12 gift ideas to thank your employees & customers this Christmas

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

'Tis the season to give a big thank you to all the people who’ve supported your business this year... 2020 has definitely been a year unlike any other. So, before things get too busy, it's time to start thinking about Christmas gifts that are memorable and professional – and something your staff, clients and customers will be excited to unwrap and use (or devour) right away.

Though planning Christmas gifts for people in the workplace might be a head-scratcher, no matter what your budget is or how many people are on your gift list this year, we have 12 gifts for customers, clients and employees that are unique, personal and practical.

Employee gift ideas

1A desk calendar to start the year

Everyone is excited about leaving 2020 behind... get your employees ready for the new year with a personalised desk calendar. Choose a colourful design that adds instant personality to their at-home workspace – maybe even customise it with their name and your company logo. It’s an easy way to keep the weeks and goals for 2021 front and centre... no wall space needed!

Desk calendars

Personalise this gift with employee birthdays, shop celebrations and more.

2A hometown treat for their taste buds

If you're looking for a sweet treat to give your employees as they wind down for the Christmas season, source something delicious from other local businesses. Put in an order for cookies, cupcakes or brownies with a local baker or pastry chef. You can package treats by placing them inside a personalised coffee mug (with either your company's logo or the employee’s name on it) or wrap them in special wrapping paper and put a personalised “Happy Christmas from [Insert your name and the company's name]” sticker on top.

Stickers

Add a branded finish to any gift with custom stickers.

3A digital gift card

Whether for their favourite restaurant, a TV streaming service or a local boutique, make all your employees' days with an e-gift card. A digital gift like this is a great contactless option in these socially-distanced times.

4A festive WFH bundle

If your office is closed and your staff is working remotely, spruce up their home office space with some useful gear. Create a peppy productivity basket complete with personalised mouse pads, coffee mugs, water bottles, notebooks and other useful office supplies. Include a card that lets them know how much you appreciate them and how much you want them to have everything they need to work comfortably from home.

5A fleece jacket for cooler days

Keep your staff cosy with a fleece jacket – they can wear it while they're packing Christmas deliveries, tending the coffee bar or jogging in the park. Add a personal touch by embroidering their name (along with your company logo) on it.

Customised clothing

From T-shirts to caps, give some branded love to your employees this year.

6A plant to decorate their desk

By the end of the year, most of your employees' desks will be overwhelmed by paperwork, office supplies, stacks of folders and envelopes. A novel way to help them set the mood for a fresh new year and brighten up their at-home workspace is with a succulent or plant. Pair this gift with a personalised thank you note wishing your employee well this Christmas and new year.

Plants make a vibrant addition to any office space – especially in the winter.

Customer and client gift ideas

7A tote bag for Christmas shopping

A gift that’ll come in handy this Christmas season and beyond is a custom-made tote bag with your company's logo printed on it. While your customers are off shopping for gifts or browsing the farmers' market, your tote bag gift will come in handy... and help to spread the word about your business.

Tote bags

Show customers appreciation with a versatile tote bag... and market your business with a full-colour logo.

8A mug for warm winter drinks

'Tis the season for people to sit back, relax and catch up on their favourite TV shows while sipping their favourite hot beverage. Gift people packaged mugs that include sachets of hot chocolate, coffee beans from local roasters or a selection of Christmas-flavoured teas.

Personalised mugs

Keep your customers cosy all season long.

9A selection of local chocolate

If you’re at a total loss, chocolate never fails to tantalise the taste buds. But instead of buying it from a big-name brand, find local shops that offer artisanal versions in original flavours. Give your customers a treat that celebrates your business's hometown while also supporting another local producer.

10A very 2020 gift basket

Gift something useful – and 'of the time' – to customers. Think: a gift basket that includes hand sanitiser, face masks, puzzles, cookbooks and more. Wrap it up in on-brand packaging and drop them off on your customers' doorsteps (or put them in the post).

11A wall calendar to say thank you

Really appreciate your customers? Show them with a wall calendar that starts the new year with more than just the days of the week. Customise yours with monthly offers or send a private sale their way. These little perks not only show how much your value their business, it will also keep your company front and centre 365 days a year.

Custom wall calendars

Keep your small business top-of-mind all year long.

12A set of thank you cards

One last-minute item that a lot of people set out to buy around the Christmas season are thank you cards. Gift your customers a set of custom printed and personalised thank you cards (adding a photo if that's appropriate) and a customised pen. That way, when they’re looking to end the year without any lingering tasks, they'll be able to write their own thank you cards and pop them in the post before singing 'Auld Lang Syne' on New Year's Eve.

Thank you cards

A stationery set is always in style.