Workplace Holiday Gifting Made Easy (and HR Approved!)
Written By: Sara Stone
The holiday season is here, bringing joy, cheer, and a bit of stress—especially when it comes to workplace gifting. How do you show appreciation to colleagues, clients, or employees without overstepping? Don’t worry! This post is packed with simple, thoughtful gift ideas and guidelines that spread holiday cheer and keep you HR-friendly. Let’s make workplace gifting easy and memorable!
Gift Culture
The holiday season is a perfect time to show appreciation, but it’s also important to approach workplace gifting with thoughtfulness and transparency. Be open and honest—people value sincerity, and a heartfelt gesture goes a long way. This helps avoid any unintentional awkwardness and eliminates situations where someone feels left out because they received a gift but didn’t give one in return. At the same time, aim to be consistent and fair; treating everyone equitably avoids any unintentional awkwardness. After all, when information is missing, people tend to fill in the blanks with their own stories—so why not let your gift tell a clear and positive one? With the right balance of warmth and professionalism, you can spread holiday cheer that’s both meaningful and memorable.
Gift Exchange Events
Let’s talk about the (white) elephant in the room: office gift exchanges. They can be the highlight of the holiday season or, let’s be honest, a bit of a minefield. White elephant gift exchanges, in particular, tend to stir up mixed feelings. But with a little thoughtfulness, they can be fun for everyone! Here’s an easy acronym to keep in mind: WING.
Worth it: One of the best parts of a white elephant exchange is the thrill of “stealing” that perfect gift. It’s all in good fun, but remember to keep the mood light. Before you make that steal, ask yourself if it’s worth the potential disappointment to someone else. Prioritize the spirit of the game over the prize.
Inclusive: A successful white elephant depends on gifts that work for everyone. Consider how your choice will land with the group. Steer clear of alcohol, items that depend on specific lifestyles, or anything that could trigger allergies. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t feel confident giving it to anyone in the room, it’s probably not the right choice.
Non-denominational: Office celebrations should be inclusive of all beliefs, and the same goes for gifts. Avoid items tied to a specific holiday or tradition unless it’s universally celebrated. Take a moment to research and ensure your gift won’t unintentionally exclude or offend based on cultural or religious beliefs.
Gender-neutral: Gifts should feel accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. In workplaces where one gender is more prevalent, it’s easy to fall into the trap of picking something that leans that way. Opt for universally useful or enjoyable items to keep the game welcoming and fun for all.
By keeping WING in mind, you can make the white elephant a delightful part of the holiday season—where everyone leaves with a smile, if not their first-choice gift!
Great Universal Gifts
When it comes to workplace gifting, it’s all about finding thoughtful options that are flexible, personal, and stress-free. Platforms like Sugarwish are perfect for this! They let you set a price that fits your budget while giving the recipient the freedom to choose from a huge range of goodies—think cookies, spa products, plants, and so much more. It’s a win-win: you’re thoughtful, and they get exactly what they love.
For something simple and universally appreciated, THNKS is a fantastic choice. You can send coffee gift cards at a price you’re comfortable with, and the recipient gets to pick where they redeem it—from big-name coffee shops to their favorite chain. It’s a small gesture with a big impact, especially for coffee lovers.
If you’re looking for something more tailored to your team, Snappy is a great way to combine thoughtful gifting with company pride. It lets you offer branded merchandise while giving employees the chance to pick items that match their style and needs. It’s like a personal shopping spree but with a touch of company spirit!
And for a truly heartfelt option, consider donations to a cause that’s meaningful to the recipient. It’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation while honoring their values, and you can choose an amount that works for you. Plus, it’s a gift that makes an impact far beyond the office—a beautiful way to spread holiday cheer.
These options are versatile, personal, and sure to make your workplace gifting a breeze this holiday season!
How HRT Can Help
HR Transformed helps organizations build thoughtful, inclusive workplace cultures by offering guidance on policies and best practices. If you have any questions about managing workplace gifting or creating a positive holiday experience, contact us—we’re happy to help!
