The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and expressing gratitude. As a business leader, you have the chance to show your appreciation for your employees' hard work and dedication throughout the year. One of the most deeply appreciated ways to do this is by giving gift cards. They are convenient, flexible, and can be tailored to suit diverse tastes and preferences. In this article, we'll explore the best holiday gift cards to give your employees for Christmas, ensuring you make a meaningful impact on their festive season.

Why gift cards make great employee Christmas gifts

Gift cards have become increasingly popular as corporate gifts, and for good reason. Gift cards allow recipients the freedom to choose what they really want for the holidays. They can be customized, tailored to individual preferences, and sent to employees all over the world. They're also easy to distribute, making them an ideal choice for employee Christmas gifts.

Flexibility and choice

Whether it's a meal at an employee's favorite restaurant, a shopping spree at a popular store, or a relaxing experience at a spa, gift cards cater to a wide range of interests. You can give your employees gift cards for brands you know they love or let them redeem the gift card of their choice with a reward partner. When you work with a partner, one click allows your recipients to view their gift balance and access a catalog with hundreds of gift cards to choose from. Ultimate flexibility and choice—at their fingertips.

Customization and tailoring

Want to make your employees feel extra special? Add a personalized note to the gift card delivery email or customize the email template with your company's branding. To add a touch of personalization, choose a catalog tailored to your employee's interests. Select a coffee catalog for the caffeine lover, a travel catalog for the wanderer, or an entertainment catalog for the music lover.

Easy to distribute

Gift cards are easy to distribute, especially when opting for digital versions. This is particularly beneficial for companies with remote or international employees, as they can receive their gifts instantly through email or SMS, without the hassle of shipping or supply chain delays.

Top gift card options for employees

Struggling to find the right gift cards for your employees? Think about your team members' individual preferences and lifestyles. For instance, some employees may appreciate a gift card that allows them to indulge in a favorite hobby, such as crafting or gaming, while others might prefer a card that supports their wellness journey, like a fitness class or healthy meal delivery service. By taking the time to understand what your employees enjoy, you can select gift cards that reflect their interests and enhance their overall well-being and happiness during the holiday season. Let's dive into some of the best gift card options that you can consider for your employees this Christmas.

Retail gift cards

Retail gift cards are a classic choice. They offer employees the opportunity to shop for their favorite items at popular stores. Here are some top picks:

• Amazon: With an extensive range of products, Amazon gift cards are a safe bet for any employee. They can be used for electronics, books, home goods, and more.
• Walmart: Ideal for employees who appreciate a one-stop shop for groceries, electronics, and clothing.
• Target: Known for its trendy and affordable merchandise, Target gift cards are perfect for employees who enjoy in-person shopping.

Dining gift cards

Give the gift of a memorable dining experience with restaurant and food delivery gift cards. Here are a few options:

• DoorDash and Uber Eats: Delivery gift cards offer flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy a meal from their favorite local restaurants delivered right to their door.
• The Cheesecake Factory: Known for its extensive menu and delicious desserts, a Cheesecake Factory gift card is perfect for employees with large families.
• Chili's: For the employee who loves a good mozzarella stick and a slider, a Chili's gift card is ideal.

Experience gift cards

Experience gift cards provide unique and memorable experiences that employees will cherish for a long time. Consider these options:

• Airbnb: An Airbnb gift card can be used for a weekend getaway or a staycation, providing much-needed relaxation or adventure.
• SpaFinder: Help your employees unwind with a SpaFinder gift card, redeemable at over 20,000 spas, salons, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios, and travel destinations.
• AMC or Regal: Gift cards for movie theater chains like AMC or Regal allow employees to unwind and enjoy the latest blockbusters on the big screen.

Coffee gift cards

• Dunkin: Give your employees a pick-me-up with a gift card they can use for coffee or donuts.
• Starbucks: Perfect for coffee lovers, a Starbucks gift card lets employees indulge in their favorite beverages and treats.

Health and wellness gift cards

• REI: Help your top employees enjoy their next outdoor adventure with a gift card from REI. Whether they're fans of skiing, climbing, hiking, or canoeing, REI has what they need to get outdoors.
• Nike: Encourage your recipients to focus on their fitness with a Nike gift card. They can use it to purchase workout apparel, footwear, or equipment.

Online subscription gift cards

Subscription services have become a staple in many households. By providing subscription gift cards you can help your employees alleviate the costs of their favorite streaming services or introduce them to new options. Here are some popular choices:

• Netflix: A Netflix gift card gives employees access to a vast library of movies and TV shows.
• Spotify: Music and entertainment lovers will appreciate a Spotify gift card, granting them access to millions of songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• Audible: For book enthusiasts, an Audible gift card provides access to thousands of audiobooks.

Customizable gift cards

Sometimes, the best gift is the one that gives the recipient a choice. With options like Global Choice Link, you can easily send your recipients a choice of hundreds of gift cards in their country and currency. You can even customize delivery emails with your company's branding and include a personal message.

Unique and fun gift card ideas

• Chewy: Bring joy to the pets in your employees' lives. A Chewy gift card allows them to purchase toys, beds, treats, and more.
• Carnival Cruise Lines: Thank your team members for all of their hard work by sending them on the cruise of their choice.
• Charitable donations: Let your recipients pay their gift forward with a charitable donation gift card. They can choose from hundreds of incredible causes to donate to—and even split their donation among a few of their favorites.

How to choose the right gift cards for your team

When selecting gift cards for your employees, consider the following tips to ensure your gesture is well-received:

1. Know your audience
   ‍Take into account the preferences and interests of your employees. Are they foodies, tech enthusiasts, or adventure seekers? Tailoring your choice to their interests shows that you've put thought into their gifts.
   
   
2. Consider giving employees a choice of cards
   If your budget allows, consider offering a selection of gift cards to cater to different tastes. This way, employees can choose the one that suits them best.
   
   
3. Add a personal touch
   Include a heartfelt note or holiday card with each gift card. A personalized message can go a long way in making your employees feel appreciated.
   
   
4. Set a budget
   Determine a budget for your gift card program to ensure consistency. It's important to provide meaningful gifts without overextending your resources.

Gift cards are a fantastic way to show your employees that you value their hard work and dedication. By selecting the right gift card options and adding a personal touch, you can make this holiday season truly special for your team. Whether it's a retail shopping spree, a delicious dining experience, or a relaxing spa day, your employees will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind their holiday gifts. 

Ready to spread some holiday joy? Request a demo with one of our team members or download our employee holiday gift guide to learn more.