Finding Bulk Gift Ideas for Co-workers? The Struggle is Real

What should are some good bulk gifts for co-workers? For years and years, I struggled with this in my striving to have chaos free holidays. I’ve never made a ton of money, so by the time I bought my family’s gifts there wasn’t much left to spend and I always had a lot of co-workers. Don’t get me wrong, I love gifting. It’s my favorite thing in the world, but to find something inexpensive that everyone will like is difficult. It’s even harder to find zero waste bulk gifts for co-workers, which is something I’m obviously all about.  Last year, I came up with the perfect solution.

This post contains affiliate links

Homemade gifts for co-workers

Last year I was on a budget and I had about 10 co-workers. That might not be a lot to some, but on my budget it was a pretty big deal. There were 5 people who worked in our office, but we worked in a start-up center, so there was the receptionist, the janitor, and directors. I wanted to show my appreciation to those who worked hard, so we could dream big and not worry about the day-to-day.

I went to my heaven on Earth, the thrift store. There I found just tons and tons of Christmas tins. I’m not even really sure where all these things come from, but they were exactly what I needed. They usually sell them for about 50 cents to $1. I tried to get them big enough to fit about seven cookies. After washing them up, I put a piece of tissue paper in the bottom and filled them with my mom’s recipe of chocolate chip cookies.

I hate to admit it, but I’m avid upcycler, and sometimes I’m afraid people won’t get it. Gift giving is a pretty serious endeavor for me, so I want to make sure they like what they get. Last year, was a struggle because on the one hand, I want to share upcycling with everyone because nothing makes me happier. I was also slightly worried they would think it was trashy. So my solution? No one can complain about cookies, so they at least had that, if they didn’t like the other part of my gift: light bulb ornaments. You might be bold enough to try it without the cookies, but I wasn’t. I made both.

As you can see, you’re big OSU fans around here and we happened to have some stickers. I’ve made these for several years and usually I save up lightbulbs all year, but they seem to be getting harder and harder to find. As a result, I’m going to have to come up with a new idea, but I haven’t quite got there yet.

Bulk Christmas Gifts for Co-workers

My solution might now work for everyone, so I’ve compiled a list of waste-free gifts for co-workers that might work for a variety of work places.

Shirts

My dad works at a fitness center, where t-shirts or polo shirts are part of the regular dress. For the past few years, he has bought his employees matching shirts or personalized polo shirts. The coordinated shirts often come in handy for different events or gatherings.

Tickets

This is a great way to support local productions or theater companies, or even to just give your co-workers something relaxing to do on their time off. When you give experiences rather than just things, you can be sure your money is never wasted. They produce little to no waste and are a way for mom to be able to spend the day with the people that matter most to her. Tickets are also great for older moms who generally already have everything that they want and don’t want more material items taking up space in their home.

Reusable Items

Thermos, travel mugs, or grocery bags, such as these that just sit in the cart and the checker can easily pack, are all great gifts for co-workers. These items can support sustainable habits and are almost always waste free. Also, some of these items can also serve as waste-free packaging.

Recipes in a Jar

These are always popular around Christmas time and for good reason. You can buy the ingredients in bulk to cut down on waste and everyone loves food. The jars can also be used in a variety of ways for years to come.
Here are some of my favorite mason jar recipe gifts.

Upcycled Christmas Ornaments

Handmade Christmas ornaments are a fun way to make customized gifts for co-workers. I’ve made light bulb ornaments, as shown in the pictures, using scrap fabric and other craft supplies from around the house. They’re a  super fun project you can do in a group, too.

I’ve also made wood burned Christmas ornaments that were also very popular.

Do a Good Deed in Their Name

Not only is this a waste-free gift, but it’s also a gift in multiple ways, maybe even for the environment.
Donating to a charity, planting a tree and dedicating to your co-work, or volunteering to an organization are some of my favorite ways to give back. Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right non-profit or organization because there’s a lot of distrust about the ways non-profits might use their funds. To help with this, there are ‘watch dog’ organizations, including Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance, which will help you navigate the overwhelming amount of organizations.

Learn more about my favorite environmental charities to donate.

Gardening Kit

There is so many benefits to gardening, mostly for me is that it produces food, reduces waste in any area and is therapeutic. I like to share this passion with others, so giving them a starter kit with a little container, a seedling or packet of seeds, and some tools is a great way to go.

Bulk Recipes

Almost everyone uses a diet cheat day around the holidays. These bulk holiday recipes make a good excuse. Make a large batch of snacks like beef jerky, and wrap up individual small portions into cellophane gift bags. You can also make seasoning mixes or dressings, as bulk gift ideas all year round.

Zero Waste Wrapping

Sometimes, zero waste options just might not fit your particular group and that’s ok because you can find waste less wrapping ideas.
Here are some basics on zero waste wrapping:

• Use reusable bags instead of single-use gift bags
• Used maps or newspaper of wrapping paper
• Avoid wrapping gifts in materials that are not recyclable or reusable, such as foil, mylar or plastic-coated paper and tissue.
• Reuse paper to make upcycled gift bows.

So there are my ideas for bulk Christmas gifts for co-workers, but check out this list for Christmas gifts that anyone will love!

Holiday Planner for a Stress Free Christmas

The holidays are a magical time full of traditions and the joys of the season, but it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Between family get-togethers, parties hosted by friends, the baking, cooking and shopping there is just so much to keep track of. A holiday planner is a great place to store all the information you need to keep your holidays running smoothly so you can just worry about enjoying the festivities, which will also help reduce waste.

This holiday planner bundle has 25 plus pages calendars, menu planners, budget trackers, gift trackers, holiday activities, and more for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Need some more sustainable Christmas ideas? Check out these great articles!

Zero Waste Gift Ideas

Edible Gift for a Sustainable Christmas

Homemade Christmas: DIY Decorations from Around the House

Pin this article for later!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save