stores allow you to personalize throws with embroidery, adding initials, a nickname, or a favorite quote.

• Comfy Slippers: For the minimalist, choose sleek and stylish moccasin slippers. For the playful personality, opt for slippers with fun animal prints or wacky designs. Memory foam slippers provide superior comfort, while sheepskin slippers offer ultimate warmth.

Open-back slippers are ideal for warmer weather, while closed-back styles offer more warmth for winter. Look for slippers with anti-skid soles to prevent any wintertime tumbles. Elevate the slipper experience by including a pair of hydrating foot masks or a foot scrub for a complete pampering session.

• Relaxation Bath Bombs: Scent Exploration: Go beyond the basic lavender and chamomile. Offer a variety of bath bomb scents like invigorating citrus, calming eucalyptus, or a luxurious blend of essential oils.

Choose bath bombs that fizz and explode with vibrant colors or shimmery effects. Some bombs even contain bath toys or confetti for a fun surprise! Pair the bath bombs with a bath caddy that holds their book, a glass of wine, and a candle for a truly relaxing experience.

Day 2: Two Turtle Doves (The Gift of Sweet Treats)

• Gourmet Hot Chocolate Set: Go beyond traditional flavors and include options like Mexican hot chocolate with a kick of cayenne pepper, peppermint hot chocolate for a festive touch, or even white hot chocolate with flavored marshmallows like salted caramel or raspberry. 

Don’t Forget the Extras! Instead of basic marshmallows, include gourmet options flavored with vanilla bean, cinnamon swirl, or even little chocolate chips. For an extra dose of luxury, add chocolate spoons dipped in edible glitter or sprinkles for a whimsical touch..

• Homemade Cookies: Think outside the box! Experiment with unique flavor combinations like chocolate chip cookies with a hint of espresso or oatmeal raisin cookies with toasted pecans and white chocolate chips. For the health-conscious colleague, try making gluten-free or vegan cookie alternatives. 

Presentation Matters: Don’t just throw them in a plastic bag. Line a festive tin with wax paper and arrange the cookies in neat rows for a delightful presentation. You can even tie a festive ribbon around the tin for an extra touch.

• Locally-Made Chocolates: Seek out a local chocolatier known for unique and creative flavors. Perhaps they offer chocolates infused with local ingredients like honey from a nearby farm or seasonal fruits. Many local shops also offer beautifully crafted chocolate boxes with intricate designs, making them a truly special gift. 

Go the Extra Mile: Pair the chocolates with a small bottle of locally-produced wine to create a gourmet pairing experience.

Day 3: Three French Hens (The Gift of French Delights)

• Gourmet Coffee Selection:Take your coffee selection to the next level. Include single-origin beans from exotic locations like Ethiopia or Rwanda, flavored coffee beans like hazelnut or caramel, and even dark roasts with smoky or chocolatey notes. For the adventurous colleague, include a bag of decaf coffee beans flavored with unique ingredients like lavender or rose.

• French Tea Sampler:Choose loose-leaf teas packaged in beautiful tins with French labels or descriptions. Include a variety of black teas like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint, and green teas for a range of tastes and preferences. For a truly French experience, add a small Parisian-style teapot to the gift basket.

• French Bakery Box: Don’t limit yourself to just croissants! Branch out and include a selection of pastries like pain au chocolat, a flaky pastry filled with chocolate; financiers, small almond cakes with a caramelized crust; and cannelés, small custard pastries with a caramelized exterior. 

Presentation is Key: Most French bakeries offer beautifully decorated boxes that add to the gift’s appeal. However, if you’re making your own selection, consider arranging the pastries on a decorative plate lined with parchment paper for a more personal touch.

Day 4: Four Calling Birds (The Gift of Entertainment)

• Board Game for the Office: Consider the office dynamic when choosing a game. For a collaborative group, opt for a cooperative game like Pandemic or Forbidden Island. For a more strategic crowd, choose a strategy game like Ticket to Ride or Carcassonne. Party games like Telestrations or Jackbox Party Pack (playable on a gaming console) are great for fostering laughter and team building.

• Streaming Service Gift Card: Pair the gift card with a personalized recommendation list based on your colleague’s interests. Do they love true crime documentaries? Suggest a subscription to a service with a strong documentary selection. Are they a Marvel fanatic? Recommend a service that offers a wide range of superhero movies and shows.

