Budget-Friendly Holiday Gifts for Employees From $10 to $200+

You’ve planned to gift your employees this holiday season, and now you just need the best employee gift ideas that fit your budget.

This guide breaks down budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for employees by the price points companies use most: $10, $25, $50, and $100 (plus optional $200+ gifts). 

You’ll also get bulk-friendly and remote-friendly suggestions, plus tips to make every gift feel more meaningful through employee recognition and connection.

If you’re short on time, start here.

Note: Keep gifting inclusively by considering dietary needs, cultural differences, and accessibility (especially for food and experience-based gifts).

Why Holiday Gifts for Employees Matter

Holiday gifts for employees strengthen morale, reinforce appreciation, and help teams feel valued at the end of the year.

Even small gifts can create a big impact, especially when they come with genuine recognition.

Here’s why employee holiday gifting is worth it:

1) Boosts Morale And Satisfaction

A well-chosen holiday gift creates a positive end-of-year moment. Employees feel recognized for their effort after long projects and busy deadlines, which helps morale carry into the new year.

2) Supports Loyalty And Retentio

Employees stay longer when they feel valued, and holiday gifts reinforce that feeling because they show appreciation in a tangible way. A Workhuman + Gallup study found that high-quality recognition could help prevent 45% of voluntary turnover.

Even a short message paired with a gift (“Thanks for leading X project”) can make a meaningful difference.

3) Reinforces A Culture Of Appreciation

Holiday gifts reinforce a “people-first” culture. It signals that appreciation is part of how the company operates, not something reserved for top performers only.

This strengthens trust and team dynamics.

4) Improves Engagement And Motivation

Recognition increases engagement. A consistent gifting framework, such as $10, $25, $50, and $100 tiers, also keeps things fair and scalable across teams.

5) Builds Stronger Relationships And Trust

Employee holiday gifts humanize the workplace and strengthen the relationship between leadership and employees, especially when gifting is handled consistently.

6) Helps Remote And Hybrid Employees Feel Included

Remote employees can feel left out of holiday celebrations. So, a holiday gift can create a shared moment of celebration. 

(Digital-friendly gifts like gift cards, food delivery credits, subscriptions, digital experiences) often work best for distributed teams. Pairing the gift with a message from the team adds the human element that remote employees usually miss.)

Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Employees

From affordable holiday gifts to high-end gifts, the tiers below make it easy to pick employee holiday gifts that fit your budget and work for remote or in-office teams.

Holiday Gifts for Employees: $200+ (High-End Picks)

If your company has a larger gifting budget, high-end gifts can create a lasting impression, especially for milestone recognition and top performers.

1. High-quality tablet
2. Weekend getaway voucher
3. Adventure activity voucher
4. High-end coffee machine
5. Personalized wellness retreat
6. Smartwatch
7. Charitable donation in their name
8. Annual gym membership/fitness class pass

• High-Quality Tablets: For creativity, productivity, or entertainment on the go. An iPad or a premium Android tablet can be a game-changer for many.

• Weekend Getaway Voucher: A voucher for a stay at a luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast in a scenic location. This experience gift offers employees the opportunity to truly relax and recharge.

• Adventure Activities: Hot air balloon ride, guided hiking tour in a National Park, white water rafting, or a ski pass offer memorable experiences that employees will cherish.

• High-End Coffee Machine: A sophisticated espresso maker or a pour-over set for the coffee connoisseur.

• Personalized Wellness Retreat: A short, curated retreat focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and rejuvenation can be just what they need to return to work feeling calm and appreciated.

• Charitable Donation in Their Name: For the socially conscious employee, a significant donation made in their name to a charity of their choice can be a meaningful gift.

• Smartwatches: A stylish and functional gift that helps with fitness tracking, notifications, and time management.
  
• Annual Gym Membership or Fitness Class Pass: For those committed to health and wellness, a membership to a premium gym or a pass to a specialized fitness studio.

Employee Gift Ideas for Around $100

1. Noise-canceling headphones
2. Smart home device (speaker/display)
3. Spa day package
4. Event tickets
5. Gourmet food experience
6. Generous gift card
7. Designer desk accessories

These employee holiday gifts work well across remote, in-office, and hybrid teams and allow recipients to choose what suits them best.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for hybrid workers, open-plan offices, or simply enjoying music. High-quality brands like Bose or Sony offer excellent sound and comfort.

• Gourmet Food Experience: A gift certificate to a high-end restaurant, a private chef experience, or a curated food tour is the perfect gift for a foodie employee.

• Smart Home Devices: A premium smart speaker, smart display, or other smart home technology is a gift of convenience for the tech enthusiast in the office. 

