Great gifts for employees: Promo items they’ll love in the new year

By Michelle Banks

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about year-end gifts to thank team members for their hard work and dedication. The best holiday gifts for employees are ones that are both meaningful and useful. A workforce survey opens in new window showed that 75% of employees say receiving a holiday gift from their employer would increase their job satisfaction.

What’s more, when you give gifts that are both meaningful and useful, recipients are more likely to hang on to them. In fact, 75% of people who have kept a promotional gift for longer opens in new window than five years do so because it’s useful. That’s a lot of potential staying power!

Choosing great gifts for employees shows that you listen and therefore know what your team members like and will use. As you begin the quest for those perfect employee holiday gifts, think about your team’s interests and preferences. That will help you select the right items to keep them—and your gifts—around for the long haul.

This year’s best holiday gifts for employees

• Gifts for travel
• Gifts for the outdoors
• Gifts for hobbyists
• Gifts for remote workers

Branded gifts for employees who travel

Looking for corporate holiday gift ideas for team members who often travel? Think bags! Give custom laptop backpacks to employees who spend a lot of time on the road, whether for work or fun. A shoe bag might be a favourite travel companion for sales staff who don professional dress while on the go. A folding cosmetic bag makes any traveler’s life easier. Don’t forget luggage tags—they make perfect stocking stuffers and can double as gift tags!

Best gifts for employees who love the outdoors

There’s a lot to love about spending time outdoors. In fact, 96% of Canadians say they find beauty in nature opens in new window. That underscores why items used for outdoor adventures make great holiday gifts for employees.

Celebrate the year that was and encourage everyone to do the same. Whether you give a trendy buffalo plaid cooler or a useful rolling cooler, these party essentials are great for hunting, camping, skiing and many other outdoor getaways. A camp chair clears the path for relaxation after a day of winter activities. Want to help staff look cool but keep warm? Put your logo on a pom-pom toque.

Outfit your squad in puffer vests or jackets. Each gift will do much more than keep employees cozy. It will also get eyes on your brand.

Company holiday gift ideas for hobbyists

Gifts that go beyond the workplace provide a way to connect with team members on a new level. Show you know and appreciate their unique interests with promotional items that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.

Does your team consist of gardeners or green thumbs? Embrace a new year tradition of gifting branded planters. Blossom kits come in 17 varieties—basil, mint, marigold and more—and are a perfect way to thank employees for helping your company grow while also wishing them good fortune in the new year.

Food enthusiasts and home chefs are sure to appreciate a cutting board and paring knife set. Include a best-selling cookbook, and … chef’s kiss! Give running belts and sport bottles to office athletes. If your team is full of dog lovers, a pet bowl or fetch-it toy might delight them and their four-legged friends.

Interested in trendy promo products to gift your team? See what items are hot and trending.

Promotional gift ideas for remote workers

Employees who are regularly recognized by their manager are more than twice as likely to feel engaged opens in new window, productive and connected at work. That recognition is especially important among remote or hybrid workers, where face-to-face interactions can be limited.

20% of Canadians opens in new window work mostly from home while many others divvy time between home and the office. This split makes promotional desk accessories among the best holiday gifts for employees. After all, being away from the office supply closet means that desk accessories and other office conveniences are often not always readily available. For a useful gift that wows, think fully stocked wireless charging pen cups and office cubes.

Desk calendars offer a daily reminder of your appreciation. A tech organizer is the perfect item to take when traveling from home to the office. Add a power bank to make sure their devices stay fully charged no matter where they are. Bundle these together for a stellar remote employee gift basket!

The best holiday gifts for employees are thoughtful and functional

Selecting great gifts for employees can be a wonderful way to show appreciation as the year ends. Consider your team’s wants and needs to find thoughtful options employees will love—and use—all year long.

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