It’s that time of year again—holiday music, decorations, and the annual scramble to find the perfect gifts for your team. Traditional gifts like gift cards and company swag are nice, but what if you could give something more memorable and impactful? The key to a standout holiday gift is ensuring it resonates beyond December, fostering engagement and a sense of value all year long.

Let’s explore some out-of-the-box ideas that will make your employees feel seen, appreciated, and truly part of the team.

1. Personal Growth Subscriptions

Why not give the gift of learning and self-improvement?  

• Examples: Subscriptions to platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or Audible.  
• Why It Works: This shows you care about their personal development and success, both inside and outside of work. Employees can learn new skills or pursue hobbies they’re passionate about, fostering a sense of growth.

2. Experiences Over Things

Research shows that experiences create more happiness than material items.  

• Ideas: Offer vouchers for escape rooms, cooking classes, concert tickets, or even a spa day. 
• Why It Works: Shared or individual experiences allow employees to create memories that linger far beyond the holiday season.

3. Custom Care Packages

Make each employee feel special with personalized care packages.  

• What to Include: Snacks, locally sourced products, or items tailored to their hobbies. For instance, a book for the office bookworm or gourmet coffee for your caffeine enthusiast.  
• Why It Works: Customization shows thoughtfulness and personal attention, deepening employee appreciation.

4. Time Is the Ultimate Gift

How about gifting your team something they always need but can’t buy—time?  

• Ideas: Offer extra paid time off, a “holiday recharge day,” or flexible scheduling options during the season.  
• Why It Works: Employees value organizations that respect their work-life balance. An extra day off can do wonders for morale and productivity.

Upgrade their work environment with gifts that make their space more enjoyable.  

• Examples: Desk plants, ergonomic accessories, or subscriptions to calming background music apps. 
• Why It Works: A pleasant workspace boosts morale and productivity and shows that you’re thinking about their day-to-day well-being.

6. Charitable Contributions

Support their values by donating in their name.  

• How to Do It: Let employees pick a charity or match their contributions to causes they care about.  
• Why It Works: It’s a meaningful way to highlight your company’s social responsibility while aligning with what matters to your employees.

7. A Year of Recognition

Give them something that keeps on giving.  

• Idea: Establish a monthly or quarterly recognition program tied to their holiday gift. For example, send out personalized notes of appreciation, small tokens, or shoutouts throughout the year.  
• Why It Works: Consistent recognition reinforces engagement and makes employees feel valued long after the holiday buzz fades.

8. Wellness Perks

Help your team prioritize their health and wellness.  

• Examples: Gym memberships, meditation app subscriptions, or wellness gift cards. Some companies even offer “wellness stipends” employees can use however they wish. 
• Why It Works: Supporting wellness signals that you care about employees holistically, not just their output at work.

9. Quirky Team Activities

Create memories with a one-of-a-kind team bonding experience.  

• Examples: Arrange a virtual game night, a murder mystery party, or a team-wide “white elephant” gift exchange.  
• Why It Works: Activities that blend fun with teamwork can strengthen relationships and energize your group for the year ahead.

10. Tailored Development Plans

This one’s for the career-minded folks on your team.  

• How to Do It: Offer one-on-one mentoring sessions, professional coaching, or certifications they’ve expressed interest in.  
• Why It Works: Employees see this as an investment in their future, building both loyalty and engagement.

11. Foodie Delights

Food is always a win but make it creative!  

• Ideas: Host a DIY cooking kit delivery (think pizza, sushi, or fancy cocktails), or curate a gourmet snack box.  
• Why It Works: Sharing food—even virtually—is a universal way to connect and celebrate.

12. Fun and Functional Gadgets

Combine novelty with practicality for a gift employees will actually use.  

• Examples: Portable phone chargers, mini espresso makers, or quirky tech gadgets like smart mugs. 
• Why It Works: Useful gifts have staying power, and unique ones make your team smile every time they use them.

13. Books That Inspire

Books can be deeply personal, so choose titles that resonate with your team.  

• How to Do It: Offer a selection of leadership, personal development, or even fiction titles and let them pick. Bonus: Pair it with a handwritten note about why you chose that book.  
• Why It Works: A well-chosen book can inspire and engage employees far beyond the holiday season.

14. An Office "Reset" Fund

Kickstart the new year by giving your team the tools to organize and refresh.  

• Idea: Offer small stipends to upgrade their desks, buy planners, or get other productivity-enhancing items.  
• Why It Works: It’s practical and directly benefits their day-to-day work experience.

15. Building Connection with Thoughtful Gestures

The most meaningful gifts aren’t always the biggest or flashiest. A personal touch, like a handwritten note or a moment of gratitude during a team meeting, can resonate deeply. 

• Why It Works: Genuine gestures of appreciation build trust and loyalty while humanizing leadership.

Wrapping it Up: Beyond December  

The holidays are a perfect time to show your team how much they matter, but the impact doesn’t have to end with the season. Thoughtful, out-of-the-box gifts can strengthen engagement, inspire loyalty, and create a workplace culture that employees love being part of all year long.

The best gift leaders can give is the assurance that their employees are valued—not just as workers but as individuals. So, take a moment to think about what would truly brighten someone’s day and fuel their success long after the holiday decorations come down.

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Tresha Moreland

Tresha Moreland is a 30-year organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning expert. She partners with business leaders to develop workplace strategies that achieve best-in-class results. She has held key organizational leadership roles in multiple industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Tresha is the founder and principal consultant of HR C-Suite, LLC (www.hrcsuite.com). HR C-Suite is a results-based HR strategy resource dedicated to connecting HR with business results. She has received a master’s degree in human resource management (MS) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) Certification. She is also recognized as a Fellow with the American College Healthcare Executives with a FACHE designation.

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