When it comes to preparing holiday gifts for staff, company owners have the opportunity to show appreciation, boost morale, and create a positive atmosphere that keeps employees motivated as the year closes. The trick is getting everything organised early to avoid delays, supply issues, or lacklustre gifts. Planning ahead will allow a company owner to give memorable and meaningful gifts, regardless of whether they have a small team or a large workforce spread across various locations. This is Tastebuds’ comprehensive guide to making sure holiday gifting is a success without any last-minute stress.
Start Planning Early
The key to pulling off a seamless holiday gift-giving experience is to start as early as possible—ideally, by late summer or early autumn. By kicking off the planning phase several months before the holidays, a company owner has time to set a budget, brainstorm ideas, coordinate with vendors, and place orders well before the holiday rush. It also helps with securing bulk discounts and avoiding the seasonal surge in prices and shipping delays that often begin as early as October. Planning ahead will also give the owner time to troubleshoot any issues that might pop up, such as out-of-stock items or last-minute changes.
Set a Budget That Works for Everyone
Setting a clear budget at the outset is essential. Gifts don’t have to be overly expensive to be meaningful; it’s the thoughtfulness and effort that matter most. For smaller companies, a personalised or high-end item might be manageable, whereas for larger companies, scaling up may mean finding items that offer quality without breaking the bank. Company owners should consider a budget that allows them to give something impactful without impacting other operational costs.
Once a budget is in place, stick to it. Staying consistent with the budget across the organisation also promotes a sense of fairness, which is especially important if the company has different teams or departments with varied levels of hierarchy.
Get Input from Employees
A great way to ensure that gifts are well-received is to ask employees what kinds of things they’d enjoy or find useful. Some companies send out short, anonymous surveys to get a feel for employees’ preferences. Not everyone will want the same thing, so gathering some general feedback can guide the selection process and give the owner an idea of trending interests within the workforce. For instance, one year, wellness-related gifts might be appreciated, while in other years, technology gadgets or eco-friendly items might be more desirable.
Keep It Personal and Meaningful
Personal touches go a long way in making gifts feel special, even if it’s something as simple as adding handwritten notes of appreciation. If possible, customising the gifts based on employees' personalities or preferences is a great way to make them feel valued. For example, a company could offer options and allow employees to choose between items like a branded insulated water bottle, a plush blanket, or a high-quality notebook. Larger companies might not be able to personalise to this degree, but small gestures—like including employees' names on their gifts or offering gift cards to their favourite local spots—can still convey a personal touch.
Select a Gift That Fits Your Brand Culture
Holiday gifts can also be a reflection of the company’s brand and values. For instance, if sustainability is a key value, the company might consider eco-friendly gifts, like reusable bags, bamboo utensils, or solar-powered gadgets. If the company values fitness and well-being, branded yoga mats, wellness kits, or ergonomic desk accessories can align with those values. Think about how the gifts can represent the company while also being meaningful for employees.
Work with Reliable Vendors
To avoid last-minute scrambling, company owners should work with established, reliable vendors who have experience handling bulk orders and can offer a trackable timeline for production and delivery. It’s worth considering suppliers who specialise in corporate gifts, as they are often familiar with the logistics and customisation options that large orders may require. When working with vendors, it’s also wise to check reviews or ask for recommendations to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.
If the company decides on a highly personalised or custom item, be sure to factor in extra lead time, as these can take longer to produce. Some companies also find it helpful to have a backup option or a secondary supplier in case any issues arise with the primary vendor.
Decide on Distribution Method
Distributing holiday gifts can be tricky, especially if employees are remote or spread across different locations. For an office-based workforce, setting up a small holiday event where gifts are handed out is often the simplest option. However, for remote or hybrid teams, shipping might be required, which adds another layer of planning.
To streamline this, work with a shipping service that can handle bulk orders efficiently. Some companies choose to use e-commerce platforms to order and ship gifts directly to employees' addresses, which cuts down on in-office handling time. If the company is large and widely distributed, partnering with a fulfilment company may also be a good idea. Always remember to double-check addresses to ensure accurate delivery, especially for remote workers who may have moved since their last recorded address.
Consider Group Activities as an Alternative (or Addition)
If giving physical gifts is challenging due to the logistics or budget, a company might consider hosting a holiday event or experience for employees. Virtual experiences, like cooking classes, wine tastings, or online escape rooms, are popular among remote teams. In-person activities like holiday luncheons, team-building activities, or year-end parties can be more memorable than a physical gift and foster camaraderie. The event could include smaller items like branded swag or holiday treats to make it feel more festive.
Plan for Inclusivity and Respect Cultural Differences
Holiday gift-giving should be inclusive, especially for a diverse workforce. Some employees may not celebrate certain holidays, so it's best to avoid overly holiday-specific themes. Instead, a winter-themed or year-end gift can feel festive without excluding anyone. Company owners should also consider dietary restrictions and lifestyle preferences if gifting food or beverages.
Finalise and Confirm Delivery Timelines
Once the gifts are chosen, budgeted, and ordered, the last step is to confirm delivery timelines. Make sure that the timeline provided by vendors or shipping services lines up with when you want gifts to arrive. If a company wants gifts delivered by mid-December, for instance, setting a November delivery date gives a buffer for potential delays. It’s also wise to keep a small number of gifts as extras in case a new hire joins or an employee’s gift gets lost in transit.
Follow Up and Gather Feedback
After the gifts are distributed, a follow-up survey or casual feedback session can be helpful. It’s an opportunity to learn what employees liked, what could be improved, and gather new ideas for the future. Feedback can also reveal whether the logistics went smoothly, helping refine the process for next year.
Creating a holiday gift-giving plan that works smoothly, no matter the company size, requires a mix of early planning, budget management, meaningful selection, and efficient delivery methods. By engaging employees in the decision-making process and aligning gifts with company values, a company owner can ensure that gifts are not only appreciated but also memorable. Thoughtfulness and organisation go a long way, making it possible to avoid last-minute hiccups and show genuine appreciation for the team. No matter if it’s a small token of appreciation or an elaborate holiday experience, the effort will not go unnoticed and can end the year on a high note.