The ROA of Employee Appreciation Gifts During the Holiday Season

Why Thoughtful Gifting Creates Loyalty, Productivity, and Long-Term Business Growth

The holiday season is more than a festive time of year—it’s one of the most strategic times to invest in your team. Employee appreciation gifts aren’t just “nice to have.” When done thoughtfully, they deliver measurable returns that strengthen company culture, boost retention, and elevate performance well into the new year.

Whether you manage a growing business, lead a team, or own a company looking to improve workplace morale, gifting is a powerful tool that can directly impact your bottom line.

Let’s break down the real ROA of showing appreciation during the holidays.

1. Increased Employee Retention (Reduced Turnover Costs)

Replacing an employee can cost anywhere from 30% to 150% of their annual salary. A small investment in holiday appreciation gifts helps employees feel valued, recognized, and emotionally connected to their workplace.

The ROA:

• Stronger commitment to the organization

• Less turnover and reduced recruitment/training costs

• Employees who feel seen and respected

A well-curated holiday gift reminds your team that their dedication matters.

2. Higher Productivity & Performance

Gratitude creates motivation. When employees feel appreciated, they naturally give more back.

Holiday gifts can boost productivity by:

• Increasing engagement and workplace satisfaction

• Encouraging positive attitudes during a hectic season

• Reinforcing the company’s investment in its people

When the workplace morale is high, overall output improves—leading to better performance across the board.

3. Strengthened Company Culture

Culture is felt—and during the holidays, it’s amplified.

Employee gifts help reinforce a culture of care, respect, and gratitude. They act as a tangible reminder of your brand values and the importance you place on your team.

Long-term impact:

• Stronger team unity

• A supportive, uplifting environment

• Employees become brand ambassadors

People talk about how their workplace treats them. Gifts that feel personalized create real emotional connection.

4. Increased Loyalty & Employee Advocacy

A thoughtful holiday gift isn’t just a moment—it’s a memory that employees carry with them.

This leads to:

• Employees speaking positively about the company

• More referrals and positive word-of-mouth

• A stronger reputation as an employer who cares

In today’s competitive landscape, employer brand matters—and gifting supports that reputation.

5. Reinforces Milestones & Appreciation During the Year’s Busiest Time

The holiday season brings deadlines, stress, and year-end demands. A well-timed appreciation gift can reinvigorate the team during crunch time.

It shows your business recognizes not just the work itself—but the people behind the work.

6. Affordable, High-Impact Investment

Employee gifts don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. Even simple curated boxes, personalized treats, or small branded gifts offer:

• High emotional return

• Positive sentiment that lasts beyond the season

• A cost-effective way to nurture workplace relationships

The gesture itself delivers a larger ROA than the cost of the gift.

7. Gifts Can Be Branded to Reinforce Your Company Identity

Custom-branded gifts remind employees they’re part of something bigger. When done tastefully, branded items feel like team spirit—not corporate swag.

Examples:

• Branded tumblers

• Cozy apparel

• Premium snacks with a company message

• Employee name personalization

This encourages pride and unity within the organization.

Types of Employee Appreciation Gifts That Deliver the Best ROA

Here are high-value, low-stress options your company can confidently choose:

✨ Curated Holiday Gift Boxes Personalized selections that feel thoughtful and polished.

✨ Wellness-Themed Gifts Candles, teas, spa sets, bath & body items.

✨ Snack or Treat Bundles Perfect for hybrid, remote, or in-office teams.

✨ Custom Gift Baskets Personalized with brand colors, employee names, or corporate messaging.

✨ Hot Chocolate, Coffee, or Tea Sets Comforting, cozy options ideal for winter months.

✨ Practical, Everyday Gifts Mugs, journals, desk essentials, or productivity kits.

Creative GiftBasket Designs can build custom packages to match your company values and budget—whether gifting 5 employees or 500.

Final Thoughts: Appreciation is a Smart Investment

Employee appreciation is more than tradition—it’s a long-term business strategy.

During the holiday season, showing gratitude:

✅ Boosts morale

✅ Strengthens loyalty

✅ Enhances productivity

✅ Builds a stronger workplace culture

✅ Reduces turnover

✅ Creates meaningful human connection

The ROA is clear: when employees feel valued, they bring their best selves to work.

If your business is ready to elevate its employee appreciation program this holiday season, Creative GiftBasket Designs can create customized, branded, and beautifully curated gifts that express genuine gratitude.