Meaning-Making Through Gifts: Giving Small + Local This Year

As the holiday season nears, many of us start thinking about ways to thank our teams for their hard work. No matter what your budget, we have an invitation for you: this year, consider a thoughtful shift away from generic holiday gifts by sourcing local, meaningful gifts that show genuine appreciation.

Nothing says "I see you, and I appreciate what you bring to the team" like a gift chosen with that person’s unique interests in mind, especially if it supports a business close to home. To take some of the legwork out of it, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you buy local gifts in a way that will leave a lasting impact.

A Personal Touch

One of my favourite holiday memories was receiving a gift card to a local small restaurant just around the corner from our office. Not only was it the perfect spot to grab a special meal, but my boss knew it was a personal favourite that catered to my allergies. The fact that they remembered this small detail made the gift feel even more special and thoughtful. Beyond the meal itself, it was clear they’d taken the time to think about me as a person (as well as being a great way to build community through supporting a local business).

It’s actually pretty simple to use this approach in your holiday planning. Think about where your employees enjoy spending their free time. Maybe it’s a local coffee shop, bookstore, or clothing store. Think about gifts that they will actually use and appreciate. Bonus points if it’s something they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves!

Next Level Gift Baskets (or Bags)

Another idea that has been a hit with our team is putting together personalized gift baskets or bags filled with products from local businesses. Think a selection of locally sourced goodies in a reusable bag (one they’ll actually reuse): artisanal snacks, handmade soaps, or cozy winter accessories. 

Think beyond the reusable tote by filling up a running pack for the athlete on your team, or finding a cool backpack with lots of pockets for a new parent. If you know a team member loves to cook, consider adding gourmet spices or oils from a nearby specialty food store. If someone’s always talking about their next hike or camping trip, maybe a reusable water bottle or local trail mix fits the bill. Not only do curated gifts make for a fun unboxing, but they also highlight some of the amazing products being made by your neighbours. Small businesses are also often more than willing to work with you to create customized packages at various price points, so you can find something special no matter the spend. Adding a handwritten note with a personal message can make all the difference too, especially if it shows you’ve put some intention into the gift.

Thoughtful Donations

Another way to bring thoughtfulness to your employee gifting is by giving back to the causes they care about. Many employees value the idea of giving back. Think about offering a gift in their name to a local organization they support. Go the extra step to personalize it based on each person’s interests: maybe someone on your team is passionate about animal welfare, community food banks, or local art programs. Values based gifts show you’re listening, while strengthening ties within the community, making it a win-win.

Recognition Reflection Survey

We know that not everyone likes to be recognized in the same way, which is why we work with our clients to offer a “Recognition Reflection Survey” to teams. This process helps us understand what kinds of appreciation make your employees feel most valued: whether that's a public shout-out, a private thank-you note, or a gift they can enjoy in their own time. By getting a sense of each person’s preferences, we’re able to offer meaningful, customized recognition all year long (and the holidays are the perfect time to show we’ve been listening).

If you’re curious about a deeper dive into all things appreciation and the real ROI of authentic gratitude, send us a note, we’d love to share what we’ve learned over the years!

A personalized gesture can go a long way in making your employees feel valued. It doesn’t have to be fancy, big, or over-the-top to make an impact - the key is to show that you’ve thought about them, individually, and recognize the effort they’ve put in all year.

By supporting the local businesses that make our community special, you’re not only demonstrating your appreciation for your team, but also building connections that make a difference wherever you live. Happy gifting!