Retaining quality employees remains a top priority for HR teams as replacement costs continue to rise.
Meanwhile, research consistently shows that adequate recognition builds engagement and employee retention, with Gallup reporting that well-recognized employees are 45% less likely to leave within two years.
With the holiday season approaching, HR leaders have an ideal opportunity to acknowledge employees’ contributions at their next in-person holiday party.
But what is a good holiday gift for employees?
The best holiday gifts for employees make staff feel seen, valued, and genuinely supported – yet finding something both thoughtful and useful isn’t always easy.
This article simplifies the process by highlighting 35 trending corporate holiday gifts for employees of all personalities and priorities – plus how Perq, Reloadly’s new digital rewards platform, can help you deliver personalized gifts at scale.
Do you want to learn more about how personalized gift cards can improve the outcome of your corporate rewards programs? Schedule a call with a member of our sales team to see how Perq Rewards can help your company.
Technology and productivity gadgets
Technology-driven gifts are some of the most valuable holiday gift ideas for employees because they solve everyday pain points at work and at home.
They show that the company understands the digital realities of modern work, whether that’s improving productivity or making hybrid work smoother.
Tech gadgets also have universal appeal, cutting across departments, seniority levels, and demographics. The right device improves the employee experience long after the holiday season, whether for frontline staff or remote employees.
1. Smart desk lamps
Source: The Gadget Flow
Smart desk lamps are an excellent choice for hybrid employees or fully remote workers.
These lamps help reduce eye strain and create a comfortable working environment, thanks to adjustable brightness levels and energy-efficient smart controls. They signal that an organization invests in both productivity and the long-term well-being of its employees.
2. Fitness tracker
Source: Runner’s World
A fitness tracker shows an organization’s commitment to employee health. It empowers employees to monitor their daily activity, sleep quality, and heart rate.
This is an impactful, high-perceived-value gift that aligns with corporate well-being programs.
3. Bluetooth headphones or earbuds
Source: YouTube
Quality earbuds are a versatile and universally appreciated gift that can be used across a wide spectrum of activities, including listening to music, virtual meetings, online training, or focused work time.
They help employees work more efficiently and convey that the company understands the communication demands of modern work.
4. Power bank
Source: Creative Bloq
A power bank is a practical gift for employees who are always on the move. It keeps their devices charged during commutes, business travel, or off-site client meetings.
It’s a small but thoughtful gesture that recognizes the importance of smartphones in everyday life – plus it helps the employee to avoid running out of battery for work events.
5. Portable document scanner
Source: The New York Times
A portable document scanner is a highly practical gift for remote or hybrid workers who handle paperwork, receipts, or contracts on the go.
It allows them to convert physical documents into digital files quickly and securely, reducing clutter and improving efficiency.
6. Smart alarm clock
Source: The Verge
Smart alarm clocks support better sleep hygiene, which is directly connected to employee energy levels and performance.
With features like sunrise simulation, calming nighttime sounds, and integrated sleep tracking, this gift signals that an organization cares about employee well-being beyond the workplace.
Entertainment and experiences
Work-life balance continues to be an important discussion in the modern workspace. For 28% of all employees, work-life balance is the top motivator at work, according to a survey by SurveyMonkey.
Experiences that allow them to relax, spend quality time with their loved ones, and entertain themselves can be the best holiday gifts for employees. This category is especially useful for teams where creativity, engagement, and morale are top priorities.
7. Concert tickets
Source: Rolling Stone
Concerts create memorable experiences that employees can enjoy with friends or family.
For music lovers, this can be a highly personal employee Christmas gift that shows appreciation in a way that some may value more than physical items.
8. Spa or wellness retreat vouchers
Source: Q1 Day Spa
Wellness retreats and spa vouchers give employees an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and return to work feeling renewed.
A busy holiday season or after a stressful project cycle are excellent times to reward employees with this gift, as it helps them decompress and maintain their overall well-being.
9. Local tourism sites tickets
Source: TripAdvisor
Tickets to local attractions such as museums, parks, or historical sites offer employees a chance to explore their city in new ways.
They are inclusive, family-friendly, and ideal for employees who appreciate experiences over physical gifts.
10. Online masterclass
Source: MasterClass
An online masterclass supports personal growth while also aligning with professional development goals.
Employees get the chance to learn something new on their own terms, including photography, cooking, health (physical and mental) awareness, leadership, career development, and music.
11. Live sports tickets
Source: Sports Destinations
Sports tickets are great for employees who enjoy football, basketball, tennis, or other major events. They can be the perfect team holiday gifts as they create shared holiday cheer and memories.
12. Entertainment app subscription
Source: Chrome Stats
Subscriptions to popular streaming or music apps are practical and enjoyable gifts that employees can use long after the holiday season.
They help team members relax during the working day and support work-life balance at a low cost.
Health, wellness, and comfort
Well-being gifts communicate a message that resonates deeply in today’s workforce: your health matters to the organization.
Employees increasingly expect employers to support their physical and mental wellness, and thoughtful comfort items are an easy way to buttress this commitment.
