It’s that wonderful time of year again when the holiday season begins. As the chill sets in, the festive spirit of Christmas draws near—a time for savouring delicious treats and exchanging heartfelt gifts with our loved ones, expressing our appreciation and gratitude.
The joy of Christmas is not confined to our homes and families; it extends to our workplaces as well. Celebrating the festive season at work allows us to share the same warmth and joy with our colleagues, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. Christmas is not just a time for festive decorations and end-of-year parties; it’s also an opportunity to boost morale, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen team spirit. Multiple studies have successfully established a relationship between employee recognition and productivity metrics such as engagement and retention. Clearly, employees who feel appreciated are more productive at work.
With the holiday season approaching, organisations have a prime opportunity to convey gratitude through corporate Christmas gifts. In fact, a report suggests that companies that invest in recognition programs have a 31% lower voluntary turnover. Thoughtful gestures can effectively boost employee morale and strengthen interpersonal bonds within teams.
Looking for the perfect corporate Christmas gift that says “thank you” meaningfully? We’ve compiled a list of 20 great corporate Christmas gifting ideas that will make your employees and co-workers feel extra special and valued this holiday season.
Why Are Christmas Gifts and Festive Activities Essential in Offices?
Employees are the backbone of any successful organisation. Recognising and appreciating their hard work and dedication is crucial for maintaining high levels of motivation and job satisfaction. Christmas presents a unique opportunity for employers to express their gratitude. Here’s why it’s important:
- Boosting Morale: The end of the year can be a stressful period for many employees, with deadlines and targets to meet. Christmas gifts and activities can provide a much-needed morale boost, helping employees feel valued and appreciated.
- Enhancing Engagement: When employees feel recognised, their engagement levels increase. This can lead to higher productivity, better teamwork, and a more positive work environment.
- Strengthening Relationships: Christmas celebrations can help strengthen relationships within teams and between employees and management. This sense of camaraderie can enhance collaboration and communication.
- Retention and Loyalty: Showing appreciation through Christmas gifts and activities can increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover rates. Employees are more likely to stay with an organisation that values their contributions.
- Creating a Positive Company Culture: Celebrating Christmas and giving gifts can contribute to a positive company culture where employees feel happy and motivated. This can make the organisation a more attractive place to work.
What are the Benefits of Giving Christmas Gifts to Employees?
- Motivation: Gifts can act as a tangible form of recognition, motivating employees to continue performing at their best.
- Job Satisfaction: Receiving a thoughtful gift can enhance job satisfaction, making employees feel that their hard work is noticed and appreciated.
- Improved Productivity: Happy employees are productive employees. Gifts can improve overall productivity by boosting morale and motivation.
- Employee Retention: Acknowledging employees’ efforts through gifts can increase their loyalty to the company, thereby reducing turnover rates.
- Team Cohesion: Gifts can foster a sense of unity and belonging among employees, enhancing team cohesion and collaboration.
What are the Top 20 Corporate Christmas Gift Ideas for Employees in 2024?
Here are some top corporate christmas gift ideas that are evergreen:
- Tech Accessories
Tech accessories top the list of foolproof Christmas gifting ideas. Think of useful items such as wireless phone chargers, comfortable keyboard wrist rests, mouse pads, USB hubs, power banks, and stylish laptop bags. Since much of your work happens on desktops and computers, items like blue light-blocking glasses and anti-glare screen filters also make for thoughtful and practical Christmas gifts.
- Fitness Products
In recent times, fitness-related gifts have become one of the most popular corporate Christmas gifting ideas. A smartwatch or a smartring that tracks heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels is an excellent option for those interested in monitoring their daily well-being. Other corporate Christmas gift ideas for fitness lovers include yoga mats, premium sippers for the gym, duffel bags, and massage guns. These are all excellent ideas for teams that prioritise fitness and wellness activities.
- Gift Cards
Gift cards are one of the most popular corporate Christmas gifts owing to their versatility. Treat your team to popular spots like Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, John Lewis or local coffee shops and restaurants. It’s also a good idea to offer a variety of cards so employees can take their pick.
- Desktop Essentials
Make your coworkers’ desks more organised with practical gifts like monthly planners, notebooks, pen holders, file sorters, and desktop caddies. Look for items in cheerful colours or patterns to brighten up their workspace. Don’t forget to include fun pens, highlighters, and sticky note sets.
