Best Holiday Gifts for Staff This Season

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to show gratitude to those who contribute to our everyday successes—our staff. Just as we exchange warm wishes and gifts with loved ones, showing appreciation to staff members during this season can foster a deeper sense of connection, loyalty, and satisfaction. A thoughtfully selected gift can be largely impactful, reminding members of your team that they are valued within your organization and that their efforts during the year have not gone unnoticed. 

At Hallmark Business Connections, we recognize the simple, yet immeasurable power of a thoughtful gesture. From custom holiday cards to unique gift options, we make it easy to express appreciation in a way that’s memorable, personal, and meaningful.  

Mindful of every budget, we’ll walk you through our top list of considerate and impactful gifts while sharing expert insights, do’s and don’ts, and gift recommendations tailored to every workplace relationship. Whether you’re planning to give to your supervisor, intern, or coworker, you have the ability to make this holiday season special for all cherished members of your team. 

The Importance of Staff Appreciation During the Holidays 

Connecting with staff during the holiday season goes beyond a simple exchange of gifts; it’s about expressing genuine gratitude and creating moments of recognition. Studies show that employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and likely to remain loyal to their company. The act of giving reinforces this, fostering a positive culture where employees feel seen and valued. 

There are numerous benefits to holiday gifting, and here are just a few: 

1. Increased Morale: Gifting enhances employees’ sense of belonging, boosting motivation and job satisfaction. 

2. Employee Retention: Meaningful gifts remind staff that their contributions are recognized, reducing turnover by fostering loyalty. 

3. Stronger Company Culture: Holiday gifting reinforces a culture of appreciation and care, which positively impacts collaboration and morale. 

According to Inc., corporate gifting is expected to become an even more strategic tool for engaging employees and fostering positive workplace relationships in 2024, 2025 and beyond. By investing in well-chosen holiday gifts, companies create a workplace culture where employees feel valued year-round. 

Looking for the perfect way to spread holiday cheer this season? Browse our customizable holiday card collection at Hallmark Business Connections.  

Tips for Holiday Gifting: Do’s and Don’ts 

Holiday gifting should be an intentional process, guided by thoughtful practices that align with your team’s interests and the spirit of the season. Following these key dos and don’ts will help ensure your holiday gifts are well-received and appreciated. 

Do: 

• Personalize Gifts: Custom touches like names or personal notes show that individual thought was put into each gift. Hallmark Business Connections’ products often feature numerous ways to add customization, such as adding unique messages, company logos, or including handwritten notes with our Personal Font service.  

• Consider Employee Preferences: Select gifts that resonate with individual or team interests, or consider what may be most appreciated given current circumstances. For example, although it may seem easiest to go with a generic gadget or item as a gift, those may not be as meaningful or have as much positive impact as a multi-purpose gift card or cash gift. 

• Set a Meaningful Budget: Choose a budget that aligns with what you can realistically give, while still appropriately reflecting the value of each staff member’s contribution to your business. 

• Adopt a Year-Round Mindset: Holiday gifts are impactful, but regular expressions of appreciation throughout the year reinforce a positive culture year-round. With cards and gifts available for a plethora of workplace celebrations (staff birthdays, anniversaries, thank-you notes, and more), Hallmark Business Connections’ complete suite of products allow your business to engage with team members throughout every season.  

To learn even more tips about crafting effective corporate holiday cards, read our blog here. 

Don’t: 

• Shop Last-Minute: Be sure to start early to avoid stress with possible shipping timelines and high-quality choices. 

• Over-Brand: Keep branding subtle; avoid over-branding to make the gift feel personal and not purely promotional. 

• Give Without Purpose: Choose gifts that reflect your team’s values and culture, making them meaningful rather than simply obligatory. Also, don’t be afraid to share a story or highlight meaningful milestones and achievements from over the past year. 

Holiday Staff Gifting for Every Budget 

Whether you’re working with a modest budget or opting for more substantial gifts, the spirit of holiday gifting is about expressing appreciation in a way that resonates. Here’s a breakdown of thoughtful gift options at every budget level to make the holidays more meaningful for your team. 

Budget-Friendly Gifts (Under $20) 

Meaningful gifts don’t have to be costly. Hallmark Business Connections offers several customizable options under $20, allowing you to create a personal connection with every employee. 

1. Customized Holiday Cards: A classic and heartfelt way to show appreciation. Our Holiday Season card collection includes designs for various celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and New Year’s. Personalize each card with your company logo, a message, or even a handwritten note for added impact. Cards can also be individually delivered for increased ease and to create a memorable moment for each staff member. 