• Movie Night Basket:Instead of just popcorn and candy, curate a selection of gourmet snacks like artisan popcorn flavors, gourmet chocolates, or infused nuts. Include a cozy throw blanket and a pair of fuzzy socks to create an ultimate comfort zone for movie marathons. For a tech-savvy colleague, consider adding a small projector and a portable screen for an outdoor movie night experience.

Day 5: Five Gold Rings (The Gift of Organization)

• Chic Desk Organizer: Choose an organizer that complements their desk aesthetic. For a minimalist workspace, opt for a sleek bamboo organizer. For a more colorful environment, select a brightly colored or patterned organizer. Some organizers even come with built-in charging stations for wireless devices.

• Personalized Planner: A beautiful planner with their name embossed on the cover shows you put extra thought into the gift. Choose one with monthly and weekly spreads, to-do lists, and habit trackers to keep them on top of their game.

• Travel Mug with a Cool Design: Choose a travel mug from a company that supports a cause they care about. This combines practicality with a feel-good factor. Look for mugs with interesting features like temperature control or leak-proof lids.

Day 6: Six Geese-a-Laying (The Gift of Relaxation)

• Eye Mask for Travel: Consider an eye mask with built-in earplugs for complete noise cancellation, especially useful for long flights or noisy environments. Look for masks with a cooling gel insert for added relaxation.

• Essential Oil Diffuser:Choose a diffuser with different mist settings and customizable lighting options for ambiance. Include a variety of essential oils with calming properties like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood. Some diffusers even come with pre-programmed settings for sleep, focus, or relaxation.

• Stress Ball Set: Opt for stress balls that double as hand strengtheners, helping to relieve tension and improve dexterity. Choose stress balls in different shapes and textures to cater to different preferences. For a humorous touch, select stress balls with funny faces or sayings.

People Also Read : 150 Merry Christmas Captions For Business On Social Media (Instagram, LinkedIn)

Day 7: Seven Swans-a-Swimming (The Gift of Self-Care)

• Bath and Body Pampering Set: Look for sets that include bath bombs, bath salts, and luxurious bath oils for a truly decadent experience. Choose natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils for a touch of aromatherapy. Adding a fluffy bathrobe or a pair of plush slippers further enhances the pampering effect.

• Subscription Box for Pampering: Go beyond generic options. Explore subscription boxes for men’s grooming products, organic beauty products for sensitive skin, or even vegan bath and body products. Consider their hobbies or interests – a subscription box for athletes might include muscle rubs and recovery aids, while one for artists could offer bath products with unique scents and colors to inspire creativity.

• Facial Steamer and Essential Oils: Choose a steamer with adjustable settings and a built-in aromatherapy diffuser. Include a variety of essential oils with specific benefits – lavender for relaxation, rosemary for mental clarity, or tea tree oil for a refreshing cleanse. Add a set of facial masks for different skin concerns to complete the spa-like experience.

Day 8: Eight Maids-a-Milking (The Gift of Productivity)

• Wireless Charging Pad: Opt for a wireless charging pad with multiple charging coils, allowing them to charge their phone and other devices like earbuds simultaneously. Choose a pad with a built-in nightlight for added convenience.

• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Consider headphones with comfortable ear cups for extended wear and active noise cancellation technology that adapts to different environments. Some headphones even offer transparency mode, allowing them to hear important sounds when needed.

• Desktop Organizer with Built-In Charger: Choose an organizer with compartments for pens, sticky notes, paperclips, and a built-in charging station for multiple devices. Look for organizers with a sleek and stylish design that complements their workspace aesthetic.

Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing (The Gift of Personalization)

• Monogrammed Water Bottle: Double Up on Functionality: Many companies offer water bottles with integrated fruit infusers, allowing them to add a refreshing twist to their water. Choose a durable and insulated bottle to keep their drinks cold or hot for extended periods.
• Coffee Mug with a Fun Saying (Inside Joke Edition): If you share an inside joke with your colleague, consider incorporating it into the mug’s design. This adds a personal touch that goes beyond just a funny saying.
• Customizable Tech Case:Some online stores allow for complete design customization. They can upload photos, artwork, or even their initials to create a truly unique phone case or laptop sleeve.

Day 10: Ten Lords-a-Leaping (The Gift of Fitness)

• Fitness Tracker: Choose a fitness tracker that doubles as a stylish bracelet, allowing them to track their activity seamlessly throughout the day. Look for trackers with features like sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and built-in GPS for outdoor workouts.
• Resistance Band Set: Opt for a set with different resistance levels, allowing them to customize their workouts and target different muscle groups. Consider including a door anchor for additional exercise options and a workout guide for inspiration.

