Picking out holiday gifts for employees is easier said than done. You want something that’s thoughtful but not overly personal, professional but not boring. It’s tempting to play it safe with generic options (like mugs or paperweights), but let’s be honest — those types of gifts aren’t exactly memorable.
The good news is you don’t have to settle for giving your employees boring gifts. With a little extra effort and creativity, you can find gifts that your employees will actually enjoy and remember for the long haul. We’ll be taking a look at some of the most creative holiday gift ideas for employees below, so stick around!
Why Giving Gifts to Employees Matters
Why bother with giving holiday gifts to employees in the first place? There are multiple reasons why you should do this. For one, giving your employees thoughtful gifts is a way to tell them: “I see the effort you put in, and I appreciate it.”
The question is, how do you go beyond the typical corporate gifts and give your employees something that feels both personal and exciting? Let’s explore some especially creative options when it comes to holiday gifts for employees below:
Tony Luke’s Gift Cards
Food is always a safe bet when it comes to corporate gifts for the holidays. After all, who doesn’t love a delicious savory meal or sweet treat? You shouldn’t just grab any old box of chocolates or bag of chips off the shelf, though. When it comes to food gifts, you might as well go the extra mile.
If your team has foodies — or anyone who appreciates a hearty meal — a Tony Luke’s gift card could be the perfect holiday gift. Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks are iconic, and with a gift card, your employees will be able to grab lunch or treat their family members whenever they want.
Tony Luke’s Frozen Cheesesteaks
Tony Luke’s also offers frozen cheesesteaks that can be shipped nationwide. This is a fantastic option for remote workers or employees who enjoy cooking at home but still want to experience the taste of an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
These sandwiches are designed to stay fresh and cook perfectly — they might honestly be one of the best corporate food gifts out there.
Custom Journals
Adding a little personalization can turn a good gift into a great one. But don’t worry — you don’t have to go overboard with custom monograms or overly sentimental keepsakes. Your employees will appreciate something simple, like a custom journal, just as much.
Instead of a plain notebook, choose something that fits your employee’s personality. For example, you might get a gratitude journal for the employee who’s always striving to find the silver lining — or a colorful, artistic planner for the person who loves to stay organized at work.
Reusable Water Bottles or Tumblers
Practical gifts don’t have to be boring. A sleek, high-quality water bottle or tumbler is something employees can use every day. You can even customize water bottles or tumblers with names or fun office-related inside jokes. This is a great way to make practical gifts feel special.
Cooking Classes
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t physical items at all. Experiences or subscriptions can leave a lasting impression on your employees, and may even offer them something to look forward to (e.g. weekly cooking classes with their spouse).
If you’re looking for a gift that’s as fun as it is functional, online cooking classes are a great choice. Your employees will get to learn new recipes and skills — all from the comfort of their own kitchens.
Virtual Tastings
For something a bit more social, you might consider hosting virtual wine or coffee tastings. These events can double as team-building activities and give employees a chance to unwind.
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are another fantastic gift option because they can cater to almost any interest. Giving your employees subscription boxes could be a great way to personalize your corporate holiday gifts.
Charity Donations
For employees who value giving back, you might consider donating to a cause they care about in their name. We’d also recommend writing them a thoughtful note explaining the donation.
The Best Online Food Gifts
For employees with busy schedules, convenience is going to be the most important thing. That’s why online food gifts are often such a hit with busy employees — not only are they thoughtful, but they’re easy for people to enjoy on their own time. Let’s take a look at some creative online food gift options below:
Meal Kit Subscriptions
Meal kits are especially great for employees who are constantly juggling their work and home responsibilities. Gifting meal kit subscriptions to your employees will show that you care about lowering their stress levels and making their lives easier.
Gourmet Food Deliveries
From fancy cookies to artisanal chocolates to Philly cheesecakes, gourmet food deliveries will never not make a great holiday gift. Food delivery gifts are particularly great for remote workers.
How to Choose the Right Holiday Gifts for Employees
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, you’re certainly not alone. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before deciding on a particular gift for a team member (or team members):
- Is it thoughtful? Even a small gift feels special if it’s clear that you put a lot of thought into it. Writing personalized notes to your employees can be a great way to show that you’re thinking about them, too.
- Is it useful? A practical gift is less likely to be forgotten over time. Consider gifting your employees something they can use every day.
- Does it reflect their personality? Gifting an employee something based on their personality and interests makes it that much more meaningful.
Conclusion
The holidays are all about celebrating and appreciating the people who make your workplace thrive. Whether it’s a gift card to Tony Luke’s, a personalized item, or a memorable experience, your employees will appreciate the thought and creativity that you put into your holiday gifts for them.
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