The holidays are right around the corner! And ’tis the season to give a big thank you to all the people who’ve supported your business this year. Before you get caught up in decking the halls and preparing holiday orders, start thinking about Christmas gifts for customers and employees that are memorable and professional.
But shopping for your employees and customers can be a head-scratcher. What can you get them that they’ll not only love, but actually want to use, or immediately devour? Get inspired by these 19 personal (and practical!) customer Christmas gift ideas to share some festive cheer with the people who help your business thrive.
- Choose Christmas gifts that customers will use, such as calendars, mugs or handy tech accessories.
- Add a personal touch with names, logos or a short message, turning a standard gift into a branded or customized gift they’ll want to show off.
- Eco-friendly and locally-made gifts show you care about the planet and your community.
- Premium packaging or a handwritten note makes even the simplest gift feel special.
- If you’re sending customer Christmas gifts in bulk, plan ahead and automate where possible to save time and money.
Client and customer Christmas gift ideas
1. Personalized mug
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for customers to sit back and relax with their favorite hot winter beverage. And what better to drink it out of than a custom mug with your branding on? Fill it with packets of hot chocolate, coffee beans from a local roaster or a selection of festive teas.
Why a custom mug is a great gift for customers:
- Great for bringing your brand into customers’ daily routine.
- Pairs perfectly with a little treat inside.
If your client gift budget is a bit higher or you are a luxury brand, consider etching a stemless wine glass with your logo instead.
2. Wall calendar
Give a photo wall calendar to kick off your customers’ new year. Customize yours with monthly offers, discount codes and company milestones, keeping your company front and center 365 days a year.
Why wall calendars are a great gift for customers:
- Keep your brand visible every day of the year.
- Easy to add exclusive offers or dates.
- Help customers to stay organised year-round.
3. Experiences
Treat customers to a virtual cooking class, wine tasting or guided tour; something they’ll remember long after the holiday decorations are taken down.
Why experiences make great customer Christmas gifts:
- Create branded memories.
- Feel more thoughtful than generic physical gifts.
4. Thank you cards
The holiday season is a great time to say “thank you” to customers, colleagues and loved ones. As well as sending thank-you Christmas messages to customers and clients, you can also give them a set of branded thank-you cards (along with a branded pen) they can send to whoever they’re thankful for. That way, when they’re ready to send out their holiday and end-of-year thank-yous, they have their cards ready to go.
Why thank-you cards work as gifts for customers:
- Help customers tick something off their to-do list.
- Encourage them to spread gratitude (with your branding).
- Compact, useful and easy to send.
Gift ideas for employees
5. Desk calendar
Get your employees ready and excited for the new year with a personalized desk calendar. Customize the design and add your logo and team photos to bring personality to employees’ workspace. A desk calendar is an easy way to keep timelines and goals for 2025 front and center…no wall space necessary!
Why a desk calendar is a great gift for employees:
- Keeps your brand in sight all year.
- Super practical for any workspace.
- Easy to personalize with photos.
6. Sweet treats
Is there anything better than a sweet treat to celebrate the holidays? Order candies and chocolates in bulk, then separate and package those goodies for your team. To add a personal touch, package the treats inside a branded coffee mug, complete with your logo and the employee’s name. Or, wrap them in festive holiday paper with a branded “Happy Holidays” sticker.
Why edible treats are a great gift for employees:
- Easy to share with the whole team.
- Everyone likes candy!
Treat your team to a personalized box of chocolates to spread holiday cheer
7. Gift cards
When it comes to Christmas gifts for employees, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite restaurant, a local spa or a local shop, a gift card is sure to make anyone’s day.
Why gift cards are a great gift for employees:
- They choose what they want.
- Work for any budget.
8. Desk accessories
Put together a corporate gift basket containing all the branded gear employees need to be productive and effective while working, such as mouse pads, desk pillows, coffee mugs and stationery. And beyond office supplies, include something decorative for their desk space, like a miniature plant.
Why desk accessories are a great gift for employees:
- Make working from home or the office more comfortable.
- Boost productivity.
- Show you care about their well-being.
Need a gift for a colleague? Check out our Christmas coworker gift ideas.
9. Photo books
Show your appreciation this holiday season with personalized Christmas gift ideas. A photo book is one of the most heartfelt gifts for customers and employees. Fill it with company milestones, team highlights or even snapshots from recent events. Not only does a photo book show thought and effort, but it’s also a keepsake that people will revisit long after the holidays.
Need to know how to make a photo book? Check out our guide to creating a photo book.
10. Winter clothing and accessories
Keep your employees warm and comfortable on cold winter days with branded fleece jackets, beanies or scarves, whether they’re packing holiday shipments, tending the outdoor coffee bar or commuting. Go the extra mile and add a personal touch by embroidering their name (along with your company logo).
Why winter clothing is a great gift for employees:
- Perfect for chilly commutes.
- Practical as well as thoughtful.
- Embroidery feels personal and premium.
Want more gifting inspiration? Check out our unique gift ideas guide for customers, employees and more.
11. A custom ornament
If your employees celebrate Christmas, give them something they can add to their tree: a custom ornament! Create one with a team photo from a recent outing or a holiday-ified version of your logo so your employees can show off their small business pride. Or, to show extra effort, create a completely custom ornament for each employee.
