Christmas is the perfect time to show your employees how much you value their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Finding the right Employee Gift Ideas For Christmas can be a delightful way to boost morale and foster a positive work environment. However, navigating the etiquette of workplace gift-giving, especially during the festive season, can sometimes feel tricky. You want to strike the right balance between professional and personal, ensuring your gift is both appreciated and appropriate.
This guide is designed to take the guesswork out of your Christmas employee gifting. We’ve curated a list of exceptional employee gift ideas for Christmas that are thoughtful, practical, and sure to bring a smile to your team members’ faces. Drawing inspiration from popular and well-received gifts, we’ll explore a range of options suitable for various budgets and personalities. Furthermore, we’ll incorporate expert advice from etiquette authorities like the Emily Post Institute to ensure your Christmas gift-giving is both generous and graceful.
Whether you’re seeking individual presents or team-wide gestures, you’ll find inspiration here to make this Christmas season truly special for your employees. Let’s dive into some fantastic employee gift ideas for Christmas that will express your gratitude and spread holiday cheer.
Thoughtful & Practical Christmas Gift Ideas for Employees
Choosing gifts that are both thoughtful and practical ensures your employees receive something they will genuinely appreciate and use. This Christmas, consider gifts that enhance their work experience, boost their well-being, or simply make their day a little brighter. Here are some top employee gift ideas for Christmas, categorized for easy browsing:
Desk & Office Enhancements:
1. Three by Three Seattle Desktop To-Do Board
Alt Text: A minimalist white dry-erase to-do board, a practical Christmas gift idea for employees to stay organized at their desks.
Ditch the clutter of sticky notes with the Three by Three Seattle Desktop To-Do Board. This sleek dry-erase board is a perfect Christmas gift for employees who value organization. It helps them keep track of daily tasks, reminders, and important notes, promoting efficiency and a tidy workspace. The included pocket for mail and business cards adds extra functionality. Available in white, stainless steel, and gold finishes, it’s sure to complement any office décor, making it a versatile and appreciated Christmas gift for employees.
2. MoMA Pear Pod Multifunctional Desktop Organizer
Alt Text: A whimsical pear-shaped desktop organizer from MoMA Design Store, a unique Christmas gift idea for employees to add personality to their workspace.
Bring a touch of personality and organization to their desks with the MoMA Pear Pod Multifunctional Desktop Organizer. This adorable, pear-shaped container is more than just a cute desk accessory; it’s a practical solution for storing pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office essentials. Its unique design adds a decorative element, making it a fun and functional Christmas gift for employees who appreciate style and order in their workspace.
3. Nordik Leather Desk Mat
Alt Text: A brown faux leather desk mat with cable management, a stylish and practical Christmas gift to elevate employee workspaces.
Elevate your employees’ office aesthetics with the Nordik Leather Desk Mat. This sophisticated faux leather accessory not only provides a smooth surface for laptops and mice but also incorporates cable management to keep desks clutter-free. Available in a wide array of 12 colors, from classic browns and blacks to vibrant orange, this desk mat is a thoughtful and stylish Christmas gift idea for employees who appreciate a refined workspace.
Tech-Savvy Christmas Gifts for Employees:
4. Mütesync Video Conference Mute Button
Alt Text: A colorful Mütesync mute button for video conferences, a humorous yet practical Christmas gift idea for employees in remote or hybrid roles.
For employees in the age of virtual meetings, the Mütesync Video Conference Mute Button is a genuinely useful and slightly humorous Christmas gift. This USB-connected button allows for quick and easy muting during video calls on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. It lights up to indicate mute status and comes in fun colors, making it a practical and appreciated tech gift for employees, especially those in remote or hybrid work environments.
5. Supvan E10 Bluetooth Label Maker
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Alt Text: A compact Supvan E10 Bluetooth Label Maker, a helpful Christmas gift for employees to improve office organization.
Organization enthusiasts will appreciate the Supvan E10 Bluetooth Label Maker. While seemingly simple, this Bluetooth-enabled label maker is a powerful tool for office organization. Compact and user-friendly, it connects to a smartphone app with over 600 templates, fonts, and icons, making label creation easy and customizable. It’s a practical Christmas gift idea for employees who value order and efficiency in their workspace.
6. Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser
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Alt Text: A Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser, a tech-forward Christmas gift to create a pleasant and customizable office ambiance for employees.
