20 Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Employees [Includes Super Affordable Options]

There’s something about the festive spirit, the twinkling lights, and of course, the chance to show a little extra appreciation to the people who help keep things running smoothly all year long—our employees. 

Whether you manage a small team or a large one, giving thoughtful Christmas gifts is a great way to say “thank you” for all the hard work, dedication, and the unique energy each team member brings to the table.

But let’s be honest: picking out the perfect gift for employees can sometimes feel tricky. 

You want something that’s meaningful but not overly extravagant, practical yet fun, and, most importantly, something they’ll genuinely enjoy. 

If you’re like me and find yourself struggling with gift ideas every year, don’t worry! 

I’ve put together a list of some awesome Christmas gift ideas that will make your employees feel appreciated and bring a little holiday cheer to the office (or virtual workspace). 

Let’s dive in!

Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Employees

Custom Desk Plants 

Let’s face it, most office spaces could use a little sprucing up, and nothing does that better than a cute desk plant! I absolutely love the idea of giving your employees a personalized potted plant—think succulents or a hearty snake plant.

Now, don’t just stop at any plant. Here’s where you can add a personal touch: have their names or an inspiring quote engraved on the pot. Imagine it: “You Got This!” sitting on their desk, next to a thriving little plant. 

Not only does it make their workspace more vibrant, but it also improves the air quality around them! Plus, studies show that plants can boost mood and productivity, so it’s a win-win. 🌿

Personalized Leather Notebooks 

Okay, who doesn’t love a sleek, professional leather notebook? 

Especially one with their own initials embossed on the cover! This gift is perfect for the employee who loves to jot down notes, keep a journal, or even just have something fancy to show off in meetings.

High-quality leather notebooks are timeless, and trust me, they make everyone feel just a tad more sophisticated when they pull them out. It’s both functional and stylish, which is the perfect combo for a Christmas gift. And hey, maybe it’ll inspire them to start a new passion project or finally tackle that to-do list!

Smart Mug Warmer

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of letting your coffee go cold because you got too wrapped up in work. (Don’t worry, my hand’s up too!) That’s why a smart mug warmer is such a genius gift idea. It keeps your coffee or tea perfectly warm throughout the day, so there’s no need to rush through your drink before it gets cold.

This is the ultimate gift for those caffeine-loving coworkers who can’t live without their hot beverages. Plus, they’ll think of you every time they take a sip of that perfectly warm coffee. Bonus points if you pair it with a cute custom mug!

Noise-Cancelling Headphones 

If there’s one thing every employee secretly dreams of, it’s a little peace and quiet—especially in a busy office. Noise-cancelling headphones are a game changer when it comes to focusing on work or even just taking a break from the daily office buzz.

A sleek pair of noise-cancelling headphones will let your employees drown out the noise during their commute, or even help them concentrate in a shared office space. Plus, they can use them to relax at home with some soothing music or podcasts. Trust me, this is a gift that’ll get tons of use!

Experience Gifts 

Okay, hear me out: instead of giving your employees another physical item that might end up collecting dust, why not gift them an experience? This could be something like a voucher for a cooking class, an escape room adventure, or even a virtual wine tasting.

The best part? Experience gifts can be personalized to your employees’ interests, making them feel super special. Plus, experiences often lead to lasting memories—much more impactful than the usual holiday gifts. It’s a fun, out-of-the-box way to show you care!

Work From Home Comfort Kit

We all know how much remote work has become a thing these days, and let’s be real: working from home can be a little stressful sometimes. That’s why a Work From Home Comfort Kit is such a thoughtful and practical gift.

Think about a curated box filled with ergonomic mouse pads, cozy blankets, blue-light blocking glasses, and maybe even a scented candle to set the mood. This kit is all about making your employees’ home office as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Plus, who wouldn’t love to feel a little pampered while tackling those emails?

Bluetooth Tracker (Tile/Chipolo) 

If you’ve got that one employee (or let’s be honest, we all know more than one) who is always misplacing their keys, wallet, or phone, a Bluetooth tracker is the perfect solution. Whether it’s a Tile or Chipolo, these handy little gadgets make it super easy to keep track of important items.

You just attach the tracker to whatever item tends to go missing, and with a tap on your phone, you can locate it in seconds. It’s a gift that’s not only fun but also incredibly practical. Trust me, they’ll thank you every time it saves them from turning the house upside down looking for their keys!

Customized Portable Charger 

In today’s always-on world, there’s nothing worse than running out of battery when you’re out and about. That’s why a customized portable charger is such a fantastic gift. Your employees can keep their devices powered up wherever they go, and if you get it personalized with their name or initials, it becomes a unique, thoughtful gift they’ll actually want to show off.

I’m all about gifts that are both functional and stylish, and this one ticks both boxes. Whether they’re traveling, commuting, or just running between meetings, they’ll be grateful to have a reliable (and cool-looking) charger in their bag.

Wellness Subscription Box 

If there’s one thing we all need a little more of these days, it’s self-care. That’s why a wellness subscription box makes such a fabulous gift. Every month, your employees will receive a box full of goodies designed to help them relax and recharge—think bath bombs, healthy snacks, aromatherapy items, and more.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving, literally! Each time they open their new box, they’ll get a reminder that you care about their well-being. It’s perfect for encouraging a little downtime and relaxation, especially after a long workday.