Why Christmas ornaments are a great gift for employees:
- Add festive cheer to employees’ homes.
- Can be customized with photos, names or logos.
- Become a keepsake they’ll bring out every year.
12. Tech accessories
Branded power banks, phone cases and headphones are little gadgets that make daily life easier for clients and employees. For more inspiration, see our entrepreneur gift guide for smart, business-friendly ideas.
Why tech accessories are a great gift for employees:
- Put your brand in their hands (literally).
- Works for work, home or on the go.
Need more options? Our corporate Christmas gift ideas are packed with thoughtful picks for every budget.
Eco-friendly and artisanal gifts
Eco-friendly gifts and packaging show that you’re thoughtful toward your customers and mindful of the environment. From bamboo pens to biodegradable notebooks and reusable drinkware, these gifts are kinder to the planet and send a clear message about your brand values, showing your customers you care about sustainability. These simple swaps don’t just look good, they do good.
13. Tote bags
If you’re unsure what to give to your clients this Christmas, give a trusty tote bag, with your logo printed or embroidered on it, of course. A custom tote bag is always useful and will display your branding, whether your customers are out shopping, buying groceries or at the farmers market.
Why tote bags are a great gift for customers:
- Reusable and eco-friendly.
- Handy for groceries or everyday errands.
- Act as a walking billboard for your brand.
14. Sustainable stationery
Swap traditional notebooks for biodegradable or recycled-paper options. Pair them with bamboo or refillable pens for a practical set that reduces waste.
Why eco-friendly stationery works as gifts for customers:
- Keeps your brand visible every day.
- Shows commitment to sustainability.
15. Reusable water bottles
From stainless steel water bottles to insulated coffee tumblers, reusable drinkware helps reduce single-use plastics while keeping drinks at the perfect temperature.
Why reusable water bottles are great gifts for customers:
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposable cups and plastic bottles.
- Customers will use them daily, keeping your logo front and center.
- Works for employees, clients or event giveaways.
16. Seed paper cards
Thank-you cards printed on biodegradable seed paper can be planted after use, sprouting into flowers or herbs. These eco-friendly gifts are a small gesture with a lasting impression.
Why give customers seed paper cards:
- Double as both a greeting card and a gift.
- Reinforce your brand values.
- Customers literally see your brand grow.
Artisanal and local gifts
Local gourmet hampers stand out as thoughtful and memorable because they are more unique gift ideas than anything off the shelf. Customers will associate your brand with quality and care when you choose handcrafted or small-batch items that tell a story. Sourcing from local makers also keeps money in your community and supports small businesses.
17. Local produce
If you’re at a total loss on what to get for client holiday gifts, you can’t go wrong with something edible. But instead of spending your budget on big-name brands, give artisan goodies and savory snacks from local makers. Think jams, honey, olive oil or coffee roasted nearby. Not only will your clients and customers get a holiday treat that’s sure to delight their taste buds, but you’ll also introduce them to other local businesses.
Why local treats are great gifts for customers:
- Showcase the best flavors of your community.
- Encourage customers to discover local businesses.
- Help to build relationships with other small businesses.
18. Artisan gift baskets
Fill a gift basket with artisan goodies that make your customers’ time at home more enjoyable, perhaps even including your own products. Wrap the baskets up in branded holiday packaging for an extra special touch.
Why gift baskets are a great gift for customers:
- Easy to mix in your own products.
- Works for families, couples or individual customers.
An artisan gift basket filled with gourmet treats
19. Scented candles
Locally made, small-batch candles add warmth and ambience to the holidays. Choose seasonal scents like pine, cinnamon or vanilla, and personalize with your logo or message.
Why candles work for customer Christmas gifts:
- Feels premium but affordable.
- Cozy reminder of your brand.
- Appeals to a wide range of customers.
How to send customer Christmas gifts
Tips for sending Christmas gifts in bulk to customers and employees:
- Use your CRM to keep track of recipient lists and deliveries. This makes it easy to personalize messages and avoid sending duplicates.
- Automate the boring parts of the process with a trusted gifting platform so you can focus on the fun, thoughtful parts.
- Double-check gift policy rules for each client or region so you don’t get caught out by spending limits or restrictions.
- To save on costs, bulk order, limit packaging waste and leave plenty of time, especially during the busy festive season.
Finally, always send personalized thank you cards to employees, customers and clients so they know just how much you appreciate them!
Gifts for customers FAQs
What’s the best way to choose gifts for customers?
Pick something they’ll actually use or enjoy: useful, well-made items tend to be remembered and kept for longer. And if you can tie customer Christmas gifts to your brand story or their interests, even better.
Are customer Christmas gifts tax-deductible?
In some places, yes. But the rules can be complicated, so it’s always worth checking with your accountant or local tax office before you claim.
How can I send gifts to customers overseas?
Use a reliable courier or gifting platform that handles international shipping. Allow extra time for delivery and check customs rules so your gift doesn’t get stuck at the border.
What’s the right budget for customer gifts?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but most businesses spend enough to make it feel thoughtful without going overboard. A useful guideline is to match the gift value to the relationship value.
Should I personalize every gift?
Even small touches like adding the recipient’s name or a short message make a huge difference. But for larger gift lists, choose a gift category that still feels thoughtful to most recipients, like local or artisanal gifts, instead.
