Top 20 Holiday Gift Ideas for Employees

As many employers face what is being called “The Great Resignation” or the “Turnover Tsunami,” they’re seeking strategies to boost employee retention. The holiday season offers a few opportunities for employers to show their staff they’re valued: being generous with PTO, throwing a fun holiday gathering (virtually or in-person), and giving great employee gifts. It’s important for the employer to select holiday gifts for employees that are consistent (especially in price point) across the organization, tasteful, and appropriate. This will help ensure their team feels valued. MP’s HR services team recommends four holiday gift ideas for employees in a range of budgets and interests.

20 Holiday Gift Ideas for Employees

1. Technology and Office Supply Options

Technology and office supply accessories are often the best employee gifts because they:

• Reduce costs
• Are professional
• Apply to a wider variety of people

These may be the best employee gifts in a large company because they’ll work for the whole team and won’t break the budget. Generally, an organization could also brand these items with the company logo.

Sample items:

• Paper items, such as a moleskin notebook or planner
• Travel tech accessories, such as a laptop case, earbud case, etc.
• Coffee and Travel mugs
• Coffee mug koozie
• Wireless or Bluetooth speakers
• Blue light glasses
• Puzzles

2. Edible Gifts

Edible gifts are optimal choices because they’re often universally appealing. Employers could also use these gifts to support local businesses. One thing employers should be cautious about is allergens. Ideally, gift items will be without nuts, eggs, dairy, wheat, shellfish, and other common allergens. If an employee in the workplace has a severe or known allergy, employers must take this into consideration.

Sample items:

• Sweets or baked goods
• A bottle of high-quality whiskey, wine, scotch, etc.
• Cocktail kits, including instructions and ingredients for a specific drink
• Gift certificates from a local (or popular) restaurant

3. Wellness Options

Wellness gifts are frequently a welcome reprieve from the overindulgence of the holidays. They also reinforce the idea that the employer cares for their employee—not just as a worker, but also as a person. The one caveat for these items is to ensure they don’t force a message about health standards. This could alienate some workers. As with office items, employers can brand these with the company logo.

Sample items:

• Foam rollers
• Microfiber sweat towels
• Water bottles
• Baseball hats
• Hoodies

4. Philanthropic Options

Charity-oriented options are truly universal and are often impactful. Employees in 2021 want to know their company gives back to its community and supports social justice initiatives. Picking the right employee gift will reinforce this message.

Sample items:

• Allow individual workers to make a small donation to the cause of their choice
• Select a cause as a team and donate collectively
• Select a local cause to donate to
• Begin a yearly tradition of donating to a specific cause or causes