20 Ideas for Holiday Gifts for Employees

Giving employee holiday gifts is one of the best ways to keep your employees engaged—it shows your team you care about them and value their contributions to your company. Although certainly not required, holiday gifts for employees can be part of building a loyal and effective team. The gifts don’t always have to be pricey (movie tickets or a free dinner are great options), and can even be work-related (such as desk decor or a continuing development course).

Here are some employee gift ideas for you to consider this season.

1. Gift Card

Treat Yourself gift card (Source: Giftcards.com)

One of the most popular gifts for employees is a gift card. These can be used to purchase items at a variety of stores, making them versatile and convenient. You can get gift cards for specific stores or a general gift card that employees can use anywhere, expanding their options.

2. Free Dinner

Free Dinner at The Mary Lane in Manhattan, NY.

The Mary Lane in Manhattan, New York (Source: OpenTable)

If you have employees who are foodies, then a free meal from a local restaurant is a great way to show your appreciation. Not only will you be gifting them with a delicious meal, but they’ll also be able to support a local business.

3. Netflix Subscription

(Source: Netflix YouTube channel)

Giving a Netflix subscription can enhance your employees’ time off and is also a great way to help your team shoulder their non-work costs. The benefit of a Netflix gift card is that you can pay for a month, a year, or more of an employee’s subscription, and you’re not tying a company credit card to an employee’s personal account.

4. Gift Basket

(Source: Caroo)

If you want to give your employees a more personal gift, try sending them a curated gift basket. You can select a care package or let them build their own with items they want.

5. Continuing Development Course

(Source: Udemy)

Employees want to learn new skills—and not all of them are work-related. You can browse the thousands of knowledge courses available on sites like Udemy and gift a course to your employees so they can improve their skills, both personal and professional.

6. Noise-canceling Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4 (Source: Sennheiser)

With open offices now the norm and remote workers working from anywhere, creating personal space may mean using noise-canceling headphones. Good, high-end ones like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 can be hundreds of dollars, so making this purchase for your team can go a long way in supporting them. It can also help them be more productive, as our recommended brand includes excellent microphones for clear voice and video calls.

7. Tickets to a Local Sporting Event or Concert

If your employees are sports fans or love live music, then tickets to a local sporting event or concert are the perfect way to show your appreciation. They’ll be able to cheer on their favorite team or enjoy their favorite music. You can add to this experience by giving them a gift card to cover a round of drinks or food.

8. Movie Tickets

(Source: Fandango)

Another popular gift for employees is movie tickets. These make great gift items as they can be enjoyed by the whole family, helping your employees shoulder some of the cost of an afternoon of entertainment.

9. Desk Decor

(Source: Vistaprint)

Dressing up an employee’s workspace, whether in the office or at home, can add a personal touch and help make it cozier. Items like pens and coasters can also be branded with your company name. You could also throw in a plant, too, to give some life to the employee’s workspace.

10. Notebook Calendar

Moleskine Classic 12 Month 2023 Weekly Planner (Source: Amazon)

A notebook calendar is another popular gift for employees. Notebook calendars are practical and useful, making them a great choice for those who are always on the go. You can also choose to personalize these calendars.

11. Travel Gear

Thule RoundTrip Snowsports Duffel – 90L (Source: REI Co-op)

Some employees are always on the go, whether for work or pleasure. Giving gifts like charging kits, personalized luggage tags, or travel bags is perfect for fueling your employees’ wanderlust.

12. Tablet or E-book Reader

Kobo Clara (Source: Kobo)

Many employees love to read in their leisure time, but a tablet or e-book reader can be expensive. These items might make for pricier gifts, especially if you have larger teams. However, big gifts often have a lasting impact.

13. Bonus or Raise

Show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work by giving them a bonus or raise. This is a great way to show them that you are willing to invest in their future with the company. Make sure you calculate bonuses—and taxes—correctly.

14. Subscription to a Magazine or Online Service

(Source: Magazine Newsstand)

Give your employees something that they can enjoy on their own time with a subscription to a magazine or online service. It could be focused on a personal or professional passion, showing that you are interested in their development and growth.

15. Caffeine Hit

(Source: Atlas Coffee Club)

Who doesn’t want some free coffee? Whether you’re giving a small Starbucks gift card or a coffee subscription, taking this daily expense off their personal budget can be a thoughtful choice.

16. Ergonomic Chair

(Source: Branch Furniture)

For workers that spend a lot of time at their desks, ergonomic office chairs make a great gift. These aren’t cheap, so buying one for your employee, whether they’re in the office or at home, will clearly illustrate that you care about their health and well-being—plus, they’re just so much more comfortable.

17. Wine Decanter

(Source: Amazon)

Any wine connoisseur will tell you most wines are better out of a decanter. This item makes a perfect holiday gift for employees who love wine. Help your employees get the most out of every sip with a cost-effective wine decanter. More expensive versions can also be monogrammed.

18. Mug Warmer

(Source: Amazon)

Here’s one for those who love their beverages piping hot. This desktop drink warmer keeps your employee’s favorite drink hot, but drinkable.

19. Blanket

(Source: Nordstrom)

Whether your team works at home or in an office, many people get cold throughout the workday. Give them something cozy to help keep them warm. This blanket has a super plush feel and is washing machine-friendly.

20. Extra Day Off

Giving employees an extra day off is always appreciated. For example, you might consider gifting Christmas Eve as a paid holiday if it isn’t already part of your company’s official holiday schedule. This gives employees one of the most valuable gifts—the opportunity to spend more time with their family and friends. Just make sure to have your paid time off (PTO) policy in order.

Bottom Line

Part of effective people management is making employees feel valued. Around the holidays, there’s no better way to do that than to express your gratitude through a gift. No matter what you choose, these holiday gifts for employees will go a long way in making them feel appreciated for their contributions.