The holiday season has a way of slowing things down. Not always in our calendars, but in our perspective.
It’s a time to look back on the year that was, the challenges navigated, the wins celebrated, and the people who made it all happen. For employers, it’s also a moment to say a genuine thank you to employees who show up every day, often in ways that never make it into a status update.
Holiday gifting doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. In fact, the gifts people use every day are often the ones they remember most. Useful. Thoughtful. Chosen with care. The kind that quietly says, “We see you.”
One simple way to make gifts feel personal is to match them to the different personalities on your team. Every workplace has them. The organisers. The creatives. The wellness-minded. The coffee lovers. The people who always have a charger when you don’t.
Here are a few lighthearted, workplace-appropriate ideas to help spread a little Christmas cheer while showing employees they’re genuinely appreciated. And yes, every category below can be found in the eSupply catalogue, so it’s easy to turn ideas into a tidy, stress-free order.
The Neat and Organised Professional
You know the one. Their desk is always tidy. Their folders are labelled. Their calendar reminders are colour-coded. They might even enjoy a good spreadsheet, and we respect that.
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
For this person, organisation isn’t a habit. It’s a personality trait. A gift that supports that will actually get used, and quietly admired.
The Coffee or Tea Enthusiast
They arrive at their first meeting already holding a mug. They know the difference between “coffee” and “the coffee.” They’ve said, at least once, “I’m fine, I’ve had two cups.”
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
It makes their daily routine feel cared for. It’s small, but it’s personal, especially in the winter when a warm drink feels like a tiny survival tool.
The Wellness-Minded Team Member
They care about balance. They take their lunch break. They remind others to adjust their posture. They’re not judging. They’re helping.
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
It signals that well-being matters. Not just productivity. It’s also one of the few gifts that can make someone’s workday noticeably better starting immediately.
The Fitness-Focused Professional
They bring energy to the workplace. They love a walking meeting. They take stairs. They’ve got snacks on hand right when you need a boost.
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
It supports their lifestyle while staying practical for work. It says, “We notice how you move through your day.”
The Creative Thinker
The idea generator. The note-taker. The one who writes things down even though it’s in the meeting invite. They probably have a favourite pen and strong opinions about notebook paper.
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
It honours how they think. A good notebook can feel surprisingly personal, especially when it matches someone’s style: clean and minimal, or bold and colourful.
The Home Office Pro
Remote or hybrid. Their workspace matters. They’ve figured out lighting, sound, and camera angles. They know where the best spot is for a Teams call, and it’s not the kitchen table.
Thoughtful gift ideas
Why it works
It improves daily experience and reinforces a simple truth: remote employees are not an afterthought.
The Always-Prepared Professional
They have a charger. A pen. An extra sticky note. They’re the person everyone quietly relies on. If you’ve ever said, “Does anyone have…?” they’ve already handed it to you.
Thoughtful gift ideas
- Build a practical office supplies kit
- Add a few “just in case” essentials from Tool Kits at eSupply Canada
Why it works
It reflects their reliability. It’s a gift that matches who they are: steady, prepared, and quietly essential.
One Last Thing
Holiday gifts aren’t about perfection. They’re about intention.
When a gift feels thoughtful and useful, it becomes part of an employee’s day. It sits on their desk. It travels with them. It reminds them, quietly and consistently, that they’re valued.
That kind of appreciation builds trust. It strengthens relationships. It sets the tone for the year ahead.
And if you want the simplest “extra touch” of all, pair the gift with a short note that says what you appreciate about them. It costs nothing, and it’s usually the part people keep.