Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for your team members does not have to be a challenge—or break the bank. Thoughtful and budget-friendly options can show appreciation, foster camaraderie, and spread holiday cheer.
Managing a small office or leading a large remote team? Here are 30 ideas to inspire your gifting this year.
Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Employees
Practical and affordable gifts
- Personalized notebooks: Add their name or initials for a thoughtful touch.
- Reusable water bottles: Practical, eco-friendly, and stylish.
- Desk plants: Low-maintenance options like succulents can brighten up any workspace.
- Blue light glasses: Perfect for reducing eye strain during long screen hours.
- Portable phone stands: Handy for virtual meetings and keeping desks organized.
Festive treats and snacks
- Holiday-themed chocolate boxes: Classic and universally loved.
- Hot chocolate kits: Include mini marshmallows and festive mugs for a cozy touch.
- Gourmet popcorn tins: Perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
- DIY cookie kits: Add a fun, interactive element to holiday snacking.
- Mini jars of honey or jam: A sweet gift with a personal touch.
Fun and creative gifts
- Custom keychains: Include a motivational message or their initials.
- Desk toys or stress balls: A fun way to reduce stress and spark conversation.
- Mini puzzles or brain teasers: Great for quick mental breaks during work hours.
- Customized calendars: Add team photos or motivational quotes.
- Coloring books for adults: Include a set of colored pencils for relaxation during downtime.
Wellness-focused gifts
- Aromatherapy roll-ons: Choose calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.
- Mini fitness bands: Encourage quick, easy workouts during breaks.
- Sleep masks: Ideal for promoting relaxation after busy workdays.
- Hand creams or lip balms: Keep winter dryness at bay with these simple essentials.
- Meditation app subscriptions: Affordable apps like Headspace or Calm offer trial subscriptions.
Tech accessories
- Cable organizers: A simple yet life-changing gift for tech-savvy team members.
- Portable phone chargers: A practical choice for those always on the go.
- Mouse pads with wrist support: Combine comfort and utility.
- Mini ring lights: Perfect for enhancing video calls, especially for remote teams.
- Stylus pens: A small but useful gift for tablet or touchscreen users.
Courses for personal and professional growth
Investing in your team’s development is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Consider offering them access to affordable online courses or resources to help them grow both personally and professionally.
- Skill development platforms: Provide access to platforms like Skill Success. Let team members choose courses that interest them, from leadership skills to creative hobbies.
- Career advancement workshops: Look for short courses on improving communication, project management, or time management skills.
- Wellness and mindfulness courses: Help your team focus on their mental health with courses on stress management, mindfulness, or work-life balance.
- Creative skills classes: Boost their creativity with lessons in photography, graphic design, or writing.
- Language learning subscriptions: Give the gift of learning a new language with apps like Duolingo or Babbel, which are affordable and fun.
Seasonal and personal touches
- Christmas ornaments: Choose unique designs or create custom ones featuring your company logo.
- Holiday scented candles: Opt for classic scents like cinnamon or pine.
- Warm fuzzy socks: Include festive patterns for a cheerful addition.
- Personalized tote bags: Functional and perfect for everyday use.
- Thank-you notes: A heartfelt message expressing your appreciation can mean more than any gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a good budget for team member gifts?
A reasonable budget depends on your team size and resources. Most companies aim for $10–$30 per person to balance affordability with thoughtfulness.
2. Can I give the same gift to all team members?
Yes, gifting the same item ensures fairness. However, consider adding a personal touch, like customized messages or names, to make each gift unique.
3. What if I have a remote team?
For remote teams, consider gifts that are easy to ship, such as online courses, e-gift cards, or digital subscriptions to wellness or learning platforms.
4. Are practical gifts better than fun ones?
It depends on your team’s preferences. Practical gifts, like notebooks or phone stands, are always useful, while fun gifts, like desk toys or puzzles, can add personality and joy. A mix of both is often a great solution.
5. How can I personalize gifts on a budget?
Small details like custom tags, handwritten thank-you notes, or adding team members’ names to items like notebooks or ornaments can make a budget-friendly gift feel extra special.
Key Takeaways
No matter your budget, there is no shortage of creative ways to spread holiday cheer among your team members. Pairing thoughtful gifts with genuine appreciation ensures your team feels valued during the festive season. Adding personal or professional development options like online courses shows you are invested in their growth—making the holiday season even more meaningful.
For example, Skill Success offers a wide variety of online courses that can help your team members grow in areas like leadership, communication, time management, and creative skills. Gifting access to platforms like Skill Success not only empowers your team but also demonstrates your commitment to their personal and professional development, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Discover how Skill Success Teams can transform your workplace learning strategy—book a demo today!