Gifting Employees this Holiday? Aim for a Timely Drop and Create a “Surprise Moment”

Astonished girl in Santa cap looking at colleague giving her red package with xmas gift

The Holiday season is fast approaching and that means gift giving!  Of course, there’s more to holiday gifting than just gathering your team around and handing out presents.  Presentation and timing really matter.  The best gifts don’t just show up, they arrive at the perfect moment and in a way that makes people smile.

Pick your drop date wisely

The best time to deliver gifts isn’t right before the office closes for the holidays, it’s the week before that. According to Forbes Business Council, early December gifts can feel “transactional,” while late-month deliveries often get lost in the shipping rush. Mid-December, though? That’s when magic happens. The work year is winding down, the mood is lighter, and your gifts becomes a bright spots that everyone actually remembers.

Stage a small surprise

Everybody loves (pleasant) surprises, and one simple way to make your holiday gifting memorable is, if you’re doing an in-office drop, plan on staying late to set it up the night before, or get in super early before everyone arrives.

Walking in to find a gift waiting on your desk instantly creates a “wow” moment. Sendoso calls this experience gifting, which embodies the idea that how you give matters just as much as what you give.

Avoid the email-only approach

Did you know that the act of physically unwrapping gifts boosts positive sentiment and recall by up to 40%?  That’s not a made up number.  It’s backed by research, courtesy of Coresight Research.  The act of unwrapping or unboxing makes all the difference, so even if you’re handing out gift cards (including digital gift cards), print a representation of it and put it in a real envelope, an ornament, or a card.

Include everyone, near or far

Is your group a “Hybrid Team” with some members in the office and others working from home, and maybe in different parts of the country?  If so, be sure to ship gifts so that they arrive the same week.

Add a little note that says, “Don’t open until Friday’s call.” That shared experience builds connection across distance, something Harvard Business Review calls key to maintaining inclusion and morale for remote employees.

Make it feel personal

A thoughtful message, or a small surprise, delivered at just the right moment.  That’s what turns “just another company gift” into a lasting memory.

Five Bestselling Successories Gifts That Make the Moment Count

If you’re struggling with gift ideas this year, we can help with that!  Here are just a few of our best-selling products and if you don’t find the perfect gift idea below, be sure to spend some time browsing our full collection.  We’ve got something for everyone, in every budget!

1. The Thanks for All You Do Tumbler Gift Set
A double-wall insulated tumbler, a matching gift box, and a message of gratitude that employees will actually use and remember.

2. The Teamwork Framed Art Print
This is Successories inspiration at its finest. A visual reminder of collaboration and shared purpose that looks great in any office.

3. The Making a Difference Eco Tote
Perfect for hybrid workers on the go. Durable, practical, and a subtle reminder that their contributions matter every day.

4. The Teamwork Trio Stress Reliever
Fun, colorful, and a guaranteed conversation starter.  This is a small way to say “you matter,” while lightening the mood during the year’s busiest and most trying weeks.

5. The Personalized Teamwork Journal
A sleek, customizable notebook that pairs perfectly with your holiday card.  A great option for goal setting in the new year.