Rethinking Staff Christmas Gifting: Making It Meaningful and Inclusive

As the festive season approaches, businesses are preparing to show appreciation for employees, and corporate gifting is an ideal opportunity to connect meaningfully. When done thoughtfully, gifting can communicate brand values, inclusivity, and genuine care—making it well worth the effort to consider what and how you give this year. Here are some tips to help you approach staff Christmas gifting with intention and impact, ensuring that it resonates with employees and leaves a positive impression.

Why Staff Gifting Matters

Gifting is a powerful way to recognise your employees’ contributions, showing them that they’re valued beyond their daily work. A well-chosen gift reflects your company’s commitment to its people, strengthens brand loyalty, and boosts team morale at a time of year when everyone is celebrating and winding down.

This festive season, consider gifts that foster connection and inclusivity. Think beyond the physical item and aim to create moments that bring people together, whether it’s around shared experiences, communal activities, or thoughtful gestures that make each individual feel seen and appreciated.

Five Tips for Thoughtful Staff Christmas Gifts

1. Make It Personal

Avoid generic gifts where possible. While large teams can make individual gifts challenging, even small personalised elements can show thoughtfulness. Simple gestures, like handwritten notes or items selected based on employee interests, can make the gift feel personal. When purchasing through our online store, you can use our convenient multiship option to tailor gifts to each recipient, selecting different items for each employee based on their preferences. Plus, we include a personalised handwritten note card with each gift—adding that extra touch of appreciation and making each individual feel seen and valued.

2. Reflect Your Brand Values

Let your gifts reflect what your brand stands for. If sustainability is important to your business, opt for eco-friendly gifts. For example, did you know Gilded Bee is a member of Ecologi and 1% for the Planet? We carefully select suppliers who prioritise environmental impact, so when you shop with us, you can have peace of mind knowing your gifts contribute positively to the planet. Brands that focus on wellness could include gifts that encourage relaxation, like our Pause Gift Set or Breathing Lamp. These thoughtful choices communicate more than just seasonal cheer; they reinforce your brand’s commitment to its values.

3. Think of Connection Over Material

Consider gifts that encourage employees to come together, like a team experience or shared activity. For example, gifting a virtual or in-person workshop, such as our Wreath Making or Bauble Workshops, creates a memorable, collective experience. These types of gifts can strengthen team bonds and offer a shared experience that everyone can look forward to during the holiday season.

4. Promote Wellbeing and Rest

The end of the year is often hectic, with people juggling work, family, and holiday commitments. A gift that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation can be especially meaningful. Think wellness sets, mindfulness journals, or items to help recipients explore the great British outdoors, such as our Micro Adventures Set. These gifts show that you value your employees’ mental and physical wellbeing, providing them with a chance to recharge and embrace a slower pace.

5. Be Inclusive and Mindful of Diversity

Keep inclusivity top of mind by selecting gifts that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. For instance, instead of alcohol or food items that may not align with everyone’s needs, consider versatile items like branded journals, quality stationery, or experience-based gifts. When choosing food or drink items, offer options so employees can select what best suits their tastes or dietary requirements.

The Impact of a Thoughtful Staff Christmas Gift

When done well, a staff Christmas gift can be a small gesture with a big impact, reinforcing your appreciation, creating a sense of unity, and strengthening your brand identity. Whether you’re choosing gifts that bring people together or promote individual wellness, what matters most is showing that each gift was chosen with care and intention.

This year, challenge yourself to move beyond the standard holiday hamper. With a little thought and a personal touch, your Employee Christmas gifts can become more than a formality—it can be a powerful reminder to your employees that they are valued, respected, and part of a meaningful community.