Gifts for Your Team (That Aren't Just Pizza Parties)
Because 'we're like a family here' doesn't pay rent.
Why It's Tricky
Let's be honest: your employees are tired. They've sat through your 'quick syncs' that run 45 minutes, smiled through mandatory fun events, and pretended to be excited about the new expense report system. They deserve more than a company-branded water bottle and a LinkedIn endorsement. Finding a gift that actually lands means acknowledging the absurdity of corporate life while showing genuine appreciation. It's the difference between 'my boss gets it' and 'my boss read a Forbes article about millennial engagement.'
Gift Ideas
- -Actual bonuses (revolutionary concept, we know)
- -Extra PTO days presented in a fake ceremonial certificate
- -Noise-canceling headphones so they can ignore you in peace
- -A 'Get Out of Meeting Free' card (make it official, coward)
- -High-quality desk accessories that aren't plastered with the company logo
Things to Consider
- *Equity matters—if you can't give the same thing to everyone, give nothing publicly
- *Branded company merch only counts as a gift if it's actually something they'd use
- *Gift cards feel impersonal, but honestly? Your team would rather have the cash value
Get Gift Ideas That Actually Land
Get team gift ideas that show you're not a corporate robot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much should I spend on employee gifts?
- Enough that it feels meaningful, not so much that it feels like compensation for something worse coming. $50-100 is solid for holiday gifts. Pro tip: whatever you spend, their time is worth more—consider giving them an afternoon off instead.
- Are funny gifts appropriate for my team?
- If your team regularly jokes around with you: yes. If you're the boss they're professionally polite with: tread carefully. A mug that roasts corporate culture is funny. A mug that roasts their performance is a lawsuit.
- Should employee gifts be uniform or personalized?
- Uniform base gift, personalized touches. Everyone gets the same value, but you show you actually know them. It's like communism but make it thoughtful.
- What's the worst employee gift you can give?
- A pizza party instead of raises. Extra work disguised as 'growth opportunities.' Anything that implies they should be grateful just to have a job. Also, those weird corporate gift baskets with off-brand snacks—just why?