- Healthy Snack Baskets
A recent survey has revealed that around 35% of corporate gifts in the UK involve food and drinks, making it the most widely loved and popular gifting idea. Consider gifting a basket filled with delicious and healthy snacks to keep your team energised throughout the day. Pack it with goodies like crackers, nuts, dried fruits, granola, and popcorn. Be mindful of any food allergies your coworkers may have.
- Wellness Baskets
Help your team unwind and recharge with self-care gifts like candles, lotions, sleep masks, and aromatic essential oils. To make it extra special, personalise these goodies by adding your company’s logo and a personalised note. Employees will appreciate the chance to pamper themselves and decompress during hectic days.
Also read, Top Christmas Decoration Ideas for Your Private Office Space
- OTT Subscriptions
Another great corporate Christmas gift idea is to give your team yearly subscriptions to popular over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, BritBox, HBO Max, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. Surprise cinema buffs, true crime fans, foodies, and others by allowing them to choose a subscription that aligns with their interests. This makes for a delightful present that entertains for months.
- Succulent Plants
Vibrant plants and succulents always make for thoughtful gifts, no matter what the occasion. However, maintaining plants may not be easy for everyone. So, if you choose to give plants as a gift, opt for hardy, low-maintenance varieties like snake plants, aloe vera, and ZZ palm that can thrive with minimal care. Arrange a few complementary plants in cute pots for deskside decor that boosts mood without requiring much attention.
- Entertainment
For about 1 in 6 workers in the UK, entertainment gifts are a preferred choice. Consider giving free movie tickets or a one-day trip to a fun destination. These gifts allow the team to unwind, take some time off, and rejuvenate.
- Cash Rewards
No corporate Christmas gifting idea can beat cash rewards. If your business is thriving, consider sharing a portion of your profits to reward your employees for their hard work.“In the UK, 21% of corporate gifts are monetary rewards such as bonuses; universally, employees love the extra money at the end of the year.”
- Personalised Gifts
Customised stationary items like engraved pens, monogrammed notebooks, or personalised mugs show thoughtfulness and effort, making employees feel valued.
- Books
“A word after a word after a word is power.” – Margaret Atwood
Reading books can provide a completely new experience, broadening your perspective and enhancing your vocabulary. Gifting books can be a good corporate Christmas gift idea as it helps the employees enrich their knowledge.
- Sweet or Chocolates Box
A sweet or chocolate box is an excellent Christmas gift for employees. It’s universally enjoyed, boosts morale, enhances the festive spirit, promotes social interaction, offers personalisation options, and is both convenient and affordable. This thoughtful gift can make your employees feel appreciated and valued.
- Bonsai Tree
A Bonsai tree makes a unique and thoughtful Christmas gift for employees, symbolising peace, balance, and long-lasting growth. It enhances office aesthetics and reduces stress.
- Desk Plants
Desk plants are another one of the thoughtful corporate Christmas gifts for employees, enhancing office aesthetics, improving air quality, and reducing stress, thereby boosting their well-being and productivity. They add a touch of nature to the workspace.
- Food Coupons
A great way to help your employees celebrate Christmas is by offering food coupons they can use for ordering from any restaurant. the flexibility to choose their favourite meals, boosting morale, and ensuring a satisfying dining experience. They are convenient and universally appreciated.
- Additional Paid Time Off
Extra paid time off is a fantastic Christmas gift, allowing employees to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones, enhancing their overall well-being and productivity.
- Gourmet Coffee Sets
Surprise your employees with gourmet coffee sets, including premium coffee beans, a stylish French press, and personalised coffee mugs. This gift is perfect for coffee lovers and can enhance their daily work routine.
- Wine Bottle Box
Another elegant Christmas gift is a wine bottle box, perfect for showing appreciation. It adds a touch of sophistication and allies your employees to unwind after work and celebrate the festive season in style.
- Winter Accessories
Winter accessories make a cosy and practical Christmas gift. Items like scarves, gloves, and hats keep employees warm and stylish during the colder months.
Also read, Last Minute Fun Ideas for Your Team’s New Year Party at GO Bermondsey
Spread Holiday Cheer with Thoughtful Corporate Christmas Gifts
To further amplify the festive spirit, consider decorating your workspace to build a positive work environment that allows employees to enjoy the festivities at their workplace too. For instance, at GO (Garden Office) Bermondsey’s private offices, you can decorate your workspace as you wish, whether it’s adding Christmas baubles, streamers, or lanterns.
In conclusion, by gifting with intention, you not only celebrate the spirit of giving but also foster a sense of unity and appreciation that lasts well beyond the holiday season. These gifts bring joy and goodwill to your workplace festivities and foster a sense of camaraderie among employees and co-workers.
