Gifts for Employees From a Manager Who Means It
By the Gift DeskUpdated 16 hand-picked ideas
The ideas at a glance
Ask a team what they’d like from their manager and the honest answer is rarely an object. It’s an afternoon off before the holidays, a lunch they didn’t have to organize, or a few words that show you noticed the work. Gifts still matter, but they land best as part of that bigger picture, and they land worst when they look like leftover conference swag with a bow on it.
This guide is written for managers and small business owners buying for a whole team. It starts with practical gifts you can order in bulk, makes the case for time off, then covers treats for the break room, a nicer gift for each person when the budget allows, and options that ship easily to remote staff.
If you’re an employee looking for ideas the other way, see gifts for boss. For peer-to-peer gifts, try gifts for coworkers or Christmas gifts for coworkers.
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Notes for managers
Give everyone the same thing, or the same value. Comparisons are inevitable, and fairness matters more than flair.
Write a short note to each person. One specific sentence about their year is worth more than an upgrade to the gift.
Time off beats almost any object. If you can give an afternoon, give it, and put it in writing.
Plan around everyone’s diet and beliefs. Choose packaged food with labels and keep holiday gifts seasonal rather than religious.
Buying for a team with very different tastes? Use our gift finder to test a few options against a quick description of the group.
What managers ask
How much should a manager spend on employee gifts?
$25 to $50 per person is common for a manager buying for a team, and more if the company is paying. Smaller teams sometimes go higher; large teams often choose a shared treat plus time off. Whatever you choose, keep it equal across the team.
What’s a good gift for a large team?
Something you can order in bulk that everyone can use: a good tumbler, a quality logo pullover, a snack box or a gift card to a restaurant group. An extra afternoon off works for any team size.
Are employee gift cards taxable?
In the US, gift cards and cash from an employer are generally counted as taxable income, while small, occasional physical gifts often aren’t. Rules vary, so check with payroll or an accountant before giving cards in bulk.
What should I give remote employees?
Gifts that ship well or arrive digitally: a food delivery gift card, a snack box sent to their home, or a home-office upgrade like a monitor light or laptop stand. Send them early so they arrive in time for any team celebration.
The gifts people remember from a manager are rarely the most expensive ones. They remember being treated the same as everyone else, being thanked for something specific, and getting out early on a gray December afternoon. Get those right and almost any sensible gift on this page will do the rest.
