12 gift ideas to thank your employees & customers this 2020 holiday season

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

'Tis the season to give a big thank you to all the people who’ve supported your business this year...2020 has definitely been a year unlike any other. So, before things get too busy, it's time to start thinking about holiday gifts that are memorable and professional, and something your staff, clients, and customers will be excited to unwrap and use (or devour) right away.

Though planning holiday gifts for those in the workplace might be a head-scratcher, no matter what your budget is or how many people are on your gift list this year, we have 12 gifts for customers, clients, and employees that are unique, personal, and practical.

Employee gift ideas

1A desk calendar to start the year

Everyone is excited about leaving 2020 behind...get your employees ready for the new year with a personalized desk calendar. Choose a colorful design that adds instant personality to their at-home workspace - maybe even customize it with their name and your company logo. It’s an easy way to keep the weeks and goals for 2021 front and center...no wall space needed!

Desk calendars

Personalize this gift with employee birthdays, in-store holidays, and more.

2A hometown treat for their taste buds

If you're looking for a sweet treat to give your employees as they wind down for the holiday season, source something delicious from other local businesses. Put in an order for cookies, cupcakes, or brownies with a local baker or pastry chef. You can package treats by placing them inside a personalized coffee mug (with either your company's logo or the employee’s name on it) or wrap them in special paper and put a personalized “Happy Holidays from [Insert your name and the company's name]” sticker on top.

Stickers

Add a branded finish to any gift with custom stickers.

3A digital gift card

Whether to their favorite restaurant, a TV streaming service, or a local boutique, make each employee's day with an e-gift card. A digital gift like this is a great contactless option in these socially-distanced times.

4A festive WFH bundle

If your office is closed and your staff is working remotely, spruce up their home office space with some useful gear. Create a peppy productivity basket complete with personalized mouse pads, coffee mugs, water bottles, notebooks, and other useful office supplies. Include a card that lets them know how much you appreciate them and want them to have everything they need to work comfortably from home.

5A fleece jacket for cooler days

Keep your staff cozy with a fleece jacket - they can wear it whether they're packing holiday shipments, tending the coffee bar, or jogging in the park. Add a personal touch by embroidering their name (along with your company logo).

Customized clothing

From t-shirts to hats, give some branded love to your employees this year.

6A plant to decorate their desk

By the end of the year, most of your employees' desks are taken over by paperwork, office supplies, stacks of folders and envelopes. A novel way to help them set the mood for a fresh new year and brighten up their at-home workspace is with a succulent or plant. Pair this gift with a personalized thank you note wishing your employee well this holiday season and for the new year.

Plants make a vibrant addition to any office space - especially in the winter.

Customer and client gift ideas

7A tote bag for holiday shopping

A gift that’ll come in handy this holiday season and beyond is a custom-made tote bag with your company's logo printed on it. While your customers are off shopping for gifts or browsing the farmers market, your tote bag gift will come in handy...and help to spread the word about your business.

Tote bags

Show customers appreciation with a versatile tote bag...and market your business with a full-color logo.

8A mug for warm winter drinks

'Tis the season for people to sit back, relax, and catch up on their favorite TV shows while sipping their favorite hot beverage. Give packaged mugs that include packets of hot chocolate, coffee beans from local roasters, or a selection of holiday-flavored teas.

Personalized mugs

Keep your customers cozy all season long.

9A selection of local chocolate

If you’re at a total loss, chocolate never fails to tantalize the taste buds. But instead of buying it from a big-name brand, find local stores that offer artisan versions in original flavors. Give your customers a treat that celebrates your business's hometown while also supporting another local maker.

10A very 2020 gift basket

Gift something useful - and timely - to customers. Think: a gift basket that includes hand sanitizer, face masks, puzzles, cookbooks, and more. Wrap it up in on-brand packaging and drop them off on customer doorsteps (or in the mail).

11A wall calendar to say thank you

Really appreciate your customers? Show them with a wall calendar that starts the new year with more than just days of the week. Customize yours with monthly offers or send a private sale their way. These little perks not only show how much your value their business, it also keeps your company front and center 365 days a year.

Custom wall calendars

Keep your small business top-of-mind all year.

12A set of thank you cards

One last-minute item that a lot of people set out to buy around the holiday season are thank you cards. Gift your customers a set of custom printed and personalized thank you cards (adding a photo if that's fitting) and a customized pen. That way, when they’re looking to end the year without any lingering tasks, they'll be able to write their own thank you cards and place them in the mail before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.

Thank you cards

A stationery set is always in style.