The end of the year is approaching, and you know what that means.
It’s time to show your team just how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication!
Gifting is one of the best ways to show your team that you care. But let’s be honest: finding the perfect holiday gifts for your employees can feel like trying to organize a Secret Santa exchange for hundreds — it’s a bit overwhelming!
Don’t worry, though.
We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about making this holiday season special for your team.
The Power of Holiday Employee Appreciation
During the holiday season, when everyone’s reflecting on their year, showing gratitude isn’t just nice – it’s crucial for maintaining a strong, motivated team.
But holiday gifts do more than just make people feel good (though that’s important too!). They’re secret weapons for:
- Boosting team morale during the busy end-of-year rush
- Strengthening company culture and values
- Creating lasting memories and positive associations with your company
- Building loyalty that extends well beyond the holiday season
- Making your remote team members feel connected and valued
Corporate Christmas Gift-Giving: Best Practices
The art of corporate gift-giving during the holidays is a delicate balance of thoughtfulness, professionalism, and inclusivity.
While it might seem straightforward to pick out presents for your team, there’s actually quite a bit of strategy involved in getting it right. Let’s explore the key considerations that will help you master your holiday gift-giving program.
Setting the Right Budget
One of the most common questions we hear is “How much should we really be spending?”
While there’s no universal answer, we can help you find the sweet spot for your organization.
Entry-level gifts typically range from $25-50 per employee, while mid-range appreciation gifts fall between $50-100. For more premium recognition, companies often invest $100-200 per employee.
The key isn’t necessarily in the dollar amount – it’s in the consistency. Your teams talk to each other, and noticeable disparities in gift values can create unnecessary tension. It’s far better to give everyone equally thoughtful $50 gifts than to create an awkward situation with varying values across departments.
The Art of Corporate Gift Etiquette
Corporate gift-giving comes with its own set of unwritten rules and best practices.
The goal is to show appreciation while maintaining professionalism and respecting boundaries. Keep gifts professional yet personal, and always consider your company culture when making selections. Equal value across similar job levels is crucial for maintaining workplace harmony.
What you want to avoid are overly personal items or gifts that could be seen as inappropriate in a professional setting. Remember that workplace dynamics are different from personal gift-giving – that luxury perfume might be a hit with your best friend, but it could make employees uncomfortable.
Making Gifts Inclusive
Inclusive gift-giving isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
Consider that your team likely celebrates different holidays and comes from various cultural backgrounds. The key is to choose gifts that make everyone feel valued and included, regardless of their personal traditions or beliefs.
When selecting gifts, opt for items that have universal appeal and avoid anything that might inadvertently exclude team members. If you’re including food items, be mindful of dietary restrictions and preferences. The goal is to unite your team through thoughtful giving, not create awkward situations.
Timing Is Everything
The secret to successful corporate gift-giving often lies in the planning.
Starting your holiday gift strategy in September might seem early, but it’s actually perfect timing. This gives you an adequate runway for budgeting, researching options, and handling logistics. By October, you should be selecting your gifts, with orders placed by early November.
Remember that shipping delays are expected during the holiday season, especially for bulk orders. Planning for early December distribution ensures that remote team members receive their gifts before the holiday break, while in-office distribution can happen mid-month during holiday celebrations.
The Personal vs. Practical Debate
Should your gifts warm hearts or serve a purpose? In the best cases, they’ll do both. The most successful corporate gifts manage to blend functionality with thoughtfulness. Look for items that your team can use regularly but that still feel special — think high-quality desk accessories with personal touches, or premium everyday items they might not buy for themselves.
20 Ideal Employee Christmas and Holiday Gift Ideas
Ready to dive into the list?
Here are our favorite Christmas and holiday gift ideas — separated by different categories.
Apparel
There’s something special about unwrapping a cozy new piece of clothing during the holiday season.
Maybe it’s because quality apparel is often something people hesitate to buy for themselves, or maybe it’s just the promise of staying warm and stylish through those post-holiday winter months.
Either way, we’ve curated a collection that hits all the right notes: comfort, style, and that “wow, they really thought about this” factor.
