Understanding Employee Holiday Gift Preferences
Employers often believe they have a firm grasp on what their employees desire for holiday gifts. However, the latest survey by Custom Ink, a frontrunner in custom products and apparel, highlighted a significant gap between the gifts that employers provide and those that employees genuinely wish to receive.
Survey Findings: Employees Speak Out
The findings from the Custom Ink survey are enlightening. Despite employers feeling confident in their gift selections, many employees cite those very gifts as among their least preferred. David Doctorow, the CEO of Custom Ink, notes, "There's a disconnect happening in workplace gifting. Employers tend to choose practical office items or generic branded merchandise, but the employees want gifts that resonate with their personal lives as well as their professional ones." He emphasizes that with a significant percentage of employees concerned about receiving no gift at all, the stakes are high for employers to get it right.
What Do Employees Really Want?
The survey showcases clear preferences. Employees desire gifts that they can enjoy both in and outside of work. Top 2025 gift categories include:
- Gift cards
- Tech/electronics, such as chargers, headphones, and speakers
- Food & drink, like gourmet snacks and coffee/tea
- Apparel, including shirts, hoodies, and hats
- Outerwear, which surprisingly ranked low on the list of least desirable gifts
Moreover, 77% of employees expressed a preference for gifts from trusted and premium brands. This preference suggests that some of the most beloved brands include Nike, Sony, and North Face, as well as Bose and Yeti.
The Importance of Personalization
The survey results also indicate a strong desire for personalized gifts. An impressive 82% of employees would appreciate gifts that have been tailored for them, while 52% prefer the freedom to choose from various gifts instead of receiving one uniform option.
Gifting Pitfalls: What Not to Give
It’s equally crucial to consider what employees do not want. The survey identified several gift categories that fell flat:
- Stationery, including calendars and paper goods—this category was the least appreciated
- Generic office products, like desk supplies, which 38% of employees deemed undesirable
- Living plants, which often do not survive the office environment
While it’s essential to avoid these pitfalls, the issue often lies not in the categories themselves, but in the perceived quality and thought behind the gifts.
A Call for Quality Over Quantity
It is vital for employers and team leaders to acknowledge that virtually any gift could be well-received provided it is done thoughtfully. High-quality items, such as premium notebooks or technology accessories, can signal appreciation, especially in a welcome package for new hires or at team-building events. The survey noted that some of the best-received gifts come from well-established and reputable brands.
The Reality of Holiday Gift Anxiety
This holiday season, a notable percentage of employees are entering with trepidation about receiving gifts. The survey indicated that 41% of employees feared they might not receive a gift at all, a stark contrast to last year, where almost every respondent reported receiving a gift.
When employers successfully select gifts that align with employee preferences, the rewards can be rich. Employees who received gifts they valued expressed a higher likelihood of staying with their companies and feeling more optimistic about their employers.
Worst Holiday Gifts: Learning from Mistakes
To illustrate what can go wrong, employees have shared their most disappointing gifts received from employers. This list serves as a cautionary reminder regarding generic or thoughtless gifting:
- Toilet cleaner
- Pantyhose
- $2 scratch-off lottery ticket
- Bag of chips
- Plastic cup
- Chapstick
- Stale gummy bears
- Company calendar
- Dead plant
- Expired gift card
Bridging the Gift Gap
To assist employers in closing this gap, Custom Ink recommends several thoughtful alternatives:
- Swap out stationery for appealing tech accessories like headphones or wireless chargers
- Replace generic office items with stylish but cozy branded apparel
- Choose gourmet food and drinks instead of desk plants
- Upgrade standard bags to high-quality outerwear from reputable brands
As highlighted by experts, taking the time to select quality gifts can strengthen employee relationships and improve retention. Employers should also keep in mind that thoughtful, premium gifts often nurture a sense of value among team members.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do employees prefer for holiday gifts?
Employees generally prefer gifts from trusted brands that they can use both in and out of the workplace, such as gift cards and tech gadgets.
2. How do personalized gifts matter according to the survey?
About 82% of employees value personalized gifts, and more than half prefer choosing from several options rather than receiving a standard gift.
3. What gift categories should employers avoid?
Employers should steer clear of generic office supplies, stationery, and living plants, which were not well received by employees.
4. How can the right gift impact employee retention?
The right gifts can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, lowering turnover rates and fostering a positive workplace environment.
5. What are some examples of poorly received gifts?
Examples of disappointing gifts include toilet cleaners, pantyhose, and expired gift cards, showcasing the importance of thoughtful gifting.
