35 Best DIY Employee Appreciation Gifts of 2024

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, making employees feel truly appreciated is a challenging task. Recent research from Workhuman revealed that only about a third of employees feel that the recognition they receive at work is genuine.

This highlights a significant opportunity for employers – go the extra mile! It’s time to beyond the norm and truly stand out in your employee recognition efforts.

One compelling approach is through DIY employee appreciation gifts, which demonstrate true care and gratitude. Going beyond the traditional, DIY gifts embody the essence of creativity and personalization.

Our list of DIY employee appreciation gifts represent the time, thought, and effort that you have invested in recognizing and valuing their contribution to the company. Let’s embark on this creative journey to discover how you can turn simple materials into treasures of appreciation and recognition.

Creative and artistic:

Ignite your imagination and flair with these creative DIY employee appreciation gifts!

Personalized Tote Bags

Fashion meets function! Create custom tote bags for your employees with embroidered / hand-painted elements. Perfect for expressing individual style while being super practical. It’s a trendy way for your team to carry their essentials with a personal flair.

Custom Painted Canvas Art

Bring a burst of color and creativity to your team’s workspace with custom painted canvas art. A personalized piece of art is a vibrant source of daily inspiration and a vivid reminder of the unique talents they bring to the team.

DIY Jewelry

Show your team they’re valued with a touch of handmade sparkle! Crafting unique jewelry pieces like bracelets or necklaces shows personal care and attention, perfect for adding a bit of shine to their day.

Handmade Bookmarks

Handmade Bookmarks are a simple yet thoughtful gift, especially for the book lovers in your office. Personalize them with quotes, messages, or images that resonate with each recipient, turning their next page-turner into an even more enjoyable experience.

Handmade Greeting Cards

Handmade Greeting Cards speak straight from the heart. Why buy a card when you can make one that says exactly what you feel? It’s about making every word count in showing how much you appreciate them.

Custom Painted Shoes

Talk about walking in style! Transform a pair of shoes into a canvas of appreciation. Every step they take will remind them of how much their work is valued.

Handmade Pottery

Handmade Pottery brings a touch of artisanal charm to the everyday. Whether it’s a mug, a vase, or a dish, each item serves as a functional work of art. Practical yet beautifully crafted – they’re everyday reminders of your appreciation.

Custom-Designed T-Shirts

Custom-Designed T-Shirts are fun and fashionable employee appreciation gifts. Whether it’s a witty saying, a beautiful design, or a representation of an inside joke, these shirts can become a favorite wardrobe staple that keeps the team spirit alive.

DIY Mason Jar Crafts

Fill them with layered ingredients for a favorite recipe, turn them into a small terrarium, or use them as personalized desk organizers. The possibilities are endless! Each jar is its own universe, waiting to brighten up their day.

Handmade Wooden Cutting Board

Perfect for those who love to cook. Engrave it with names, special dates, or messages, making every meal preparation a more personalized experience. It’s more than just a kitchen item, it’s a piece of art!

Cozy and Comforting:

Embrace the gifts that offer warmth, both literal and figurative.

Knitted Scarf or Blanket

Wrap them in warmth and appreciation! A cozy, hand-knitted scarf or blanket is perfect for those chilly days, symbolizing the warmth and comfort of being part of a caring team.

Hand-Sewn Pillows or Cushions

Add a cozy touch to your gratitude with hand-sewn pillows or cushions! These comfy creations are a heartfelt way to bring comfort and style to your employees’ homes or offices, showing you care about their relaxation.

Gourmet and Delicious:

Delight the taste buds and hearts of your team with these delicious treats.

Homemade Jam or Preserves

Spread the love with jars of homemade jam! Make each spoonful a burst of flavor, crafted with the freshest fruits and a pinch of gratitude. It’s like giving a jar full of sunshine and smiles.

Baked Goods Assortment

Get ready for a treat that’s as sweet as it is thoughtful! Imagine the smiles when your team unwraps a box full of homemade cookies, brownies, and other delectable goodies. A warm and delightful way of recognizing your team members’ hard work.

Homemade Granola or Trail Mix

Who says healthy can’t be delicious? Whip up a batch of homemade granola or trail mix, perfect for a nutritious snack break. Let them know that you care about their health and happiness.

Homemade Salsa or Sauce

Spice things up with your very own salsa or sauce! Whether it’s fiery hot or tantalizingly tangy, it’s a zesty way to show your team, “You’re the secret ingredient to our success!”

DIY Tea Blends

Brew some warmth and well-being! Crafting your own tea blends isn’t just thoughtful; it’s a comforting gesture that says, “Relax and unwind, you’ve earned it!” Whether it’s calming chamomile or energizing green tea, each sip is a reminder of your heartfelt thanks.

Personalized and Practical:

These DIY gifts combine everyday utility with a personal touch, showing your team that their work and their presence are truly valued.

Customized Coasters

Add a personal pop to any table setting! Customized coasters are a fun and vibrant way to protect surfaces while showcasing individuality and style. Whether it’s bold patterns, monograms, or quirky designs, these coasters aren’t just practical – they’re conversation starters and a testament to your attention to detail.