Swag Unisex Polyblend Crew T-Shirt
Sometimes the simplest gifts make the biggest statement!
This crew neck combines combed ring-spun cotton with polyester for a shirt that keeps its shape and its cool. Pre-laundered to avoid any shrinkage surprises, it’s ready to be transformed into your team’s next favorite holiday tee.
With decoration options on the front, back, and sleeves, you’ve got plenty of canvas to work with. Available in sizes XS to 3XL because one size definitely doesn’t fit all, this tee is about to become the foundation of your team’s holiday wardrobe.
Just don’t be surprised when it becomes their favorite shirt for both Zoom calls and weekend adventures!
The North Face Unisex Skyline Zip Fleece Jacket
Meet the fleece that’s about to become your team’s new favorite layer.
The North Face Skyline Zip combines technical stretch with cloud-like softness, creating a jacket that works as hard as your employees do.
With recycled materials and premium details like reverse-coil zippers and contrast binding, it’s the kind of gift that makes Monday mornings a little more exciting.
The peached-face fleece with its brushed interior delivers that perfect balance of professional look and weekend comfort. And because great style should be for everyone, it comes in sizes S-3XL.
Trust us — this is the jacket they’ll be reaching for whether they’re heading to the office or hitting the trail on their day off.
District Unisex Re-Fleece Crew Sweatshirt
Here’s a sweatshirt that feels as good on the planet as it does on your team.
Made from 60% recycled cotton and 40% post-consumer recycled polyester, this Re-Fleece crew is what sustainable comfort dreams are made of. The 2×1 rib knit cuffs and hem keep things sleek, while coverstitch details throughout add that extra touch of quality your team deserves.
It’s the perfect canvas for your holiday creativity, without trying too hard to steal the show. And with sizes from XS to 4XL, everyone gets to join in on the cozy revolution. Consider this your go-to for those “casual Friday but make it sustainable” moments.
Southern California cool meets winter warmth in this premium beanie.
With its adjustable cuff and crown darts for the perfect shape, it’s the kind of accessory that makes your team look like they just stepped out of a coastal photoshoot (even if they’re just heading to their next meeting).
The 100% acrylic construction strikes that perfect balance between durability and softness, while the subtle TM label adds just enough luxe to remind them this isn’t your average holiday beanie.
Plus, with its one-size-friendly design and adjustable cuff height, it’s ready to adapt to whatever style your team brings to the table.
You Might Also Like: The Best Christmas Gifts For An Office
Drinkware
There’s something personal about gifting drinkware – maybe it’s because we all have that favorite mug or bottle that follows us through countless meetings, deadlines, and coffee breaks.
These drinkware options are daily companions that make every drink a little more enjoyable. From sustainable solutions to premium designs, we’ve curated a collection that turns every sip into a moment worth savoring.
LARQ 23 Oz. Swig Top Water Bottle
Here’s the water bottle that’s about to make hydration the highlight of your team’s day!
The LARQ Swig Top combines sleek design with serious functionality, featuring a snap-open cap that makes drinking on the go a breeze. With double-wall insulation keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours, it’s like having a personal beverage butler.
Made from premium 18/8 stainless steel and sporting a powder-coated finish that’s as durable as it is beautiful, this bottle makes the ideal gift.
Plus, every purchase supports the 1% for the Planet network, meaning your gift gives back to environmental causes. Now that’s something worth sipping to!
This isn’t just any mug — it’s the kind that makes Monday mornings feel a little more manageable.
The Monaco Mug strikes that perfect balance between sophistication and functionality with its matte gray exterior and glossy interior. It’s microwave-safe (because who has time to wait for reheats?), stackable (your office kitchen will thank you), and holds a generous 16 ounces of whatever keeps your team going.
Whether it’s displayed proudly on a desk or making its daily rounds to the coffee machine, this mug has a way of becoming everyone’s designated “favorite.”
The best part? It looks just as good in home office shelf selfies as it does in the break room.
Here’s a mug that brings a touch of outdoorsy charm to your daily grind.
