You might be thinking, “Staff gifts? Isn’t that a holiday thing? Too late now!” especially after the post-holiday clearance frenzy at stores like Cabela’s. But hold on. This isn’t about last-minute holiday panic. This is a post-New Year pick-me-up, a gift for that Monday after the celebrations fade.
Or maybe you’re thinking, “Great idea now, but I already nailed the holiday gifts!” Doesn’t matter. This idea is evergreen, valuable anytime, and will earn a prime spot on your team’s desks – from staff members to board members. It’s a gift with the power to inspire throughout the entire year. Seriously.
And when we say inexpensive, we mean it. A quick online search reveals you can pull this off for around $2 per person. Factor in an hour or two of help from a tech-savvy teen, or leverage your in-house graphics whiz (the one you were about to task with ordering fancy Peppermint Bark).
Intrigued? Wondering what this magical, budget-friendly gift could be?
Let’s first consider the usual suspects in the gift-giving game…
TYPICAL STAFF & BOARD GIFTS: A REALITY CHECK
- The Mammoth Year-End Bonus (Just kidding… mostly).
- Luxury Spa Day (Another joke! Are you still with me?).
- Peppermint Bark Extravaganza from William Sonoma. (Confession time: you buy it partly for them, partly for yourself, and because sharing is caring, right?)
- The Classic Card & Personalized Note. (Actually effective! A sincere, handwritten thank you goes a long way. The power of a thank you note is real.)
- Bonus Days Off Between Christmas and New Year’s. (With the subtle expectation of checking emails and, you know, maybe a quick peek at the year-end financial status?)
Or… maybe the pre-holiday rush was a blur. You meant to find something for your gear-loving team, but then it was Christmas Eve, the office closed early, family chaos erupted involving a runaway folding hand cart, and your mother needed urgent Cabela’s coupons. You dashed out the door, holiday greetings mumbled in your wake. Sound familiar?
A MEANINGFUL & AFFORDABLE STAFF GIFT IDEA
Okay, enough preamble. Since it’s still somewhat the holiday season (in spirit, at least) and your time is precious, let’s cut to the chase and reveal this impactful, yet small gift idea.
Think about annual report season. Remember scrambling for compelling stories, powerful testimonials, and impactful images to wow your major donors? (If this isn’t part of your annual report strategy – huge opportunity missed! Another blog post for another day.)
This small gift idea leverages that same powerful storytelling, but for your internal team. Here’s what you need:
1) 2-3 Impactful Testimonials: Gather quotes from people whose lives are better because of your organization’s work, or from respected experts in your field who champion your mission.
Pro-Tip: When people understand the purpose of their quote – to celebrate your team – they’re usually incredibly prompt. If you need a little levity, throw in a humorous quote from your mom alongside the more serious ones.
2) One or Two Powerful Images: Visuals amplify the message. Consider:
- A photo of someone you serve directly benefiting from your programs.
- An image of an advocate or public official who now champions your cause thanks to your work.
- A picture of a volunteer or supporter beaming with pride at a fundraising event finish line.
3) A Headline that Packs a Punch: Did your organization achieve a significant milestone? Land some positive press coverage? Use a compelling headline that reflects a key success from the past year.
These are your ingredients. Gather testimonials via email – even during this post-holiday period. It’s quick, especially when you explain the heartfelt purpose. The goal is to give your team a moment of genuine pride and recognition.
You likely already have access to compelling images in your files, maybe even some great shots on your phone. And dig into your archives for any standout positive press mentions from the past year.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: Creating Your Meaningful Desk Gifts
1) Enlist a Tech-Savvy Teen (or your Graphics Pro): Hand over your testimonials, images, and headline to someone with basic Photoshop skills (or similar). Task them with creating a visually appealing 4×6 inch design that incorporates all these elements, keeping text legible but compact. Perfection isn’t the goal – impact is. Specify the number of prints needed and a deadline (e.g., Friday, January 3rd).
2) Bulk Order 4×6 Picture Frames: Order simple, inexpensive 4×6 frames online. You can find bulk options for around $2 each. Opt for expedited shipping to meet your Monday gifting timeline.
3) Assemble & Gift with Intention: Once the graphics are printed (by your Friday deadline), assemble the framed pieces over the weekend. Skip the wrapping unless you have a very small team – time is better spent on the presentation.
4) Meaningful Monday Rollout: On that first Monday back in full swing, personally deliver these gifts. Go beyond a generic “Happy New Year.” Be specific. Point to a particular image or quote and connect it to that team member’s contribution. Articulate that this small gift encapsulates the collective impact of their work in the past year and the lives they’ve touched. Express your anticipation for another impactful year ahead, maybe even needing a bigger frame next year!
Welcome the new year with a dose of genuine appreciation and shared purpose! This small gift idea is a powerful way to start the year strong, together.
