7 Smart Holiday Gift Ideas For Employees in 2025
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Here's the TL;DR
The holiday season is an opportunity for companies to show meaningful appreciation to employees, but choosing the right gift requires strategy. Generic or last-minute gifts often fall flat, while thoughtful gifting can significantly impact morale—67% of employees report higher job satisfaction when they receive a meaningful gift from their employer. Effective employee gifting balances personalization, practicality, and flexibility, especially for today’s distributed workforce.
Before selecting gifts, companies should define their goals and constraints. Budget is a primary factor, with U.S. spending typically ranging from $75–$125 per employee, though this varies by industry. Team composition also matters: gifts should resonate with in-office, remote, frontline, and hybrid employees. Practicality is critical—employees value gifts that improve daily life or solve real problems more than branded merchandise.
Digital gifts, particularly gift cards, remain highly popular: 80% of employees prefer them, and 86% consider them appropriate incentives. Physical gifts, however, are often more memorable and personal. Hybrid approaches—such as points-based rewards platforms like Nectar—allow organizations to combine flexibility with intentional recognition.
Modern employee gift ideas increasingly focus on wellness, comfort, productivity, and security. Examples range from budget-friendly options like insulated water bottles and car fresheners, to mid-range gifts like ergonomic accessories, sleep kits, and smart-home security devices. Premium gifts—including noise-canceling headphones, portable projectors, or high-performance laptops—are best reserved for milestones, anniversaries, or recognition programs.
Overall, effective holiday gifting supports employee well-being, reinforces appreciation beyond productivity metrics, and strengthens satisfaction, loyalty, and retention when aligned with employee needs and preferences.
The holiday season is often a time for your company to show appreciation for your team’s hard work throughout the year. Choosing the “right” gift can be challenging. Will it be something that everyone loves? What about your remote employees? What should our budget be?
Generic gifts and last-minute gestures can fall flat with employees, so finding the right balance between personalized and individualized can really tip the scales. A recent survey found that 67% of employees say that a meaningful gift from their company increases job satisfaction. So, not only is gift giving a great way to show appreciation, but improves employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Things to consider with gifts
Before you start diving down the rabbit hole of gift-giving guides, take a step back and evaluate what you want your employees to get out of this gift. While “cash is king” and employees love the flexibility it provides, a physical gift proves to be more memorable. When choosing a corporate gift, there are some important details to consider.
- Budget - Your budget is the biggest factor you’ll need to decide. It can vary widely based on your employee size and industry. In the U.S., the estimated spend per employee can range between $75-$125. Education, for example, has an estimated employee spend between $20-$40. At the same time, Media and Entertainment have an estimated spend between $60-$150.
- Team Composition and Personality - You know your team better than anyone else. You’ll want to evaluate how your gift will resonate with in-office employees, remote employees, or your frontline workers. You also, hopefully, understand what their likes and dislikes are. So if your team is full of Wicked fans, instead of getting them a subscription to a Jelly of the Month club, you might opt for something a bit more magical.
- Practicality - The most appreciated employee gifts solve actual problems or enhance daily life. Employees can tell when a gift was chosen from a catalog versus when someone thought carefully about what would genuinely improve their workday or home life. Is it another company sweatshirt that might end up at Goodwill, or maybe it’s a portable power bank to charge their devices on the go?
- Physical vs digital- Digital gifts remain one of the most universally appealing options. A recent survey found that 80% of employees prefer gift cards and 86% view them as appropriate incentives. They’re flexible, easy to distribute, and work well for remote or hybrid teams.
Physical gifts, however, often create a more memorable experience and feel more personal. The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. With Nectar, employees can redeem points for hundreds of gift card options through our rewards catalog—or you can send points via a custom award, giving employees the freedom to pick what they want while still offering a thoughtful, intentional gifting experience.
Gifts for your employees
Selecting the right holiday gift isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Today’s workforce is spread across offices, homes, and job sites, and traditional one-size-fits-all gifting rarely resonates with everyone. HR leaders need options that are practical, flexible, and meaningful.
We’ve curated a list of gifts with wellness, comfort, and practical value in mind. Whether the goal is better sleep, more focus, increased safety, or simple day-to-day convenience, these ideas help employees feel supported both in and outside of work.
Nectar Pillow and Sleep Gift Sets
Budget: $75 - $150 per employee
One of the fastest ways to burn out an employee is if they aren’t well-rested. A good night’s sleep is an underrated driver of productive and mental health. Now, getting your employees a new mattress most likely isn’t feasible. However, a sleep-focused gift set and accessories could be a great way to show you care about them.
Whether it’s premium pillows, weighted blankets, or luxury sheets, these can be gender neutral gifts that can be inclusive to everyone. When employees sleep better, they show up more focused, creative, and resilient. These gifts signal that you care about their well-being beyond the 9-to-5.
ASUS Fragrance Mouse MD101
Budget: $65 per person
The ASUS mouse combines functionality with personality. This mouse has a soft underglow feature and a small compartment to store essential oils and different scents. While this gift might not resonate with employees who have a “super sniffer,” it can be a great gift for remote employees in their home offices. Consider loading each mouse with a signature company scent or letting employees choose their preferred aromatherapy option—lavender for calm, citrus for energy, eucalyptus for focus.
