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Planning for Holiday Gift Giving: Corporate holiday gift giving

Now is the time to plan ahead!

Explore the practical considerations behind corporate holiday gift giving and how organizations can improve program outcomes.

Gift cards · Prepaid cards · Direct payments · Merchandise · Charity · Swag

OVERVIEW

Why corporate holiday gift giving matters

Now is a great time to plan for employee holiday gift giving.

Corporate holiday gift-giving matters because it shows appreciation, strengthens relationships, and reminds employees, clients, and partners that their contributions are valued. A thoughtful gift can build goodwill, reinforce company culture, and create a lasting sense of connection beyond everyday business interactions.

AT A GLANCE

Appreciation by the numbers

The winter months are a key time for employee holiday gift giving. It’s a great chance to improve relationships and show employee appreciation.Recognizing employee contributions and showing gratitude with tangible tokens of appreciation enhances morale, employee engagement, and satisfaction, significantly contributing to a positive and productive work environment.

Companies that gave holiday gifts saw a 10% decrease in employee turnover – The Hay Group

IRS De Minimis Tax Rules

82% of employees expect gifts around the holidays

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

75% of employees say gifts enhance morale

Staples Advantage

Recognition and Appreciation:

Gift-giving is a way for employers to express gratitude and appreciation for employees’ hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Employee Retention and Loyalty:

Regular recognition through acts such as gift-giving can also strengthen employees’ loyalty to the company. When employees feel valued, they’re more likely to remain with the company longer, reducing turnover rates.

Building Team Spirit:

The tradition of corporate gift giving can create a shared experience that brings employees together, fostering a sense of community and belonging, which in turn can improve collaboration and team cohesion.

Reinforcing Corporate Culture and Values:

The nature of the gifts can reflect a company’s culture and values. For instance, a company that values health and wellbeing might give fitness-related gifts, while a company with a strong focus on sustainability might choose eco-friendly gifts.

Incentive and Motivation:

Gifts also act as incentives, encouraging employees to continue performing at a high level.

Social Norms and Expectations:

In many workplaces, gift giving has become a cultural expectation during the holiday season. Not participating could create a sense of exclusion or disappointment among employees.

Logo Wear for Holiday Parties:

Having a holiday party? Logo wear gives everyone at the party a simple way to dress and feel comfortable without worrying about how to dress.

IN DETAIL

Employee Gifts can be powerful

It’s important to understand the preferences and needs of employees in order to make corporate holiday gift giving truly effective. Generic, one-size-fits-all gifts usually fall short in creating a meaningful impact. Organizations can personalize their gift-giving approach. Try to take the time to listen, observe, and gather information about individual preferences. Surveys, feedback sessions, and informal conversations can provide valuable insights into the types of gifts that resonate most with employees. A personalized touch enhances the value of the gift and also demonstrates that the organization genuinely cares about its employees’ interests and well-being. It’s often very difficult to achieve universal satisfaction, but giving employees a choice is an approach that allows them to select a gift that aligns with their personal preferences and needs.

AT A GLANCE

Understanding employee preferences

Wasting time:

Make the process of receiving and redeeming the gift easy. Efficiency and convenience are key factors in successful corporate gift giving. It is essential to avoid wasting time and prioritize ease of use for recipients.

Wrong gifts:

Avoid anything that is too personal. Gifts that are inappropriate or offensive can have a detrimental impact on relationships and company reputation. Avoid items that may be considered controversial, politically charged, or offensive to specific groups.

Misalignment with Company Culture:

Gifts should reflect the identity and mission of the organization. Failing to consider the company’s culture can dilute the impact of the gifts and miss an opportunity to strengthen the organizational identity. Avoid problems by allowing choice.

Poor Timing or Delivery:

Sending gifts late or at inconvenient times may diminish their significance and fail to convey the intended appreciation. Additionally, ensure the gifts are presented in a thoughtful and respectful manner, considering individual preferences for public or private recognition.

No lasting memory value:

Some gifts that have no lasting memory value. Gifts that are quickly forgotten or have little practical use may fail to make a meaningful impact. To avoid this, choose gifts that are thoughtful, unique, and memorable.

AT A GLANCE

Strategic gift giving mistakes

Fairness and Equality:

Gifts should be distributed fairly and equally among all employees, regardless of their position or tenure within the company. This promotes a sense of unity and discourages feelings of favoritism or inequality.

Consider Cultural Sensitivities:

Gifts should be respectful and considerate of all cultural, religious, and personal preferences. For example, giving a bottle of wine may not be appropriate for an employee who doesn’t consume alcohol for personal or religious reasons.

Team Input:

Involve employees in decision-making by seeking their input or suggestions.

Discretion and Respect for Privacy:

Some employees might not want to receive gifts, or they may not want to disclose their receipt to others.

Value Limits:

To avoid any perception of favoritism or impropriety, companies often establish a maximum value for gifts for each pay class or grade.

Personalization:

Where possible and appropriate, consider personalizing each delivery with a unique message of appreciation. It’s easy to automate the addition of a note to each employee when sending gifts.

Inclusion of Remote Employees:

In the modern work environment where remote work is common, it’s important to include remote workers in gift-giving programs.

Logistics:

Don’t forget the management costs of your program. Simultaneous delivery worldwide with a single list is efficient and impactful.

