The holiday season is fast approaching, and you know what that means: gingerbread houses, repetitive songs on the radio, and deciding on gifts for your friends and family! Choosing the right gift for the people in your life is always difficult, and it can be doubly difficult when buying your employees Christmas gifts.
But don’t let that stop you! Getting employees gifts can have amazing benefits—besides the obvious of building culture and making employees happy, gifts also strengthen relationships and raise productivity.
This year, we aim to help you find the best gifts for all of your employees so that everyone feels those warm fuzzies when they unwrap their company gift.
Is a physical gift better than points?
“But Awardco,” we hear you say, “your users get points that allow them to choose from millions of reward and gift options themselves—that’s not the same thing as a gift!”
To that we say, you’re right! While it’s true we believe giving employees the power to choose their own rewards is almost always best, even we can’t deny the joy of opening a physical gift to find an item that we love.
Receiving a meaningful gift that shows you how much the giver understands and cares about you can be a huge psychological boost. For employees, this boost can strengthen their commitment to the company, boost productivity, and increase their happiness at work.
That’s why, at least for the holidays, we’re fully onboard with giving employees physical gifts instead of points.
What makes a good gift?
Many companies fall into the trap of thinking that the more expensive a gift is, the better it’ll be received. However, that’s patently false. To the receiver, the price and the uniqueness of the gift both aren’t as important as how meaningful it is to the employee.
Let’s break it down:
- Gifts don’t have to be expensive. So items like golf clubs, coolers, or diamond jewelry aren’t intrinsically good employee gifts just because of the price tag.
- Gifts don’t have to be unique. Don’t assume that every employee has to get a one-of-a-kind gift. Popular or trendy items are popular for a reason.
- Gifts should never be one-size-fits-all. Bad gifts stem from the feeling that there was no thought put behind the item. If every employee is given the exact same item, employees will feel that the company doesn’t know or care about them individually.
- Gifts DO have to fit the employee. A good gift just has to show that you tried. It doesn’t have to be perfect, unique, or expensive, but it should show an understanding of each employee’s personality and interests.
What are the benefits of a good employee gift?
In today’s work environment, where employees expect more from their employers, good gifts can really set you apart from the competition. Some of the benefits of good employee holiday gifts include:
- Creates a positive work environment. Gifts go a long way to making employees feel appreciated, which can build a company’s culture of gratitude, happiness, and cohesion.
- Improves productivity. Showing appreciation to employees can increase their morale, motivation, and productivity, which is great for the bottom line.
- Increases retention. The number one reason employees quit is that they don’t feel valued. Meaningful gifts help show employees they’re valued and appreciated.
- Builds relationships. Gifts demonstrate that the giver cares about the recipient, which establishes and builds relationships.
Can you ask what employees want for a gift?
Yes! You definitely can, and you probably should, especially if you don’t know every employees’ interests or preferences. It may feel weird to ask what they’d like, but it’s much better to ask and provide awesome gifts than to guess and give a lackluster thing.
Just send out a short survey with questions such as:
- What are your favorite hobbies?
- What’s your favorite movie and/or book?
- Do you like collecting things?
- Do you like experiences more than tangible items?
Even these minor questions will give you a much better idea for employee gifts. And once you have an idea of your employee interests, you can buy gifts for the different personalities. See below for examples of employee Christmas gifts!
Employee Gift Ideas for Movie Buffs
Movie buffs are loud and proud of their favorite films, and with so many movies and licensed gifts to choose from, these employees should be relatively simple to buy for. Here are some ideas.
1. Ticket Stub Diary
If you’re like us, you have a stash of ticket stubs somewhere in your home. Many movie lovers enjoy keeping their tickets as a sort of journal, and a ticket stub diary is perfect for the task.
2. LED Projector
What’s better than watching your favorite movie anywhere you want? With this portable projector, movie buffs can enjoy their film of choice wherever there’s a blank wall.
3. Cinephile Card Game
Any board game or card game based on movies will most likely be a hit because there’s nothing movie lovers love more than testing their movie knowledge. (Except maybe watching movies…)
4. Director’s Chair
Make the simple act of sitting more immersive than ever with a piece of classic cinema history. Employees will love owning a movie-accurate director’s chair (even if it doesn't look that comfortable).
5. Movie Jigsaw Puzzle
This puzzle is perfect for those who want to think about movies without actually watching one. Rebuild the classics, both old and modern, and let employees create something they can cherish.
6. Movie Wall Art
Allow your movie-loving employees to decorate their space with wall art from their favorite films. After a quick survey to learn employees’ favorite movies, pick a poster that lets them show off their passion.
7. Gourmet Popcorn Maker
Gourmet popcorn made from the comfort of your own home? Yes, please. No self-professed movie lover would turn a gift like this down!
Employee Gift Ideas for Fitness Fanatics
Promoting wellness is always a great idea, and what’s better than encouraging wellness and getting a desirable gift at the same time? Here are some ideas for gifts to enhance the fitness routine of your employees.
1. Workout Planner
With all of the fitness apps around nowadays, sometimes a nice journal is just what the doctor ordered. This fitness journal is perfect for planning workouts, tracking weights, and setting goals.
2. Under Desk Treadmill
Do you really want to make your physically active employees happy? Help them stay active at work! This under desk treadmill is perfect for walking while working at a standing desk. While it costs a pretty penny, it might be just what your employees want.
