Searching for employee gifts for the holidays? The gift-giving time of year will be here before you know it. If HR is responsible for continuing this tradition at your company, now is the time to start thinking about preparing employee gifts for the holiday season. This article provides creative, budget-friendly, and personalized gift ideas that show appreciation and can fit into any organization’s budget and company culture.
How Giving Holiday Gifts to Employees Impacts Businesses
While employee gifts might seem like just a formality around Christmas and other holidays, you might be surprised by their impact on moral. Simply put, thoughtful gifts make employees feel valued and enhance a positive company culture.
Companies that give meaningful gifts often see a reduction in employee turnover and absenteeism. Valued employees are more likely to stay committed and contribute positively to the company culture. Taken to the next level, personalized gifts can profoundly impact how employees perceive their workplace and their role within it.
Holiday gifting showcases appreciation and strengthens relationships in the workplace. When employees receive gifts, it triggers feelings of happiness and contentment, enhancing overall employee satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to increased employee engagement, loyalty, and productivity, significantly benefiting the organization.
With the end of the year approaching, consider how employee holiday gifts can leave a lasting impression on your team.
Ensure Company-Wide Communication and Inclusion
Often it is best if company gifting follows guidelines set by HR. It is vital to communicate any rules that are in place, such as prohibiting alcoholic gifts, minimum and maximum spending limits, or not allowing gift-giving at all.
Make sure your HR team informs all supervisors about the rules, and try to find ways ensure consistency. Something so generous as giving employee gifts can rapidly turn sour when left to each individual supervisor without guidelines in place: one supervisor may go overboard on employee gifts while another supervisor decides not to give them out at all.
Another thing to keep in mind is the cultural side of holiday gift giving and ensuring all employees feel included, regardless of their race, nationality, or religious beliefs. Finding ways to embrace all-inclusive holidays can be a very important issue in your workplace. Be aware of your employees’ differences and learn about ways to include everyone in the celebration.
If your HR department has the authority to set the rules, ensure consistency and try set guidelines to avoid historical issues that occurred in previous years.
Affordable Employee Holiday Gifts
Budget-friendly gifts show appreciation without overspending. Thoughtful and meaningful gifts can be found without breaking the bank, if you know where to look.
Some inexpensive options include:
- Plants (succulents, perennial flowers), seeds, or herb growing kits
- Corporate branded items like keychains, drinkware, playing cards, or golf balls
- Handmade gifts like cookie mixes or jams
- Gifts in a mug or jar, like hot cocoa or flavored salts
- Simple, universal gifts like candles, tea, a cozy blanket, or a picture frame
- Gift cards to a local restaurant
- A turkey or ham to showcase the holiday dinner
These items are practical yet still show that you’ve put some thought into your gift-giving.
Setting a price limit, for example gifts under $50, will help keep your budget in check. You can stretch your budget even further by shopping for discounts or combining purchases from the same retailers.
Affordable gifts convey thoughtfulness and care. Handcrafted or personally created gifts often feel more significant than expensive ones, adding a personal touch that employees appreciate.
Personalized Gifts to Show You Care
Personalized gifts reflecting the recipient’s preferences are more likely to be appreciated and valued. Tailoring gifts to employees’ preferences makes them even more meaningful. Consider the employee’s role at work and their likes to make the gesture more impactful.
Personalize the gift with their name, title, a reference to a tv show they like, or a message to further enhance their significance as gifts. Examples of useful and thoughtful gifts that can be personalized include:
- Coffee mugs
- Notebooks or stationery
- A book by the employee’s favorite author or on their favorite topic
- A tote bag or laptop case
These personalized touches show thought and effort in selecting the perfect gift for each employee.
Gourmet Treats and Food Baskets
Gourmet treats and food baskets are delightful holiday gifts that show appreciation and make a thoughtful gift. Popular food gifts include:
- Chocolates
- Nuts
- Fruits
- International items
- Spices
- Meats
Ideas for themed food baskets are limitless and can be customized to your work culture. Some common food gift basket themes:
- Grilling gift basket – grilling tools and seasonings
- Pizza gift basket – pizza stone, pizza dough mix, sauce
- Baking gift basket – Baking pans, oven mitts, baking mixes
- Ice cream sundae basket – parfait dishes, ice cream scoop, various toppings
- Picnic basket or charcuterie board – filled with crackers, jams, nuts, cheese, smoked meats, dried fruits, etc.
- Construction worker’s basket – a hardhat as the “basket” with insulated food or beverage containers, a bluetooth headset, granola bars, candy, nuts, or other on-the-go hearty snacks.
- Hunters special – universal hunting accessories such as hunter’s soap, waterproof matches, a thermos, and food items such as beef jerkey or protein bars
Individualized or gourmet treats are sure to bring holiday joy to your employees and make them feel valued.
Gift Box and Basket Gifts for Relaxation
Relaxation gift baskets encourage relaxation and a refreshing focus on employees’ well-being. Try some of these unique gift box and basket ideas to reward your workers’ hard work:
- A wellness gift set with items like candles and tea offers employees a refreshing focus on self-care.
- A spa gift set might include items like bath bombs, lotions, linens, or even a spa gift certificate.
- Gift boxes for cozy movie nights with snacks and a streaming service gift card.
These indulgent gifts help your employees unwind and enjoy their downtime during the holiday season.
