- Start with three rules: fair, thoughtful, on time
- Gifts for an office team
- Gifts for remote staff
- Gifts for hourly and shift workers
- Freelancers and contractors who work for you
- Group gift or individual gifts?
- Handling fairness
- Timing and shipping
- Check the rules on staff gifts
- Employee gift questions
- My take on staff gifts
Good Christmas gifts for employees are fair, thoughtful and on time: something everyone on the team can use or enjoy, given at the same level, and in their hands before the break. Food hampers, experience vouchers, extra time off and useful home or desk items all work well.
Start with three rules: fair, thoughtful, on time
Fair means nobody feels they got the lesser gift. Thoughtful means it shows you know who works for you, even a little. On time means it arrives before people log off for Christmas, not in the second week of January. Get those three right and the gift itself matters less than you'd think.
Gifts for an office team
- A shared hamper or treat box for the team, plus a small individual gift
- A team lunch or breakfast in the last week before the break
- Good quality notebooks, mugs or desk plants
- Experience vouchers they can choose from
- An extra paid afternoon or day off over the holidays
Gifts for remote staff
Remote staff are easy to forget because you don't see them. Send gifts to their home, and order early so delivery isn't a gamble. These Christmas gift ideas for remote workers are a good place to browse.
- Food or snack boxes delivered to the door
- Comfort items for a home office, such as a throw, slippers or a quality mug
- Digital gift cards they can spend locally
- A subscription box for a few months
Gifts for hourly and shift workers
For people on shifts, time and practicality often mean more than a desk gadget. Think extra paid time off, a meal on the house, a voucher they can use for groceries or fuel, or a warm hat and gloves for those working outdoors. Make sure part-timers and night shifts get the same gift and the same moment of thanks as everyone else.
Freelancers and contractors who work for you
Freelancers aren't employees, but a small thank you keeps good ones loyal. A card with a handwritten note, a small treat box, or simply booking their next project early all go a long way. If you'd rather send words than a parcel, these Christmas messages for clients adapt easily.
Group gift or individual gifts?
A group gift, like a team lunch or a shared experience, builds a bit of team spirit and is simpler to organise. Individual gifts feel more personal but take longer. For small teams, many owners do both: one shared treat plus a small personal gift each. If your team swaps presents among themselves too, point them at these gift ideas for coworkers.
Handling fairness
- Give everyone the same level of gift, whatever their role or hours
- Include part-timers, remote staff and anyone on leave
- Avoid alcohol as the default, since not everyone drinks
- Offer a choice where you can, so dietary and personal needs are covered
- Keep it the same as or close to last year so it doesn't feel like a cut
Timing and shipping
Order remote gifts by early December, and aim for delivery at least a week before Christmas. Ask staff to confirm their delivery address rather than relying on old records, and send a quick message so they know something's on its way.
Check the rules on staff gifts
Rules on gifts to staff vary by country, and some gifts may count as taxable benefits. Check with your accountant or your tax authority's own guidance before you buy, especially for cash or vouchers.
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Employee gift questions
What is a good Christmas gift for all employees?
Food hampers, experience vouchers and extra time off suit most people, because they're easy to enjoy and don't depend on personal taste.
Should remote employees get the same gift?
Yes. Give remote staff the same level of gift as office staff and order early so it arrives before the break.
Do I need to give freelancers a Christmas gift?
You don't have to, but a card with a personal note or a small treat is a kind way to thank people you want to keep working with.
Are employee gifts taxable?
It depends on where you are and what you give. Check with your accountant or your tax authority's own guidance before buying.
My take on staff gifts
Don't overthink it. A fair, on-time gift with a short personal note beats an expensive one that turns up late. If you own the business, take a look at these gift ideas for small business owners too, because you deserve something as well.
