office gifts that don't break the bank...

Every year I struggle with what to give co-workers as Christmas gifts. I always tell myself I'm only going to buy a couple for the really important colleagues, then I end up getting more than I give and have to go out and get more.

Last year I gave everyone these and these mugs from Anthropologie. I think I bought around 10 @ $6 a pop. Not terrible, but last year I was new to the company and hardly knew anyone yet. This year I have almost two dozen names on my list so I figured I would use my craft skills to make something less expensive and more unique to hand out.

After lots of internet bargain-hunting, I decided to make paper-covered and monogrammed jars (you'll learn I have an unhealthy obsession with monograms) to fill with candies for each person. The idea came from a Design Sponge DIY post from forever ago on what to do with your decorative paper scraps. I'm not sure if I'm going to put the monogram letter on the lid or the jar itself, but I'll figure out the details when the time comes. Posts on my progress to follow!

Photos "borrowed" from designspongeonline.com