Buying employee Christmas gifts for a whole team gets expensive fast, even when each present looks small. The trick is to start with a per-head number and work backwards, rather than shopping first and adding up the bill in December. This guide sorts personalized ideas into three tiers, under $15, under $25 and under $50, with real products and CAD prices, plus practical tips for ordering in bulk and for choosing between staff and client gifts.
In this guide
- Setting a per-person budget
- Under $15 gift ideas
- Under $25 gift ideas
- Under $50 gift ideas
- Employee gifts vs client gifts
- Bulk-ordering tips
- FAQ
Want a premium, recognition-style option instead? See our companion guide to corporate Christmas gifts with custom engraving, which covers awards, plaques, pens and travel mugs.
Start with a per-head number
Multiply your headcount by the number you are comfortable with, then add a small buffer for last-minute hires and spelling fixes. That total is your real budget. It is also easier to defend to finance than "about a hundred dollars each".
Three tiers cover most workplaces:
| Tier | Good for | Example gift |
|---|---|---|
| Under $15 | Large teams, casual thank-yous | Personalized pen or holiday mug |
| Under $25 | Teams, coworker exchanges | Notebook, cutting board, small gift basket |
| Under $50 | Managers, key clients, milestones | Pen set, vacuum bottle, desk clock |
Prices below are the lowest variant price in CAD ("from"), so check the product page for the option you want.
Gift ideas under $15 per person
When the headcount is large, small personalized items go a long way. Engraving a name makes a $10 gift feel considered. For more small-gift inspiration, see our guide to stocking stuffer ideas that are not junk.
- Custom Engraved Pen with Light (from $3.50): the lowest-cost engraved gift we carry, good for large teams. Also available in other colours from the same product family.
- Black Fountain Pen (from $12.99): a step up that still feels tidy and professional.
- Natural Bamboo Pen Holder With Custom Engraving (from $11.99): a practical desk gift with a name on it.
- I Love You This Much Christmas Mug (from $11.99) or the Custom Name Holiday Mug (from $14.99): a festive mug for the break room. See more in our Christmas mugs collection.
- Christmas Holly Square Coaster (from $6.99): a very small, desk-friendly gift.
- Drink Happy Thoughts Can Cooler (from $9.00): a light-hearted option for a casual team.
- Personalized Merry Christmas Wooden Ornament (from $14.99): a personal keepsake, easy to mail to remote staff.
Gift ideas under $25 per person
This is the sweet spot for most workplace budgets. You can afford useful, durable items and still order in volume. Many of these are also ideal for coworker gift exchanges; see our personalized Christmas gifts under $20, $30 and $50 pillar post for more ideas by price.
- Hardcover Notebook A5 (from $15.99): a simple, universal gift for any role.
- Personalized Christmas Wreath & Monogram Dish Towel (from $17.99): useful for home-based and hybrid staff.
- Personalized Merry Christmas Bamboo Cutting Board, Small (from $19.99): a lasting kitchen gift with a holiday engraving.
- Coffee Gift Basket, Small (from $19.99): a ready-to-give option when you cannot personalize.
- Wine Gift Basket, Small (from $24.99): for clients or staff where alcohol is welcome.
- Whiskey Stone Gift Set with Custom Engraving (from $24.99): a modest but memorable gift for whiskey fans.
- Christmas Card Photo Block 5 x 7 (from $23.99): a keepsake that works well if you have a team photo.
Gift ideas under $50 per person
Use this tier for managers, key clients, long-serving staff or an end-of-year top performer. For more premium picks above this range, our corporate gifts collection has awards and plaques.
- Maple Engraved Pen Set (from $39.99): a ballpoint pen in a personalized wooden box.
- Live Green Vacuum Bottle (from $39.99): an everyday item people actually keep.
- Chipped Octagon Jade Glass Award (from $34.65): an affordable way to give a recognition piece.
- Custom Engraved Glass Desk Clock (from $49.99): an office gift that stays visible all year.
- Coffee Gift Basket, Medium (from $44.98): a team-friendly gift for a department.
- Personalized New Hire Welcome Package – Option 4 (from $35.99): a good fit for staff starting around the holidays.
- Stemless Wine Swig 12 oz (from $34.99): a modern drinkware gift for clients who entertain.
Quick price comparison
| Gift | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Engraved Pen with Light | $3.50 | Large teams |
| Christmas Holly Coaster | $6.99 | Casual thank-you |
| Custom Name Holiday Mug | $14.99 | Break room, coworkers |
| Hardcover Notebook A5 | $15.99 | Any role |
| Coffee Gift Basket, Small | $19.99 | Hands-off gifting |
| Maple Engraved Pen Set | $39.99 | Managers, clients |
| Glass Desk Clock | $49.99 | Long-service, key clients |
Employee gifts vs client gifts
For employees, personalization matters most. A name, start year or short thank-you is more meaningful than a larger but generic item. Keep the gift the same across a team to avoid comparisons, and add a small upgrade for anniversaries. See our employee appreciation gifts collection for more.
For clients, think professional, neutral and easy to receive. Pens, notebooks, desk clocks and baskets are safe. Remember some clients have gift policies that cap the value they can accept. Avoid highly personal themes and check that alcohol is appropriate before sending a wine basket.
For coworker exchanges, the under $15 and under $25 tiers are your friends. Fun, name-personalized items such as mugs and ornaments work well for holiday gifts for coworkers.
Bulk ordering tips for employee Christmas gifts
- Pick one core gift. Ordering the same item for everyone simplifies production and keeps costs predictable.
- Collect names early. Use a shared sheet with a deadline. Double-check spellings and capitalization before submitting.
- Add a buffer. Order a few extra for late hires or errors.
- Plan for remote staff. Items like ornaments and notebooks ship easily to individual addresses.
- No minimum quantity.
- Order early.
Businesses can also apply for the corporate discount before placing a larger order.
Looking for something more premium for senior staff? Our guide to custom engraved corporate Christmas gifts has awards, plaques and travel mugs.
FAQ
How much should I spend on employee Christmas gifts?
It depends on your budget and company culture. Many teams choose a modest gift for everyone, often $15 to $50 per person, and add a little extra for milestones. Start with a total budget divided by headcount, then choose a tier from this guide.
What are cheap employee gifts that still feel thoughtful?
Personalized items. An engraved pen from $3.50, a holiday mug from $11.99 or a hardcover notebook from $15.99 feel more considered than generic treats because they include a name or message. Personalization adds meaning without adding much cost.
What are good client holiday gifts under $50?
Professional, neutral pieces: a wooden pen set from $39.99, a vacuum bottle from $39.99, a glass desk clock from $49.99 or a coffee gift basket from $44.98. These suit most clients and are not too personal.
Can I order bulk Christmas gifts for employees?
Yes, you can place larger orders. Businesses can also apply for the corporate discount through our corporate clients page.
What are good holiday gifts for coworkers?
Small personalized gifts such as a holiday mug, a wooden ornament or a notebook work well. Keep to the agreed exchange limit and choose something with a name or short message for a personal touch.
When should I order employee gifts?
As early as your headcount allows. Ordering in November leaves room for spelling corrections.
Ready to build your list?
Browse our full corporate gift range and Christmas gifts collections, then apply for the corporate discount if you are ordering for a team.