The Cork Camper Mug elevates the classic camping vessel with double-wall stainless steel construction and copper vacuum insulation, while a synthetic cork base adds that perfect hint of rustic sophistication.
The clear push-on lid with matching swivel closure means no more desk spills, and the matte powder-coated finish gives it that premium feel your team deserves.
Arriving in its own gift box, it’s ready to make an impression before the first sip. Whether they’re coding at their desk or actually camping, this mug brings a bit of adventure to every drink.
Size matters when it comes to hydration, and this tumbler isn’t playing around.
The Owala 40 Oz. Tumbler is the overachiever of the drinkware world, featuring a clever dual-purpose lid that lets you either sip or straw your way through the day. With vacuum insulation and double-wall stainless steel construction, it keeps drinks at their perfect temperature like it’s its job (because it is).
The powder-coated finish adds a premium touch, while the included straw means no more awkward ice-cube face plants. It’s the kind of tumbler that makes staying hydrated feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
Related: Why Top Companies Start Holiday Shopping in the Summer
Tech
In a world where technology keeps us connected, productive, and entertained, tech gifts have become the modern-day equivalent of giving someone magic.
We’ve curated a collection that goes beyond the usual gadgets — these are conversation starters, productivity boosters, and daily life enhancers that show your team you’re investing in their everyday moments.
Don’t let its palm-sized frame fool you — this little powerhouse packs enough punch to turn any space into an instant party zone!
The JBL Go 4 delivers the kind of rich, clear sound that makes you wonder if there’s a full-sized speaker hiding somewhere nearby. With up to 7 hours of playtime (plus a 2-hour boost when you need it), it’s ready for everything from impromptu office dance parties to weekend adventures.
And thanks to its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, it can handle whatever your team throws at it — literally.
Urbanista Los Angeles Headphones
Welcome to the future of audio — these aren’t just headphones, they’re a small miracle of engineering!
The world’s first self-charging wireless headphones harness the power of Powerfoyle solar cell material to keep the music playing virtually forever. With 80 hours of battery reserve and the ability to charge from any light source, they’re like having a tiny power plant perched on your ears.
Add in hybrid active noise canceling, ambient sound modes, and compatibility with both Siri and Google Voice Assistant, and you’ve got a gift that keeps on giving (and charging).
This isn’t just a mug — it’s a temperature-controlling genius that keeps your team’s beverages at the exact degree of perfection they prefer.
Through its sleek touch screen display and companion app, it maintains their chosen temperature for up to 3 hours, because lukewarm coffee is so 2023. With smart LED indicators and auto-sleep functionality, it’s like having a personal beverage butler at your desk.
The redesigned charging coaster means it can keep the perfect temperature all day long, making it the ultimate gift for those who take their hot beverages very, very seriously.
Here’s proof that good things come in small, sustainable packages.
This mighty 5,200 mAh charger is crafted from 72.5% post-consumer recycled plastic, making it as kind to the planet as it is to your devices. Despite its compact size, it packs enough juice for up to three full phone charges and can power two devices simultaneously.
As a certified B Corp and carbon-neutral product, it’s charging toward a better future. The included biodegradable recycling bag for old tech shows that this isn’t just another charger — it’s a statement about corporate responsibility.
Read More: How To Order Christmas Gifts For an Office
Bags
Whether your team is conquering the daily commute or planning their next getaway, a quality bag is the unsung hero of modern life.
Check out these options for the holidays!
The North Face Laptop Backpack
Meet the Swiss Army knife of backpacks – a 28-liter marvel that thinks of everything so your team doesn’t have to.
The FlexVent suspension system (fancy speak for “really comfortable straps”) and padded mesh back panel make carrying a full day’s worth of gear feel like carrying a cloud.
With a floating laptop sleeve and enough pockets to lose count, it’s like having a personal assistant that lives on your shoulders. The 360-degree reflective details mean you’ll shine bright like a diamond on those early morning commutes or late-night bike rides.
And because The North Face believes in giving back, this pack comes with a side of sustainability — they’re working toward eliminating single-use plastic packaging by 2025. Now that’s carrying with a conscience.