JMGO PicoPlay Portable Projector
Budget: $350 per employee
This gift is a bit higher on the price scale, but it is a great gift for employees outside of work. Whether it’s with friends or family, a portable projector can turn any space into a private movie theater. The projector is compact and easy to store or bring with you, and is perfect for an outdoor movie night.
For remote employees especially, experience-driven gifts help bridge the gap between work and personal life, reinforcing that appreciation doesn’t stop at productivity metrics. While it’s a higher-end option, it works well as a reward for team milestones, raffles, or recognition programs.
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Laptop
Budget: $700+ per employee
The Yoga 7 is one of the most premium gifts on this list and is the most expensive. This type of gift will send a clear message to employees that their hard work is seen and appreciated. Because of its premium nature and high price tag, it might be best to pair this gift with another type of event. For example, hitting a major work anniversary.
The Yoga 7 is great for remote or hybrid employees who are constantly on the go. With multiple settings to work as a tablet, a tent, or a laptop, it gives employees the flexibility to work in multiple ways. Beyond the immediate impact, a reliable, high-performing device also helps employees do their best work, reinforcing both appreciation and productivity. When used strategically, premium tech gifts can support retention while aligning recognition with tangible value employees truly appreciate.
Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi Security Camera
Budget: $150+ per employee
The Reolink floodlight is a great practical gift for your employees to help them with their peace of mind. This camera addresses the real anxiety many employees experience when traveling for work or during extended commutes. The floodlight is a great option for employees who own a home, but for those who might be renting, a similar option could be the video doorbell.
Smart-home devices also reflect modern gifting trends, where usefulness and long-term value matter more than novelty. By choosing a gift that supports employees’ sense of security, companies reinforce care that extends beyond office walls.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Budget: $40 per employee
The Owala water bottle is one of the more budget-friendly options while still being a premium, but practical, gift. These insulated water bottles can be engraved with your company logo and make a perfect gift for remote, frontline, hybrid, and in-office employees.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Budget: $400 per person
Headphones are another practical gift that your employees will love. These Sony noise-canceling headphones are some best in class headphones that remote and hybrid employees will love. It makes it easy for employees to block out noise and zone in on deep work projects or jump onto a quick call.
Noise-cancelling headphones can be a boost for production, but can also have a positive impact on limiting distractions and reducing fatigue. A recent study found that noise-cancelling headphones are essential for reducing the risk of hearing loss. These headphones are a more “premium” gift, but they will be greatly appreciated by your staff.
Drift Stone Car Freshener
Budget: $20 per person
Sometimes great gifts are simple gifts. If you’re on a budget but still want to give a thoughtful gift, the Drift Stone Freshener is a stylish, low-cost option that adds a unique touch to your employees. With home and car products, it can be a great option for your home and remote employees.
These generally work best as a supplemental gift to go alongside your larger gift. The premium design adds a touch of luxury to the everyday experience, even with a modest price point.
Desirae Serdar is a freelance writer specializing in technology, HR, and people management. With a passion for helping organizations create better workplaces, she explores topics that empower companies to build engaged and motivated teams. When she’s not writing, Desirae enjoys unwinding at the beach with her toes in the sand and a good book in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are thoughtful and professional holiday gifts for employees?
The most thoughtful holiday gifts for employees combine usefulness and intention with a personal touch. These are gifts that employees can incorporate into their daily lives. Items could include things like wellness products, productivity tools, practical accessories, professional subscriptions, and more.
Avoid gifts that are too personal, potentially problematic (alcohol, religious items, etc), or that are purely decorative and have little functional value. You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot when employees continue to use their gift long after the holiday party.
How can companies budget smartly for employee holiday gifts?
Knowing your budget will let you know what type of gifts you can buy. Start with your total spend and determine how you want to distribute it across your workforce. Most companies allocate between $25-$100 for holiday gifts, but that can vary greatly by industry, tenure, number of employees, and the financial health of your company.
One important note is to factor in hidden costs. Forward thinking around shipping costs, personalization, gift wrapping, or rush fees for last-minute orders can add up quickly. Set aside 10-15% of your budget to account for any unexpected hiccups that might happen.
What types of gifts are appropriate for diverse and remote teams?
For diverse and remote teams, the most effective gifts are inclusive and easy to distribute. Wellness items and flexible rewards work well across different lifestyles and locations. Avoid gifts tied too closely to specific hobbies or cultural preferences - not everyone is a skier or a hiker.
Consider choice-based systems where employees select from curated options at similar price points. This maximizes satisfaction without inflating costs, ensures gifts match individual preferences, and reduces waste from unwanted items. Digital gift platforms can automate this process while maintaining budget control and providing valuable data on employee preferences for future gifting decisions.
When should companies order holiday gifts to ensure timely delivery?
The last thing that you want is the last-minute stress, wondering if your package will arrive in time. You should plan to have your orders in about 6-8 weeks before the holidays. So while you’re putting away those Halloween decorations, you should be pressing submit. This timeline could also be longer if you’re shipping internationally
Another important note is whether you’re shipping directly to your employee’s house or having it shipped to the office. If you’re shipping to the office and giving it away at a holiday party, you’ll want to work back from that date.
How can personalization be done tastefully for employee gifts?
Personalization can be challenging - especially as you start to get into hundreds and thousands of employees. Finding a happy medium between personalization and scalability is important. Options like branded packaging, curated gift selections, or allowing employees to choose from a rewards catalog can make gifts feel personal while still being inclusive.
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