2. Custom Notebooks or Journals: Give a gift that’s both practical and personal. Hallmark Business Connections offers notebooks that can be customized with your brand, perfect for jotting down reflections, goals, or notes throughout the year. 

3. 2025 Calendars: Help your team stay organized and inspired with our 2025 calendar gifts. Choose from a variety of designs and customization options, making this a useful yet thoughtful gift for the new year. 

Inspirational Bookmarks and Magnets: Affordable yet meaningful, our bookmarks and magnets feature motivational messages that brighten up any workspace. Small gifts like these show that even the simplest gestures can make a lasting impression. 

1. Festive Holiday Chocolates: A festive 4-pack of artisanal chocolates are a small but delightful way to show your appreciation for your team. Affordable yet thoughtful, a sophistically packaged little chocolate treat is sure to bring joy and sweetness to their season.  

Mid-Range Gifts ($20-$50) 

With a mid-range budget, companies can give gifts that add value and provide comfort, adding a special touch to your staff experience. 

1. Desk Accessories: Help create an enjoyable workspace with quality desk items like a wireless charger, pen set, or desk organizer—perfect for those who appreciate functional gifts. For more ideas, check out Uncommon Goods’ Unique Office Gifts collection, which features items like customizable mugs, art pieces, organizational structures, and more. 

2. Self-Care Kits: Show that you prioritize employees’ well-being with self-care kits, which might include bath bombs, lotions, or cozy socks for relaxation. Companies like Unboxme allow gift seekers to curate their own self-care themed bundles for others, creating the perfect gift for the team members in your life who deserve some rest and relaxation. 

3. Seasonal Candles: Create a cozy holiday atmosphere with seasonal candles in scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla. These thoughtful gifts can bring a touch of warmth to any home or workspace. For recommendations, check out this article featuring the best-scented candles according to the New York Times.  

4. Custom Insulated Tumbler or Bottle: Encourage hydration and relaxation with a branded tumbler or water bottle. These versatile gifts are ideal for employees on the go, keeping drinks at the perfect temperature. Brands like Yeti offer high-quality drinkware and the flexibility to add any custom text, monograms, logos, or art. 

Higher-End Gifts ($50-$100) 

For those looking to invest in higher-end gifts, these options provide a memorable and upscale touch. 

1. Fresh Cut Flower Arrangements: Fresh-cut flower bouquets from Hallmark Business Connections are the perfect gift to make your staff relationships bloom. With their vibrant colors and fresh fragrances, our arrangements create an uplifting, memorable impression—adding elegance to the season and showing your team just how much they’re appreciated. 

2. Experience Gift Cards: Give the gift of experience, from theater or concert tickets to streaming service subscriptions. This gift offers employees the chance to relax and enjoy something they love. If you know of a team member who loves learning or has a passion for a specific hobby, consider a one-year pass to MasterClass helping them refine their skills from world-class instructors like Joanna Gaines, Mindy Kaling, and Mark Cuban, and promote a culture of continuous learning. Here’s a pro-tip for larger organizations: contact sales to inquire about group rates for volume-based orders. 

3. Work-from-Home Essentials: For remote teams, consider high-quality items like ergonomic lap desks, soft throw blankets, or comfortable mouse pads to enhance their home office experience. Read this article from Buzzfeed if you’re looking for a few vetted suggestions of top gifts for remote workers.

4. Premium Planners: High-quality planners and notebooks, like the 2025 PowerSheets® Goal Planner, make a thoughtful and impactful gift for your staff. Perfect for helping them organize, prioritize, and achieve their goals, these planners combine elegance with practicality. Giving the gift of intentional planning shows you care about their success—both professionally and personally. 

5. Tech Accessories: Items like wireless earbuds or compact power banks are both functional and appreciated, allowing employees to stay connected and powered up. 

    

   

Show Your Staff Appreciation During the Holidays 

This holiday season, make a lasting impression by choosing gifts that show your team how much they’re valued and appreciated. From simple gestures to thoughtful experiences, these gift ideas will help you spread holiday cheer and strengthen your relationships with your staff. 

Remember, giving holiday gifts is more than just a seasonal gesture; it’s a way to build a culture of recognition and appreciation that lasts year-round. At Hallmark Business Connections, we specialize in creating memorable gifting experiences that connect people to your brand in a powerful way. Explore our customizable holiday card collection or cards for employees to make this season, along with every season, special for your team members.