The Top 5 Best and Worst Staff Gifts

There’s an art to choosing gifts for staff. Get it right, and you’ll lift morale and end the year on a bang. Get it wrong, and you’ll discover very quickly that nailing gifts for staff can be trickier than assembling IKEA furniture without instructions – and with 77% of recipients planning to return at least one holiday gift, the pressure’s on to beat the odds.

That’s why we’ve broken down the best and worst gifts for staff – including ideas that work brilliantly and the ones that, well, don’t. So, before you panic-buy novelty mugs (put it down slowly!), read this first.

Best Staff Gifts People Actually Appreciate

The verdict is in – all the classic corporate gifts they tell you to buy are sending staff morale through the ground. GroupTogether surveyed over 1000 Australian employees and asked what they actually want as an end-of-year work gift.

Here's what they said:  

• eGift Cards: 40.8%
• Extra day off: 32.1%
• Team lunch/party: 14.1%
• Gift hamper: 9.3%
• Company merch: 2%
• Ham or turkey: 1.8%

It’s no competition – eGift Cards come out on top. But let’s find out why – and how to make sure you do it right, because the last thing you want to do is gift your biking enthusiast employee a car wash eGift Card. Here are all our top hacks for acing the festive season, and it’s easier than you think.

Thoughtful Hampers or Self-Care Gifts

Hampers have a reputation for being the safe gift. They look generous, they feel substantial and they arrive packed with promise. The problem is that in real life, most hampers fail. The tiny jars of jam end up at the back of the cupboard for three years, the biscuits get re-gifted and half the items never quite suit the person you’re trying to appreciate.

A hamper can work, but only when it is actually thoughtful. Most are not. They are often a bundle of random snacks dressed up with a ribbon, which means they miss the mark for dietary needs, personal taste or just basic practicality.

Why hampers often miss the mark

• People rarely love everything inside so half the gift goes to waste
• Items can feel generic or impersonal
• Dietary needs can make the whole hamper awkward
• The “premium” look does not always match the content
• They require guesswork because you rarely know everyone’s exact preferences

When hampers do work, it is usually because someone has taken the time to curate them with intention. Think wellness gifts, teas, candles or simple self-care items that almost anyone can enjoy – that’s what we’re here for. GroupTogether Hampers work because they strike that sweet spot between “special” and “safe,” and they suit a wide range of personalities and preferences – not to mention, who doesn’t want to kick back and relax with a self-care package after a busy season? 

When hampers work:

• They feel substantial and celebratory
• They’re tailored to the recipient’s interests (gourmet treats, wellness essentials, office-friendly snacks)
• Easy to present and feel premium
• Pro tip: Consider dietary needs or choose a “neutral” hamper everyone can enjoy – the last thing you want to do is give the vegetarian a meat lover’s dream hamper! That’s where a self-care hamper, think candles, bath products, teas, can be a safe option.

Experiences or Personalised Gifts (When You Know the Person)

Experiences can be unforgettable – when they suit the person. A cooking class for a foodie? Great. A skydiving voucher for someone who’s terrified of heights? Not so much.

When these gifts work best:

• You know the person well enough to match the gift to their interests.
• The team wants to give someone a “bucket list” moment.
• The experience time/date is flexible. (You don’t want to book in a cooking class when your employee is headed to a birthday!)

Ideas that tend to land well:

• Restaurant or café vouchers
• Wellness experiences (massages, spas)
• Creative workshops
• Adventure or outdoor activities (for the thrill-seekers)

eGift Cards + Gifts with Universal Appeal  

Why eGift Cards Make Perfect Holiday Gifts

• Flexibility and choice: Recipients get to pick what they truly want, which means fewer returned gifts and more happy surprises.
• Instant delivery: eGift Cards arrive quickly to inboxes, making them great for last-minute gifting. No need to worry about shipping delays or postal strikes.
• Suitable for many personalities: Whether the gift is for a fashion fanatic, a tech buff, a homebody or a foodie, there’s a gift card to match.
• Budget-friendly and versatile: You can set the card value to suit your budget without compromising thoughtfulness – the ball is completely in your court.
• Perfect for remote teams: Digital delivery makes gifting easy no matter where you or the recipient are.

A Carefully-Designed Group Card

Sometimes the most meaningful gift isn’t clothing or a book, it’s the words of gratitude that make work worthwhile. A GroupTogether Group Card lets the whole team contribute heartfelt notes, funny anecdotes, GIFs, shared memories and thank you messages. It creates a moment, and that’s something staff genuinely remember.

Why they’re a hit:

• Everyone can contribute from anywhere, making Group Cards perfect for hybrid teams.
• Unlimited messages mean no more squeezing signatures into 2cm of space.
• Feels personal, generous and inclusive.
• Gives the recipient something they’ll actually keep – you can even print it out!
• This works beautifully as a standalone gift or paired with an eGift Card for a little extra love.

