Gifts for your team this Christmas

The holiday season is barrelling towards us faster than Santa on a ski slope, and with it comes the age-old question - what should you give your team for Christmas? With a little early planning (like right now!), you can avoid the last-minute frenzy and make sure everyone on your team feels valued and appreciated. Organising Christmas gifts for your employees is one of those tasks you might be tempted to put off, but trust us—it's worth doing right. And in case you're wondering whether gifting is really necessary, the answer is a resounding yes! A small token of appreciation can go a long way to boost morale and assist staff retention. To help you spread some festive cheer (and avoid any awkward office gifting faux pas), we've put together a fun, no-fuss guide to choosing the perfect Christmas presents for your employees.

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What to give your team this Christmas

Should you give your employees a Christmas gift?

In a word: yes. Whether it’s a simple gesture or something more substantial, most employees appreciate being recognised with a thoughtful gift. And it’s not just about spreading holiday joy—there’s a business case for it, too. Employees who feel appreciated are happier, more productive, and less likely to pack up their coffee mugs and photos for greener pastures.

Think of it this way: a gift tells your employees, “We see you and we appreciate your hard work.” Honestly, who doesn’t like being told they’re awesome?

What if there are bonuses and other celebrations?

Now, you might be thinking, “But we already do bonuses and throw a massive end-of-year party—isn’t that enough?” Well, not quite. Bonuses are usually part of your employees’ remuneration package, so they’re seen as earned rather than a generous gift. And yes, a team celebration is great (who doesn’t love a good party?), but it’s still important to add a little extra personal touch. A small gift or even a handwritten card can make every employee feel individually recognised.

How much should you spend on employee gifts?

There’s no perfect formula for how much to spend on employee Christmas gifts. What’s appropriate depends on your organisation and the year you’ve had. A few things to consider:

  • What’s suitable for your organisation? If you’re a small business, you probably don’t need to splash out on something extravagant. A thoughtful gesture will go further than an over-the-top gift that might feel out of place. On the other hand, larger companies may have bigger budgets and more expectations to meet. Find what fits your culture.
  • What kind of year has it been? If it’s been a bumper year, your employees may expect a bit more generosity. But if it’s been a tough one, you can still recognise their hard work without going overboard. A thoughtful, non-financial gift will still mean a lot.

Ideas for employee Christmas gifts

Now for the fun part: choosing gifts! If your team is on the smaller side, you can really dial up the personalisation and pick gifts that match your employees’ interests. For larger teams, focus on gifts with lasting value that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Experiences

Experiences are the gifts that keep on giving, creating lasting memories that often end up on social media (bonus exposure for your company!). Think of cinema vouchers, guided tours, or event tickets. For maximum impact go for an experience for two, so employees can bring a partner or friend.

Native plants

A little greenery can go a long way! A garden centre voucher or a small potted plant is perfect for organisations with an eco-friendly vibe. Plus, you can turn it into a team activity by encouraging employees to share updates on how their plants are growing. It’s a gift that keeps on growing (literally).

An extra day off

If there’s one thing employees treasure more than anything, it’s time. Give your team an extra day off to use throughout the year – it’s a gift that’s sure to be appreciated. Not only does it give them something to look forward to, but it also shows that you value their work-life balance.

Branded beach and picnic gear

In New Zealand, Christmas means summer, so why not lean into the sunny vibes? Branded towels, picnic sets, beach umbrellas or folding chairs are all practical gifts that will get plenty of use. Plus, with your company’s branding, you’ll remind them who gave it to them every time they hit the beach.

Ongoing access to discounts

Want a gift that keeps on giving? Consider giving your team access to the Boost employee benefits platform. It offers discounts and special offers on products, services and experiences that your employees can use all year round. Best of all, they can pick and choose what they want when they want. You can even customise the app with your logo for an extra touch of brand magic. Find out more about Boost.

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