Christmas is just around the corner, which means many of us are racking our brains, facing the eternal dilemma: “What shall I get them this year?” If you’re a member of the HR team, this question comes with added pressure: finding the perfect Christmas gifts for employees.
This is no easy task, especially when you’re faced with challenges including:
- Not knowing all the employees personally
- Managing a limited budget
- Trying to avoid repetitive or generic gifts
- Looking for options that reflect the company’s values
To make your life easier, here are 25 ideas divided into categories to suit different budgets and styles. Here we go!
Table of Contents
Two classic Christmas gifts for employees that never fail
1. Gift cards
A gift card is a flexible gift that allows each employee to choose something they actually like. You can opt for popular brands such as Amazon, Zara, Starbucks or broader platforms such as El Corte Inglés. This easy-to-manage gift is adaptable to suit all budgets and ensures that everyone is sure to get a gift they’ll love.
2. Personalised Christmas hampers
A timeless classic, especially in Mediterranean countries, Christmas hampers are a great way to share the festive spirit. Include wines, gourmet sweet treats or local products, and personalise them according to your employees’ preferences. This gift not only offers quality and variety, but also encourages moments of celebration with the family. A traditional option with a modern twist.
Wellness
3. A day at the spa
Treat your employees to a day of total relaxation with a visit to a spa. This encourages physical and mental wellbeing, giving them the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a moment to themselves. It’s also a perfect way to show appreciation for their hard work throughout the year.
4. Gym membership
A gym membership is a practical gift that motivates employees to stay active and healthy. You can also include options for specific classes such as yoga, pilates or swimming – tailor it to your team’s tastes. This reinforces your commitment to your employees’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
5. Wellness vouchers
Vouchers for yoga classes, mindfulness sessions or sports activities provide a wide variety of options which help look after your employees’ health. You can choose from innovative or traditional experiences depending on your team’s characteristics, thereby ensuring that they find something they not only enjoy, but which also brings them personal benefits.
6. Personal care kits
A gift set that includes creams, lotions, face masks and scented candles is an invitation to rest and relaxation. This gift encourages self-care, ideal for relieving end-of-year stress. Personalise the set with high-quality or local products to add a special touch and show your team that their holistic wellbeing matters to you.
7. Mini desk plants
Small plants such as succulents or bonsai bring a touch of freshness and warmth to the workspace. This environmentally-friendly detail improves mood, reinforces commitment to the environment and provides a cosier environment to work in. Plus, plants are easy to care for and a decorative gift that everyone loves.
8. Wellness app subscription
Apps like Calm, Headspace or 8fit can help your employees manage stress and improve their wellbeing. Offering them this type of subscription shows that you value their emotional health and equilibrium, especially in a season that can be very hectic and stressful. It’s an original gift that has long-term benefits.
9. Extended holidays
An extra day off is a gift that will never go unnoticed. Allowing employees to enjoy more time with their loved ones during the holiday season shows that you value their wellbeing and work-life balance. This means more than any item that can be purchased.
Experiences and Courses
10. Cinema or theatre tickets
Offering the gift of unforgettable moments with tickets to the cinema, theatre, a concert or show is a great way to create unique memories. This gift can be easily adapted to employees’ preferences, ensuring that they enjoy an experience that they are truly passionate about and that provides them with a way to disconnect and unwind.
11. Online classes or workshops
Offer practical workshops or interest-based courses, from baking to photography, that encourage creativity and learning. Platforms such as Udemy or Domestika provide a wide variety of options. This gift not only enriches employees on a personal level, but can also benefit their professional development.
12. Subscriptions to OTT platforms
Offering access to platforms such as Netflix, Spotify or Disney+ allows your employees to relax and enjoy the best entertainment while on holiday. Personalise the gift according to their interests and make sure the subscription is for a full year so they can enjoy it to the fullest.
Technology and gadgets
13. Noise cancelling headphones
A practical and much-appreciated tech gift, ideal for employees who work in noisy offices or from home. Brands such as Bose and Sony offer high quality models that improve a company member’s concentration and their experience at work. This gift shows you care about providing comfort and increasing productivity.