• Yoga Mat and Yoga Socks: Choose a yoga mat with a comfortable thickness and a non-slip surface for optimal grip during poses. Look for yoga socks with built-in grips to prevent them from slipping during downward-facing dog or other balancing poses. Consider adding a yoga block or strap for added support and flexibility.

Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping (The Gift of Music)

• Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Let them take their music anywhere with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Choose one with a waterproof design for ultimate versatility.
• Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: For the audiophile, noise-cancelling earbuds offer superior sound quality and an immersive listening experience.
• Subscription to a Music Streaming Service: Gift them access to a vast library of music with a subscription to a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.

Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming (The Gift of Learning)

• Online Learning Course: Fuel their intellectual curiosity with a gift certificate for an online learning course related to their interests or career goals.
• Book on a Relevant Topic: Choose a book on a topic related to their work or a hobby they’re passionate about. This could be a business management guide, a self-improvement book, or a historical biography.
• Subscription to a Professional Magazine: Help them stay informed about their field with a subscription to a professional magazine or industry publication.

Beyond the 12 Days: Bonus Gift Ideas

1. Donation to Charity in Their Name:

Give back to a cause they care about. Research charities they’ve mentioned supporting or choose one aligned with their interests. A donation in their name provides a lasting impact and demonstrates your thoughtfulness.

Consider including a card explaining the donation and the charity you chose. This personalized touch adds another layer of meaning to the gift.

2. Experiences Over Things:

Shift from material possessions to experiences they can truly cherish. Opt for tickets to a local concert, sporting event, or play. For the foodie, consider a cooking class or a gourmet food tour. This creates lasting memories and fosters shared experiences.

Don’t limit yourself to traditional outings. Explore escape room experiences, brewery tours, or even tickets to a comedy show. Cater the choice to your colleague’s personality and interests.

3. Homemade Goodies with a Twist:

Show off your culinary skills with a homemade treat. From classic cookies to gourmet granola bars, personalize the recipe to their taste buds. Consider their dietary restrictions and choose healthy alternatives if needed.

Don’t just hand them a Ziploc bag. Package your baked goods in a beautifully decorated tin or wrap them in festive cellophane. Add a handwritten note with a holiday message for an extra touch.

4. Gift Basket for the Foodie:

Curate a basket overflowing with gourmet treats. Include artisan chocolates, specialty cheeses, gourmet coffee or tea, and gourmet crackers or breadsticks. For a local touch, incorporate products from nearby shops or farmers markets.

If they have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, tailor the basket accordingly. Offer gluten-free or vegan snacks, or create a spicy basket for those who love a kick.

5. Themed Office Supplies:

Give their workspace a festive makeover with themed office supplies. Find staplers adorned with snowmen, paperclip holders shaped like reindeer, or notepads with whimsical holiday designs. This adds a touch of cheer to their daily routine.

Don’t sacrifice functionality for fun. Ensure the themed supplies are still high-quality and practical for everyday use.

6. Cozy Accessories for Winter:

Help them combat the winter chill with a cozy scarf, a pair of warm gloves, or a luxurious hat. Choose soft and comfortable materials like cashmere or wool. Muted colors or festive patterns can personalize the choice.

Opt for accessories that complement their fashion sense. For a minimalist, choose a classic scarf in solid colors. For a bolder personality, select a statement piece with vibrant colors or intricate patterns.

7. Desk Plant with Positive Vibes:

A desk plant adds a touch of nature and life to their workspace. Choose low-maintenance varieties like succulents or snake plants. These require minimal watering and thrive in office environments.

According to Feng Shui principles, certain plants attract positive energy. Consider a lucky bamboo plant for prosperity or a peace lily to promote tranquility. Add a small card explaining the plant’s symbolism for an extra layer of thoughtfulness.

The Final Words

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a gift that shows you care. Consider your colleagues’ personalities, interests, and work lives when making your selection. Even a small gesture can make a big difference in spreading holiday cheer in the workplace.

Happy gifting!

FAQs About 12 Days Of Christmas Gift Ideas For Work

1. How much should I spend on a work gift?

Generally, a $10-$25 budget is safe territory for work colleagues. However, consider your office culture and personal relationships.

2. What are some things to avoid when giving work gifts?

Avoid overly personal items, anything religious or political, and gag gifts that might be misinterpreted.

3. Is it okay to give a group gift?

Absolutely! If you’re on a tight budget, pooling resources with a few colleagues allows you to get a nicer gift.