The pros and cons of holiday gift exchanges at work
Exchanging gifts at the end of the year can help strengthen work relationships. Setting aside time for employees to unwind can also demonstrate your company prioritizes a healthy work-life balance.
However, the holiday season may be your company’s busiest period. Consider choosing another time for your holiday gift exchange to accommodate employees’ full schedules.
Holiday gift exchange rules for work
Setting clear rules for your end-of-year gift exchange can help ensure your celebration’s success. Consider these guidelines when planning your festivities.
Stick to the budget
Encouraging employees to stay within a reasonable budget may also help them select their gifts. Setting a manageable budget can help ensure participation from your team.
Ensure gifts are professional
Make sure your employees understand the company’s workplace ethics and suggest they use them as a guideline for purchasing gifts. Gifts should be appropriate, respectful and aligned with the company’s values and standards of behavior.
Make it optional
Consider making the activity optional, allowing employees who don’t feel comfortable participating to be part of the celebration without having to exchange gifts.
Stay inclusive
Many workplaces participate in a gift exchange tradition called “Secret Santa.” While this can be a fun activity, it may not be inclusive for all employees. The “Secret Santa” name and some associated traditions can inadvertently exclude those who don’t celebrate Christmas or who have other sensitivities around the holiday season.
Celebrating the holidays inclusively might mean embracing a neutrally festive party rather than one related to a specific holiday. Consider emphasizing your employees’ accomplishments and treating the celebration as an end-of-the-year display of gratitude.
Using more neutral terms like “Holiday Gift Exchange” or “End-of-Year Gift Swap” may be preferable.
Gift exchange ideas
Whether you’re participating in the gift exchange or want to give your team ideas for holiday gift exchanges at work, these 15 suggestions may be suitable additions to your gift exchange.
1. Assorted gourmet chocolates
A box of chocolates can be a good gift for a work acquaintance. Local shops are likely to have an array of assorted flavors for recipients to sample.
2. Self-care products
A selection of hand lotion, soaps or a gift card to a local spa can make great gifts for employees who value self-care.
3. An adult coloring kit
Adult coloring books offer a way to unwind after a long day at work. A coloring book and a set of colored pencils give recipients everything needed to start a new hobby.
4. A coffee lover’s gift basket
You might give employees a basket of coffee with add-ons such as a coffee mug or flavored syrups.
5. Teas or cocoa
For non-coffee drinkers, consider gifting loose-leaf teas and a tea strainer or a collection of cocoas and marshmallows.
6. A personalized water bottle
Reusable water bottles are an easy way to promote sustainability in the workplace. It also encourages employees to stay hydrated whether they work remotely or in-person.
7. A selection of hot sauces
Local markets or specialty shops often have unique hot sauce selections. Consider gifting a sampler set with various spice levels and flavors so recipients can try several options.
8. Tablet or laptop accessories
There are plenty of ways to add flair to electronics, including laptop and tablet sleeves, cases and peel-and-stick covers to transform any device’s look.
9. Essential oils and a diffuser
A selection of essential oils and a diffuser make for a gift that’s luxurious and budget-friendly. Certain calming oils may help manage stress.
10. Socks or slippers
Gifting socks or slippers has the benefit of being versatile. Whether the recipient prefers a pair that’s silly, bold, elegant or simply comfortable, this practical gift can suit most preferences.
11. A fancy candle
Candles come in all shapes, sizes and fragrances. Hand-picking one makes this a thoughtful and useful gift.
12. A desk organizer
Desk organizers can help employees find a place for everything. If they already have a pen holder or paper tray on their desk, consider helping them upgrade to something more stylish or practical.
13. A favorite book
Team members who are avid readers might enjoy a book exchange with their colleagues. Employees can gift books they have read, and include a note explaining why they enjoyed them.
14. A cozy throw blanket
One of the best things about winter is getting cozy on the couch with a good movie and a warm blanket, which makes this a gift exchange classic. Consider opting for a neutral color or design so it matches any home decor style.
15. A new calendar
Once the holidays are over, employees are likely thinking of the year ahead. A new calendar can help them keep track of appointments, meetings and other important dates. While many employees rely on technology to organize their schedules, a physical calendar can still be useful.
Alternative ways to celebrate holidays at work
A holiday gift exchange isn’t the only way to help your employees unwind at the end of the year. Here are a few alternative celebrations to consider:
- Host a festive potluck lunch
- Arrange a volunteer day with a local organization
- Offer holiday bonuses
- Book a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant
FAQs about holiday gift exchanges
How do holiday gift exchanges work?
A typical gift swap starts with employees drawing names at random to determine who to shop for. Some teams may distribute wish lists when names are drawn. On the day of the exchange, employees open their gifts, revealing each person’s secret recipient.
Is a holiday gift exchange right for my team?
The best way to gauge your employees’ interest in a holiday gift exchange is to ask for their opinions. Consider conducting an office-wide poll to determine which end-of-year celebration is right for your team.
Should I participate in an employee holiday gift exchange?
Depending on the team, you might leave the gift swapping to your employees. If this is the case, try offering a gift to the entire team, such as catering for your office party or gift cards for a local coffee shop.
