Christmas gifts anno 2024 – how does it really belong?

Even before the first peppernuts appear on the shelves, it is already on our agenda; Christmas gifts. “Isn’t that a little early?”, you will no doubt ask yourself. The answer is ‘no.’ The topic is hot, opinions manifold and a unanimous decision highly exceptional.

It used to be easy. A Christmas package came in various versions, tickable in the Sligro’s catalog. No one wondered if the recipient liked cranberry pâté or hazelnut liqueur. You had fulfilled your Christmas duty and your employee and/or business associate had numerous options; give it away, throw it away or put it on the shelf next to those from previous years. Everyone happy.

Yet (in most organizations) the food package has since been put in the attic next to the ashtray and the tie. But what if you want to thank your employees and customers anyway. How should that be done in 2024?

A tour of the fields makes us realize that there are especially many things you shouldn’t do as an employer. Yet between the lines, we hear mainly three important tips:

• Personal appreciation

Christmas packages originated in the 19th century to thank farm workers personally by the door and make their Christmas extra special by giving food. So although we have come to the conclusion that food is no longer it, personalized thank-yous is still what people appreciate most.

As an executive in a large company, you may have no say in the gift itself, but you can always make it personal for your employees. Take the time to write down and express what you value so much, what last year was like and how you look to next year.

By the way, personal appreciation doesn’t have to wait until Christmas, it can happen all year round. In fact, appreciation and recognition is one of the main points why employees remain committed to an organization.

• Be original

On average, companies spend 50 Euro per person on a Christmas gift, and for that amount it is pretty hard to find something nice. Try local businesses, support charities or make an experience. Better to put more time and energy into it with something original than junk. People generally don’t expect expensive Christmas gifts. Scavenger hunt around the office, typical Friday afternoon drinks or quiz with all the highlights. It’s all about the idea!

• The story must be true

Choose a gift that fits your organization. As a B Corp organization, you logically choose a sustainable option. Perhaps your employees may give away the amount to charity. Or give something to take on company winter sports. A Christmas gift with a story, your story.

Make giving a celebration

Giving a cool gift is at least as much fun as getting a cool gift. With these helpful tips a breeze. Right? Or not. Personal, original and with a beating story. Go figure.

Because we at Bunchmark believe in the power of ‘together’, but also because we like to be inspired, here is a call to share all ideas, insights, tips and no-go’s. Just to get the creativity going a bit. You can do so below or by mailing to marieke@bunchmark.com. We will, of course, share all outcomes with you.

Thus, this year and all the years to come, “giving” will not be a headache file but a celebration.