The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re in charge of your company’s corporate gift giving, you may feel pressured to find the perfect (and budget-friendly) present for your employees. Never fear! There are plenty of ways to give meaningful gifts without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Give experience gifts
Everyone loves getting tickets to a show or a voucher for a spa day. And the best part is, experience gifts don’t cost an arm and a leg. A few well-chosen tickets can go a long way towards making your employees feel appreciated.
2. Get creative with packaging
Instead of spending money on expensive wrapping paper and ribbons, get creative with what you have on hand. Be resourceful and use recycled materials to make your own unique gift wrap. Your employees will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you’ll save a few bucks in the process.
3. Make it personal
A little personalization can go a long way when it comes to showing your employees how much they mean to you. If you’re not sure where to start, think about what kinds of things they’re passionate about outside of work – whether it’s their favorite hobby or sport, or even their family pet. A small gift that speaks to their interests will definitely be appreciated.
4. Think outside the “traditional” holiday gift
Sure, everyone loves getting chocolate or a new pair of socks for Christmas. But why not shake things up this year by giving something unexpected? Consider giving an eco-friendly gift like a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, or a donation to a charity in each employee’s name. These types of gifts will show that you care about more than just checking off items on your holiday shopping list – you also care about being thoughtful and considerate towards others.
5. Stick to a budget… but don’t skimp on quality
Just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality altogether. Do some research ahead of time and look for sales so you can find high-quality gifts at reasonable prices. Your employees will be able to tell the difference between something that was carefully chosen with them in mind, versus something that was just picked up last-minute at the dollar store because it was cheap.
6. Get everyone involved in the gifting process
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas that fit your budget and your employees’ interests, try involving them in the process! Host a brainstorming session where employees can share their own ideas for gifts they would love to receive, then use those suggestions as inspiration for your final choices. Not only will this take some of the pressure off of you, but it will also guarantee that everyone ends up with a present they actually want – win-win!
7 . Say it with eGift cards
When all else fails, eGift cards are always a safe bet (and they definitely won’t break the bank). Let your employees choose their own gift by giving them an eGift card that they can use online or in stores – just make sure to choose one that covers a wide range of interests so everyone can find something they love. Plus, this way there’s no risk of anyone ending up with an unwanted gift card that gets lost in the back of their wallet and never used.