Photo: LumiVera
Choosing Christmas gifts for colleagues in a large team is not an easy task. Some like practical things, others value feelings and experiences, but you have to fit into a certain budget and at the same time create the feeling that no one is forgotten. Often this means a hasty purchase at the last minute, which does not really please either the colleague himself or you as the person choosing the gift.
Imagine the situation: you work in an office with fifty people, and the manager asks you to find a gift for all the employees. The budget is limited, but the desire is a beautiful team photo on social networks with happy smiles and sincere “thank yous”. If the gift seems cheap or inappropriate, instead there is an uncomfortable feeling and a silent question: is this really who we are for each other?
This article will help you understand how to wisely plan gift choices for a large group. We'll talk about budget, fairness, gift types, and how to create a truly warm holiday atmosphere in your company with simple solutions. We'll pay special attention to universal gifts, such as handmade candles and Christmas gift sets, which are suitable for different types of people and tastes.
How to plan Christmas gifts for colleagues in a large office?
The first step is not a trip to the mall or browsing through catalogs, but a clear plan. Without it, even good intentions quickly turn into chaos. That's why Christmas gifts for colleagues should first be viewed as part of the broader company culture, not just a one-time purchase in December.
First, determine the purpose. Is the gift a thank-you for the work done, a team building activity, a strengthening of the company's image, or simply a symbolic gesture? For example, if the company emphasizes sustainability and care for the environment, then plastic trinkets that quickly end up in the trash will contradict those values. On the other hand, high-quality and long-lasting gifts, such as handmade candles, create a feeling that the company really cares about its employees.
The next step is to understand the audience. In a large group, there are definitely people of different professions, ages and tastes. That is why individually specific gifts are more difficult and risky, while universal things related to relaxation, coziness or daily rituals work much better. This is where the advantage of scented candles and simple but tasteful Christmas gift sets comes in, they are not too personal, but at the same time very human.
When the purpose and audience are clear, it becomes easier to justify the choice to both management and colleagues. The gift is no longer a random item, but part of a shared story about how the company cares for its team.
Budget and justice: how to find a balance?
Even the most sincere idea collapses if it is not clear how much money can be spent. In a large team, the budget is often strictly defined, and every euro must be spent wisely. This is where the practical question of how to distribute funds so that Christmas gifts for colleagues are equal and do not create a feeling that someone is more privileged begins.
A good starting point is a clearly defined amount for a single gift, such as a certain amount for a colleague at Christmas. This amount can be differentiated depending on the role - for example, a separate gift for management - but it should be communicated openly and correctly so that no one feels ignored.
From a budget perspective, it is a smart solution to choose one gift concept for the entire team, for example, a uniform type of Christmas gifts for employees with nuances for different departments. This allows you to order a larger quantity at a time, get a better price, and save time that would otherwise be spent searching for completely different gifts.
Experience shows that gifts that combine three elements work best: feeling, usability, and aesthetics. This combination is easy to achieve with beautiful candles, quality treats, and tasteful packaging. As a result, even on a limited budget, the gift looks valuable.
Universal gift ideas for a large group
Photo: LumiVera
In a large team, the question of what to give colleagues for Christmas becomes crucial, so that it will appeal to both the youngest intern and the experienced manager. Universal gifts that are not closely related to a specific hobby or lifestyle, but create a sense of care and comfort, are useful here.
One of the most successful solutions is Christmas gift sets. They can be created at different levels, for example, a simpler set for the entire team and a slightly more extensive one for the management team. The set can include quality tea or coffee, a small sweet and a beautiful candle. Such a set looks complete and does not require additional time for packaging, because it has already been done.
Gifts related to coziness look especially warm. After an intense day at work, a colleague comes home, lights a candle, opens a gift box and feels that the company sees him not only as an employee, but also as a person who deserves peace and warmth. This effect is achieved by the handmade quality of candles and carefully selected aromas.
In a large group, it is also important to think about logistics. It is easier to transport and distribute gifts of the same size and shape, so that there is no clutter in the warehouse and office. Here, candles and compact sets win over fragile dinnerware sets or very bulky blanket sets.
Handmade candles as a safe choice
Handmade candles are a gift that combines both aesthetics and emotional value. They differ from mass production at first touch - the container, the scent and the design create the impression that every detail has been thought out. That is why they are a safe choice for a large group, especially if you want a gift that will not be forgotten in a drawer.
Scented candles are suitable for both home and office, as long as you choose fragrances that are not too intrusive. Warm vanilla, cinnamon, fir and light citrus tones are usually liked by a very wide range of people. If the company's values are associated with handwork and authenticity, then handmade candles allow the gift to become a small story about quality and attention to detail.
The candles created in the LumiVera workshop are exactly this type of gift. They are created in small quantities with careful selection of materials and thoughtful aromas that remind you of the peace of home, not a perfume shop. For a large group, you can choose a single design or two or three aromas to give a little freedom of choice.
Personality without excessive familiarity
Another delicate issue is the balance between a personal gift and professional distance. Not all colleagues are your friends with whom you exchange private jokes. Therefore, the gift should be chosen in a way that is sincere but does not cross the line.
A good strategy is to use personalization not in the gift itself, but in the accompanying greeting. For example, you can add a card with short and human Christmas wishes to your colleagues to each candle or set. They can mention gratitude for cooperation in a particular year, shared achievements, or team spirit.
It is important to avoid overly personal comments that can create awkwardness. In a professional environment, the safest option is to thank them for their work, trust, and achievement of common goals. This approach will be especially appreciated by people who prefer clear boundaries between work and private life.
If the gift is being given at a team event, you can use one common greeting for everyone, but add individual cards. This maintains a sense of unity, while still giving the colleague a personal touch.
Christmas wishes and greetings to colleagues
For a gift to look complete, it almost always needs a good word. Even a simple candle becomes a warm gesture if it is accompanied by a thoughtful Christmas greeting for colleagues. These can be both printed texts on cards, or electronic greetings, if the company wants to reduce paper consumption.
Christmas wishes for colleagues can vary in tone, but always be authentic. For example, gratitude for teamwork, wishes for peaceful holidays with family, and hope for further fruitful cooperation in the new year. It is important not to write just a formal phrase, but at least one sentence that reflects the everyday life of the particular company.
If the gift is being presented by management, the text can also highlight shared achievements, such as projects completed, challenges overcome, or growth. This solidifies the gift as a gesture of gratitude, rather than just a formal tradition.
In conclusion: a little guide for the coming year
Although the topic may seem simple, Christmas gifts for colleagues actually say a lot about the company's culture and attitude towards people. If the gift is thoughtful, in line with values, and presented with a heartfelt wish, it becomes part of the story that employees carry with them all year long. It's not just about what you put in the gift box, but also about the feeling a person takes home.
If you want your gifts to be warm, aesthetic, and practical at the same time, you can consider handmade candles and carefully crafted sets. LumiVera's handmade candles and seasonally tailored Christmas gift sets make it easy to create a unified gift concept for the entire team. This allows you to both fit into your budget and create a celebration in which your colleagues truly feel appreciated.