Mix and Match Gift ideas

Sports and Fitness

Technology

Fine Dining

General Shopping

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AT A GLANCE

Add SWAG and Merchandise to the your mix

Combining merchandise, Swag and gift card options for employee holiday gifts is a fantastic way to cater to a wide range of preferences and personalities within a diverse workforce.Offering a mix of merchandise, including branded items, alongside versatile gift cards gives employees the freedom to choose what truly resonates with them. While some may appreciate tangible gifts they can use or wear, others may prefer the flexibility of a gift card, allowing them to pick something personal or indulge in their favorite brands or experiences. This balanced approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their interests, feels valued and appreciated, making the holiday season more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Thousands of merchandise options from technology to personal care.
No crazy markups, exaggerated shipping fees, or hidden costs.
Taxes are reserved and any reserved amount above the state tax charged is automatically returned to your account.
Include a single item, curate a unique selection fitting the occasion, or include our entire catalog.
Mix and match merchandise, gift cards, payments, and more…
Have a unique item request? We can add it to your account.

Mix and match merchandise, gift cards,

Mix and match merchandise, gift cards, payments, and more…

Have a unique item request? We

Have a unique item request? We can add it to your account.

Thousands of merchandise options from technology

Thousands of merchandise options from technology to personal care.

Taxes are reserved and any reserved

Taxes are reserved and any reserved amount above the state tax charged is automatically returned to your account.

Include a single item, curate a group

Include a single item, curate a unique selection fitting the occasion, or include our entire catalog.

IN DETAIL

Consider "alternate" gifts

When planning for corporate employee gift giving, there are several alternative approaches you can consider to ensure an engaging and thoughtful experience. Remember to consider the company culture, budget, and the preferences of your employees when choosing an alternative gift-giving approach. It’s always a good idea to gather feedback and involve employees in the decision-making process to ensure their satisfaction and engagement.Here are just a few ideas:Instead of selecting gifts on behalf of employees, provide them with a gift budget or gift card that allows them to choose their own presents. This approach empowers employees to select something they truly desire, enhancing satisfaction and reducing the chance of receiving unwanted gifts.

Employee Choice

Instead of individual gifts, consider giving gifts to teams or departments. This encourages collaboration and camaraderie among employees. You can choose gifts that can be shared and enjoyed collectively, such as board games, team-building activities, or group experiences.

Team Gifts

Instead of traditional gifts, give employees the opportunity to select a charity of their choice and make a donation on their behalf. This approach promotes a sense of purpose and allows employees to contribute to causes they care about.

The Strategic Power of Corporate Holiday Gift Giving

Strategic approaches to corporate gift giving aimed at enhancing employee engagement and appreciation can yield significant benefits for organizations.By understanding individual preferences, aligning gifts with company culture, and adopting creative and thoughtful gift ideas, companies can create a positive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty. Adhering to a well-defined gift-giving protocol ensures fairness and transparency, while continuous feedback and measurement allow for ongoing improvement.Remember that a well-thought-out gift program has the power to inspire, motivate, and strengthen the relationship between employees and the organization, ultimately contributing to a thriving and engaged workforce.

IN DETAIL

Merchandise vs. Gift Cards

De Minimis gifts and the IRS

For the holiday season, de minimis employee gifts can still be used to offer tax-free benefits, provided they meet IRS guidelines. According to the IRS, a de minimis benefit is one that is “so small as to make accounting for it unreasonable or impractical” (IRC Section 132). Non-cash gifts such as holiday merchandise (e.g., branded apparel, mugs, or snacks) often qualify under this rule, as long as their value is relatively low and given infrequently. The IRS does not specify a strict dollar amount, but gifts valued over $100 typically do not qualify as de minimis.IRS · INVESTOPEDIA
According to IRS Publication 15-B (Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits), cash or cash-equivalent gifts like gift cards are not considered de minimis and are subject to tax reporting.IRS. Non-cash gifts that fall under the de minimis threshold, however, can remain tax-free as long as they are occasional and small in value.INVESTOPEDIA
These benefits offer companies a great way to recognize employees without additional tax burdens during the holiday season.

For more specific guidance, consult IRS guidelines or tax professionals. The information provided by TruCentive, including all content on our website, communications, and materials, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. You should consult with your own tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding your particular situation. TruCentive makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and disclaims any liability for any actions taken based on it. Always refer to applicable tax and legal regulations or seek professional advice to ensure compliance with the law.

Add SWAG and Merchandise to the mix

Combining merchandise, Swag and gift card options for employee holiday gifts is a fantastic way to cater to a wide range of preferences and personalities within a diverse workforce.

Offering a mix of merchandise, including branded items, alongside versatile gift cards gives employees the freedom to choose what truly resonates with them. While some may appreciate tangible gifts they can use or wear, others may prefer the flexibility of a gift card, allowing them to pick something personal or indulge in their favorite brands or experiences. This balanced approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their interests, feels valued and appreciated, making the holiday season more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Thousands of merchandise options from technology to personal care.
No crazy markups, exaggerated shipping fees, or hidden costs.
Taxes are reserved and any reserved amount above the state tax charged is automatically returned to your account.
Include a single item, curate a unique selection fitting the occasion, or include our entire catalog.
Mix and match merchandise, gift cards, payments, and more…
Have a unique item request? We can add it to your account.

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Incentive delivery that means more and costs less

Unclaimed rewards returned. Build a complete project in the campaign builder with your logo, your recipients, and your incentive selections, then send. Related reading: local holiday gift cards.

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