30+ New Year Gift Ideas for Employees and Colleagues to Inspire Appreciation and Workplace Bonding

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to show appreciation and build stronger workplace connections with thoughtful New Year gifts. Whether you're recognizing hardworking employees, celebrating collaborative colleagues, or appreciating the tireless efforts of HR teams, the right gift can boost morale, foster goodwill, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.  

In this guide, we’ve curated a diverse list of New Year gift ideas that blend practicality with sentiment—ideal for different professional relationships and budgets. From personalized tokens to wellness hampers and digital rewards, discover gifting options that go beyond the ordinary and leave a lasting impression. 

Benefits of giving New Year gifts 

There are many benefits of giving new year gifts to colleagues and coworkers. They include: 

• Giving New Year gifts to colleagues is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. It helps to foster a sense of camaraderie among employees. 
• New Year gifts can also be a great way to increase motivation and morale in the workplace. By giving meaningful gifts, you can remind your colleagues of their importance and of the value they bring to the team. 
• New Year gifts can be a great way to build relationships with your colleagues. A thoughtful gift can help to strengthen the bond between employees and can create a bond of friendship. 
• New Year gifts can be a simple token of appreciation can go a long way in showing your gratitude and appreciation for your colleagues. 

20 Creative and Unique New Year Gifts Ideas for Colleagues 

When it comes to choosing New Year gifts for colleagues, there are plenty of creative and unique options to choose from. Some of the most popular options include personalized gifts, gift baskets, gift cards, and experiences. 

1. Personalized gifts 

Personalized gifts are a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. Personalized gifts are an ideal way to show your colleagues that you care about them and appreciate their hard work. 

Some of the best personalized New Year gifts for colleagues include mugs with their name or initials, personalized pens and pencils, and custom photo frames. You can also opt for personalized stationery, notebooks, and other items that your colleagues can use in their everyday work. 

2. Gift baskets 

Gift baskets are another popular option when it comes to New Year gifts for colleagues. Gift baskets can be tailored to suit the individual tastes of your colleagues, and they can include a variety of items such as chocolates, snacks, and even books. 

Gift baskets are a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. They’re also a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation for the team effort. 

3. Gift cards 

Gift cards are also a popular option when it comes to New Year gifts for colleagues. Gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. 

Gift cards can be tailored to suit your colleagues' individual tastes and can be used to purchase items such as books, movies, and even experiences. Gift cards are also a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation for the team effort. 

4. Experiences 

Experiences are another great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues. Experiences can range from a night out at the movies to a weekend getaway. Experiences are a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation for the team effort, and they can also be a great way to build relationships with your colleagues. 

5. Favorite food items 

Homemade food items are a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. You can make a variety of items such as cookies, cakes, and even homemade chocolates. 

6. Personalized stationery 

Personalized stationery is another great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues. You can customize stationery with your colleagues’ names or initials, and they can use the stationery in their everyday work. 

7. In-house catalog rewards 

Create your own custom reward offerings through Empuls' in-house catalog. Whether it’s a lunch with leadership, a day off, or exclusive perks, tailor experiences to suit your company’s culture. 

8. Thank you card 

A simple card is a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. You can customize the card with a special message or even a poem. 

9.  Global experiences 

Surprise your team with access to over 100,000 experiences worldwide. From spa retreats and adventure sports to gourmet dinners, experiential gifts create memories far more lasting than material ones. 

10. Premium prepaid cards 

Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal prepaid cards are excellent options from Empuls for colleagues who value flexibility. Perfect for international teams, these cards let recipients shop from their preferred stores without restrictions. 

11. Desk calendar 

Everyone has an electronic calendar these days — but what about the old-fashioned kind? Give your colleague something they can write on and keep track of important dates and events with this cute desk calendar. 

12. A plant 

Plants make great gifts because they add life and beauty to any office environment — plus they bring nature inside! Don't know which plant is best for your coworker? Try succulents or air plants, which can survive without soil or sunlight and are easy to care for! 