14. Bluetooth speakers
Treat employees to portable speakers that combine style and functionality. Employees can use them at home, at social events or on holiday. Brands such as JBL and Sony lead the way in quality and design, making this gadget a modern and versatile option for enjoying great music anywhere.
15. Portable chargers and practical gadgets
Wireless chargers, adjustable lamps or ergonomic keyboards are useful and practical gifts that your employees can use both at home and in the office. This type of gift is perfect for modern, digital teams who appreciate technology.
16. Portable workstations
Ergonomic stands or adjustable desks are ideal for employees who work from home. This gift contributes to physical wellbeing and improves productivity. If your budget is limited, you can opt for ergonomic cushions, which are more affordable but just as beneficial.
Personalised gifts
17. Personalised office accessories
Pen holders, diaries, ergonomic stands, or notebooks personalised with an employee’s name or initials makes a great gift. Details like this will reinforce their sense of belonging and show that you pay attention to individual tastes. It’s a practical and stylish gift that enhances any workspace, adding a personal touch to staff members’ day-to-day life.
18. Ergonomic cushions
An ergonomic cushion helps to improve posture and comfort during what can be long working hours. This gift is especially useful for employees who spend long hours at the computer. Customise them with stylish colours or designs to match any office or home office space.
19. Ergonomic mice
Ergonomic mice are a practical gift that takes care of your employees’ health by preventing hand and wrist problems. It is a practical detail, ideal for those who work with computers, and which shows your concern for their physical wellbeing in the work environment.
20. SAD lamps
A SAD or natural light lamp, is a lamp with adjustable light that mimics a day’s natural light hours and colours. This accessory is perfect for those who work in dimly lit spaces or for extended hours. These lights can also be customised to add a corporate touch.
21. Ergonomic computer stands
Give the gift of a computer stand that allows the screen’s height and position to be adjusted for more comfortable use. This accessory contributes to postural health and is ideal for both employees who work at home or in the office. Customise the design with your company logo to reinforce your corporate identity.
22. Personalised water bottles or thermos flasks
A practical and stylish gift, perfect to accompany employees on their long working days. Reusable bottles with personalised designs are an excellent eco-friendly gift that aligns with modern values and promotes environmental awareness.
Nostalgic and sociable gifts
23. Board games
Receiving a board game encourages spending quality time with family or friends. From classics like Monopoly to newer, more modern games, this type of gift creates shared and lasting experiences. It’s a fun and nostalgic option that always brings a smile to everyone’s face.
24. Gourmet coffee or tea
Give the gift of a sensory experience with gourmet coffee or premium tea, paired with a stylish mug or infuser. This gift will inspire workers to take a break and sit back for a moment of pleasure. Ideal for coffee lovers and tea aficionados alike.
25. Personalised photo albums
A photo album where your employees can capture and store their favourite memories is a nostalgic gift that can’t go wrong. Personalise it with inspirational quotes or unique designs to make it even more special. This gift encourages the value of treasuring moments and enjoying time with loved ones.
Innovative reward models
Points-based employee rewards
A points-based reward system is one of the most practical and flexible ways to surprise your employees at Christmas. With Vip Incentives, you can award points to each employee, which they can then redeem against a wide range of items and services, from gift cards to personalised experiences or exclusive discounts on different products.
Not only does this model allow your employees to choose something they really want, but it’s also easy to implement, even at short notice. Plus, you can use the same platform throughout the year to continue recognising their efforts and keep their motivation high at all times.
Would you like to know how we at Vip District do it?
It’s been a long time since we stopped giving the usual Christmas gift of a traditional hamper or ham. We now manage everything through Vip Incentives. And we can guarantee that our HR and Purchasing teams love it and have been saved from a lot of headaches.
Every Christmas, Vip District gives each employee 8,000 points as a Christmas gift. They can then choose from Vip District’s extensive catalogue, including the typical Christmas hamper or ham (as tradition demands) and more modern and veggie-friendly options. They also have the option of choosing gift cards from many well-known brands, specific products or even planting a tree in Africa. Our employees are free to choose one or more gifts until their 8,000 points are used up. There is naturally a time limit for redeeming these points.
This not only helps our HR team and grants them peace of mind, but it also allows each employee to choose the gift they like best. Everyone is happy with a gift that means something at this special time of year.