• Designer Desk Accessories:  Improve their workspace with high-quality leather notebooks, ergonomic chairs, or stylish desk lamps that enhance their home office or personal workspace.

• Spa Day Package: Help them unwind with a comprehensive spa treatment that includes massage, facial, and other pampering services.

• Generous Gift Cards: Although sometimes perceived as less personal, a substantial gift card to a high-end department store, a travel agency, or a major online retailer provides employees with the freedom to choose exactly what they want or need.

• Event Tickets: Take them to a night out with tickets to a local event. Whether it’s a holiday concert by the local orchestra, a trip to a local playhouse, or a pair of tickets to a sporting event, this gift is sure to give them a night to remember.

Affordable Holiday Gifts for Employees

Even with a tighter budget, you can still deliver meaningful and appreciated holiday gifts. The key is to focus on thoughtfulness, practicality, and personalization. Here is a list of affordable gifts that prove that even with limited money, it’s the thought that counts. 

Employee Holiday Gifts for $50

1. Gourmet coffee/tea sampler
2. High-quality snack box
3. Trial subscription box (1 month)
4. Local treats basket
5. “Day Off” kit
6. Tech accessory (charging dock/speaker)
7. Cooking gift set

These budget-friendly holiday gift ideas are easy to order in bulk and simple to distribute.

• Gourmet Coffee/Tea Sampler: A selection of high-quality beans, loose-leaf teas, or artisanal hot chocolate mixes can energize your employees’ mornings.

• High-Quality Snack Boxes: Curated boxes of premium snacks, healthy options, or international delicacies can be a fun way to fuel your teams.

• Subscription Box (Trial Size): A one-month subscription to a snack, coffee, or beauty box will get them excited to try new things.

• Local Treats Basket: Support local businesses by curating a basket filled with locally sourced snacks, chocolates, jams, and baked goods from the surrounding areas. 

• A “Day Off” Kit: This is a fantastic gift for someone who needs to unwind and relax. Create a basket with a gift card for a local lunch spot, a cozy throw blanket, a set of high-quality bath bombs, and a portable Bluetooth speaker.

• Tech Accessory: A high-quality accessory that enhances their work or personal life. Consider a wireless charging pad that doubles as a phone stand, a portable Bluetooth speaker, or an ergonomic wrist rest and mouse pad.

• Cooking Gift Set: For the home chef, a set of high-quality kitchen tools, such as a nice bamboo cheese board and knife set, a bottle of premium infused olive oil, or a set of unique spice blends paired with a recipe book.

Holiday Gift Ideas for $25

1. Reusable water bottle or coffee mug
2. Stylish notebook + premium pen
3. Blue-light blocking glasses
4. Movie tickets
5. Café or bookstore gift card
6. Mini “relaxation kit.”
7. High-quality hoodie (optional)

These gifts are practical, inclusive, and scale well for bulk holiday gifts for employees.

• Reusable Water Bottles or Coffee Mugs: Keep them properly hydrated (or caffeinated) with a personalized water bottle or coffee mug. 

• Stylish Notebooks & Pens: A premium journal and a smooth-writing pen can get them excited to take notes and create.

• Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Ideal for employees who spend a significant amount of time in front of screens, blue light blocking glasses will keep their eyes ready for anything.

• Movie Tickets: Send them to the cinema to enjoy a night at the movies with a pair of tickets to a local movie theater.

• Gift Card to a Local Bookstore or Café: for the employee who loves books, gifting them time to read or add to their personal library will be a nice treat.

• “Relaxation” Kit: A small bag with tea bags, a stress ball, a small chocolate, and a calming essential oil sachet can be a small gesture to improve their well-being.
  
• High-Quality Hoodies: Keep them warm at work or at home with a hoodie or jacket that keeps the cold out all winter long.

Holiday Gifts for $10

1. Personalized holiday card
2. Desk plant (succulent/air plant)
3. Cozy socks
4. Hand cream + lip balm set
5. High-quality pens/markers
6. Treat pouch / hot cocoa kit
7. Custom-designed coasters

Even at this level, custom holiday gifts for employees feel meaningful when they include a personal message.

• Personalized Holiday Cards: A handwritten note or holiday eCard expressing specific appreciation for their contributions throughout the year is a gift that costs virtually nothing but has immense value.

• Desk Plants: Small, low-maintenance plants, such as succulents or air plants, can brighten any workspace and improve air quality.

• Cozy Socks or Slippers: After a long day at work and commuting through wintery cold, your employee will welcome coming home to a comfy set of socks or slippers. 

• Hand Cream & Lip Balm Set: In the dryer winter months, a perfect holiday gift is the gift of skin hydration with hand cream or lip balm.