Transform the office environment with the Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser. This smart diffuser provides on-demand fragrance, creating a fresh and inviting workspace without the need for candles or traditional air fresheners. Employees can control scents and schedules via a smartphone app, choosing from various fragrances to personalize their office ambiance. It’s a modern and thoughtful Christmas gift idea for enhancing the work environment.
7. Apple MagSafe Charger
Alt Text: A minimalist Apple MagSafe Charger, a practical and sought-after Christmas gift for employees who use iPhones and AirPods.
In today’s tech-dependent workplaces, the Apple MagSafe Charger is an essential desk accessory. This wireless charger offers convenient and clutter-free charging for iPhones 12 and later, as well as AirPods. Its minimalist design saves desk space and provides reliable charging, making it a practical and highly appreciated Christmas gift for employees within the Apple ecosystem.
Comfort & Wellness Christmas Gifts for Employees:
8. forestfish Fleece Wearable Blanket
Alt Text: A cozy plaid Forestfish wearable blanket, a thoughtful Christmas gift to keep employees warm in chilly office environments.
For those employees who always seem to be cold, the forestfish Fleece Wearable Blanket is a thoughtful and comforting Christmas gift. This wearable blanket features a stylish plaid pattern suitable for the office and a snap closure to stay securely on the shoulders or lap. It’s a warm and cozy gift that shows you care about their comfort during the colder months.
9. ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk
Alt Text: A ComfiLife memory foam footrest, an ergonomic and health-conscious Christmas gift idea to improve employee comfort at their desks.
Promote employee well-being with the ComfiLife Foot Rest for Under Desk. This ergonomic footrest, made from cushioned memory foam, reduces pressure on the lower back and hips, enhancing comfort during long hours at a desk. It’s a practical Christmas gift that shows consideration for employee health and comfort, contributing to a more supportive work environment.
10. Uncommon Goods Desk Yoga Card Deck
Alt Text: Uncommon Goods Desk Yoga Card Deck featuring simple yoga poses, a thoughtful Christmas gift to encourage employee wellness and breaks during work.
Encourage quick wellness breaks with the Uncommon Goods Desk Yoga Card Deck. This deck features 52 simple stretches that employees can perform right at their desks. Suitable for all fitness levels and requiring only a few minutes, these desk yoga exercises provide both physical and mental benefits. It’s a thoughtful Christmas gift that promotes employee well-being and mindful breaks throughout the workday.
Food & Drink Christmas Gifts for Employees:
11. Sugarwish The Appreciation Sugarwish
Alt Text: Sugarwish Appreciation gift box, showing candies, a flexible Christmas gift idea allowing employees to choose their preferred treats.
For a truly flexible and appreciated Christmas gift, consider Sugarwish The Appreciation Sugarwish. This unique gift allows employees to choose their own treat from a wide selection of candies, cookies, wines, candles, and more. Simply send the Sugarwish, and recipients can select their preferred gift, which is then delivered in a gift box with a custom card. With various sizes available, it’s a versatile and delightful Christmas gift idea for any employee.
12. Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug
Alt Text: A Yeti Rambler stackable mug with a lid, a durable and spill-resistant Christmas gift for employees who enjoy hot or cold beverages at work.
For the coffee or tea loving employees, the Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug is a durable and practical Christmas gift. This mug features double-wall insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, and a MagSlider lid to prevent spills. Versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, and available in various sizes and colors, a Yeti mug is a premium and appreciated Christmas gift for keeping beverages at the perfect temperature.
13. Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Electric Lunch Box
Alt Text: A pink Crock-Pot electric lunch box, a cute and functional Christmas gift allowing employees to enjoy warm homemade lunches at their desks.
Say goodbye to microwave lines with the Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Electric Lunch Box. This adorable and practical appliance allows employees to heat up leftovers, soups, and other meals right at their desks. It’s a convenient Christmas gift that saves time and allows for enjoyable warm lunches without leaving the office.
14. Starbucks Gift Card
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Alt Text: A Starbucks gift card featuring the Starbucks logo, a classic and versatile Christmas gift option appreciated by most employees for coffee or treats.
A Starbucks Gift Card remains a universally appreciated and always welcome Christmas gift for employees. Treat your team members to their favorite coffee, tea, or snack with a gift card they can use at any Starbucks location. Available in various denominations and designs, it’s a simple yet thoughtful way to show appreciation this Christmas.
15. Jacobsen Salt Co. Salty Caramels
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Alt Text: A box of Jacobsen Salt Co. Salty Caramels, a delicious and gourmet Christmas food gift idea for employees with a sweet and savory tooth.
