Holiday gift basket ideas for small businesses

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hand opening gift basket to see christmas card

The holidays are the perfect time to show a little extra appreciation to the people who help your business thrive: customers, clients and business partners. Thoughtful and festive, gift baskets are one of the best ways to say thank you. A well-selected gift basket feels personal, builds loyalty and makes your brand stand out. Whether you’re hoping to boost client retention or to spread some seasonal cheer, the best gift baskets can leave a lasting impression and keep your business top of mind well into the new year. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creative and budget-friendly holiday gift basket ideas and presentation tips, making gifting easy, meaningful and memorable.

Branded holiday gift basket ideas personalized water bottle, mug and hoodie

15 Holiday gift basket ideas

When it comes to choosing what to include in your holiday gift baskets, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best gift baskets strike a balance between personal and professional, offering a curated mix that feels both generous and relevant.

Custom water bottle in a holiday gift basket

Personalized holiday gift basket ideas

Including customized items in holiday gift baskets is a great way to make them feel personal, polished and brand-aligned. Whether it’s a mug with your logo, a branded notebook or a cozy hoodie in your company colors, customized gifts help your business stay top of mind long after the holidays end. So if you’re looking for holiday gift basket ideas that make an impact, personalized items are a smart place to start.

Branded mugs in a holiday gift basket

1. Custom mug

A custom mug with your logo or company tagline will be used daily, keeping your brand in hand all year long.

Branded festive mugs holiday gift basket ideas

2. Branded pen

Custom pens elevate the everyday and bring your brand identity to desks, notepads and pockets.

Colorful branded pen holiday gift basket ideas

3. Photo puzzle

Create a personalized photo puzzle for a fun gift perfect for Christmas gifts for coworkers, employees and loyal clients. Customize the puzzle with your company logo or a festive photo of your team wearing Christmas hats.

4. Photo Christmas ornament

Personalized Christmas ornaments are keepsakes that bring your brand into customers’ homes during the most joyful time of the year. Customize ornaments with your logo or a festive design using your brand colors.

Branded holiday decorations and promotional items

5. Branded tote bag

Branded tote bags, with your logo front and centre, are a stylish and eco-friendly gift basket item that customers will carry with them wherever they go.

Branded tote bag holiday gift basket ideas

6. Branded mousepad

A custom mousepad with your logo or slogan printed is a personal and practical holiday gift, ideal for clients or employees working from home or the office.

Branded mousepad holiday gift basket ideas

7. Desk calendar

Branded desk calendars are a useful holiday gift that keeps your business visible every day of the year. Customize the calendar with company moments and milestones from the previous year or add inspiring quotes, useful tips or industry insights that your clients will appreciate all year long.

Branded desk calendar holiday gift basket ideas

8. Branded hat

Whether you choose caps, beanies or bucket hats, branded hats are a practical, stylish holiday gift basket idea that customers can wear year-round—keeping your brand front and center.

Branded hats on a shelf holiday gift basket ideas

9. Personalized drinkware

From tumblers and water bottles to pint and wine glasses, personalized drinkware is a crowd-pleaser that brings your company logo to gyms, living rooms and well-stocked bars.

Branded Stanley bottle holiday gift basket ideas

Edible treats and gourmet snacks

Gift baskets filled with delicious snacks are always a hit. From artisan chocolates and gourmet popcorn to savory nuts and local cheese, edible treats are some of the most crowd-pleasing holiday gift basket ideas. They’re easy to enjoy and share, and whether you’re curating something sweet, salty or a bit of both, adding high-quality snacks can turn your gift basket into one of the best gift baskets your clients receive this season. 

10. Candy and chocolate

Treat your clients to an assortment of branded chocolates or festive candies, leaving a sweet impression long after the holidays.

11. Local wine, beer or spirits

Support local producers by including local wines or craft beers, adding a touch of community spirit to your gift baskets.

Holiday packaging paper wine bags

12. Cheese and crackers

A classic pairing that never fails, premium cheeses paired with artisan crackers are crowd-pleasing savory snacks. Source locally-made cheeses for a thoughtful touch.

Cheese and a set of knives holiday gift basket ideas

Sport and wellness holiday gift basket ideas

If your brand is in the wellness space, or you just want to promote some end-of-year self-care, sport and wellness-themed gift baskets are a great choice. From herbal teas to fitness gear, these holiday gift basket ideas support your clients’ wellbeing while keeping your brand top of mind. Include local or small-batch goods to strengthen relationships with small businesses.

