The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gifts for Employees

The holidays are the season of twinkling lights, peppermint mochas, office parties that may or may not involve questionable karaoke, and, of course, gift giving. When it comes to your workplace, holiday gifts for employees are an opportunity to spread joy, strengthen connections, and show appreciation for the people who keep your business humming all year long.

Whether your team is fully in-office, hybrid, or entirely remote, finding the perfect holiday gift can feel a little unnerving. Fear not, this comprehensive guide will help you unwrap (pun fully intended) the secrets of thoughtful corporate holiday.

What is Holiday Corporate Gift Giving?

At its core, holiday corporate gift giving is the practice of companies giving employees a token of appreciation during the holiday season. These tokens can range from small goodies, such as gourmet chocolates or gift cards, to luxury items like tech gadgets or travel vouchers.

But it’s not just about the “thing.” Holiday corporate gifts are the ultimate “thank you” to your team for a year of hard work, dedication, and navigating whatever challenges (and triumphs!) came your way. Whether it is a snack box or a cozy blanket, corporate gifts during the holidays are a small gesture that can have a significant impact on morale, loyalty, and overall workplace culture.

Why Holiday Gift Giving Still Makes a Difference in 2025

“But can’t we just give bonuses?” you might ask. While financial incentives are always welcome, there’s a unique magic to a thoughtfully chosen gift that a bonus simply can’t replicate. Here’s why holiday gift-giving continues to make an impact:

• Boosts Morale & Happiness: Who doesn’t love getting a gift? A well-chosen gift can instantly lift spirits, create a sense of goodwill, and remind employees that the company cares about them. When employees feel happy and respected at their job, they tend to have higher morale.
• Enhances Employee Retention: In today’s competitive job market, showing genuine appreciation goes a long way in retaining employees. Employees who feel their workplace values their work and them as a person are more likely to stay. Gifts can be one way to demonstrate genuine gratitude, which in turn can help reduce turnover and save you recruitment costs. 
• Strengthens Company Culture: Celebrating the holidays together shows that your organization is about more than just numbers; it’s about people. As team members build connections through holiday gifts and parties, it will foster a more positive and supportive work environment. 
• Creates Buzz: A truly fabulous employee gift can generate positive word-of-mouth, both internally and externally. Employees will talk about how much they loved their gift, reinforcing your reputation as a fantastic place to work.
• Tradition meets modern values: The holidays are a natural time for reflection and gratitude. As workplaces become more diverse and flexible than ever, gifts offer a shared tradition that everyone can participate in—whether they’re unwrapping them at their desk or on a video call.
• Connection in a digital-first world: Even if your team isn’t physically together, a gift bridges the distance and reminds employees they’re part of something bigger.

In a world that often feels increasingly digital and disconnected, a tangible token of appreciation cuts through the noise and creates a genuine human connection.

Make Holiday Gifts Personal

Let’s be real: not all gifts are created equal. A generic branded mug might be fine, but it’s not going to inspire anyone to post “Best. Job. Ever.” on LinkedIn. Instead, a gift with a little more personal touch will be a powerful demonstration that you know who they are and what they do for the organization. 

When we say “personal,” we don’t necessarily mean hand-picking a personalized gift for each employee. Instead, it means finding a gift that shows you put thought and effort into the selection, rather than buying a generic gift in bulk to check a box. 

Ways to Make a Gift Feel Personal

While individual gifts for each employee are meaningful, they may not be practical. The good news is that adding a little personalization to a bulk gift isn’t difficult. Whether it is gift baskets you created for each employee or a desk plant given to each employee, here are some simple ways to add a personal touch to any gift:

• Personalized Holiday Cards: A simple holiday card with a few genuine sentences of appreciation can make any gift feel more heartfelt with minimal added effort. Using holiday group ecards (like those on Kudoboard) in addition to any gift will ensure that every employee receives not only a thoughtful gift but also a card filled with holiday wishes and appreciation. 
• Inside Jokes or Team Memories: Include something that reflects your team culture—like a mug with a funny phrase from this year’s all-hands meeting.
• Offer Choices: If the budget allows, let employees pick from a curated selection of gift options so they feel like it’s truly “theirs.” A gift list can be a great way to get a custom feel without spending hours finding a different gift for everyone. 
• Highlight Milestones: Tie the gift to something specific that the employee or team accomplished this year. 
• Add Family-Friendly Options: Include something their household can enjoy too—like a snack box, puzzle, or movie night kit. Including the employee’s loved ones in the gift will be a perfect reminder that you are aware of the things and people that are important to them outside of work.

