When the holidays roll around, so too does the good cheer. Many employers feel the magnanimous urge to give Christmas gifts to their staff in one form or another. This is great! A giving employer shows the team that they really care and are appreciated. However, what exactly should you give your employees for Christmas this year? It can be tough to pick something that you can give equally and that everyone will enjoy. Whether or not you are throwing a holiday party or sharing cake in the break room, gifting adds that special touch, especially when you choose the right gift.
Let’s dive into the top six things to gift your employees with this year that will be a hit for every single person; things they can take home and cherish even though everyone’s tastes are different.
1) Cash and/or Holiday Bonuses
Holiday bonuses are very important for many families, and not just for that warm-fuzzy feeling of gifting or being gifted. Giving your team a little extra before the Holidays are over is a wonderful way to make sure their holidays feel bountiful instead of financially tight. You can do this by adding to a traditional Christmas bonus or by handing out bonus checks inside lovely gift cards during your last lunch in the office together.
2) Donation on Their Behalf to a Charity
Charity is often a wonderful way to give to your employees in a way that everyone can feel good about. Be sure to pick a charity that the whole team can get behind, perhaps one that you have worked with in the past. Or you can give your team the option of which charity to receive a donation. Then donate in their name and when you get that special thank-you message, gift that in your bright red envelopes.
3) Personalized Tree Ornament
Personalization touches the heart in a special way and everyone can use an ornament. Even families that don’t have trees can hang an ornament on a holiday wreath or on their fridge. Consider lovely ways to make personalized ornaments for your staff. If you are artsy, paint pens and clear glass ornaments are a delightful way to go. Or you can build charm-ornaments in some shops, picking charms that represent each person on your team based on their personalities and styles.
4) Gift Cards for Nice Evening Out
Everyone likes to go out for dinner for Christmas. Rather than hosting an elaborate dinner with coworkers, give your team what they really want: Special time with their partner or family at the dinner location of their choice. Gift cards are a wonderful way to give your team the gift your team with a good time and a nice evening out, either by picking the restaurant yourself or finding one of the many gift card services that can be accepted at multiple venues so your staff can choose for themselves.
5) Thoughtfully Hand-Written Cards
For small teams, especially, sometimes the most touching gift you can give is a hand-written card listing all the things you most appreciate about each member of your staff. Pick the cards yourself and use your best handwriting (be legible!) to show your true appreciation and that your gift-giving is not just a traditional gesture. Hand-written cards go over best when paired with holiday bonuses, even small ones.
6) Extra Time Off to Spend with Family
Finally, you can give your team what everyone wants most around Christmas: More time with family. Have a Christmas Lunch and let everyone go home early or if all the work is done you can give them a few days extra off to spend with children, parents, partners, or best friends. They can spend time with their coworkers all year long, but the holidays are a time to cherish one’s personal connections at home. Send your employees home with well-wishes and they will come back smiling and refreshed from a wonderful time with family.
Find More Gifts to Give Your Employees This Christmas
The best way to show your appreciation with holiday gifts for the whole staff is to choose rewarding, neutral gifts that everyone can take home with a smile. From multi-restaurant gift cards to extra time off with their families, the smart choice for any employer or HR manager is to remember that each person is unique. Some people don’t drink, some don’t eat chocolate, some don’t go to spas. But everyone enjoys being appreciated. For more insights into how to rock at being an employer and build an amazing dedicated staff, contact us today.
Don’t forget that the holidays are a great time to network. For tips, check out this blog post.
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