Christmas is a time for giving, and thoughtful gifts are one of the best ways to show appreciation for your employees’ hard work throughout the year.
But what exactly should you gift your employees for Christmas when you're working with a limited budget?
In this blog post, we aim to answer this question while giving you helpful ideas for choosing the perfect gift and making your employees feel valued and appreciated during the holiday season. Don’t worry! There are plenty of inexpensive gift options that will satisfy everyone.
1. Gift Cards
Gift cards are hugely popular budget-friendly gifts because they’re versatile and allow the employee to choose exactly what they want. While some say they're impersonal, they don't have to be if you choose thoughtfully. You can give personalized gift cards with your brand identity, and even a global card that includes a variety of global brands to cover all your employees' locations!
You can also give gift cards to specific brands that people enjoy. For example, for popular retailers like Amazon, where employees can find virtually anything they need. Local restaurants or cafe gift cards can also add a personal touch and support local businesses. And if your team is into gaming, gift cards for platforms like PlayStation or Steam can be a hit, too!
2. Food and Beverages
Gifting food and beverages is a delightful way to bring holiday cheer to your employees. A variety pack of gourmet coffees or teas, complete with a stylish mug, can provide a cozy and enjoyable experience. Holiday-themed treat boxes filled with cookies, chocolates, and candies can brighten their day and offer a sweet treat they can enjoy during and after work.
For a unique twist, consider offering a DIY hot chocolate kit with all the fixings or a mini gingerbread house decorating kit, allowing employees to engage in a fun and festive activity at home.
3. Books
Books are timeless gifts that can provide both enjoyment and professional growth. Choose bestsellers across different genres to cater to your employees' diverse interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Books related to professional development can inspire and motivate employees in their careers. They can also choose fun and inspirational books to uplift their spirits and provide a positive perspective.
4. Office Supplies
Office supplies can be both practical and delightful gifts for your team. Think about stylish notebooks, elegant pens, or desk organizers that add a touch of elegance to their workspace.
Customized notebooks with the company’s logo can create a sense of pride and belonging. Elegant pen sets make for a classy gift, while fun desk organizers can bring a spark of personality to their desks.
5. Wellness Gifts
A wellness gift is a great way to show you care about your employees’ well-being. Gym memberships, massage vouchers, wellness kits – the options are endless for promoting health and well-being. A slight downside is that it might not appeal to everyone – but that is also why we encourage you to ask around before you purchase your gift!
Corporate Gifting Etiquette – What You Need to Know
While selecting gifts, it’s important to follow some basic etiquette to ensure that your gifts are well-received and appropriate for the workplace.
Ensure Fairness
All employees should feel equally valued, so avoid favoritism in gift selection.
That's why you should make sure the value of the gifts is consistent across the team to avoid any feelings of favoritism. If offering personalized gifts, ensure each employee receives something equally thoughtful and of similar value.
Maintain Professionalism
Avoid gifts that could be considered too personal or inappropriate.
You should avoid items like clothing or personal care products that may not suit everyone’s tastes or comfort levels. Instead, focus on universally appreciated items like books, office supplies, or food gifts.
Be Inclusive
Consider the diverse backgrounds and preferences of your employees.
Consider choosing gifts that cater to a wide range of interests to avoid items that might not be suitable for certain cultural or personal preferences.
For instance, instead of alcohol, which some may not consume, consider gourmet food baskets or non-alcoholic sparkling beverages.
Start by Understanding Your Employees’ Preferences
Shopping for corporate holiday party gifts can be difficult or easy, depending on many factors. To make it easy for you – and to ensure that your Christmas gifts are well-received – it’s crucial to understand what your employees truly want.
Because, after all, to show them you care, it wouldn’t make sense to get them just anything randomly, right?
Here are two effective ways to gauge their preferences for the perfect employee holiday gift:
Conduct a Survey
Before deciding on gifts, conduct a survey to understand your employees’ preferences. This will give you a clear idea of what they would appreciate the most. A simple questionnaire asking about their favorite type of gifts, hobbies and interests can provide valuable insights!
For example, you might discover that many employees enjoy cooking, so gifting gourmet cooking kits could be a hit. Or, if several employees express a love for the outdoors, they might be happy with camping gear or hiking accessories.
If you’re shopping for employee gifts on a budget, a good solution is to provide several options that fit your budget for your employees – and let them pick one of them!
Consider the Company's Culture
The type of gifts you choose should align with your company’s culture. For instance, a tech startup might prefer gadgets, while wellness-focused companies might go for health and fitness items.
For example, fun gifts like 3D pens or creative subscription boxes could be perfect if your company culture emphasizes creativity and innovation. And if your company prioritizes work-life balance, items like relaxation kits or subscriptions to mindfulness apps might be more fitting.
FAQ
‘Tis the season for spreading cheer through gifts at work! While it’s a wonderful way to show appreciation, navigating gift etiquette can sometimes feel like walking through a holiday maze. Understanding the norms and considerations can help you breeze through this aspect of workplace culture.
To help you out, let’s explore some common questions and considerations about holiday gifts for both employers and employees.
What’s a Realistic Budget for Christmas Gifts?
A realistic budget for Christmas gifts varies based on the financial resources allocated to gifting. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 1-2% of your annual income for gifts. If you want an actual number, a budget ranging from $10 to $50 is widely acceptable. You can include thank-you notes, company-branded items, flowers, and small gift cards for local shops, cafes, or restaurants.
Should I Give My Employer a Christmas Gift?
Well, it’s generally not advised. Due to workplace dynamics, workplace etiquette suggests gifts can flow downward (from boss to employees) but not upward (from employees to managers).
Are Gift Cards a Good Idea for Employee Gifts?
Yes, gift cards are versatile and allow employees to choose what they want. You can consider pairing them with a personalized note and picking a gift card that fits everyone—such as a global gift card—with multiple options for choice!
Should Christmas Gifts for Employees be Work-Related?
Not necessarily. While work-related gifts can be useful, personal gifts that show thoughtfulness are often more appreciated.
How Can I Make Sure The Gifts Will Be Appreciated?
Let employees choose the gift they want, either with a gift card that includes multiple gifting options or in another way. You can also choose universally appreciated gifts and avoid items that might not be suitable for certain cultural or personal preferences. Conducting a survey can also help understand what would be best received.
About GoGift
GoGift, a leading global provider of gift card solutions, specializes in offering innovative and versatile gift card services to over 15.000 corporate clients worldwide. With a commitment to simplifying the gift-giving process, GoGift provides a broad range of gift card options from numerous popular brands, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. Their services are designed to enhance the gifting experience, making it more convenient, personal, and enjoyable for both the giver and the recipient.
For more detailed information about GoGift, please visit their official website: https://www.global.gogift.com/