For a touch of gourmet indulgence, Jacobsen Salt Co. Salty Caramels are a delightful Christmas treat for employees. These creamy, chewy caramels offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible snack. Available in giftable boxes or larger jars for sharing, they are a delicious way to express holiday appreciation.
Personal & Fun Christmas Gifts for Employees:
16. Brass Monkey Notepad Set
Alt Text: A vintage-style Brass Monkey notepad set with humorous labels, a quirky and fun Christmas gift for employees who enjoy lighthearted office supplies.
Inject some humor into the workday with the Brass Monkey Notepad Set. This set features 11 notepads with vintage designs and modern-day snarky labels, covering topics like daily mood, coffee consumption, and experience ratings. It’s a fun and engaging Christmas gift for employees with a good sense of humor, adding a lighthearted touch to their desk organization.
17. Genuine Fred Daily Sampler Desktop Affirmations
Alt Text: A framed set of Genuine Fred Daily Sampler Desktop Affirmations with cross-stitched style phrases, a funny and decorative Christmas gift to lighten the mood at work.
Spread some daily cheer with the Genuine Fred Daily Sampler Desktop Affirmations. This set includes 32 humorous desk affirmations with phrases like “I’m just here for the coffee” and “It could be worse.” The cross-stitched design and gold frame add a decorative and amusing touch to any workspace, making it a fun and lighthearted Christmas gift for employees.
18. Uncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball
Alt Text: Uncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball set with miniature paddles and net, a fun Christmas gift for employees who enjoy games and desk diversions.
For employees who enjoy a little desk-side fun, the Uncommon Goods Desktop Pickleball set is a playful and engaging Christmas gift. This miniature set includes tiny paddles, balls, and a suction-cup net, allowing for impromptu pickleball matches during lunch breaks or downtime. It’s a unique and entertaining gift for employees who appreciate games and a bit of office recreation.
Christmas Gift-Giving Etiquette for Employees
Navigating workplace gift-giving, especially at Christmas, requires a thoughtful approach. Here’s some guidance, drawing from expert advice, to ensure your employee Christmas gifts are well-received and appropriate:
Budget for Employee Christmas Gifts
Setting a budget for employee Christmas gifts is crucial for both financial planning and maintaining fairness. Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute emphasizes that “A gift exchange should make everyone feel good, and that includes the person giving the gift. Part of doing that well is knowing and understanding your budget.”
Consider establishing a clear price range or opting for gifts within a similar value to ensure equitable treatment across your team. Group gifting can also be a budget-friendly option, allowing for a more substantial collective gift without placing undue financial burden on individuals. Remember, thoughtfulness often outweighs extravagance, and a well-chosen, modestly priced gift can be just as appreciated as an expensive one.
Gifting Boss vs. Subordinates at Christmas
The etiquette of gifting up versus gifting down in the workplace hierarchy differs slightly. While gifting to your boss is never obligatory, if you choose to do so, Senning advises avoiding any impression of seeking favoritism. Group gifts are often a comfortable solution for employees wanting to contribute to a manager’s Christmas present, ensuring no individual feels obligated or singled out.
When it comes to managers gifting subordinates, Senning suggests consistency: “You don’t want to set up a situation where people feel like they’re being treated differently, and personal gifts that go to some people and not others can create that feeling.” Opting for similar gifts for all team members or providing a team-wide benefit ensures fairness and avoids potential discomfort or perceived favoritism.
Occasions for Employee Gifts Beyond Christmas
While Christmas is a popular time for employee gifts, other occasions throughout the year are also appropriate for showing appreciation. Birthdays, work anniversaries, and team milestones are all suitable moments for thoughtful gestures. Furthermore, recognizing employees when they leave the team or retire is a customary practice, often marked by a group gift or farewell gesture. Remember, consistent appreciation throughout the year, not just at Christmas, fosters a positive and valued work environment.
Conclusion: Make This Christmas Special for Your Employees
Choosing the right employee gift ideas for Christmas is an opportunity to express genuine appreciation and strengthen team morale. By focusing on thoughtful and practical gifts, and keeping workplace etiquette in mind, you can ensure your Christmas gestures are both meaningful and well-received.
From desk enhancements to tech gadgets, wellness items to gourmet treats, the options are plentiful for finding the perfect Christmas gifts for your employees. Start planning your employee Christmas gifts early to take advantage of holiday deals and ensure timely delivery. This Christmas, let your gifts reflect your gratitude and contribute to a happy and motivated workforce, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
