Finding the perfect Christmas gift ideas for volunteers can be so hard to find. Christmas gifts are a thoughtful way to show your love and appreciation during the holiday season and can be personalized based on the person. For Christmas time, there are many great gift ideas that can make an impact on someone.
Volunteers who work in various types of industries like the children’s ministry or a non-profit organization often go unnoticed despite putting in the hard work. If you know anyone that works as a volunteer, consider buying or making a gift for them this Christmas. A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way.
Here’s the scoop on the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers!
Low-Cost Ideas for Gifts
Show them you appreciate their spectacular work by giving them gift cards or even a photobook during the holiday season. You can get some of these small gifts on Amazon or the Dollar Store.
1. Custom Tee Design for Men and Women
Want to hear one of the best great ideas for a gift? T-shirts - pass these out to each volunteer that is a member of your team. Different color t-shirts with a slogan or the name of the organization the volunteers work for is a one of the volunteer appreciation gifts you know your volunteers will wear time and time again. This custom shirt allows you to add text and photos for a personalized touch. This gift in particular can help to increase the spirit of volunteerism, especially if a large number of volunteers show up at an event in a local area. You can even get your volunteers matching ball caps.
2. Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles
These metal water bottles make some of the best volunteer gifts as they are reusable and can retain heat for a long time. Give this sustainable water bottle to local volunteers or to people who volunteer around the world.
3. Hot Chocolate Gift Box
This 12 k-cup hot cocoa gift set is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers! The k-cups come in a variety of flavors to match everyone's tastes during the holidays. Some of the flavors include Bosco Butterscotch Hot Cocoa and Soho Cocoa Dark Passion.
4. Winter Scarf, Hat, and Glove Set
To prepare for that time of the year, this scarf set is the perfect gift that comes in an assortment of colors for volunteers working in cold weather. The material of these winter accessories is made with fleece and polyester to keep warm.
5. Personalized Photo Ornaments
These custom ornaments give you the option to add your own personal touch with photos and text. The ornaments are timeless pieces that can be hung up on the Christmas tree for years to come. The round shape ornament is made out of ceramic material and can also have print on both sides. Make a volunteer happy by placing their favorite things and memories on these ornaments.
6. Volunteer Appreciation Journal
Take in a volunteer's special interests with this unique appreciation journal. This notebook is tailored toward volunteer workers and community service providers with space to add key information on volunteer projects and contact details.
7. Amazon Gift Cards
If you're not sure what to give volunteers this Christmas, consider giving them an Amazon gift card, so they can purchase whatever they want. For this gift card, you are allowed to load a minimum of twenty dollars for them to redeem.
8. Plant Cube Appreciation Gift
A great way to show your appreciation for volunteers is to give them a plant that brightens up their day. The gift comes with a seed packet and a 3-inch wooden planter. The wooden box also has encouraging words like "dedication" and "commitment."
9. Outstanding Volunteer Lapel Pin
This is the perfect gift for a large amount of volunteers that should be recognized for their work. These volunteer pins have a gold finish with a detailed design. They also come in packs of 12.
10. Boho Design Drink Coasters
Sometimes gifts for volunteers don't always have to come with a special message. It can be a gift that is used in everyday life like drink coasters. Show a little love this holiday season with these unique drink coasters.
11. Self-Adhesive Photo Album
Volunteer workers often cherish their memories of helping others, which is why a photo book or album might be one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers. This photo book has the ability to hold photos of various sizes and comes with a film design, so the photos won't fade over time. This is a great way to say Merry Christmas or happy holidays!
12. Personalized Cutting Board
A cutting board is an essential tool for cooking. However, this cutting board allows you to be creative in adding your own logo or design. Go the extra mile and include an inspiring message to highlight a volunteer's achievements.
13. Grilling Spice Set
A perfect gift for volunteer workers who love to cook. This 20-pack seasoning set will add smokehouse flavors to a BBQ and is great for vegetarians.
14. Always Fully Booked Reusable Tote Bag
Here is an inexpensive canvas tote bag for volunteers who love shopping for books. This reusable tote bag has a chic design of classic books from Wuthering Heights to Jane Eyre. You can find these beautifully designed tote bags on Amazon or at a local bookstore.
15. Pamper Gift Set
An easy way to make people feel appreciated is by gifting them a self-care kit. The best part about this gift idea is that the box or bag can be customized. You can include cozy socks, slippers, aromatherapy candles, and essential oils. It's a stay-cation in a bag! This is perfect for relaxation volunteer use after a long day. You can even wrap it and add cute gift tags with your volunteer name with a personal note.
16. Movie Night Gift Set
Sometimes a small gift like a movie night set can make the most impact. This movie night set comes with 16 pieces, from trail mix to classic kit-kats. The set also includes popcorn bowls and a movie director's chalkboard.
17. Travel Duffel Bag
This is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers, especially if they tend to travel most of the time. This travel bag set comes in different designs and colors. There is also plenty of space for a laptop and toiletries. If you don't want to gift a duffel bag, consider looking at travel sets that already come with travel-size products.
