The specialist shared gift ideas for employees for the holidays in 2026

Corporate gifts in 2026 are no longer a formality and are increasingly becoming a tool for building team spirit and internal culture of companies. Modern managers try to create a social, ethical culture and team spirit in their team, which means that corporate gifts for holidays are becoming more targeted and interesting. Nikita Epov, an entrepreneur and founder of the Gifts Custom advertising agency, told Izvestia about this on February 11.

According to him, modern managers are paying more and more attention to the social and ethical component of corporate culture, which directly affects the approach to gifts for employees, clients and partners. The established pattern of "socks for men, flowers for women" is gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to more targeted and thoughtful solutions.

"A sense of value is what's important to an employee. Therefore, choose gifts that evoke emotions. Someone will appreciate the book with a personal signature, someone will like the certificate for their favorite master class, and the third one will be incredibly happy with an eco-kit or a fitness accessory. Even if you bought the same water bottles for everyone, a personally engraved wish will make this gift unique," the entrepreneur said.

For a more accurate selection of gifts, Epov recommends studying the preferences of employees in advance — using questionnaires or surveys about hobbies and interests. This allows you to understand what is more important for a particular person: emotions, practicality or technology.

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"Appreciate the contribution of employees to the company. You should not give the same gifts to a top manager and an intern. According to global trends, about 68% of employees consider it important to recognize their contribution to the company's development. If you don't want to separate, make a combined gift. For example, a set or a box shared by everyone, plus an exclusive invitation to an event or a collectible souvenir only for a top manager," the entrepreneur shared.

Speaking about typical mistakes, Epov emphasized the importance of analyzing previously donated items. Repetitive mugs, hoodies, and faceless souvenirs quickly lose their value and are perceived as a formality. The expert also advises avoiding overly personal gifts and joke merchandise, which looks outdated today. In situations where the choice is difficult, gift certificates remain the universal solution.

According to the expert, in 2026, either practical or emotional gifts are in the greatest demand. The former include gadget accessories, power banks, laptop stands, unusual Bluetooth speakers, mini coffee machines, as well as gourmet food sets and hobby items. The emotional response, in turn, is caused by theater and concert tickets, limited editions of books, certificates for training, quests and short weekend trips.

The expert emphasized that even the simplest gift can become desirable if complemented with stylish packaging and personal treatment.

Vladislav Bykhanov, Managing Partner of Cornerstone HR company, warned on February 2 about tougher competition in the labor market in 2026. According to him, the key factor in job retention will not be the number of hours worked, but efficiency and the ability to manage your time. It clarifies that about 85% of employees are exhausted from a senseless race, which leads to a drop in productivity and an increase in the number of errors.

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