6 Team Gifting Mistakes to Avoid

Holiday gifting for your team can feel overwhelming. You want something meaningful, but it’s easy to fall into common traps that turn a thoughtful gesture into just another item on a desk. The truth? The right gift can boost morale, improve loyalty, and even create a measurable return on investment.

Let’s uncover six of the biggest mistakes businesses make when it comes to team gifting—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Going Generic

A branded mug or a random gift card may check the box, but it doesn’t make anyone feel special. Generic gifts say “I had to get something,” while thoughtful gifts say “I see you.”

👉 Instead: Focus on gifts with meaning. Add a personal touch, include a favorite treat, or curate something useful yet delightful. The Gifting Gram, for example, makes it easy to send affordable, themed monthly gifts (just $15–20) that feel personal without taking up your time.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Intangibles

It’s easy to view gifting as just an expense. But the real ROI lies in how it makes your team feel. A thoughtful gift can:

Reinforce a culture of recognition

Boost morale during a busy season

Increase loyalty and retention

👉 Instead: Think of gifting as part of your employee experience strategy, not just a holiday “extra.” A $25 investment in making someone feel valued can pay off in motivation, productivity, and long-term loyalty.

Mistake #3: Skipping Budget-Friendly Wins

Some companies believe that if they can’t spend $100+ per employee, they shouldn’t gift at all. But you don’t need a big budget to be thoughtful.

👉 Instead: Match gifts to your budget while keeping them intentional.

Under $25 → Festive treats, personalized ornaments, or a monthly Gifting Gram.

$25–$50 → Cozy self-care kits, baking sets, or gourmet snack boxes.

$50–$100 → Curated holiday boxes, premium tumblers with artisan drinks, or wellness kits.

💡 Ah-ha moment: It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about showing you care in a way that resonates.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Personalization Opportunities

Without knowing your employees’ preferences, you risk giving something they’ll never use. A gift should make someone feel seen, not just “included.”

👉 Instead: Add a simple onboarding questionnaire to learn favorite snacks, hobbies, and colors. Having this information handy means every gift—holidays, birthdays, anniversaries—can be customized in a way that makes employees light up.

Mistake #5: Treating Gifts as One-and-Done

One holiday box a year is nice, but consistency builds culture. When gifting is an ongoing touchpoint, it reinforces appreciation and strengthens the employee experience all year long.

👉 Instead: Build a rhythm into your gifting strategy. That’s exactly why I created The Gifting Gram: monthly themed gifts that keep your team feeling valued for less than the cost of a lunch out.

Mistake #6: Forgetting the Purpose of the Gift

Too often, gifts are given just to “get it done” and cross it off the to-do list, especially around the holidays. That mindset leads to uninspired choices that fall flat.

💡 Instead: Remember the purpose—your gift is an opportunity to build connection, show gratitude, and strengthen the employee experience. When you align the gift with those goals, it becomes a success story, not just a package. Going this extra mile, especially during the holidays will make your team members feel important.

✨ Ah-ha moment: A successful holiday gift is one that makes your team member feel valued, seen, and appreciated—because how they feel after opening it matters far more than the price tag.

The Takeaway

Avoiding these six mistakes can transform gifting from a stress-filled obligation into a powerful tool for employee connection, morale, and loyalty.

If you’re ready to simplify your team gifting, I’d love to help.

👉 [Join my email list here] to be the first to know about curated holiday boxes, build-your-own gift options, and The Gifting Gram. Because when it comes to your team, the right gift at the right time makes all the difference.