How to Plan Your Employee Holiday Gift: A Step-by-Step Guide

Like most workplace initiatives, the best gifts don’t happen by accident. They take a bit of planning, but don’t have to be as complicated as coordinating the vacation calendar. Here is your foolproof roadmap to take the stress out of planning a holiday gift:

1. Set your Budget: Decide early how much you want to spend per employee. Remember: meaningful doesn’t always mean expensive.
2. Know Your Audience: Take stock of your team. Large group? Small startup family? Remote-first? The structure of your team can influence whether a group experience or individual gift makes more sense.
3. Decide on Format: Will gifts be shipped, handed out at a holiday party, or sent digitally? Knowing how you need to deliver the gifts will influence the category of gift and help narrow down options.
4. Brainstorm Ideas: Whether it is creating a small committee or sending out a survey, brainstorm a wide variety of gift ideas. Consider various interests, lifestyles, and work arrangements, and begin exploring gift options.
5. Make Your Selection: Based on your budget, goals, and logistics, narrow down your brainstormed list to a few strong contenders.
6. Order & Organize: Place your orders well in advance to avoid holiday shipping delays. Create a spreadsheet to track who receives what and whether the employee has successfully received the gift.
7. Personalize: Add a little something that makes the gift feel tailored to each employee. The easiest way to do this is to craft a heartfelt message in a holiday card to accompany the gifts. 
8. Deliver: Once everything is planned and collected, it is time to deliver the gifts and spread the holiday cheer.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Something for Everyone and Every Budget

Budget-Friendly Finds (Under $30 per employee)

1. A Group Card

Group cards are a simple, inexpensive, but thoughtful way to celebrate the holidays. Whether it is a group effort or an individual one, a holiday card full of holiday well-wishes will have your team members feeling loved. Regardless of your team’s composition, a card or e-card option is available for you.

2. Desk Plant

A living gift that keeps on giving, a small desk plant brings a touch of nature and serenity to any workspace. Not only does it brighten up their desk, but it also brings a little bit of the outdoors into their workspace on days when work keeps them inside.

3. Something Cozy

Warm up their winter with a gift that keeps them warm or cozy. A gift of comfort for their home or at work can make a world of difference during a long workday. Gift ideas include socks, a blanket, slippers, a pillow, or a warm jacket. 

4. Snack Box

Make their workdays a little more tasty by gifting them a healthy stash of snacks that they can enjoy at their convenience. When you gift a snack box, they receive a curated selection of gourmet snacks, sweet and savory, delivered right to their door or office. 

5. Personalized Ornaments

A custom ornament is a charming keepsake that can also serve as holiday decor. Whether it’s an ornament engraved with their name or a symbol of a shared company achievement, it can be a thoughtful way to commemorate the year and remind them of their special place within the team.

Mid-Range Marvels ($50-$150 per employee)

1. An Experience

Instead of a tangible item, give your employees the gift of a memorable experience. A voucher for a local cooking class, a scenic pottery workshop, concert or event tickets, or a relaxing spa day shows that you value their life outside of work and is a way to encourage them to indulge in something they love.

2. Gourmet Gift Baskets or Boxes

A curated gift box filled with delicious treats, relaxation items, or more is a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Forget the generic fruitcake; we’re talking artisanal cheeses, small-batch chocolates, specialty coffees, facemasks, or family games that will turn their 

3. Smart Mug or Mug Warmer

Give the gift of never finding their coffee cold after a busy morning with a smart mug or mug warmer. This clever gadget ensures their drink stays perfectly hot from the first sip to the last. It’s a small but mighty gift that shows you understand the little things that make their day better.

4. Subscription Box

Instead of a single present, your employees will receive a delightful surprise tailored to their interests over the course of a few months. From self-care items or their favorite snacks to boxes from their favorite company, the feelings of appreciation last far beyond the holiday season.

Premium Picks ($150+ per employee)

1. Premium Tech Gadget

Upgrade their workspace or home life with a premium tech gadget. Think beyond the ordinary with a high-quality noise-canceling headset or a smart watch. These gifts combine function with a touch of luxury, making their daily routine more enjoyable and efficient. 

2. Home Office Improvements

With so many people working from home, a comfortable and functional workspace is more important than ever. A home office improvement gift could be a new desk, an ergonomic office chair, or an upgrade to a piece of tech. These practical upgrades demonstrate your commitment to their long-term health and well-being, making their remote work experience more comfortable and productive.

3. Travel Credits

Appeal to their wanderlust with travel credits. Providing a credit with a service like Airbnb or a major airline allows them to choose their own adventure. It’s a flexible and exciting gift that shows you support their personal passions.

4. Meal Delivery Service

Give your employees the gift of a delicious, stress-free dinner with a meal delivery service gift card. No matter their skill level, they’ll appreciate skipping the grocery store lines and meal planning to savor a gourmet-quality meal without the hassle.

Wrapping It All Up (Literally)

As we wrap up this ultimate guide to holiday gifts for employees, let’s remember the core of what we’re doing: celebrating people. While the perfect gift can be a fantastic way to show appreciation, the true magic lies in the intention behind it. A thoughtful gift, no matter the price tag, says, “You matter. We appreciate you. Thanks for being part of our story this year.”

In a year that was likely filled with its own unique set of challenges and triumphs, a thoughtful holiday gift, combined with a holiday eCard from Kudoboard, can create moments of connection that linger well beyond the season. 

So, go ahead and choose the perfect gift, and may your employees’ faces light up brighter than the office holiday lights when they unwrap your carefully chosen gifts this season. 

Happy Gifting!