Knock Your Employees’ Socks Off With These Great Holiday Gifts

By Stefanie Neyland, Small Business Content Developer at BizLaunch.com

There’s no better time than the holiday season to strengthen relationships with your staff, and sending a personalized gift is a surefire way to spread some festive cheer throughout your business.

Just think about it: we buy holiday presents for our family, friends and clients—and some of us even offer a token gesture to the postman—so why shouldn’t we give a little something to employees?

Whether you plan to buy gifts for each and every member of staff, or if you’re thinking of holding a Secret Santa, here are some great ideas that are sure to knock the socks (and stockings) off everyone in your office.

1. A gift worth writing home about

Tired of pens going missing? Consider buying your employees’ a writing instrument they’re sure not to misplace. Choose pen types (think fountain, rollerball or even mechanical pencil) based on their preferences, and personalize the gift even more by selecting their favourite colour or by having it engraved with their initials.

2. All your thanks in one basket

Why not gift a holiday basket that’s sure to leave a good taste in your employees’ mouths? From cupcakes to cookies to more creative options—everybody appreciates some yuletide delicacies at this time of year. After all, the post-holiday diets don’t begin until January, right?

Consider branding your sweet treats to make reinforce that sense of company culture within your organization.

3. Brighten up their morning java

Looking for a thoughtful gift that’s sure to brighten up your staff member’s morning while saving the planet? Sounds like a tall order, but it’s easier than you may think. Not only will a reusable coffee mug keep their joe warm all morning long, but it will also help reduce the 23 billion disposable coffee cups that end up in landfill sites every year.

4. The gift of organization

Help your employees’ fulfill their new year’s resolution to stay organized by buying them a 2015 weekly planner. There are many designs and brands for you to choose from to suit the personality of each of your staff members. Want to add an extra personal touch? Consider penning a good luck note inside wishing them all the best for the year ahead.

5. Charity begins at the office

One of the best things about the holiday season is the emphasis on giving, so why not make a charitable donation on your clients behalf to a charity of their choice? Save the cash that would otherwise have been spent on a gift, party or luncheon and instead make a donation to those who are less fortunate. In doing so, you’ll be interacting with your staff in a genuine and meaningful way.

Got any more ideas to add to this list? We’d love to hear them! Tweet your suggestions to @StaplesCanada.