Top Holiday Gift Ideas for Employees: How to Recognize and Reward Your Team This Season

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time for companies to show their appreciation to employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Recognizing employees during the holidays is not just a nice gesture; it’s a strategic move that can significantly enhance morale, boost productivity, and increase retention. Holiday recognition is crucial to the well-being and morale of employees, but only if done right. If done incorrectly, it can create tension between employees and the organization, leaving them to harbor negative feelings about the experience. If done personally and thoughtfully you’re ensuring that your entire organization will have a very happy holiday season.  

Why Recognizing Employees During the Holidays Matters 

The holiday season can be both joyful and stressful. As employees juggle their professional responsibilities with personal obligations, a gesture of appreciation from their employer can make a world of difference in both their personal and professional lives. For example, employee recognition during the holidays: 

1. Boosts Employee Morale: According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 79% of employees said that recognition motivates them to work harder. The holidays are a natural time to recognize employees’ efforts and contributions, providing a morale boost that can carry over into the new year. 
2. Increases Employee Engagement: Gallup reports that employees who are regularly recognized are three times more likely to be highly engaged. Holiday recognition programs can help sustain engagement by reminding employees that their hard work is valued and appreciated. 
3. Improves Retention Rates: Employee turnover is costly. Replacing an employee can cost up to 1/3 their salary. Recognizing employees during the holidays reinforces their connection to the company, making them less likely to look for opportunities elsewhere. (Find out how much turnover is costing you with our employee turnover calculator). 
4. Enhances Workplace Culture: Consistent recognition fosters a positive workplace culture. By acknowledging employees during the holidays, companies can reinforce a culture of appreciation, kindness, and mutual respect. And in times of economic uncertainty, a strong culture can help organizations thrive.   
5. Strengthens Relationships: The holidays are a time for giving and connecting. Recognizing employees strengthens the relationship between management and staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the organization.

Top Gift Ideas for Employees by Price Point 

When it comes to holiday gifts, the thoughtfulness and appropriateness of the gift are more important than the price tag. Ensuring that gifts are personalized and custom to what employees actually want is key. Here are some top gift ideas categorized by price point to help you find the perfect way to recognize your employees this holiday season. (If you want to see what gifts you can offer your employees through our holiday program, click here.) 

Gifts Under $25 

1. Personalized Mugs: A customized mug with the employee’s name or a motivational quote is a thoughtful and practical gift that can be used daily.
2. Holiday Treats: A box of gourmet chocolates, cookies, or other festive treats can brighten an employee’s day and add a bit of holiday cheer to their routine.
3. Branded Swag: Items like water bottles, tote bags, or notebooks featuring the company logo can make for a simple yet meaningful gift.
4. Gift Cards: A small gift card to a popular coffee shop or bookstore is always appreciated and allows employees to treat themselves. 

Gifts Between $25 and $50 

1. Desk Plants: A small, easy-to-care-for plant like a succulent can add a touch of nature to an employee’s workspace and is known to boost mood and productivity.
2. Holiday-Themed Gift Baskets: Curated baskets filled with seasonal goodies like hot cocoa, snacks, and candles are a festive and versatile gift.
3. Quality Headphones: A pair of good-quality earbuds or headphones can be a thoughtful gift, especially for employees who enjoy listening to music or podcasts during their commute or while working.
4. Company-Branded Apparel: A cozy company-branded sweatshirt or jacket is a gift that employees can wear with pride and comfort. 

Gifts Between $50 and $100 

1. Personalized Leather Notebooks: A high-quality, personalized leather notebook is a luxurious and practical gift for employees who love to jot down ideas or keep organized.
2. Bluetooth Speakers: A portable Bluetooth speaker is a fun and functional gift that can be used at home or on the go.
3. Gourmet Gift Sets: Consider gifting a set of gourmet olive oils, spices, or a wine and cheese pairing for a more refined holiday treat.
4. Online Classes or Subscriptions: A subscription to a popular online learning platform or a masterclass of their choice can be a unique and educational gift that keeps on giving. 

Gifts Over $100 

1. Experience Gifts: Give the gift of an experience, such as tickets to a concert, theater, or a local event. Alternatively, consider a gift certificate for a weekend getaway or a spa day.
2. High-End Tech Gadgets: For a more substantial gift, consider tech gadgets like a smartwatch, tablet, or noise-canceling headphones.
3. Personalized Jewelry: A custom piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet with the employee’s initials or a meaningful charm, can be a cherished gift.
4. Luxury Gift Baskets: Upscale gift baskets featuring premium wines, artisanal foods, and luxury items can make a grand statement of appreciation. 

How to Implement a Successful Holiday Recognition Program 

While choosing the right gifts is important, how you present them and the context of the recognition are equally critical. Here are some tips for implementing a successful holiday recognition program: 

#1 Plan Ahead

Start planning your holiday recognition program early to ensure that all employees are included and that gifts arrive on time.

#2 Personalize the Experience

Tailor your recognition efforts to reflect the individual preferences and contributions of each employee. Personalized messages and gifts can make the recognition more meaningful.

#3 Include Everyone

Make sure that all employees, regardless of their role or location, are recognized. This inclusivity strengthens team unity and ensures that no one feels left out.

#4 Combine Recognition with Festivities

Host a virtual or in-person holiday party where you can publicly recognize employees and distribute gifts. This adds a celebratory atmosphere to the recognition.

#5 Follow Up with Continued Recognition

While holiday recognition is important, it should be part of an ongoing culture of appreciation. Continue recognizing employees throughout the year to maintain engagement and motivation. 

Worried about the time and cost it takes to continuously recognize employees? Check out Connect Plus. Inspirus has made it easy and seamless to continuously recognize your employees.

Conclusion 

Recognizing employees during the holidays is more than just a tradition; it’s a strategic move that can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. By choosing thoughtful gifts that suit your budget and presenting them in a way that makes employees feel valued, you can create a memorable holiday experience that resonates throughout the year. Whether you opt for a small token of appreciation or a more lavish gift, the key is to show your team that their hard work has not gone unnoticed. 

This holiday season, take the opportunity to make a positive impact on your employees’ lives. With the right recognition program, you can spread joy, boost morale, and set the stage for a successful year ahead. 

Looking to implement the perfect holiday program for you and your team? Check out our holiday hub for all the resources you need to make this holiday season the best one yet.