Gift Ideas for Your Employees This Holidays

According to  a study on Monsters.com, employees appreciate receiving a gift from their employer this time of year. We didn’t need research to tell us this, but it a good reminder to think about what you may want to give your employees this holiday season.

For independent retailers, there is nothing more rewarding than supporting other independent businesses in your gift giving plans. Below, here are three ideas to help you determine what you could give your employees while also supporting other small businesses, as well.

Gift Cards

No surprise here, but everyone loves a good gift card. The question is, where should you get your gift cards from? Some communities offer township wide gift cards, such as Geneva, Illinois does. Their local Chamber of Commerce sells gift cards that can be redeemed at a long list of downtown merchant locations. This offers the receiver a wide variety of places to use it at. If this is not available in your town, consider getting a gift card at a locally owned restaurant, coffee shop or spa that you know your employee would enjoy.

Gift Baskets

Here’s the thing about gift baskets… they don’t have to be filled with “things” your employees may never use. When creating a gift basket, keep your unique employee in mind as well as your store. Can you fill it with some goodies from your own inventory? Or how about a combination of your own store products with outside stores or other local businesses? Including chocolates from your local candy store never disappoints, as well.

A Day Off

Yes, you read that right. Why not treat your employee to a PAID day off? This type of gift is truly appreciated and goes a long way in your employee’s heart. Essentially, you are giving them time and money. That may be the best gift yet! And if a full day is unrealistic, how about  a half day? Every second and dollar counts, so this would just as appreciated, as well.

Finally, some retailers find that the best gift they can offer their employees is as simple as some good old fashioned fun. Taking your team for a night out, a local restaurant or to a fun amusement center can not only say “hey, thanks for all you do” but also say “you deserve to have some fun”! In addition, it can offer a great team building experience.

With Christmas around the corner and other holidays already in full swing this time of year, there’s no time to waste here. Pick your favorite employee gift idea and get started in bringing it to life today!

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Photo Credit: RetailPackaging.com