Even for the most capable givers, it can be a challenge to find employee gifts for the holidays. Or rather, it’s challenging to find gifts your employees will actually enjoy and use. Too often, employers give gifts as if they’re checking a box: Here’s a golf shirt emblazoned with the company logo, hope it fits! (And sorry if you don’t play golf or it’s not your style.)
The end result is that workers can feel more annoyed by a gift than if they hadn’t received anything — like, Great, now I have to lug this home because I don’t want the boss to see it in my office trash. Obviously, that’s not an optimal outcome, especially when companies are investing decent money on gifts.
The average amount employers spend on holiday gifts for employees varies significantly depending on company size, industry, and location. However, based on recent surveys and industry data, here’s a general breakdown:
- Small businesses: Often spend between $25 and $50 per employee.
- Medium-sized businesses: May allocate between $50 and $100 per employee.
- Large corporations: Can spend upwards of $100 per employee, sometimes even more for executives or long-term employees.
What type of gifts do employees like?
Well, while we can’t guarantee you’ll find the perfect present for everyone on your team, we can offer a few critical tips and suggestions for employee gifts for the holidays.
Tip 1: Money Isn’t Everything
Not only are you not obligated to spend a certain amount, the value of a gift to the recipient also doesn’t necessarily correlate with its cost. Here at gThankYou, we believe gifts should be a clear demonstration of gratitude.
Would you rather have, for instance, $500 worth of movie gift certificates if you never go out to the movies, or a $50 gift card to your favorite coffee shop or grocery store? This comes down to the difference between recognizing and appreciating employees.
Money, of course, can be very welcome in the form of a holiday bonus. Just be careful that you’re issuing cash fairly. Employee gifts for the holidays should bring joy, not cause resentment.
Tip 2: Be Consistent — But Treat People Like Individuals
Choose a price range for your gifts that’s reasonable for your business and that you can stick to in the future, even when budgets are tight.
You might not want to get your employee Tracy and her cubemate Jake the same gift. If he’s a caffeine fiend, he might love a desktop coffee warmer; while she, with her green thumb, may prefer an elegant succulent that sits next to her monitor. That’s fine; just don’t spend $50 on one of them and $8 on the other. They’re likely to notice the discrepancy, and it could have a negative effect on both their relationship with you and their relationship with each other.
At the same time, don’t be too rigid: Small differences ($5-$10) are fine. Most people will be much happier with a gift suited to their wants and needs than upset that you spent a little more to make a co-worker feel just as appreciated.
Customization is a way to get everyone the same thing while making it their own. Whatever you land on, do maintain about the same budget from year to year. If you decide to go overboard at the end of an unusually successful year, that’s up to you! Just make sure your employees understand it’s a special occasion and not the new norm in employee gifts for the holidays.
Tip 3: Shared Experiences Are Treasured
We know that shared experiences make for stronger teams. But research has shown that even outside of work, shared experiences also tend to make us happier and strengthen our memories of the experience. This is probably because social needs fall just below air, water, food, and shelter as critical to our well-being.
If you want to give employee gifts for the holidays that will be remembered and treasured, look for ideas that will allow employees to spend time with other people. There’s a good chance they’ll look back on your gift as something truly special for years to come.
Tip 4: Make It Personal
We harp on this a lot, but only because it’s so crucial: Whatever employee gifts for the holidays you decide on, do everything you can to deliver them in person or on Zoom (with a big smile and a handshake) and send or hand them a handwritten note. These gestures demonstrate that you see your employees as people who you sincerely care enough about to personally thank.
A Few Ideas for Employee Gifts for the Holidays
Some common themes include:
- Gifts for someone’s workspace are practical and nice — as long as you know their style and it’s not something they can simply request during supply reorders.
- If your employees travel for work, there are useful and inexpensive travel accessories out there that are super helpful and exciting to open.
- Tickets to shows, classes, and sporting events can be a wonderful treat (less clutter, more memory-making)!
- One of the most popular employee gifts for the holidays, across all industries, is time off from work. (And it requires a lot less wrapping on your part, too.)
Of course, we want to remind you: If you’re looking for a customizable, inexpensive gift that can be part of a happy memory, gThankYou Turkey and Ham Gift Certificates or any of our other Certificates of Gratitude make perfect employee gifts for the holidays.
You can also order and get them delivered quickly (in large quantities if necessary)! How do they work?
Whatever employee gifts for the holidays you decide on, we wish you and your employees the very happiest of holiday seasons! (It’s coming fast!)
Learn More: Download gThankYou’s Guide to Better Employee Holiday Gifts
Inspired to give amazing employee holiday gifts this year and share your seasonal gratitude in your workplace? Still asking yourself, “What type of gifts do employees like?” Download your FREE copy of gThankYou’s Ultimate Employee Gift-Giving Guide and begin the process now — just in time for holiday appreciation and gift-giving!
gThankYou’s Ultimate Employee Gift-Giving Guide has case studies, resources and research on HR management. It’s the perfect resource for planning employee gifts for the holidays and recognition efforts for the New Year.
Learn More About gThankYou Certificates and Vouchers:
- Check out our Home Page
- See all our Gift Certificate Choices
- Learn more About gThankYou and FAQs
- See our FREE customizable Gratitude cards
- Reach us at 888-484-1658 or via info@gthankyou.com
Top Photo by Laura Gomez on Unsplash
Desk Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