3. Personal Blender
Protein shakes and keto smoothies, this blender can do it all. And in a quick and convenient package, too! Help your active employees get the nutrients they need with a gift like this.
4. Massage Gun
Working out is hard, and being sore is no fun. A massage gun is perfect to find the relief of a massage without paying for massage therapy. We bet this would be a popular option for fitness fanatics, couch potatoes, and everyone in between!
5. Yoga Equipment Set
Yoga is growing in popularity, and for good reason! This low-impact, high-intensity exercise is perfect for anyone wanting to get in shape. And with a yoga set like this, anyone can get their yoga on.
6. Fitness Watch
Anyone who is serious about staying in shape would love a watch that acts as a stopwatch, heartbeat monitor, GPS, and sleep tracker all in one.
7. Fitness Dice
Gamifying anything makes it more fun—so for those who may struggle with the monotony of working out (guilty as charged), these dice can make the whole process more fun!
Employee Gift Ideas for Techies
Gadgets and gizmos are all the rage because they make life easier and more entertaining. Many employees would love some new tech for Christmas, so here are some options that speak to a wide range of personalities.
1. Smart Reusable Notebook
Stay productive in an environmentally friendly way with this reusable notebook. Make notes, digitally save them, and then wipe the pages clean to reuse!
2. Portable Photo Printer
Social media lovers unite! Now you can take pictures, share them online, and print them out, all on the go. This portable printer is great for making memories.
3. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Speakers, headphones, and earbuds are always going to be hot commodities come the holidays, and this speaker is one of the best for those who want to listen to their tunes anywhere.
4. Amazon Echo Smart Display
Smart home devices are getting more and more popular, and with this smart display, you can control everything from a central hub. Plus, with video/speaker capabilities, you can make video calls and use it as an alarm clock.
5. 2-in-1 Wireless Charger
Wireless charging is nothing new—but charging two devices at once with the same stand? That’s pretty nifty. This charger stand can handle your iPhone 12 and airpods.
6. Robot Vacuum
No one likes vacuuming, so get employees the gift of a robot vacuum! They can sit back and relax while it does the hard work for them.
7. eReader
The Amazon Kindle is one of the best eReaders on the market, and it’s the perfect gift for employees who want to read more but can’t be bothered to lug around paper books.
Employee Gift Ideas for Bookworms
In the winter, nothing beats snuggling into some blankets by the fire and reading a good book. For those employees who agree with us, these book-centric gifts can make their holiday season spectacular! (And yes, you could give these people a book, but where’s the fun in that?)
1. Mythologie Candles
Remember what we said about reading by the fire? Well, a scented candle is the next best thing. And Mythologie Candles has high-quality candles based on the Lord of the Rings books. What more could a book lover want?
2. Book Bucket List Poster
Bookworms love to keep track of the books they’ve read. What better way to do that than with a scratch-off book bucket list? This way, every reader has a way to prove they’ve read 100 of the most well-known classics.
3. Blind Date With a Book
Readers often get into ruts, consuming the same type of book over and over. This gift is the perfect way to help a daring someone to branch out! Who knows, maybe you’ll help them find their next great read!
4. The Book Was Better Shirt
Anyone who reads has said this at least once in their life. (For us, we said it after every Harry Potter movie…) Give the gift of a shirt that lets your employees express their opinion without having to say a word.
5. Book of the Month Club Subscription
This is a gift that keeps on giving. Buy a subscription that lets employees choose a new book each month from Book of the Month’s curated catalog.
Employee Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy People
The great outdoors is, well, great. And chances are, plenty of your employees love camping, hiking, skiing, fishing, or any other outdoor activity. Here are some gift ideas for them.
1. CamelBak Backpack
Anyone who spends any amount of time hiking would love a gift like this. Help your employees stay safe and hydrated with a CamelBak backpack.
2. Trekking Poles
Another great (albeit expensive) option for those who love to explore, these trekking poles allow adventurers the ability, and stability, to go where no man has gone before.
3. Garmin GPS Smartwatch
Give the gift of safety with a smartwatch that comes with GPS. This helps employees stay safe no matter where they trek or how much they explore.
4. National Parks Pass
Our nation is full of amazing scenery, and with a National Parks Pass, your employees can see the most beautiful sights of all.
5. Portable Cooler
A classic for a reason, coolers are a great idea for those who love to spend time outdoors. And the best part is, there are dozens of options anywhere from $20 to $500, so you can find one that fits in your budget.
Employee Gift Ideas for Those Who Love Experiences
Some employees would rather experience something memorable than get a physical gift. For these people, consider some of the following ideas.
1. Event tickets
Concerts, theater performances, or sporting events are unique and entertaining experiences that employees will love. Just make sure to get tickets that you’re confident each person will enjoy.
2. Workshop, Classes, or Hobby Courses
Many people want to learn new skills or get better at their hobbies. Gifting things like cooking classes, a MasterClass subscription, art courses, etc. are great ways to empower employees to follow their passions.
3. Vacation Days or Getaways
Give the gift of more PTO and watch as your employees destress and unwind. If you don’t believe that they’ll actually use the PTO, give the gift of a hotel stay or another weekend getaway experience.
Tailor Your Gifts to Your Employees
This list should help you get started, but don’t stop here! Talk with your employees and talk with their managers to learn about them so that you can give gifts that are meaningful. And remember, the price tag doesn’t matter as much as the thought behind it.
