Become a BEST partner Swap to NZ

Holiday Gifts Your Staff Will Talk About (in a Good Way)

By Simon Jones
Published 25 September 2025

Finding the right way to say “thank you” at the end of the year isn’t always the easiest task. Picking out Christmas presents for employees that actually feel thoughtful and personal – without being contrived – can make all the difference. So this holiday season, take a step back from the cliché hampers and branded coffee mugs and think bigger, brighter, more memorable. 

Here are five thought starters to help you get the best gifts for staff that they’ll truly appreciate.  

1. Best Restaurants gift cards 

Nothing says appreciation like giving someone a choice. A Best Restaurants gift card is an incredibly versatile Xmas gift for staff that lets them use it at to over 400 dining establishments across Australia. Maybe one team member prefers fine dining while others would prefer casual catch-ups. Whatever their preferences, they’ll be able to enjoy a meal that matches their taste buds. Better yet, these gift cards are available digitally or physically, so they are perfect for both remote and office-based staff. 

 

2. Gifting experiences to remember 

If you want to go beyond the traditional idea of Christmas presents for staff, gifting them with a dining experience is a brilliant option. Winery lunches, cooking classes, sunset cruises and so much more – each experience will help your employees make memories outside of the office. You can even curate experiences to suit your team’s personalities – an adventurous group might love an outdoor activity, while others might prefer a relaxing wine-and0dine experience. Either way, it’s an appreciation gift for staff that lasts far longer than the festive season. 

 

3. A shared end-of-year celebration 

Sometimes, the best gifts for staff don’t come in a box at all. Booking a festive team lunch or dinner lets you celebrate achievements together while encouraging genuine connection. So many restaurants have affordable set menus at this time of year, which means you can treat the whole team without worrying about budget blowouts. It’s also an easy way to combine corporate appreciation with fun – a smart way to boost morale before the holidays arrive. 

 

4. Well-meaning presents 

The holiday season is a time when stress tends to run high, so wellness Christmas presents for employees can really resonate. Think relaxation vouchers, spa treatments or even a contribution towards health and wellbeing apps. It’s a way of gifting that shows you value not just productivity but the whole person. Prioritising employee wellbeing in your choice of gift means you’re creating a culture that extends care beyond the office. 

 

Personalised touches with corporate cards 

For leaders who want to keep it professional but personal, co-branded Best Restaurants corporate gift cards will certainly hit the mark. Adding your company logo to the card makes it an on-brand Xmas gift for staff, while still giving them the freedom to choose where and when to spend a night out. Pairing the card with a handwritten note or a year-in-review message will also turn your practical gift idea into a heartfelt one – one they’re more likely to talk about positively. 

Great holiday gifting doesn’t need to be extravagant. Just a few thoughtful touches like a dining voucher or unique experience will help you show your gratitude in ways that are memorable and meaningful. So this year, swap out the generic and embrace Christmas presents for staff that genuinely make them feel valued. 

 

You may also like