Whatever You Do, Don’t Buy This Holiday Gift for Your Employees, Says Survey

The holiday rush is upon us and employers are trying to lock in what gifts they’ll give their employees. 

At Custom Ink, we know it’s a joyful, though stressful, time for managers, who are challenged with finding meaningful gifts that appeal to everyone. 

Get it right, and you’re not just checking a box. You’re showing employees they’re valued beyond their output. Get it wrong, and that gift gathering dust becomes a missed opportunity to boost loyalty, morale, and a sense of belonging that can ultimately drive retention and engagement.

That’s why we conducted a Custom Ink Employee Holiday Gift Survey to find out which types of gifts your employees want the most and least. We surveyed over 1,000 employees and managers to uncover the real preferences behind holiday gifting.

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We also asked managers what gifts their company is most likely to give. Turns out, employers have a pretty good sense of what their teams like — but may be missing an opportunity to do better. 

Take a look at our findings to see what small, strategic shifts can transform your gift giving.

Employees’ Least Favorite Holiday Gifts, Ranked–and What to Get Them Instead

	Stationery: 39% Swap in: Electronics Stationery, like notebooks, sticky notes, and planners, can be super useful in the office and are welcomed by employees day to day.  But for holiday gifting, employees often would like something they can enjoy both in and out of the office. They told us that they love tech that makes their lives easier. Chargers, ear buds, and speakers are the gifts that get used daily — powering through Zoom calls, crushing workouts, or simply making the everyday grind a little smoother.
	Office Products: 38% Swap in: Apparel  Custom desk accessories and pens can be awesome “welcome to the team” swag. For the holidays though, opt for cozy, subtly branded apparel, like shirts, hoodies, and hats that they can wear on and off the clock.
	Plants, Flowers, or Greenery: 35% Swap in: Food & Drink Gifts Not everyone has a green thumb. But everyone loves holiday treats. Choose artisan chocolates for teams with a sweet tooth, or a charcuterie kit that’s perfect for entertaining, or a movie night snack board for cozy nights in. They’re shareable, enjoyable, and killing them off is encouraged.
	Subscription Gifts: 23% Swap in: Health & Wellness Gifts Monthly subscription boxes sound great in theory, but the deliveries can feel like another thing to manage. Instead, give one-time wellness gifts that make an immediate impact. A massage gun for post-workout recovery, a yoga mat for their home practice, or an air diffuser for creating calm. These are gifts that say “take care of yourself” without the ongoing obligation.
	Bags: 22% Swap in: Outerwear (The category with the FEWEST votes for worst gift) Some bags, like a high quality technical backpack from a trusted brand, are always welcomed, so we’re not saying that bags are on the holiday canceled list. But in the spirit of the warm and cozy season, everyone loves outerwear. A quality vest, jacket, or fleece from Nike or The North Face is a go-to piece that employees reach for all season long.
	Drinkware: 21% Swap in: Premium Drinkware Drinkware like tumblers, mugs, and water bottles are universal, easily branded, and even top-of-the-line options don’t cost a fortune.  With only 1 out of 5 employees rating it least favorite, it’s a solid pick. But if the budget allows, level up to premium brands like Yeti or Stanley customized with your logo or other subtle branding.

We’re happy to help find that perfect gift to make your employees’ holidays joyous. Reach out anytime!

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