These gifts can help reduce stress, improve posture, and support healthier work habits.
Items in this category could also be part of holiday gift baskets for employees.
13. Anti-blue-ray glasses
Source: Health
With employees spending many hours in front of screens, anti-blue-ray glasses can help reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort.
They’re a thoughtful, practical gift that directly supports employees’ daily comfort and long-term eye health.
14. Desk-friendly massage devices
Source: WIRED
Compact massage devices are a thoughtful solution to daily physical tension.
Whether it’s a hand massager, foot massager, or mini massage gun, these tools help employees manage stress and improve their physical comfort throughout the workday.
15. Office chair cushion
Source: New York Times
An ergonomic chair cushion supports proper posture and reduces back pain during long work hours.
This gift shows employees that you prioritize their comfort, irrespective of where they are working.
16. Scented candles
Source: Kindred Fires
Scented candles can create a calming atmosphere at home, helping employees unwind after a stressful day. They promote mindfulness, relaxation, and improved mood.
17. Aromatherapy oils
Source: Mayo Clinic
Aromatherapy oils offer targeted benefits like improved focus, reduced stress, and better sleep.
This makes them a versatile, restorative gift that fits naturally into any self-care routine. They can also be combined into a gift set with items like diffusers, moisturizers, soft towels, herbal tea, etc.
18. Health and wellness app subscription
Wellness apps offer personalized support, whether employees want to improve sleep, build healthy habits, exercise, or practice meditation.
A subscription ensures employees receive ongoing wellness support, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.
19. Meal delivery service credits
Source: WIRED
Meal delivery credits are convenient during busy weeks when cooking may not be an option. This gift reduces stress for employees and helps them maintain healthier eating habits.
20. Portable coffee makers
Source: Walmart
Portable coffee makers cater to the coffee enthusiast on work teams. They allow employees to brew fresh coffee anywhere, making their daily routine easier and more enjoyable.
21. Luxury blankets
Source: Walmart
Luxury or weighted blankets can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. They help employees rest better, a necessary condition for sustained high performance.
22. Fitness gear
Source: HealthFitHub
Fitness equipment such as yoga mats, dumbbells, or resistance bands encourages employees to stay active. It’s a strong fit for organizations promoting wellness and healthy lifestyle habits.
23. Mindfulness journals
Source: Planwiz
A moment of stillness can make all the difference in a busy workday.
Mindfulness journals help employees reflect, practice gratitude, and set intentional goals. Though budget-friendly, they are meaningful gifts that promote mental wellness and personal growth.
Organization and productivity items
Productivity tools make excellent company Christmas party gift ideas, especially for employees who appreciate structure and efficiency.
Many staff members make New Year’s resolutions based on improving their workflow for the year ahead, so this is a great time to give these gifts.
They can also serve as a subtle reinforcement of high-performance culture and operational excellence.
24. Desk organizer
Source: Lowe’s
A desk organizer helps employees maintain a tidy, efficient workspace at work or in a home office. Many of them have compartments where users can keep sticky notes, charging cables, pens, business cards, and notepads.
It is particularly valuable in shared or hybrid work environments and can boost focus, reduce stress, and support productivity.
25. Desktop vacuum cleaner
Source: B&Q
A desktop vacuum cleaner helps employees maintain a clean, clutter-free desk with minimal effort. This small tool makes workspace hygiene easy and helps create a professional, organized work environment.
26. Zippered portfolio
Source: Amazon
A zippered portfolio allows employees to keep notebooks, devices, pens, chargers, and documents neatly arranged in one place. It reduces clutter and makes it easier to move between meetings or work locations.
27. Laptop and monitor memo board
Source: The Home Depot
A memo board attaches neatly to a computer and gives employees a place to keep reminders, goals, or quick notes. It is simple but highly effective for those who thrive with visual organization tools.
28. Books
Source: Inc Magazine
Books are timeless gifts that support personal and professional growth. A gift bag containing some favorite best sellers can be a delightful gift for employees who love to read.
While they’re not an organizational tool, they can still make a big impact by inspiring new ideas and boosting overall productivity.
Creative, sentimental, and personalized gifts
As said above, thoughtfulness is an essential feature of employee appreciation gifts. One way to express this is to personalize popular (and useful) gifts so employees can find them more valuable.
“The fusion of personalization and gifting is a powerful tool that symbolizes an investment in employees’ professional development, personal growth, and overall well-being,” says Arthur Chiang, founder and CEO of Giftpack, speaking to Forbes.
One example is to use them as company holiday gifts for employees to create memorable moments during the festive season. These gifts often generate the strongest emotional resonance because they feel unique and personal.
29. Personalized beverage tumbler
Source: Amazon
A personalized eco-friendly tumbler adds a thoughtful touch to a commonly used item, and an extra touch above commonly gifted branded water bottles. It might include the employee’s name, an inspiring quote, or a personal note from leadership that helps build a sense of value and belonging.
30. Customized coffee mugs
Source: Creations by Julietta
Customized stainless-steel mugs are great for employees who enjoy a hot drink at home or in the office. Personalizing this drinkware with their name makes it feel special and memorable.
