Business research identifies three reasons to give employees gifts:
You may not be ready to hear this, but ‘tis the season. You have to figure out how to recognize employees for the holidays, and we can’t leave even the bah-humbuggiest among them out.
Today, we’re sharing the latest in holiday gifts for employees. Present them at your company’s holiday party, pop them in the mail, or have employees redeem them at will for a nice gesture that aligns with a cheerful, positive workplace.
Should you buy employee Christmas gifts?
Yes, buying employees gifts for any major holiday, including Christmas, is very thoughtful. It’s festive, inclusive, and morale-building, all of which are great for a strong culture.
In fact, we’d argue that buying employees holiday gifts is easier and less risky than doing so for work-related reasons. When employees receive a gift for years of service or going above and beyond, they’re comparing it to the effort and time they put into their work. Unless you’ve attached meaning to the offering, we could be facing an unfavorable (if not insulting) comparison.
Holidays are perfect for budget-friendly, no-strings-attached, easy-to-pull-off presents.
Tips for choosing holiday gifts for employees
Before we dive into the actual employee Christmas gift ideas, here are some helpful reminders.
- Keep it sustainable. Don’t spend $80 per employee if you don’t envision that being possible next year. Being consistent prevents people from making assumptions about the success of the organization or how much it values its employees.
- Keep it seasonal. We say, “Christmas gifts,” but unless you’re absolutely certain the recipient celebrates Christmas, it’s a holiday gift. Seasonal is secular, and we can’t go wrong with that.
- Keep it inclusive. All employees should be getting gifts of the same approximate value, financially and emotionally. Avoid allegations of favoritism this holiday season and prevent “finding a new job” from becoming someone’s New Year’s resolution.
11 holiday gift ideas for employees
Is the spirit of giving a relatively new concept at your company? Holiday gifts for employees don’t have to be fancy, fortunately.
1. Not your average gift basket
Smaller organizations can (and should) customize gifts to an employee’s interests. Books for voracious readers, coffee beans for caffeine junkies, et cetera. These can be very cost-effective, but do take more planning, time, and thought.
2. Gift certificates to local businesses
Supporting local businesses is always a bright idea for organizations. From restaurants to massage therapists, your organization could end up gaining partnerships and deals.
3. Subscriptions
Instead of laboring over customized gift baskets, you could always choose a popular subscription box based on their interests. A few months of Meowbox or Cook with Bon Appétit, for example, can end up being something they’d like to continue beyond the holidays.
4. Self-care swag
Are wellness and work-life balance big in the culture? Look into anything from cozy blankets and luxury skincare to gym memberships and yoga mats. With New Year’s around the corner, many will be looking to hit the refresh button.
5. Event tickets
Some of the year’s best movies hit theaters during the holidays, so don’t count this one out as too expensive. If there’s more room to spend, festivals, plays, and concerts are all hot holiday tickets.
6. Office and device accessories
Think wireless chargers, power banks, smart speakers, and styluses. Tech picks are still among the hottest employee Christmas gift ideas for 2025.
7. Niche snacks
This is a gifting occasion where consumables are always welcome. If you like the subscription box idea, check out these wildly popular exotic snacks from around the world. Or, hit up a local bakery for small treat boxes stuffed with cookies and truffles. Bonus if they can nail your company logo in icing.
8. Gift cards, always
We get a lot of gift cards over the holidays–ensure yours stands out by offering choice. Source them from a reputable provider or use your recognition platform. Some generic “corporate” gift card sites aren’t as reliable and end up mailing a lot of invalid cards.
9. Job flexibility
Job flexibility and work perks are the Holy Grail of employee gifts. Increasing remote work opportunities or giving everyone a Friday off will definitely make the team merry.
10. Engraved or monogrammed items
Personalized journals, planners, totes, water bottles, pens, and other goods aren’t old-fashioned when they’re well done. It adds more meaning to a common, functional item.
11. Charitable donations done right
What’s the secret to getting employees to appreciate charitable donations as gifts or rewards? Support their campaign.
Tacos for Charity is one of HeyTaco’s most successful collaborative reward options. It isn’t just a gift; it’s an important contribution to the challenge they’ve taken on as a team.
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🎁 There’s no time like the present. Learn more about how HeyTaco makes employee gifts and rewards personal and transparent, from team celebrations to our instant, reliable range of gift cards. |
Holiday gifts for employees FAQ
What are the best corporate holiday gifts for employees?
Popular corporate gifts include charitable donations, tech gadgets, and company swag. These are usually distributed evenly across teams, but higher-ups or teams with seniority may get more experiential gifts or cash bonuses.
What are good inexpensive gifts for employees?
Gift cards in smaller denominations, job flexibility, and small items like mugs and notebooks are all inexpensive yet still appreciated.
What are unique swag gifts for employees?
Unexpected ideas for cool company swag include branded umbrellas, high-quality jackets or fleeces, knapsacks, and notebooks. On the lower-cost end, pop sockets, charging cables, and fidget toys fit the bill.
Where do you get holiday gift boxes for employees?
There are many holiday gift box providers across food and drink, wellness, tech, and branded swag categories. Check out the luxury boxes at Marigold & Grey, the sleek yet affordable sets at J&F, or the many custom options and deals at Happy Box Store.