13. A Personalized mug 

A personalized mug is another great idea because it's both practical and sentimental at the same time! Most people drink coffee or tea every day at work, so giving this gift can show that you care about them as an individual beyond just being an employee. You could personalize it with their name or even add artwork representing your company or industry, such as a logo if you work for a larger company like Apple or Microsoft. 

14. Charitable donations 

Enable your colleagues to give back. Let them donate to causes they care about with access to 10,000+ vetted charitable organizations globally—making this a meaningful and impactful gift. Utilize Empuls for this.  

15. Coffee maker 

This is one of the most popular office gifts because it's practical and useful, but it also shows that you care about what matters to them. If their drink of choice is coffee, get them an espresso machine or a French press so they can make their own cups throughout the day. If they prefer tea or hot chocolate, consider getting them an electric kettle so they can heat up water quickly and easily. 

16. Customizable travel bottles 

If you've ever been stuck in a security line at an airport, then you know how frustrating it can be when TSA agents confiscate bottles containing liquids over 3 ounces. 

A personalized travel bottle solves that problem by allowing people to carry their favorite lotions and potions without worrying about them being confiscated at the airport security checkpoint! 

17. Wellness gifts 

Promote physical and mental well-being with gifts like yoga kits, meditation subscriptions, or wellness journals. With Empuls’ health and wellness reward options, employees can nurture themselves into the new year. 

18. Bottle of wine or champagne 

This is another classic office gift that never goes out of style—especially if your colleagues are big drinkers! Choose something decent but not too expensive (around $15-$20), as it's easy to spend more than you intended when buying alcohol at the store. And if they don't drink alcohol? Well, then just get them something else instead! 

19. Food subscription box 

Whether sending it as a gift or using it yourself, food subscription boxes are one of the most delicious ways to enjoy the holidays. They're also a great choice for colleagues who are always on the go because they allow you to send something delicious and nutritious without worrying about keeping it cold or hot. 

20. An on-the-go bag 

If you want to give a gift that will last all year long but doesn't cost too much money, consider getting your colleague an on-the-go bag with all sorts of goodies inside! 

21. Amazon store gifts 

Give the gift of endless choice with access to 300,000+ products via the Amazon Store, integrated directly within Empuls. From tech gadgets to home essentials, employees can pick what matters most to them. 

22. Custom-made sculptures 

Custom-made sculptures are another great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and show that you value their contributions. You can make a custom-made sculpture for your colleagues, and they can use it as decoration in their home or office. 

23. Curated company swag 

Delight your coworkers with high-quality, company-branded swag like hoodies, backpacks, or mugs. Empuls handles the design, storage, and delivery—so your brand is celebrated in style and convenience. 

24. Jewelry boxes 

Jewelry boxes are a great way to show your appreciation for your colleagues and to show that you value their contributions. You can choose from various items, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets. 

25. Personalized merchandise 

Offer custom gifts like engraved pens, monogrammed wallets, or bespoke desk accessories. Empuls’ merchandise catalog includes 300,000+ options to suit every personality. 

26. Candles 

People use candles every day but rarely think about buying themselves; however, they make great gifts because they smell good and look nice on any desk! 

27. Curated gift boxes 

Choose from Empuls’ ready-to-ship gift boxes featuring gourmet snacks, office essentials, or wellness items. These boxes can be customized to reflect your brand and values. 

28. Customized coasters 

Coasters are a good way to personalize any desk or table, but they can be expensive if you buy them at places like Williams-Sonoma or Pottery Barn. Instead, try making your own with an Etsy shop like TopshelfCoasters or coasterfactory.com. 

You can print photos of your colleague's family or favorite sports team onto the coasters and have them shipped directly to them, so they'll get an extra surprise when they open the package! 

29. Lifestyle subscriptions 

Offer subscriptions to music, streaming services, learning platforms, or fitness apps. It's a practical and personalized gift that keeps on giving—month after month. 

