As the festive season rolls around, many employers may be shopping around for employee Christmas gifts, but stop to ask themselves: What do my employees really value in a Christmas gift?
Research consistently shows that the most appreciated gifts are those that offer choice, meaning, or recognition – rather than flashy branding, junk/joke items, or particularly unthoughtful gifts.
1. Flexibility trumps all
Employees love feeling recognised, and overwhelmingly prefer gifts that allow choice:
- A Blackhawk Network study found that 86% of employees feel valued when given gifts or rewards during the holidays – especially when they can choose something meaningful themselves.
- Similarly, BHN Rewards research shows 83% of employees would prefer a gift card or prepaid reward, yet only a quarter actually receive one.
2. The value sweet spot
Gift value matters but not extravagance:
- A Tremendous survey reports that giving employees £35 – £75 during the holidays satisfies 65% of the workforce.
- The Employee Gifting Report 2024 similarly underlines that tokens in this range are well-received.
3. Meaningful recognition drives loyalty
The impact of a thoughtful gift goes beyond its material value:
- Snappy’s 2024 Holiday Gifting Report finds 74% of workers look forward to a gift, while 71% say receiving one improves their view of their employer.
- Gifts also help retention: 54% say they’d be more likely to stay if their company regularly shows appreciation via holiday gift-giving.
- FruitGuys research cites that 57% of workers interpret holiday gifts as genuine signs of appreciation, and 78% feel more satisfied afterward.
4. Personalisation adds emotional depth
Though not always critical, personalisation enhances impact:
- According to research from the University of Bath, personalised gifts create stronger emotional bonds, making recipients feel more cherished and likely to value the gift.
- That said, personalisation needn’t be overcomplicated; in Tremendous’s study, a simple “thank-you” note alongside a standard gift satisfied 85% of employees.
5. Avoid the gifting pitfalls
Some types of gifts consistently miss the mark:
- Generic swag, novelty mugs, or unwanted tokens often backfire. HR Future highlights that 60% prefer a bonus, while branded items frequently fall flat.
- A poll of British adults ranked novelty socks (81%), mugs (68%), and shower gel (76%) among the most disliked work Christmas gifts.
Gifts that resonate
WellBox has been identified as the leading employee gift company in the UK and specialises in thoughtful, flexible gifting solutions. From festive hampers and wellbeing gifts to branded, sustainable options, or flexible gift cards. Their Christmas Collection includes:
- E-gift cards spanning retail, experiences, food & drink, and wellbeing – all offer the flexibility employees appreciate.
- Themed hampers, wellbeing boxes, and sustainable gifts, enabling personalisation according to employee preferences.
- Branded yet meaningful gifts, striking a balance between recognition and emotional value.
This blend aligns well with research-backed best practices: giving employees choice, conveying appreciation, and offering recognisable yet meaningful tokens.
What’s more, WellBox takes ethical gifting to a whole new level, donating a proportion of each gift to local charities and causes. This means that even the most Grinch-like gift recipient couldn’t help but feel thankful.
Quick reference table: What employees actually want
| What employees value | Why it matters |
| Flexible gift options (e.g., gift cards, e-gifts). Or hamper type gifts that contain a range or goodies. | Provides choice and reduces waste |
| Value in the £35-£75 range | Strikes the right balance of appreciation and practicality |
| Recognition-focused messaging | Boosts morale, loyalty, and perceived value |
| Simple personal touches (notes, custom branding) | Deepens emotional impact without cost blowups |
| Avoid generic or novelty items | Prevents disappointment and disengagement |
In summary
Employees want Christmas gifts that feel thoughtful, offer freedom to choose, and communicate genuine appreciation. Value-based incentives (especially around the £50+ range), paired with a simple personal touch, go much further than branded merchandise or one-size-fits-all gestures.
If you’re aiming to find gifts that employees will actually enjoy, consider solutions like WellBox’s Christmas Collection, which offers flexible e-gifts, curated hampers, wellbeing items, and sustainable choices – all designed to align with what research suggests is most meaningful.