• High-Quality Pens or Markers: For those who still love putting pen to paper, a set of premium pens or a unique marker set can make a daily task feel more special.

• A Treat Stocking: Make them feel seen and appeal to their taste buds with a stocking filled with their favorite treats.
  
• Custom-Designed Coasters: A set of simple coasters with a funny quote, a company inside joke, or a beautiful design can be both practical and personal.

5 Employee Gifting Mistakes to Avoid

A few common mistakes can make even a well-intended gift feel awkward, unfair, or forgettable. 

Avoiding these five common pitfalls ensures your employee holiday gifts land well:

1) Late Shipping And Last-Minute Chaos

Holiday gifting becomes stressful when gifts arrive late, employees are missing, or delivery becomes uneven across locations.

Do this instead: Set a gifting deadline, collect addresses early, and use digital delivery when timelines are tight, especially for remote teams.

2) Gifts That Create Inequality

Holiday gifts lose impact when they arrive late. It also creates confusion when some employees receive gifts earlier than others.

Do this instead: Keep budgets consistent and reserve premium gifts for defined milestones.

3) No Personal Touch

Even a good gift can feel generic if it comes with no context. A personal line makes the gift feel intentional.

Do this instead: Add one sentence that feels specific (“Thanks for supporting X project” or “Your reliability made a difference this year”).

4) Ignoring Company Policy

Some gifts can violate workplace guidelines or create discomfort. Alcohol, sensitive items, or high-value gifts may not be allowed.

Do this instead: Review your company’s gifting guidelines and choose neutral, inclusive options.

5) Generic Or Over-Branded Gifts

Over-branded gifts can feel like company marketing, not appreciation. They rarely create a strong appreciation moment.

Do this instead: Focus on usefulness or experiences employees actually want.

Connection Is the Best Gift (And Kudoboard Makes It Easy)

A holiday gift is great. But what employees remember most is the message behind it. The simplest way to make employee holiday gifts feel meaningful, without increasing your budget, is to add genuine recognition from the team.

That’s where Kudoboard fits in.

Kudoboard lets coworkers, managers, and leadership contribute messages, photos, GIFs, and even videos to a shared group card.

Instead of one note from one person, employees receive appreciation from everyone.

Why Kudoboard works so well with employee gifting

• Inclusive by design: Works for remote, in-office, and hybrid teams
  
• Scales easily: Ideal for bulk holiday gifts for employees
  
• Feels personal: Enhances custom holiday gifts without extra admin work
  
• Budget-friendly: Adds meaning to gift cards, snack boxes, and even under-$10 gifts

If you want a simple add-on to your employee holiday gifts, Kudoboard starts at $5.99 per board, and you can include a Gift Card too. Have a look at our pricing details.

Spread Holiday Cheer

So, I hope you now have a clear idea of what gifts to consider based on your budget plans.

What matters most is not the price tag. It’s the feeling employees take with them: that their effort was noticed, valued, and appreciated. A small gift paired with a genuine message can leave a bigger impact than an expensive gift with no personal touch.

As you finalize your holiday gifts, consider adding a Kudoboard to collect messages from the whole team. It’s a simple way to end the year with recognition and connection.

FAQs

1) What are the best budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for employees?

Some of the best budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for employees include a personalized holiday card, desk plants, snack boxes, coffee/tea samplers, and gift cards. The best choice depends on your budget and whether your team is remote, in-office, or hybrid.

2) What are good, affordable holiday gifts for employees under $25?

Affordable holiday gifts under $25 include reusable water bottles or coffee mugs, a notebook and premium pen set, blue-light blocking glasses, café or bookstore gift cards, and movie tickets. These gifts are practical and easy to scale for teams.

3) What are the best bulk holiday gifts for employees?

For bulk holiday gifts for employees, choose options that are easy to order and distribute, like snack boxes, coffee samplers, mugs, notebooks, or gift cards. Pairing these with a short note or a group message card also helps keep the gift personal.

4) What are the best custom holiday gifts for employees?

The best custom holiday gifts for employees are simple items with light personalization, such as mugs, water bottles, notebooks, or coasters. Custom gifts work best when they feel useful and not overly branded.

5) Are gift cards okay for employee holiday gifts?

Yes. Gift cards are one of the most popular employee holiday gifts because they give employees a choice. They feel more thoughtful when paired with a personal message or appreciation from the team.

6) How do you make employee gifts feel personal?

The easiest way is to include a short message that mentions something specific the employee contributed this year. You can also collect team messages in one place using a group card like Kudoboard, which adds recognition and connection alongside the gift.