Worst Staff Gifts – Please Don’t Do This

Surveys show that many staff members have received presents that, let’s say, missed the mark. Think generic corporate swag that ends up in a drawer somewhere, tiny gift cards that barely cover a coffee, or random items that scream, “We had no idea what you actually like.” Around 70% of employees admitted to receiving gifts they didn’t use or want, so whether you're choosing Christmas gifts for staff, a farewell gift for a staff member or general gift ideas for office staff, the verdict is in – here are the ones to steer clear of. 

Super-Specific Gift Cards

Look, as we’ve said, an eGift Card can be brilliant – unless it’s for something wildly niche or completely mismatched. Not everyone wants a voucher to a single brand, especially if it’s something they’d never choose themselves. So don’t give the tech maniac a Dymocks eGift Card! 

Why they fall flat:

• They limit choice (and increase the risk of being regifted immediately).
• They can feel impersonal or “off”.
• When choosing gifts for staff, flexibility is key, which is why general eGift Cards or something like the AnyCard work so much better.

Overly Personal Gifts

Anything that hints at personal grooming, body care or lifestyle assumptions is a minefield – even if your intention is good, these gifts can feel judgmental or awkward.

Gifts to avoid:

• Perfume or cologne
• Deodorant (Yeah, maybe Christmas isn’t the time to give them the hint!)
• Skincare or body products (unless you know their preferences)
• Clothing
• Weight-loss or fitness-related items (just a massive no!)

For workplace gifting, especially for corporate gifts for staff or Xmas gifts for staff, stick to neutral, universally appealing ideas instead – or if you’re gifting perfume, be sure to give your staff a choice of their favourite rather than choosing a scent for them.

Cheap Novelty Items That Become Instant Clutter

Nobody needs another paper weight, “best employee” mug, glitter pen or corporate keychain. These gifts try to be fun, but usually become instant clutter and end up in the bottom drawer…or the bin.

Why these don’t land:

• They feel thoughtless
• They clutter desks or home offices
• They get old quickly (and aren’t memorable)

Save novelty for Secret Santa, not genuine workplace appreciation.

Alcohol (Unless You Really Know Your Team)

Alcohol can seem like an easy go-to, but it’s risky as a gift for office staff. Many employees may not drink due to personal, cultural, religious or health reasons, and nobody should feel excluded by a gift meant to appreciate them.

Why it’s a gamble:

• Not everyone drinks
• Hard to choose the “right” kind
• Can feel unprofessional depending on the workplace

The last thing you want to do is give the recovering alcoholic a bottle of red! If you want celebration vibes, a non-alcoholic hamper is a much safer bet. 

Company-Branded Merch Disguised as a Gift

Handing an employee a mug, notebook or drink bottle with the company logo on it is not a gift – it’s marketing. Staff won’t feel valued if the present is something they’re essentially expected to promote.

Skip these:

• Branded accessories
• Branded stationery
• Branded mugs or water bottles

One-Size-Fits-All Clothing 

Clothing is personal. Sizing is personal. Style is personal. And nobody wants to open a gift at the office that makes them feel self-conscious. 

Avoid:

• T-shirts
• Socks
• Hats
• Shoes

Anything that implies a size is risky territory – our tip? Let them choose. Go for a retailer eGift Card like The Iconic or Myer so they can pick their own sizes. This is especially important for farewell gifts for staff. You want them leaving on a high note, not an awkward one.

Fitness Gear or Health-Related Gifts for Staff

Even if meant kindly, these gifts can easily be interpreted as commentary on someone’s lifestyle, which makes them an absolute no-go in a work setting.

This includes:

• Gym memberships
• Yoga mats
• Healthy living “starter kits”
• Diet or wellness books

These are the kind of gifts that have staff wondering if you’re trying to tell them something.  

Anything That Creates More Work for Them

It sounds obvious… but it still happens. A plant that needs more care than your pet rabbit, a complex craft kit or a DIY recipe box can unintentionally feel like homework.

Why they flop:

• Not everyone wants extra tasks.
• Gifts should remove stress, not add it.
• They’re often regifted immediately.

When in doubt, keep gifts easy, usable and low-maintenance.

Why GroupTogether Makes the “Best Gift” List

Using GroupTogether solves two of the major problems with staff gifts: flexibility and feeling personal/special. Our signature cards and unwrapping experience create a premium and personal gift experience. You get:

• Personal touch without pressure: A Group Card means everyone can add messages, from silly jokes to heartfelt thanks. Or include a greeting card just from the company when you send eGift Cards.
• Inclusivity: Because it’s digital, remote or dispersed teams can get included. No one gets left out because they weren’t in the office that day.
• Practicality with emotion: No, they’re not mutually exclusive! Pair messages and the option for a gift card or hamper as needed, so your Christmas gift is easy to organise and meaningful to receive.
• Avoids “one-size-fits-all” pitfalls: Rather than guessing people’s tastes, recipients get to choose or at least get a message that genuinely reflects appreciation.

The best staff gifts are about showing genuine appreciation, not ticking a box. Whether that means an eGift Card or simply a carefully curated GroupTogether card with messages from everyone, the goal should be to make the recipient feel seen, valued and included. That’s what Christmas is about! 

On the flip side: Gifts that feel generic, rushed or overly corporate often do more harm than good. If you’re going to give something, put a little heart into it.