DIY Gift Kits: Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Surprise for Your Work Team

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic gestures; it’s also a great time to show appreciation for your coworkers and celebrate teamwork in a thoughtful way.

I remember putting together DIY gift kits for my own team last year, and it turned out to be such a heartwarming experience. A creative and budget-friendly idea, these kits brighten up everyone’s day and make people feel truly valued. With a mix of stationery, snacks, and a heartfelt note, these baskets are the perfect way to say, “You’re appreciated!” Here’s how you can recreate this thoughtful gesture for your work team.

What You’ll Need

Creating these DIY gift kits is simple and affordable. Here’s a list of items I included when I made them for my coworkers:

  1. Stationery Essentials: Mini notebooks, colorful pens, sticky notes, or cute desk calendars.
  2. Mini Snacks: Chocolate bars, granola bites, trail mix, or individually wrapped cookies.
  3. Heartfelt Note: A personalized message or a pre-written appreciation card for each coworker. If you cannot think of any, Read the 5 Themes Thank You Messages.
  4. Decorative Basket or Box or Paper Bag: Use a small wicker basket, gift box, or even a reusable tote bag.
  5. Extras (Optional): Add small items like scented candles, keychains, or fun desk gadgets.

Gel-Pens-coworker-gift-idea

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Sticky-Notes-coworker-gift-idea

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Flash-Cards-coworker-gift-idea

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Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling DIY Gift Kits

  1. Pick a Theme
    When I made mine, I chose a “Heartfelt Appreciation” theme with red and pink accents, but you can also go for a “Productivity Boost” kit with items to inspire creativity at work.
  2. Choose Your Basket/Box/Bag
    Pick a sturdy container to hold all the items. I used small brown paper bags with cute valentine stickers to give them a festive touch.
  3. Assemble the Contents
    Start with the larger items (e.g., Flash Cards) at the back or bottom, then layer in smaller items like snacks and pens. Arrange everything neatly to make the basket look full and appealing.
  4. Write Your Notes
    This was my favorite part! Take a moment to personalize each note. I wrote simple messages like, “Thank you for being such a fantastic teammate! Happy Valentine’s Day!”, and it felt so rewarding to see their smiles.
  5. Add a Final Touch
    Write or Attach a small tag with the recipient’s name. You can even add a small Valentine’s Day card for extra flair.

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Fun Ways to Present the Gift Kits at Work

  • Surprise Desk Drops: This is what I did! I placed the baskets on each coworker’s desk before they arrived in the morning, and it was a delightful surprise for everyone.
  • Gift Exchange Event: Turn it into a fun team activity where everyone exchanges their DIY baskets.
  • Lunch Break Gifting: Hand out the kits during lunch or a coffee break while sharing some lighthearted Valentine’s Day snacks.

Why DIY Gift Kits Work

DIY gift kits are a wonderful way to foster positivity and connection in the workplace. From my experience, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day because:

  • Personal Touch: Taking the time to curate thoughtful items shows your coworkers that you value their contributions.
  • Budget-Friendly: These kits can be customized to suit any budget, making them an accessible option for teams of all sizes.
  • Boosts Morale: Small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in creating a happier and more motivated work environment.

Other Ideas for Valentine’s Day at Work  

Looking to go beyond gift kits? Here are a few additional activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your team:

  • Team Lunch or Potluck: Host a themed lunch or potluck where everyone brings a dish to share.
  • Compliment Wall: Set up a wall where team members can write anonymous compliments for each other.
  • Workplace Games: Organize fun Valentine’s-themed games like trivia or a scavenger hunt.

This Valentine’s Day, spread the love in your workplace with DIY gift kits. From my own experience, they’re a simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation for your team and create a positive work environment. Whether you’re surprising your coworkers with a thoughtful basket or organizing a festive activity, these gestures will make the day memorable for everyone. 

See all my recommended gifts for your team and boss here.

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