Luxury Candle Set

Last but definitely not least: luxury candle sets! There’s something about lighting a beautiful, scented candle that instantly makes any space feel a little more peaceful and cozy. I’m a sucker for a good candle, and I know your employees will be too.

Go for candles that come in unique scents, like eucalyptus and lavender for relaxation or something more woodsy for the winter season. And don’t forget the packaging—beautifully boxed candles can double as décor. 

Whether your employees are lighting them during a relaxing bath or just to unwind after work, this is one gift that will make their home feel like a sanctuary.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Employees That Are Super Cheap and Affordable

Alright, so we’ve covered the fancy, thoughtful gifts that’ll make your employees feel all kinds of appreciated—but what if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, yet still super fun and meaningful? 

I got you! 

The good news is, showing gratitude doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the best gifts out there are simple, thoughtful, and affordable.

Here are some super affordable Christmas gift ideas for your employees that won’t break the bank but will still bring plenty of holiday cheer. 

Let’s dive right in!

Customizable Coffee Mugs

Is there anything better than sipping coffee out of a mug that feels so you? 

A customizable coffee mug is such a great gift idea because it’s affordable, practical, and can be totally personalized to fit your team’s vibe. You can get mugs with fun designs, quirky quotes, or even their names printed on them.

Whether you choose a company-related inside joke or something that matches their personality, this gift is sure to make mornings a little brighter. 

And let’s be honest, everyone could use an extra coffee mug in their life, right?

Handwritten Thank You Notes

You know what’s better than an expensive gift? A genuine, handwritten note. Seriously, never underestimate the power of putting pen to paper. Pairing a heartfelt note with a small gift card (like to a local coffee shop or bookstore) can make a lasting impression.

Take a few minutes to write something thoughtful for each employee—mentioning their unique contributions or how they’ve made a difference this year. It’s personal, meaningful, and lets them know you truly value them. Sometimes, it’s the small things that mean the most.

Mini Desktop Games 

Want to inject some fun into your employees’ workday? Enter: mini desktop games! We’re talking about tiny basketball hoops, mini golf, or even a magnetic dart board that can live right on their desk. These fun little stress relievers are perfect for taking a quick break and adding a little light-hearted competition to the day.

They’re inexpensive but guaranteed to get some laughs, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little mid-day distraction?

Personalized Keychains 

A personalized keychain is another budget-friendly yet thoughtful gift. You can choose stylish leather or metal keychains and have them engraved with each employee’s initials, or go for something more fun that reflects their personality or interests.

Keychains are practical—we all need them—but when they’re personalized, they become something your employees will actually want to use. Plus, it’s a small gift that feels personal without being overly elaborate.

Reusable Water Bottles

If you want to encourage both hydration and sustainability, a customized reusable water bottle is a fantastic option. These bottles can be found at affordable prices and come in various styles and colors. Add your employees’ names or a fun graphic that speaks to their personality.

Not only is this gift practical, but it’s also eco-friendly, which is a win in today’s environmentally-conscious world. It’s a little nudge towards better hydration and fewer single-use plastics.

Socks with Personality 

Socks may seem like a cliché gift, but not when they’re fun, quirky, and bursting with personality! Get your employees a set of cozy socks with designs that reflect their hobbies or favorite things. Think socks with little coffee cups, book stacks, travel icons, or holiday-themed patterns.

They’re affordable, practical, and will definitely add some cheer to their wardrobe. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy pair of socks during the winter months?

Portable Phone Stand

This is one of those gifts that everyone needs but never thinks to buy for themselves—a portable phone stand. It’s lightweight, foldable, and perfect for keeping their phone handy on their desk without adding clutter. 

Whether they’re using it for video calls or just to keep an eye on notifications, it’s a gift that’ll get plenty of use.

And because it’s so practical, your employees will appreciate having something that makes their workday just a bit easier.

Gourmet Snack Box

Let’s be honest—everyone loves snacks. A gourmet snack box filled with a variety of delicious treats like chocolates, nuts, popcorn, or dried fruit can be a delightful surprise for your team. 

You can customize each box based on their preferences or include a mix of sweet and savory options.

This is one of those gifts that feels a little indulgent without being over the top. It’s perfect for the holidays and is sure to be devoured by even the pickiest of snackers.

Plantable Pencils

If you want to give a gift that’s both unique and eco-friendly, plantable pencils are a great choice! Once these pencils are too short to use, they can be planted, and they’ll grow into herbs, flowers, or vegetables.

How cool is that?

This gift is perfect for the eco-conscious employee, and it’s a fun way to remind your team that small, sustainable actions can make a big difference. 

Plus, they’ll have something green growing at home as a reminder of your thoughtful gift.

Customized Lanyards

Last but not least, let’s talk about customized lanyards. Whether your employees use them for their work ID or keys, a personalized lanyard is both practical and fun. 

You can get lanyards in your company’s colors, add your logo, or go for something quirky with a funny design or slogan.

It’s a small touch, but it’s one that’ll make their daily routine just a little more fun. Plus, it’s always nice to have something that feels uniquely yours, even if it’s as simple as a lanyard.