13. Golf accessories

For golf lovers, include golf accessories like branded golf balls, umbrellas or handy golf towels. A small logo on each ball is a classy personalized touch.

Branded umbrella holiday gift basket ideas

14. Bath care products

Encourage relaxation with luxe bath bombs, soothing bath salts or scented soaps that invite your loyal clients to unwind and recharge.

15. Branded candles

Scented personalized candles customized with your logo or a seasonal design are a cozy holiday gift basket idea that clients will enjoy long after the festive period.

Branded candles in a holiday gift basket

Tailored gift baskets for different industries

Not all business clients and customers have the same tastes or needs. Tailoring your holiday gift basket ideas to different industries adds thoughtfulness and relevance, making each gift more impactful.

Tech companies

Give clients in the tech industry something they’ll use, like branded gadgets or custom tech accessories. Add a branded mug or mouse pad so your brand stays visible during their coffee breaks and brainstorming sessions.

Health and wellness brands

For health and wellness businesses, such as spa and gym brands, focus on relaxation and self-care gifts, like essential oils, bath salts, branded towels or treatment vouchers. Throw in a calendar to keep them organized.

Branded desk calendar for a gym business

Retail businesses

Retail clients often appreciate practical, high-appeal gifts like store gift cards or branded clothing. Consider holiday gift basket ideas like custom beanies and branded hoodies.

Creative agencies

Tap into your creativity with stylish branded stationery and tote bags for gift basket ideas that blend personality with practicality.

Packaging and presentation tips

The right packaging can elevate your gift basket from appreciated to unforgettable. Thoughtful presentation shows care and attention to detail, qualities that reflect well on your brand. As you wrap up your holiday gift baskets, reinforce your brand values and deepen client connections with eco-friendly packaging, handwritten thank-you notes and locally-sourced items to support fellow small businesses.

Holiday packaging with a thank-you tag

Use eco-friendly packaging

Reusable containers or eco-friendly packaging, like bamboo boxes or recycled kraft paper, make your holiday gift baskets more sustainable. Create gift baskets that clients love, while reinforcing your business commitment to sustainability.

Use holiday-themed wrapping

Holiday-themed wrapping adds a festive touch that can make your gift basket feel extra special. Depending on your branding, whether polished and professional or warm and cheerful, choosing the right wrapping paper helps your holiday gift basket ideas align with your message. Think holiday-themed packaging ideas like colorful tissue paper, custom stickers, and branded ribbon and tape.

Holiday packaging with branded wrapping paper and ribbon

Add finishing touches

Little extras and finishing touches like elegant ribbons and thank-you tags elevate your holiday gift basket ideas to create memorable gift baskets that clients will appreciate and tell everyone about.

Branded holiday packaging with ribbon

Make it personal

Personalizing the packaging and presentation, by adding custom labels or handwritten notes, is a simple way to make your holiday gift baskets stand out and show extra thought and care.

Gift basket ideas by budget

Under $50: Thoughtful and simple (one high-quality item + snacks)

Choose one high-quality item like a luxury candle, personalized drinkware or custom hoodie to make a memorable impression. Pair it with snacks, like gourmet nuts, chocolate bites or savory crackers inside a Christmas mug. Keep the packaging simple with colored ribbon and custom stickers.

Christmas mug holiday gift basket ideas

$50–$100: Mix of branded, practical and treat items

Combine branded items like a custom notebook or insulated tumbler with practical holiday gift basket ideas, such as quality hand cream or cozy socks. Add gourmet treats like artisan chocolates or specialty snacks for an indulgent and festive gift basket.

$100+: Premium, bespoke baskets with luxe goods or experiences

Curate premium items like fine wines, luxury skincare and handcrafted artisanal products that reflect exclusivity and care. Consider adding experiences, such as virtual cooking classes or spa days, to create truly memorable holiday gift baskets.

Make gift baskets memorable and thoughtful 

When it comes to choosing holiday gift basket ideas, your gifts need to strengthen relationships and reflect your appreciation. Planning ahead gives you the time to curate meaningful gift baskets that leave a lasting impression and align perfectly with your brand. Start early this holiday season to create memorable, well-timed gift baskets that stand out.