Employee Gifts Tailored to Company Values
Consider your company culture and values when giving Christmas and holiday gifts; your gifting can reflect these values, enhancing their impact. Here are some examples of values and gifts that correspond:
- Sustainable gifts like plants or reusable water bottles
- Products that support local charities or businesses
- Charity donations made on the employee’s behalf
- Teamwork-themed gifts like board games or group activities
- A list of value-related items in a book, giving the employee a choice of which gift they’d like
Other values tied to gifts might include curiosity, innovation, diversity, social responsibility, and fun. These tailored gifts show appreciation and reinforce your company’s values.
Subscription Services
Subscription boxes are thoughtful gifts that continue to show gratitude to recipients over time, with curated items relevant to their interests. Subscription services provide ongoing enjoyment, making them a thoughtful way to show appreciation to employees. These services range from snack boxes to streaming services, making unique and enjoyable gifts.
Popular subscription services include:
- Coffee subscriptions, like Atlas Coffee Club, MistoBox, or Dreamaway Coffee, which let recipients explore different blends tailored to their tastes
- Snack subscriptions like Bokksu, which provide unique culinary experiences by delivering curated snacks from specific geographic regions
- Plant subscriptions from Horti that cater to different skill levels and preferences, making them accessible for anyone interested in gardening
- Wine subscriptions, allowing recipients to enjoy new taste experiences or classic favorites
Many subscription services can also be given to a department, rather than an individual, making them more affordable and consistent for all employees.
Practical Gifts for the Workplace
Practical Christmas and holiday gifts are popular choices for the workplace, whether at the office or working from home. These practical items can be used daily, enhancing productivity and comfort in the workplace.
- Faux leather desk mats can elevate office space and boost productivity.
- Reusable stainless steel tumblers and water bottles promote workplace hydration and help workers beat the heat.
- A portable mug warmer is an excellent gift for coffee drinkers, keeping beverages hot.
- Lunchboxes offer practicality and style, making them modern essentials for employees.
- Stanley water bottles remain popular and can be customized with your company logo.
These practical gifts are sure to be appreciated.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories
Tech gadgets and accessories are highly sought-after holiday gifts due to their practicality and broad appeal. While it’s easy to splurge on tech gifts, there are plenty of budget-friendly gadgets as well. Universally enjoyed tech gifts include:
- Wireless chargers are a popular gift choice for their practicality and convenience in keeping devices powered
- Portable power banks are another practical tech gift useful to employees.
- Wireless earbuds
- Bluetooth speakers
- Smart speakers or outlets
- Tablets and e-readers
These gadgets are sure to impress and delight employees with high-tech or IT jobs, making their work and personal lives more enjoyable and efficient.
eGifts and Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards, while less personal, are just about guaranteed to be enjoyed by the recipient. There are quite a few benefits to giving digital gift cards for Christmas:
- Can be purchased and delivered online, providing a secure option without the risk of physical loss
- Allow for instant delivery, making them ideal for last-minute gifting
- Lower costs by eliminating printing and mailing expenses.
- Can be tailored to recipients’ locations, making them versatile for global employees.
- Contribute to sustainability by reducing plastic waste from traditional gift cards
Many websites offer “universal” gift cards, allowing recipients to choose their preferred retailer. These eGifts are a convenient and thoughtful way to show appreciation for their own gift.
Financial Christmas and Holiday Gifting
Many organizations opt to keep things simple when selecting an end of year gift, offering the recipient the most universal gift of all – money. If gifts aren’t feasible or if you’re looking for quick and easy, here are some ways to gift money to employees without just stuffing cash in a card:
- Stock options – If your company is publicly traded, stock options are a great way to provide long-term financial gains for employees
- Retirement contributions – Adding to an employee’s retirement account will benefit the recipient far into the future
- Prepaid credit cards – Prepaid cards like Visa gift cards are a smart and secure way to gift money to employees
How to Present Your Gifts
Subscription boxes and gift baskets should typically be mailed to the employee’s residence. Gift cards can be delivered digitally, or in a holiday greeting card.
For gifts that require wrapping, use Christmas or winter-themed wrapping paper to capture the spirit of the holidays. Measure the wrapping paper to ensure it covers the gift completely without jagged edges. Double-sided tape enhances the appearance of the wrapped gift by creating a cleaner look. Wrap fragile items securely with padding like tissue paper to prevent movement during transport.
Decorative elements like ribbons and gift tags elevate the presentation of your gift. For quick wrapping, use a festive gift bag topped with tissue paper. Be sure to use a box or gift bag for oddly-shaped items.
Thoughtful presentation of your gifts shows appreciation and adds a personal touch.
Planning Ahead of the Holiday Season
Planning ahead ensures enough time to find the perfect gifts and avoid last-minute stress.
Review last year’s spending to provide insights into budgeting and gift selection for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to account for additional holiday expenses like shipping, decorations, and food in the overall budget.
Effective scheduling and organization are also key to a successful gifting process. Create a timeline for purchasing, wrapping, and delivering gifts to ensure smooth running. Planning ahead helps you stay on track and makes the holiday season enjoyable for both you and your employees.
Show Employees They Matter With Holiday Gifts
Holiday gifts for employees are a perfect way to show appreciation, boost morale, and strengthen workplace relationships. From budget-friendly options to personalized gifts and indulgent treats, there are plenty of ideas to suit every preference and budget. By planning ahead and putting thought into your gift-giving, you can make this holiday season truly special for your team.