18. Volunteer Lanyards with Badges
This special gift is perfect for school volunteers and your church's volunteers. This lanyard has heavy-duty plastic and comes with a space to place your name. You can use a dry erase or a permanent marker to write people's names or the name of an event.
19. Custom Name Necklace
One of the most meaningful gifts is a custom necklace to say someone's name or the name of their business. It's a simple gift that can go a long way. This gold necklace in particular is made from stainless steel with unlimited freedom to add inspiring words or important numbers. An alternative idea is to also gift a tote bag or design notecards with the volunteer's name.
20. Luxury Spa Gift Baskets
One of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers is a spa set. If your volunteer team has worked on projects that require a lot of physical labor, gifting them a spa set will make their day. This basket provides lavender-scented bath salt, bath bombs, and shower gel. It also comes with a shower massager.
21. We Appreciate You Banner
When recognizing the achievements of volunteer workers, invite volunteers to a celebratory party where you can showcase this appreciation banner. The banner comes in various sizes and is made with heavy-duty vinyl. You can also search online for customized banners or signs to say inspirational and funny quotes.
22. Stainless Steel Thank You Keychains
This 12-piece keychain pack comes with meaningful phrases. Consider buying this keychain set if there are many volunteers that have inspired you.
23. Volunteer Coffee Mug
Show your appreciation with this white coffee mug. The high-quality ceramic mug is for both coffee and tea lovers and with two different cup sizes. This is a great gift idea for Christmas and National Volunteer Week.
24. Hand Lotion Gift Set
These travel-size hand creams are moisturizing and offer natural fragrances. This is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers, especially for people who engage in hands-on activities. Since it's almost wintertime, hand lotion is essential to keeping skin moisturized.
25. Stainless Cuff Bracelet
This stainless steel bracelet has customized messages to choose from. If you know a volunteer who loves jewelry, this bracelet may just be the perfect gift.
26. Thank You Gift Basket Cookies
To celebrate the work of your team members, these delicious thank-you cookies are a good gift for the holiday season. The best part about this box is that the cookies were made from homemade ingredients.
27. Appreciation and Recognition Postcards
Let volunteers know that they're making a difference in the world with these cool postcards. Open the card and write a sincere and meaningful message to the people who inspire you.
28. Thank You Drawstring Bags
Have staff members pass out these beautiful drawstring bags as an appreciation gift to volunteers. This is a great gift for parent volunteers or board members of an organization. These drawstring bags are sturdy and lightweight with premium fabric.
29. Forever Grateful Wind Chime
Let volunteers know that you are grateful for them by gifting them this wind chime with a special message. The metal wind chime has silver accent beads and a clear crystal ball with words of gratitude engraved on the front and back.
30. Scented Candles Gift Set
One of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers is scented candles. Many candles can provide a relaxing scent and atmosphere, especially after a long day of work. This 12-candle set has a variety of scents and burns for up to 14 hours.
31. Crystal Appreciation Gift Plaque
If you're having trouble coming up with a gift idea for volunteer workers, consider gifting them a plaque that recognizes their achievements. If you take a closer look you can see that this crystal plaque can be customized to say bible verses, inspirational words, or funny phrases.
32. Volunteer Appreciation Treat Survival Kit
This awesome treat kit makes the perfect gift for National Volunteer Week. Each candy in the kit comes with a fun message for volunteers. This small gift can be handed out to people who have important roles in organizations like nurses or teachers.
33. Favorite Tea Bags Sampler Box
Tea bags are one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers. If your volunteer team works in cold weather, this sampler box will make the perfect gift, especially if they love tea. They can enjoy these tea bags on any occasion.
34. Thank You Gift Pens
A great gift for teachers, these ballpoint pins come in an assortment of colors and are made with sufficient quality.
35. Handmade Cross
If you're looking for a heartfelt and sentimental gift to give to volunteers, consider gifting them a handmade cross with a message printed on cardstock. This gift is perfect for people who involve themselves in religious projects.
36. Inspirational Thank You Stones
Provide healing and motivation with these inspirational stones. This gift might be simple and small but the meaningful message on them can go a long way. These rocks provide anxiety relief and are ideal for parties and other events.
37. Unique Gift Basket to Say Thanks
Show your gratitude with this thank-you gift basket. This basket comes with a metal tumbler, soap, a candle, and a thank you card.
38. Colorful Stress Balls
These stress balls are the best gift for people needing a bit more inspiration or motivation in their life. They are especially ideal for volunteers who work extremely hard on a daily basis. The stress balls come with different messages and are in an assortment of colors.
39. Retro Style Appreciation Stickers
Hand out these appreciation stickers at an event where volunteers are present. This gift is a great opportunity to show your feelings of gratitude toward the work they do. Brighten someone's day with these colorful retro stickers with inspiring messages.
40. Personalized Bottle Opener Keychains
If you're attending an event where there are a lot of volunteers, consider handing out a personalized bottle opener keychain. They come in various colors and can include any message.
41. School Supply Kit for Grades K-12
Whether you want to gift to a cause or to a teacher, this school supply kit has all of the essentials for starting school off right. This 45-piece set comes with pencils, journals, notebooks, and other craft supplies. These school supplies are perfect for young people that are still in school.
