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Human Resources
Last Reviewed: 03 November 2025 - 6 min read
Ah, Christmas in the workplace – Secret Santas, festive jumpers, half-written out-of-office messages… and the question of how to spread festive cheer without the clichés.
Between hybrid working, squeezed budgets and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, choosing the right gift(s) for your employee's is difficult.
The good news? Corporate gifting has seriously transformed.
Gone are the days when a generic hamper or branded notebook would do the trick. Today’s festive gifts are thoughtful, modern and values-driven – whether that means supporting small and local businesses, gifts that prioritise wellbeing, or giving experiences instead of “stuff.”
The key is finding something that feels genuine. Something that says, “We appreciate you” – not “We panic-ordered this on Amazon.”
So, pour yourself a festive flat white, pop on your HR-elf hat, and let’s explore Christmas gift ideas for 2025 that will make your team feel recognised, rewarded and ready to toast the year’s wins – wherever they’re working from.
Some things never go out of style, and the Christmas hamper is one of them!
A nod to festive nostalgia, hampers have been spreading Christmas cheer for over a century. Originally gifted by Victorian employers to their staff on Boxing Day, they’ve become the ultimate symbol of generosity and celebration.
Today’s versions come in all shapes and sizes. From artisan foodie boxes and eco-conscious bundles to luxury hampers curated by British independents, they're customisable, affordable and still one of the easiest ways to please everyone on your list.
So, what actually makes up a great hamper?
You can tailor a hamper to almost any taste: traditional, vegan, sustainable, or indulgent.
Some of our favourite picks include:
When it comes to actually putting together employee hampers, there's plenty of UK shops and suppliers that offer ready-made ones. So, if you're tight for time, this could be the option for you.
We'd recommend:
When it comes to the price, hampers can range anywhere from £30, for something simple and thoughtful, to £150+ for larger luxury hampers with premium items. How much you spend is really up to you. Many suppliers offer bulk business discounts, so make use of these savings if you can!
It's worth noting that if you have the creative ability, time or even a smaller team, you can always make the hampers yourself, in-house.
Mix and match local goodies, team favourites, and personal touches like handwritten cards to make them feel extra special.
Hampers can also be sent via post for any employees working remotely, which is a huge bonus!
If you really want to make your team feel appreciated, personalised gifts are a winning option – especially in smaller teams where you know your colleagues’ tastes, hobbies, or quirks. That said, even larger workplaces can make personalised presents work with the right planning!
Thanks to an explosion of UK-based websites and suppliers, delivering personalised gifts at scale has never been easier, or more affordable. A little thought goes a long way: it shows employees that you see them as individuals, not just a name on a spreadsheet.
The level of personalisation is totally up to you, but think:
If you're stuck for shops or suppliers, some of our top picks are:
If you’re gifting to a larger team, consider a hybrid approach, a personalised token (like a mug or notebook) paired with a shared experience or digital gift card. That way, everyone gets something meaningful without creating a huge logistical headache.
Sometimes, you just don’t have the bandwidth for elaborate personalised gifts and that’s okay. Gift cards and cash bonuses are practical, flexible, and still show your team you care.
Unlike giving money directly, gift cards give employees a little nudge to treat themselves. They’re perfect for encouraging a moment of joy, whether it’s a festive dinner, a small luxury, or something they’ve been wanting all year.
In the current cost-of-living climate, they can also be a practical lifeline for employees who are watching every penny.
There are plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences:
Gift cards can often be bought directly from retailers or supermarkets, and many suppliers offer bulk or corporate discounts.
If you’re managing a large team or simply need to save time, a bonus payment on top of December’s salary is a straightforward option.
It’s the ultimate flexible gift: employees can spend it how they like, and you don’t need to worry about sourcing or shipping physical presents.
However, cash gifts don't have to feel impersonal, you could:
Don't forget that cash bonuses are considered taxable income by HMRC, so national insurance and tax contributions will apply. Simply factor this in when calculating the total amount you want your employees to receive.
Let’s face it: your team is made up of individuals with wildly different interests, hobbies, and tastes. That diversity is brilliant, but it can make bulk gifting a challenge.
If you’re looking for a safe, fuss-free option that everyone can use and appreciate, work-related gifts are a solid choice.
These are practical items designed for the office or home workspace, and they usually strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and universally useful.
Think of items your team can actually use every day:
The best part? These gifts don’t require heavy personalisation, but they still feel thoughtful and they’re unlikely to spark objections or awkward “not for me” moments.
A few UK favourites for office-focused gifts include:
Tax tip
A quick note on HMRC rules: there’s a £50 exemption for employee gifts, including VAT. Gifts under this threshold won’t be taxable, but anything over – even by a penny – must be declared. For a deeper dive into the rules, check out French Duncan’s guide on employee gifts at Christmas.
We hope this humble blog has provided you with some useful ideas if you’ve been tasked with buying Christmas presents for employees in your workplace.
Good luck and let us know how you get on!
Crafting careers for 130 years. Gain a 100% online fully accredited qualification with ICS Learn.
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