The holiday gifts employees keep are things they use: a warm layer, a good tumbler, a blanket, a solid bag. Set one amount per person, put it into one strong item instead of several small ones, and approve the proof by November 6 if gifts ship to each home, or by November 13 for bulk delivery to your offices, so everything arrives before mid December.

Gift ideas by budget

Gift ideas by budget
Budget per personItems that workGood for
Under $25Insulated tumbler or mug, knit beanie, notebook and pen set, phone standLarge teams, add-on to a party or card
$25 to $50Quarter zip or crewneck, fleece blanket, insulated lunch bag, wireless chargerMost company-wide gifts
$50 to $100Puffer or soft shell vest, backpack, premium blanket, assembled gift box with two or three itemsYear-end thank you for the whole team
$100 and upPremium jacket, weekender bag, gift box with a well known brand itemLeadership, top performers, small teams

Prices are per person including decoration. Shipping to homes is extra; see the remote gifts guide.

What employees actually keep

ASI's 2026 Global Advertising Impressions Study asked people how long they keep promotional items. Outerwear and bags last the longest.

  • Fleece and jackets: 87% keep them more than a year.
  • Bags: 84% keep them at least a year.
  • Drinkware: 80% keep it more than a year.
  • T-shirts: 80% keep them at least a year.
  • Blankets: half of people keep them more than five years.

For a holiday gift, that points to a layer, a bag or a blanket over small desk items.

Logo or no logo

A holiday gift is a thank you, so keep the branding quiet. A small tone-on-tone logo on the chest or a subtle mark on a tag reads as a gift. A large front print reads as company apparel. If you want both, give the gift with a quiet logo and put the bold branding on the box and card.

How gifts and gift cards are taxed

The IRS treats cash, gift cards and gift certificates given to employees as wages, whatever the amount. A holiday gift that is not cash, with a low fair market value, can be a tax-free de minimis benefit. A branded item is usually simpler for payroll than a gift card. Confirm the treatment for your company with your accountant.

Order dates for 2026

For gifts in hand before mid December, approve the proof by Friday, November 6 when gifts ship to each home, and by Friday, November 13 for bulk delivery to offices. Past those dates, rush is available on select items.

See all holiday deadlinesFind your exact date

Apparel gifts and sizes

Apparel makes a great gift, but sizing needs a plan. Collect sizes with a short form or a gift redemption page, choose a unisex fit unless you collect fit preferences, and plan a small size-exchange buffer.

Size mix calculator

Shipping to homes or to offices

Bulk delivery to each office costs less and can ship later. Shipping to each home reaches remote and hybrid staff but needs addresses, individual packing and earlier approval.

Gifts for remote employees

Frequently asked questions

What is a good holiday gift for employees?
Something they will use often: a quarter zip, a vest, a blanket, a quality tumbler or a bag. One good item is better than several small ones.
How much should a company spend on employee holiday gifts?
There is no set rule. Choose one amount per person that fits your budget and headcount. Under $25 buys a solid tumbler or beanie; $25 to $50 buys a quarter zip or blanket; $50 to $100 buys a vest, backpack or small gift box.
Are holiday gifts to employees taxable?
Cash, gift cards and gift certificates are always taxable wages. A low value holiday gift that is not cash can be a tax-free de minimis benefit. Check with your accountant for your situation.
When should we order employee holiday gifts for 2026?
Approve the proof by November 6 for gifts shipped to each home and by November 13 for bulk delivery to offices, to have them before mid December.

Related tools

Sources