Timbuk2 Eco Parkside 2.0 Backpack
Here’s a backpack that’s as eco-conscious as it is organized.
Made from 100% recycled nylon (yes, really), the Parkside 2.0 is what happens when sustainability meets sophistication. It transitions seamlessly from campus to boardroom, with enough pockets to store everything from your tablet to that protein bar you’ve been saving since breakfast.
The padded back panel and straps ensure comfort during your longest days, while the elasticized side pocket keeps your water bottle (or U-lock, we see you, bike commuters) within easy reach.
Osprey Arcane Duffel Bag & Backpack
Some bags carry your stuff. This one carries a story — specifically, the story of 12.1 plastic bottles transformed into a versatile masterpiece!
The Arcane Duffel is what happens when weekend wanderlust meets weekday practicality. With its clever conversion from shoulder bag to backpack, it’s basically two bags in one (we love a good deal).
The 15″ laptop sleeve means business, while the duffel-style access screams “spontaneous getaway.” Backed by Osprey’s legendary All Mighty Guarantee and constructed with bluesign®-approved recycled polyester, it’s not just a bag – it’s a commitment to better adventures and a better planet.
Sometimes you need a bag that looks like it just stepped off Wall Street, and this is it.
The Cambridge Duffel brings executive-level style to everyday carrying, with a design that means business. Its zippered main compartment with bottom board keeps everything structured (unlike your Monday morning meetings), while front and side slash pockets keep your essentials within easy reach.
The detachable shoulder strap means you can carry it like a boss – literally. It’s the kind of bag that makes people wonder if you’re about to close a major deal or jet off to a weekend conference.
Wellness
How about some other unique gifts?
From stress relief to healthy living, these picks are designed to help your employees find those precious moments of peace and rejuvenation in their daily routines.
This isn’t just a diffuser — it’s a piece of functional art that turns any space into a sanctuary.
Crafted from matte ceramic with clean, minimalist lines, it looks more like a modern sculpture than a wellness device. But don’t let its good looks fool you – this beauty puts in the work, covering up to 500 square feet with your choice of essential oils.
With both 4-hour continuous and 8-hour intermittent settings, it’s perfect for transforming home offices into spa-like retreats or adding a touch of zen to meeting spaces.
Plus, its auto-shutoff feature means one less thing to worry about when your team is deep in the flow state.
Meet the coworker who never complains about giving shoulder rubs.
The Theragun Prime is like having a personal massage therapist tucked away in your desk drawer, ready to tackle those pesky knots.
With its ergonomic handle design and smart app integration, it’s bringing spa-level muscle therapy to your team’s self-care routine. The 120-minute battery life means it can handle multiple stress-busting sessions between charges, while four different attachments ensure it hits all the right spots.
Whether it’s post-workout recovery or desk-job tension relief, this is the gift that keeps on kneading.
Because wellness isn’t just about meditation and massage — sometimes it’s about gathering around good food with great people.
This compact powerhouse of a grill transforms any outdoor space into an instant gathering spot. Perfect for team building events, lunch break cookouts, or encouraging employees to step away from their desks and enjoy some fresh air.
Its portable design means it can turn any tabletop into a grilling station, while its durability ensures it’s ready for countless outdoor adventures. It’s the ideal invitation to take those much-needed breaks and create memorable moments together!
Finally, a yoga mat that’s as committed to wellness as your team is!
At a quarter-inch thick, this mat provides cloud-like cushioning for everything from lunch-break stretches to full-on flow sessions. The non-slip texture means less worrying about stability and more focusing on that perfect pose. Made from eco-friendly PVC that’s free from latex and phthalates, it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your practice.
And because it’s moisture-resistant and easy to clean, it stays fresh through countless warrior poses and meditation sessions. Consider it your team’s personal island of calm in the corporate sea.
Get Ready For Holiday Gifting With More Incredible Holiday Gift Ideas
Looking for even more employee Christmas gift ideas?
Swag has all kinds of gift ideas ready to please your employees — get custom apparel, drinkware, must-have tech, and much more.
Shop our collection of employee holiday and Christmas gifts today!
