Small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in boosting your household staff’s morale. One of the best times of year to show your appreciation is during the holidays. Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also result in an increased workload for your staff, especially if you are organising an event. By giving your employees gifts during this busy time of year, you can show your gratitude for their hard work.
How to Choose the Right Gift for Each Employee
When selecting gifts for your employees, it’s important to consider their preferences. Gifts that are thoughtfully chosen leave a lasting impression, which is why you should take the time to understand what each employee values. The gifts you choose for your household staff should reflect their interests and hobbies. Another factor you should consider is whether you want your gift to be practical or sentimental in nature. Some employees may appreciate a gift they can use every day, while others may prefer a gift that symbolises your appreciation for their service.
Activity-Based Gifts
Activity-based gifts can provide their recipients with hours of entertainment. Some of the best activity-based gifts include:
1. Board Game Sets
Depending on whether your employees have children, you can gift board games designed for children or adults. Board games like Monopoly, Life, Scrabble, and Operation are ideal for employees who have children, whereas Mafia, Codenames, and Cards Against Humanity are adult-oriented games.
2. Tickets to an Event
Event tickets are a great gift for employees who enjoy live events, such as sports games, concerts, and festivals. You may want to start by finding out more about each employee’s interests, such as their favourite sports team, band, or music festival.
3. Sports Equipment
Sports equipment makes an ideal gift for employees who lead an active lifestyle or who have children enrolled in sports. Sports jerseys, tennis balls, golf kits, and baseball gloves are among the most commonly gifted sports equipment.
4. Children’s Toys
Children’s toys are ideal for employees who have young children. Before making your selection, you should have an idea of the child’s age and interests. Some children enjoy playing with toys that require concentration and problem solving, while others use toys to let off steam and get moving.
Indulgent Gifts
Indulgent gift baskets are a great way to show appreciation for your employees. Classic gift baskets include:
1. Goodie Baskets
A goodie basket is meant to be delicious. Common basket stuffers include chocolate, candy, cheese, crackers, and other snackable items. You can buy ready-made goodie baskets or you can have them custom-made for your employees.
2. Wine Baskets
Wine baskets are a great idea for employees who like to indulge in fine wine from time to time. To add a personal touch to your employee’s basket, you can have it filled with their favourite types of wine, whether they prefer light whites or robust reds.
Self-Care Gifts
Self-care gifts not only show your appreciation but also give your employees permission to relax and unwind. Here are some excellent gifts centred around self-care:
1. Comfortable Loungewear
Soft, stylish pyjamas, cosy sweatshirt and sweatpant sets, and plush bathrobes are all great choices. Try to find something employees will be excited to change into after a long day of work.
2. Aromatherapy Essentials
Essential oils and diffusers are ideal for health-conscious individuals. You can choose essential oils based on the benefits they offer. For example, if one of your employees struggles with insomnia, you could add lavender oil to their aromatherapy kit. Other essential oils include lemongrass oil and peppermint oil, which are both thought to improve mood.
3. Spa Accessories
Having a spa moment is an excellent way to de-stress after a hard day. Bath bombs, facial misting devices, bath salts, and scented candles are all thoughtful gifts that show how invested you are in your employees’ well-being.
4. Herbal Tea Samplers
Herbal tea is ideal for relaxation because it does not contain caffeine. It comes in different forms, from powder and cubes to fresh and dried leaves. A herbal tea sampler that pleases the palate and calms the mind can be a wonderful holiday gift.
Handmade Gifts
Handmade gifts are a beautiful gesture of appreciation. Some common handmade gifts include:
1. Decorative Accents
Decorative accents are a lovely way to show your gratitude. They are often quite time-consuming to make and reflect the skill of the crafter. A hand-knitted throw blanket, a set of embroidered coasters, or a personalised wall hanging are all good choices.
2. Handmade Cards and Artwork
Handmade cards and artwork can go a long way in showing that you have considered your employees’ personalities and interests. Those who prefer conventional art may appreciate a framed watercolour portrait or a hand-painted vase, whereas individuals with more adventurous tastes may enjoy an abstract painting or a miniature art installation.
Show Appreciation for Your Staff This Holiday Season
Household staff have physically and mentally demanding jobs that require skill and organisation. As their employer, it is highly important for you to show your appreciation for what they do. Finding ways to demonstrate how grateful you are for their service can boost morale and increase productivity within your household. You can accomplish this by selecting holiday gifts that are tailored to each employee’s values and interests. Even a small token of your appreciation can make all the difference in fostering a positive work environment that employees want to be a part of.
You might also want to check out: Tips for Managing Household Staff Schedules During the Holidays