DIY Gift Ideas
For any occasion, DIY projects can be some of the best gifts. If you're feeling artsy and want to create a unique gift, consider going the DIY route.
42. Mason Jar Fairy Lights
Creativity is limitless with mason jars and fairy lights. A way to go about this project is to dot the mason jar with dark acrylic paint and add extra things in the jar like treats. You can also go the extra mile and add glitter to the lid of the jar.
43. Handwritten Cards
Bring something unique to the table with handwritten cards. You can use blank invitation cards, index cards, or card stock to design and write meaningful messages. Handwritten cards add the perfect personal touch and can be used as a Christmas card or just thank you card.
44. Thank You Tree
This is a great DIY gift for volunteer events. Buy an artificial mini tree and tie thank you cards like ornaments on a Christmas tree. You can also create thank you ornaments and place them on the tree.
45. Film a Thank You Video
Sometimes all you need is to openly express your gratitude for others. The best way to do this is through a video. Film a video of your group sharing their appreciation. You can then share it on social media or through email to make sure the volunteers are recognized for their efforts.
46. Wooden Photo Frame
Capture a moment in time by customizing a photo frame. You can add powerful messages and designs specifically for volunteer workers. Take a group picture and either buy a frame or design a frame to hold the photo.
47. Place Group Picture on Items
Another great way to show your appreciation is by placing a group photo on a shirt or even a book bag. This is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers as they love gifts that are handmade. This is a great way to make them feel like part of the team!
48. Bake Desserts
Nothing better than fresh cookies right from the oven. Express your gratitude by making desserts like mini-loaf cakes, pretzels, or sugar cookies.
49. Create Recipe Books
The best way to collect some of your favorite recipes is by having staff members add them to a book. This is a great opportunity for others to try your recipes.
50. Handmade Bookmarks
Come up with your own messages and designs using blank bookmarks. If you're having trouble coming up with a meaningful message, look online for awesome quotes or phrases. Afterward, laminate and punch a hole for a colorful ribbon on top.
Celebratory Party Ideas
If you would rather create a party than give gifts, there are countless themes to make sure your appreciation reaches the volunteer workers.
51. Sunrise Surprise
For all of the early morning risers, this gesture can provide motivation for the rest of the day. This event works better for a large number of people needing a little energy in the morning. Add food and snacks with a sign showing your appreciation.
You could grab tasty treats from a few local bakeries and local stores with hot chocolate mix and coffee to show your gratitude for your volunteers offering a helping hand. This is a great idea for an inexpensive gift idea.
52. Silly Awards
A fun way to celebrate with volunteers is to have an award ceremony but add a funny twist to it. Come up with silly certificate awards and funny awards to give the volunteers while also indulging in delicious food. This is the perfect time to hand out a gift bag.
This recognition ceremony is the perfect way to give your hardest working volunteers the volunteer spotlight! There are so many important parts of many organizations, so showcase all of their hard work from their last year of work.
53. Potluck
Show your appreciation by inviting volunteers to a potluck dinner. Consider asking people to bring in food or reach out to local businesses. Lay out some hand sanitizer and some great food gifts and let your volunteers enjoy.
Volunteer recognition is so important so you your organization and really showcase how important the volunteer program is to the organization as a whole.
54. Cheers to You Party
It's time to toast to many achievements. Invite volunteers and let them know that you appreciate their hard work.
55. Cookie Swap
Ask people to bake a couple dozen cookies and place them in different Ziploc bags. On the day of the event, have volunteers go around with their gift bags to try out the homemade cookies.
56. Have a Night Out
Babysitters are often not taken seriously but having the right babysitter can be crucial for relationships and childhood development. The genius tip is to use signupgenius invite to reserve a spot for their kid as well as to schedule a babysitter.
57. Volunteer All Stars
When the weather is warm, consider holding a grill party for the volunteers. You can also go the extra mile and plan fun activities.
58. Hold Talent Show
A great way to have fun and relax is by holding a talent show. Have a performance line-up scheduled ahead of time to make things easier.
59. Meet the Stars
Invite a local celebrity to a party for your volunteers. You can also arrange a behind-the-scenes tour of a local hot spot or a performance venue. Nothing cooler than bringing a celebrity to your own event.
Create Pun Gifts
It's time to spice things up with a pun gift! The best way to go about this is to create a cute pun on a handwritten card and pair it with candy or a snack that relates to the pun. Here are some cute pun examples:
60. Thanks a Latte!
61. Thanks for Always Going the "Extra" Mile!
62. Take "Note" - We Love You!
You can find a lot of these gifts for good deals on Amazon or at your local Walmart. It's always a great idea to celebrate the achievements of all the volunteers around you. Whether you want to throw a party or gift them a handmade mason jar, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation.
There are so many different non-profit organizations out there like Heifer International. So show your gratitude and get your volunteers some great gifts.
That's the scoop on the best Christmas gift ideas for volunteers!
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emma says
What does naughty but nice mean. xoxo.
Hannah Sanchez says
These ideas seem really great. I have started shopping from dynacart.com/christmas-deals this year and I was looking for some great options. Thanks for sharing these tips.