Download our full ‘What Employees Want’ report now to get the data, insights, and gifting trends you need to make this year’s staff gifts actually land.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• What employees really want (and don’t want) this Christmas – backed by fresh UK-wide data across industries, generations, and roles.
• The key trends shaping gifting in 2025, from wellbeing and sustainability to flexibility and CSR impact.
• Practical benchmarks, budgets, and persona-based insights to help you deliver gifts that are thoughtful, relevant, and remembered.

The Top 3 Christmas Gifts Employees Actually Want (Survey Results)

Not all corporate gifts are created equal.

Some spark genuine appreciation – a moment of joy, a feeling of being seen. Others? Well… they’re the workplace equivalent of socks from your aunt who still thinks you’re 12.

We’re talking stress balls, novelty USB fans, and mugs with questionable quotes. Things that gather dust, get politely binned, or head straight to the great landfill in the sky.

In fact, 54% of professionals say they’ve thrown away a corporate gift without ever using it. (RIP to the branded coaster no one wanted.)

So as the festive season approaches, what are companies actually sending? And more importantly – what do employees really want?

We’ve done the research, here’s a sneak peak:

Food & Drink Still Reign But the Details Matter

Yes, food and drink continue to dominate the corporate gifting world. A recent study shows 35% of all corporate gifts fall into this category, making it the undisputed favourite.

But this isn’t about that slightly questionable merlot anymore.

We’re seeing a clear shift toward:

• Non-alcoholic options: Sales of alcohol-free drinks rose 30% last year, showing a cultural move away from booze-heavy celebrations. Only 17% of businesses now plan to send alcohol-based gifts.
• Inclusive and ethical treats: Think vegan, gluten-free, and responsibly sourced snacks that still feel indulgent.
• Better presentation: No sad shrink-wrap. People want beautiful packaging, custom messages, and gifts that feel curated not bulk ordered.

Food and drink gifts still work but the ones that really land are thoughtful, inclusive, and a little more refined.

What Employees Told Us: The Top Gifts in 2025

We didn’t want to assume. So we asked.

As part of our 2025 What Employees Want research, we surveyed UK employees and asked them to pick their top gift preferences. The results were loud and clear:

80% chose food & drink hampers

Because snacks = happiness. Simple as that.

80% picked wellness and self-care gifts

Calm, comfort and candles over clutter. Self-care is a vibe and employees are here for it.

44% went for gift cards

Not the flashiest, but flexible and easy to personalise. Plus, no one re-gifts a voucher.

Note: Survey respondents could select up to three top choices, giving us a broader view of real preferences.

The message? Ditch the default. Go for something useful, meaningful, and well-presented. People notice the difference.

What If You Gave Them a Say?

Only 11% of companies offer employees a full choice of gift. Which, when you think about it, is a missed opportunity.

Because when you let people choose, gifting becomes more personal and much more powerful.

In campaigns where recipients can customise their gifts or swap items, up to 30% of people make a change, proving how much flexibility matters.

Here’s what tends to rise when choice is on the table:

• Wellness Gifts
  66% of employees say self-care gifts make them feel genuinely appreciated. These are the items people actively select when given options.
• Gift Cards with a caveat
  They work, but only when they’re part of a considered experience. A last-minute e-code with no message? That lands flat.
• Charity Donations
  Especially around the holidays, employees want to give back. 40% say they’d consider redirecting their gift to a cause that matters to them, if that option existed.

Are Gift Cards a Silver Bullet?

Gift cards have become a corporate gifting staple and in some ways, it makes sense.

• 75% of employees say they’ve received one
• 62% would like the option to choose between a gift or a voucher
• 57% say any kind of gift, physical or digital, makes them feel appreciated

So yes, gift cards can work. But context is everything. When they feel like a rushed afterthought, they lose their magic.

Presentation, timing, and tone still matter.

What’s Driving Christmas Gifting at Work?

The way companies approach festive gifting is evolving and fast.

It’s no longer just about giving “something.” Businesses are using Christmas gifts as intentional touchpoints to connect with their teams, boost morale, and build culture.

Here’s what’s driving that shift:

• Connection – 83% of employees say a gift makes them feel more connected to their company.
• Energy – 72% say a festive gift helps them feel re-energised for the year ahead.
• Gratitude – 57% feel seen and appreciated by thoughtful gifting, especially when it reflects values, not just leftover budget.

What This Means for You

The days of generic, one-size-fits-all gifting are numbered. Today’s employees want more and frankly, they deserve it.

Here’s the key takeaway:

Food and drink still lead, but healthier, more inclusive options are winning hearts
When given the choice, people favour wellness, flexibility, and impact
Companies are gifting with purpose: to show appreciation, build culture, and boost retention
Offering customisation makes a big difference and reduces waste
Thoughtful gifts = stronger relationships = better business outcomes

So, as you plan your festive campaigns this year, ask yourself: Is this something they’ll remember, or something they’ll regift?

If it’s the former, you’re on the right track. If it’s the latter… we should probably talk.

Need Help With Gifting That Actually Lands?

We create gift experiences that are personal, purposeful, and easy to deliver at scale. From food gifts to wellness kits, every gift is curated with care – and designed to feel like more than “just a gift.”

Explore our Christmas range here.