Holiday Program Best Practices: How to Give the Best Employee Gifts

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 jewellery 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 lacklustre thing.

Just send out a short survey with questions such as:

• What are your favourite hobbies?
• What’s your favourite 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 favourite 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 favourite 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 favourite films. After a quick survey to learn employees’ favourite 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 spea

Examples of Good Employee Gift Ideas

As we’ve mentioned before, employee gifts should be customized and personalized to each employee. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get some inspiration for your gifting adventures from a guide like this!

Employee Gifts That Are Free

As mentioned above, employee gifts do not have to be expensive to be meaningful and impactful. In fact, many free employee gift ideas exist that can make your holiday program a smashing success.

• Handwritten, personalized notes from managers or leaders
• An extra day or two of PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Help from leadership with a project

Employee Gifts Under $50

If you have a small budget for employee gifts, this list is for you. We’ll break it down into a few categories to really help you nail down the right gifts for each of your employees.

Gifts for Cinephiles

• Ticket Stub Diary ($17)
• IMDb Top 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster ($15)
• Gourmet Popcorn Set ($22)

Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers

• National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks ($41)
• Camping lantern ($15) 
• Travel Hammock ($30)

Gifts for Fitness Fanatics

• Resistance Bands ($10)
• Phone Holder ($11)
• Pickleball Set ($30)

Gifts for Homebodies

• Premium Oil Diffuser ($21)
• Reading Pillow ($40)
• Book of the Month Subscription ($18)

Gifts for Techies

• Waterproof Portable Speaker ($40)
• Anker Power Bank ($20)
• Laptop Cleaning Set ($12)

Employee Gifts Between $51 and $100

Have a little more to spend but still need to keep it manageable? Check out these moderately-priced gifts for the same groups of employees.

Gifts for Cinephiles

• Eat What You Watch Cookbook ($55)
• The Art of Mondo ($56)
• Director’s Chair ($60)

Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers

• Coleman Tent ($60)
• Smokeless Portable Fire Pit ($100)
• CamelBak Hydration Backpack ($65)

Gifts for Fitness Fanatics

• Fitbit Fitness Tracker ($99)
• Brooks Running Shoes ($60)
• Complete Yoga Beginner Set ($85)

Gifts for Homebodies

• Heated Blanket ($75)
• Pandemic: Legacy Board Game ($70)
• nutribullet Personal Blender ($58)

Gifts for Techies

• Google Nest Wifi System ($82)
• Amazon Kindle ($100)
• Indoor Herb Garden ($100)

Employee Gifts Over $100

Do you have the budget to splurge on your employees this year? These expensive gift ideas will really knock their socks off.

Gifts for Cinephiles

• Home projector ($300)
• Bose Sound Bar ($200)
• Sony Bluray Player ($199)

Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers

• Yeti Cooler ($300)
• Garmin Outdoor Smartwatch ($267)
• Luggage Set ($293)

Gifts for Fitness Fanatics

• Adjustable Dumbbells ($429)
• 3-in-1 Walking Treadmill ($179)
• Theragun Massage Gun ($150)

Gifts for Homebodies

• Bread Maker Machine ($130)
• Nintendo Switch ($300)
• Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker ($200)

Gifts for Techies

• Logitech Ergonomic Keyboard ($130)
• Apple Airpods Pro ($190)
• reMarkable Digital Tablet ($600)

Remember! This list is just supposed to give you some ideas to get started. Talk to your employees, find out what they like, and then go from there.

Pro tip: You can find every single one of these items on the Awardco platform through our partnership with Amazon!

Can You Ask What Employees Want?

Sometimes, it’s easiest to ask what the recipient of your gift wants, and for employee gifts, we actually encourage this! Yes, asking may take away some of the surprise factor, but that’s far better than taking a random guess and ending up with a gift no one wants.

To best figure out what your people want, send out a survey. Maintain a level of gifting surprise by calling it a “Get to Know You” survey instead of a “Tell Me Exactly What You Want for Christmas” survey. Here are some questions you can ask:

• What’s your favorite color? 
• What’s your favorite restaurant?
• What’s your favorite book series, movie, or tv show?
• What hobby are you really into right now?
• Do you follow any sports teams, and if so, which ones?
• What’s your go-to date idea?
• Would you rather spend a free day at home or out doing things?
• Do you prefer splurging on physical items or in-person experiences?
• Which interests would you say best explain who you are?

The info you gather here will allow you to come up with personalized gifts for years to come!

Give Great Gifts This Year

This holiday season, give your employees gifts that they’ll love, no matter where they work, what their interests are, or what your budget is. Through this gifting guide, and the other posts in our Holiday Program Best Practices series, we hope you’ll be able to make this year’s celebrations some to remember.