Personalized Journals or Diaries

Tailor them with the recipient’s name, initials, favorite colors, or motifs. Empower the art of writing in a personalized way! These journals become invaluable companions for documenting life’s journeys, brainstorming sessions, or simply jotting down to-dos, all while adding a personal flair.

Handcrafted Leather Wallet

Elevate everyday essentials with elegance! Handcrafted leather wallets are a fusion of functionality and artisanal beauty. Crafted with precision and care, each wallet is a sophisticated statement piece, reflecting the recipient’s style and the thoughtfulness of the giver.

Personalized Calendars

Personalized calendars are a delightful way to keep track of important dates while reliving cherished memories or enjoying favorite themes. They turn planning into a joyous activity, tailored to the recipient’s life and interests, making every glance at the calendar a reminder of special moments.

Toasty: Personalization meets practicality

Short on time or feeling that DIY isn’t quite your style? Check out our list of top employee appreciation gifts that will save you time while still demonstrating your gratitude in a meaningful way. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the number of employees to consider, or if you’re unsure whether they will appreciate your gift, look no further than Toasty.

Toasty is a practical yet personal solution to your gifting dilemmas. By giving your employees the Toasty Choice Card, your team members will be able to pick their own gift card from top brands including Amazon, Target, Macy’s, and many more. This ensures that every unique taste is acknowledged and celebrated. You can also add a personal touch with a customized message and design!

With Toasty, you’re not just handing out gift cards – you’re providing a gateway to a world of choices, saving you time and effort while still making each employee feel uniquely valued. Get started with Toasty today.

Health and Wellness:

Promote a sense of well-being with these DIY gifts that encourage relaxation and self-care.

Handmade Candles

Light up your employee appreciation with handmade candles! Craft each candle with care and personalize the scents for a glowing tribute to your team’s dedication. Fill their homes or offices with warmth and a soothing ambiance.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Dive into relaxation with homemade bath bombs! These fizzy delights, bursting with essential oils and soothing scents, are a fun and luxurious DIY gifts. It’s a spa experience in a bath bomb, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Homemade Body Scrub

Buff away the workday stress with a homemade body scrub. Incorporate exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients like sugar, salt, and oils. It’s a perfect way to show your employees that you care about their well-being. It’s a spa-day in a jar, leaving their skin refreshed and glowing!

Handcrafted Soaps

Cleanse and refresh with handcrafted soaps. Infuse with unique scents and ingredients to make it personal and thoughtful. Further show that each bar is a labor of love with custom engravings. It’s what your hardworking team deserves!

DIY Lip Balm

This small but mighty gift is a sweet way to show your team you care. Keep their lips soft and smiles bright, with nourishing ingredients like beeswax and essential oils.

Unique and Quirky:

This category is all about the unexpected and the distinctive – add a dash of fun with these unique DIY gifts!

DIY Wind Chimes

Why not bring a touch of melody to your team’s workspace? Assemble them using materials like beads, shells, or recycled metals. Each chime can be a symbol of the harmony within your team, offering a serene and melodious reminder of your appreciation for their contributions.

DIY Puzzle or Board Game

Offer your employees a relaxing break with a unique puzzle or board game! It can be themed around your workplace or industry, making it a fun and engaging way to strengthen team bonds.

Custom Pet Toy

How about a treat for the furry family members of your team? Whether it’s a knotted rope toy for dogs or a catnip-filled toy for cats, these handmade gifts will surely bring joy to your employees’ pets and demonstrate your thoughtful and inclusive approach to showing gratitude.

Customized Phone Cases

Jazz up their most used accessory – personalize phone cases for your team by decorating them with unique designs, colors, or motifs that reflect each team member’s personality. It’s protection with a personal twist!

Personalized Keychains

Personalized keychains make for one of the best DIY employee appreciation gifts. Add unique touches, like engraving them with names, initials, or symbols that have special meaning to each employee. Each time they grab their keys, they’ll be reminded of their unique role in your team’s success!

Home and office decor:

Enhance their personal and workspaces with gifts that reflect their style and your appreciation!

Personalized Mugs

Craft personalized mugs for your team, adding unique designs, inspiring quotes, or even inside jokes. It’s a perfect way to brighten their coffee breaks and rightfully holds its place as one of the most versatile DIY employee appreciation gifts.

Wooden Picture Frames

Wooden picture frames are perfect for team photos or cherished moments, serving as a beautiful reminder of your appreciation and the shared experiences that make your workplace special.

Customized Plant Pots

Whether it’s painting them in vibrant colors or etching names, customized plant pots can be a delightful addition to your team’s desks. It’s a fun way to bring a bit of nature indoors, and what better way to show your appreciation than by nurturing their love for plants?

Personalized Wall Decor

Transform their workspace into a gallery of gratitude! Create personalized wall decor for your team members, tailoring each piece to their tastes or interests. This could be a framed collage, an inspirational quote, or a custom-painted canvas.

DIY Employee Appreciation Gifts: wrapping Things Up

Personalization is always a good idea – regardless of what kind of present it is. By choosing to create something special for your employees, you’re giving them a memorable experience that strengthens your bond and enhances the overall workplace culture. And what better way to show your gratitude than by investing your time and effort? Remember, the sincerity in creating these employee appreciation gifts is what truly makes them stand out as the best.