31. Personalized notebooks
Source: Minted
Customizing a notebook with an employee’s name or a personal message turns a basic office item into something impactful. It supports creativity, reflection, and personal planning.
32. Photo books
Source: Rosemood
Photo books capture team moments, milestones, and shared memories from the year. They help support workplace belonging and highlight the experiences that shaped the team’s success.
33. Handmade artisan gifts
Source: Growing Faith
High-quality handcrafted items like woven baskets, tote bags, keychains, handmade jewelry, or artisan mugs carry a special emotional value. They are perfect for companies that want to show appreciation in a personal and impactful way.
Gift cards
Gift cards are becoming more valuable as HR professionals and business owners continue to recognize the importance of allowing employees to pick what they want.
Though swag gifts dominate, eGift cards are set to grow the fastest, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.41% between 2023 and 2028, according to a survey by Research and Markets, a market research company via GlobeNewsWire.
34. Closed-loop gift cards
So far, we have assumed that HR officers know personal details about their employees that will help them determine which gift is appropriate for whom.
If this information isn’t available, then it becomes difficult to provide a valuable and thoughtful gift to them.
In many cases, it’s better to let them decide – whether a water bottle from Amazon, an Apple Music subscription, or a gift box from Starbucks.
This is where closed-loop gift cards for employees shine. These cards can only be used at a specific retailer, which makes them great when HR knows the general category an employee might enjoy. For example, an Amazon gift card at the end of the year lets them explore their favorite Christmas gift ideas.
All the company needs to do is decide how much they are spending for each employee and which retailer’s gift card they want to purchase.
35. Open-loop gift cards
Even though closed-loop gift cards solve the problem of trying to decide what to buy, they still leave the problem of choosing a retailer. For example, should you buy a gift card from Amazon or Uber Eats?
HR could ask each employee which brand they prefer and buy it for them, but they may feel that takes away the thoughtfulness of the gift. Besides, the last thing they want is to give someone a Netflix card when they don’t even like streaming.
In this case, open-loop gift cards from Visa or Mastercard can be the perfect corporate gifts for employees. They work anywhere these cards are accepted (online or in-store), and they give employees complete freedom to choose what they truly want.
How to execute employee reward programs with Perq Rewards
What do employees want for holiday gifts? Most times, they are the only ones who know, which is why gift cards can be among the best holiday gifts for employees.
With Perq Rewards from Reloadly, HR teams can instantly create white-label gift card incentive programs using both closed-loop and open-loop gift cards. Employees can choose exactly what they want, with no development work required.
Here are the key reasons companies choose Perq Rewards for holiday gifting and year-round reward programs:
Create branded campaigns with no API integration or plugins
Perq Rewards provides a hassle-free alternative to APIs and coding.
Simply log in, upload your logo, customize the campaign text, select your rewards, upload an Excel recipient list, and send. Everything – creation, branding, and delivery – happens in one place.
Meet diverse needs with a global catalog of gift cards
Perq offers access to over 14,000 gift card options from more than 300 brands in 100+ countries.
These include software, gaming, entertainment, shopping, crypto, travel, and charity gift cards.
Gift Card Categories on Perq Rewards
Choose closed-loop cards for specific brands, or use open-loop options like Visa and Mastercard for maximum flexibility – especially helpful when you’re not sure what each employee prefers.
Reloadly’s global reach also makes Perq a great choice for organisations with remote employees across the world. Even if your employees live in Africa or Asia, you can include them in your global employee gift card programs.
Add value with white-label customization.
Your employees will find your gifts more valuable when they see your company logo and other brand identities on the card they receive.
Add your logo, personalize the card, and include a short employee appreciation note to reinforce your message and make the reward feel more meaningful.
Creating a Customized Gift Card Template
No subscription fees — you only pay for the rewards
Perq Rewards is free to use. There are no platform or subscription fees – you only pay for the gift cards you send.
Bulk purchases also come with automatic discounts, helping you stay within budget even for company-wide campaigns.
Flexible delivery for any type of reward program
Send digital rewards via email, SMS, or WhatsApp – to a single standout employee or an entire organization.
Gift Card Delivery Methods on Perq Rewards
You can also send digital gift cards to any number of recipients.
If you are rewarding a few employees for exceptional service, achieving significant milestones, or even implementing a company-wide reward program, you can bulk purchase cards – simply upload an Excel file and send everything in one batch.
Takeaways on Best Holiday Gifts for Employees
- The best gifts for employees are useful and thoughtful; they make employees feel valued and foster a healthy company culture of gift-giving.
- Gift cards are the most flexible office gifts, giving employees the freedom to choose what they truly want.
- Perq Rewards by Reloadly simplifies the process of rewarding employees with customizable gift cards.
- Businesses can access over 14,000 gift card options across 300+ brands in 100+ countries, with discounts and no subscription fees.
Are you ready to reward your employees with a holiday gift they’ll remember? Sign up now for a Reloadly account or contact us to learn more about how Perq Rewards can help you nurture a happy and productive workforce.
