The worst mistake leaders make with gifts?
Giving ones that are more about the company than their people.
Christmas and the holiday season offer a golden opportunity for leaders to recognize and thank their team members for their contributions.
However, the way you choose to show your appreciation speaks volumes.
A meaningful, well-thought-out gift can strengthen connections, enhance morale, and boost productivity. On the other hand, a generic or self-serving gift can have the opposite effect, leaving people feeling undervalued or unrecognized.
Don’t let your gifts become a missed opportunity to create goodwill. Let’s explore why meaningful recognition matters, the pitfalls of poor gift choices, and the kinds of thoughtful presents that can genuinely make a difference.
Meaningful Recognition Is Vital for Team Morale and Productivity
Recognition is a cornerstone of great leadership. When team members feel seen and appreciated for their unique contributions, they are more likely to feel invested in their work. Research consistently shows that gratitude in the workplace boosts morale, reduces turnover, and fosters loyalty.
Yet many leaders underestimate the power of a thoughtful gesture. A sincere, personalized gift can do more than offer seasonal cheer—it can deepen trust and inspire your team to go above and beyond. But here’s the catch: the gift must be about them, not about you or your company.
The Mistake Leaders Make: Impersonal or Self-Promotional Gifts
Picture this: it’s the office holiday party, and every employee unwraps the same gift—a pen, mug, or notebook emblazoned with the company logo. While it may have been well-intentioned, the underlying message is clear: “This is about promoting the brand, not about valuing you as an individual.”
These types of gifts fall flat because they feel impersonal. They serve as a reminder of work rather than an acknowledgment of the person behind the job. Worse, they risk coming across as a marketing tactic disguised as appreciation.
Other common culprits of bad gift-giving include:
- Generic corporate swag: T-shirts, hats, or water bottles with the company logo.
- Impersonal gift baskets: Pre-assembled, one-size-fits-all assortments that ignore personal tastes.
Gifts like these don’t make people feel seen or valued—they simply check a box.
Thoughtful Gifts Make Team Members Feel Valued
A truly meaningful gift requires thoughtfulness and effort. The best presents reflect an understanding of the recipient’s interests, circumstances, or personality. Even a modest gift that shows you know and care about someone’s unique preferences can have a powerful impact.
Here are a few specific examples:
- For the food lover: A gift card to a local restaurant they’ve mentioned or a cooking class tailored to their taste.
- For the reader: A book in a genre they enjoy, accompanied by a handwritten note explaining why you thought they’d love it.
- For the busy parent: A certificate for a family outing or a subscription to a meal-kit service to make their life easier.
- For the fitness enthusiast: A thoughtful piece of equipment, a subscription to an app they’ve been eyeing, or even a pass to a local yoga studio.
- For everyone: A gift card. While it may seem simple, it offers the recipient the freedom to choose something meaningful to them.
The key is to show that you’ve paid attention.
(And if you need to learn morea bout your people, try the Team Member Operating Instructions activity… or learning their team personaility types!)
When your gift reflects genuine understanding, it communicates to the recipient that they are valued—not just as an employee, but as a person.
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A Simple Way to Incorporate Gratitude Into Your Team Culture
One of the five vital areas of focus I share in my keynotes and training programs is intentional thanking. Gratitude strengthens relationships and fosters a positive workplace culture. And while gift-giving during the holidays is a wonderful opportunity to express appreciation, it shouldn’t be limited to a seasonal act.
Imagine how powerful it would be if your team members regularly felt recognized and appreciated for their efforts.
Small gestures of gratitude—whether through words, actions, or thoughtful gifts—can transform your team’s culture into one of engagement, collaboration, and trust.
How Team Building Inspires Appreciation and Collaboration
While a thoughtful gift can spark connection and goodwill, the benefits of gratitude are amplified when incorporated into your team’s daily interactions. This is where team-building events come in.
Team-building experiences create opportunities for colleagues to understand each other’s strengths, share meaningful moments, and foster mutual appreciation. When done well, these events go beyond surface-level fun. They help build a foundation of trust and respect that carries over into everyday collaboration.
In my facilitated team-building events, I’ve seen how meaningful activities can:
- Break down barriers and strengthen connections.
- Enhance communication and trust.
- Create a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie.
As the holiday season reminds us of the importance of giving, it’s also an opportunity to invest in the growth and cohesion of your team. By creating spaces for appreciation and connection, you set the stage for a more engaged and productive workplace.
This holiday season, don’t let your gifts become another marketing opportunity. Instead, take the time to select meaningful presents that reflect the unique contributions and interests of your team members.
At the same time, remember that appreciation shouldn’t be confined to a season. A culture of gratitude, fostered through intentional recognition and team-building, can inspire your people to reach new heights of collaboration and success.
If you’re ready to invest in your team’s growth and connection, I’d love to help. My engaging and interactive team-building programs are designed to deepen trust, enhance communication, and boost morale—all while delivering lasting results for your organization.
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Sean Glaze is an experienced and interactive facilitator who helps organizations develop more effective leaders and build more
positive and profitable workplace cultures.
Sean is the author of four books, The Unexpected Leader, Rapid Teamwork, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable – each one an entertaining parable with powerful take-aways for team growth and leadership!
What issues are YOU dealing with that would disappear if you could build an exceptional team culture that inspired connection, accountability, and a team-first attitude?