30. Great books 

Books make great gifts for many reasons. They are educational, they are entertaining, and they can be inspirational. Find out what your colleague likes to read and get a book that will appeal to him or her. If you know someone who is interested in politics, pick up a copy of one of their favorite books by their favorite politician. If your coworker is into sports, buy them a biography of their favorite athlete or team. 

How Empuls helps streamline New Year gifting for employees and colleagues 

Finding the perfect New Year gift for employees and colleagues doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Empuls, organizations get access to a powerful and easy-to-use platform that simplifies employee gifting, offering variety, personalization, automation, and global reach—all in one place. Here’s how Empuls helps you elevate your New Year gifting experience: 

1. Access to a global rewards catalog 

Empuls offers a vast and diverse global rewards marketplace with over 10 million gifting options across 150+ countries. From Amazon products, e-gift cards, and branded merchandise to experiences, subscriptions, and charity donations, your employees can choose the gifts that matter most to them. 

Popular gifting categories include: 

• 300,000+ Amazon store items 
• 1 million+ gift cards from local and global brands 
• 100,000+ curated experiences 
• 10,000+ charitable organizations 
• Customized company swag and branded merchandise 

This vast selection ensures your employees and colleagues receive personalized, meaningful gifts—no matter where they are located. 

2. Personalized gifting with branded swag and merchandise 

Empuls makes it easy to create and distribute personalized gifts like custom mugs, coasters, apparel, accessories, and curated gift boxes. Whether you're celebrating achievements or simply ringing in the New Year, company-branded swag adds a thoughtful, personal touch to every gift. 

With Empuls: 

• Upload your logo and get custom-designed swag 
• Choose from ready-made swag packs or build your own 
• Automate bulk gifting across locations or departments 
• Enjoy hassle-free inventory management and global shipping 

3. Flexible prepaid and digital gift cards 

Let employees and colleagues decide what they want with prepaid Visa, Mastercard, PayPal cards, or digital gift cards. Empuls provides access to 1M+ brand gift cards in over 100 countries, allowing recipients to spend on what truly brings them joy during the holidays. 

4. Automated and scheduled gifting workflows 

Empuls removes the manual effort from gifting. With automated workflows, you can: 

• Schedule gifts for New Year and other holidays 
• Send bulk greetings and reward points with ease 
• Set rules based on tenure, department, performance, or budget 
• Ensure timely delivery of digital and physical gifts 

This means HR and people managers can focus on strategy while Empuls handles the logistics. 

5. Budget control and analytics 

Track gifting expenses, participation rates, and ROI through Empuls’ centralized reward dashboard. The platform provides: 

• Automated budget allocation across teams and departments 
• Spend visibility through real-time reporting 
• Pay-on-redemption model—only pay when employees redeem 

This ensures gifting is not only thoughtful but also cost-effective and transparent. 

6. Enhance culture with recognition and celebration 

Beyond gifting, Empuls helps foster a culture of gratitude through: 

• Wishboards for birthdays and work anniversaries 
• Wall of Fame to spotlight achievers 
• Social intranet for sharing wishes, reactions, and celebrations 

This holistic approach turns New Year gifting into a moment of shared joy and collective appreciation. 

Conclusion 

When looking for a gift for a colleague, consider that the best gifts are often the most thoughtful and personal. She will appreciate the time you put into finding a neat little something that combines her personal interests with a fun, if unspectacular, use of practical skills. This year, focus on making a friend happy by giving a meaningful gift. Show your gratitude and appreciation for your colleagues by giving them an unforgettable New Year gift! 

Empuls transforms traditional gifting into a strategic, seamless, and impactful experience. Whether you're sending a heartfelt thank-you, celebrating a milestone, or simply ringing in the New Year, Empuls makes it easy to deliver gifts that delight, motivate, and strengthen workplace bonds. 

Start your New Year gifting with Empuls—and make every gift count and schedule a call!