As a responsible HR manager, you’ve been searching for the perfect eco friendly Christmas gifts for employees. You want to delight your team while staying true to your company’s environmental values. But with so much misleading information out there, how can you find the best Christmas gifts for employees that are truly sustainable?
Over the years, we’ve worked with countless clients to help them navigate this challenge. We’ve seen the pitfalls and the successes, and we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a great holiday gift.
In this article, we’ll share our best Christmas gift ideas for employees that are both meaningful and sustainable.
Why Choose Sustainable Christmas Gifts For Employees?
Gifting is a great opportunity to walk the talk and get your team to become advocates of doing good for Mother Earth.
Align with Sustainability Values
When you choose eco-friendly Christmas gifts for your employees, you’re not just giving them a present – you’re showcasing your commitment to sustainability. By selecting gifts that align with your values, you demonstrate that you walk the talk when it comes to environmental responsibility.
70% of employees said they’d have a better impression of their company if their gifts were sustainably made.
We’ve observed this repeatedly with our clients. When companies give gifts reflecting their sustainability values, employees feel more connected and engaged. They appreciate working for an organization that cares about more than just the bottom line.
Boost Employee Engagement
Speaking of engagement, sustainable Christmas gifts can be a powerful tool for boosting employee morale and productivity. When you invest in gifts that align with your team’s values, they feel seen and appreciated. And that translates to real results.
A study revealed that companies committed to sustainability saw a 16% rise in employee engagement.
By showing your staff that you care about the same issues, you foster a stronger sense of purpose and connection in the workplace.
💡Curious to know what genuinely motivates your staff during holidays? Find out here.
Strengthen Your Environmental Commitment
Choosing sustainable Christmas gifts also reinforces your broader commitment to environmental responsibility. It sends a message to your employees, customers, and stakeholders that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a core part of who you are as an organization.
Branded Tree Kits – The Most Sustainable Employee Gift Idea
One of our most popular gift options is the branded tree kit.
Tree Kits are the most preferred gifts among employees.
These kits include everything your employees need to grow their own little Christmas tree at home – seeds, a biodegradable pot, and growing medium.
We plant a matching tree in a deforested area on behalf of every employee. It’s a beautiful way to extend the spirit of Christmas giving well into the new year and make a tangible impact on the environment.
This year, we plan to send the ForestNation Tree Kits as Christmas gifts to our customers, suppliers and partners. Rather than the typical presents usually sent, we have decided to give something back – raising awareness and encouraging the recipients to register their tree, enabling our Damia Group Forest to grow, develop and flourish in Tanzania.
Engaging Employees with Tree Posts and Forest Profiles
The tree kits also come with a unique engagement opportunity through Tree Posts and Forest Profiles. When your employees register their tree on our platform, they can name it, post updates and photos, and track its growth over time. All of these Tree Posts show up on your brand’s own Forest Profile, creating a shared sense of purpose and impact.
We’ve seen some really creative Tree Posts from our clients’ employees – everything from silly tree puns to heartfelt reflections on sustainability. But the best part is that for every Tree Post, employees get an extra tree planted in their Forest. So the more your staff engages, the more you give back.
It’s a fun and easy way to keep the momentum going long after the holidays are over. Plus, your Forest Profile serves as a visual reminder of your collective impact, with real-time updates on the number of trees planted and carbon offset.
💡Get a proposal for your Holiday Tree Kits or order now >
Personalized Gift Stories – Thoughtful Digital Holiday Gifts
For companies looking for a more personalized touch, we offer digital Gift Stories. Create a unique gifting for each employee – customize with your own branding, messaging, and even individual names.
Just like the Tree Kits, Gift Stories plant trees in the recipient’s name, adding to your Forest Profile. It’s a way to make your holiday greetings more meaningful and impactful.
Creating Personalized Messages for Your Employees
The key to a great Gift Story is the message. We encourage our clients to use this opportunity to connect with their staff on a personal level. Here are a few ideas:
- Express Gratitude: “Wishing you a joyous holiday season and expressing our deepest gratitude for your dedication and hard work this year. Your contributions are cherished!”
- Celebrate Achievements: “Happy Holidays! As we close the year, let’s celebrate your remarkable achievements and look forward to new milestones together.”
- Foster Connection: “Warmest holiday greetings! May this season bring you peace and joy. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.”
- Highlight Personal Growth: “Season’s Greetings! This year has seen incredible growth, and your personal evolution has been inspiring. Here’s to continued success.”
- Reinforce Sustainability: “In the spirit of giving, we’re planting a tree in your honor. Thank you for being part of our commitment to a greener future!”
By crafting messages that are authentic and specific, you show your employees that you see and value them as individuals.
💡See how Gift Stories work and send your first gift for free >
Plant Trees with Any Corporate Gift
Of course, we know that sometimes companies have specific gift ideas in mind. That’s where our “Plant Trees with Any Gift” option comes in. It allows you to make any gift more sustainable by planting trees.
We worked with a client who wanted to give their employees a branded jacket, but was concerned about the environmental impact. By partnering with us to plant trees for every jacket given, they were able to offset the carbon footprint and align the gift with their sustainability goals.
Choosing the Right Gift Items to Pair with Tree Planting
If you do decide to go the route of physical gifts + tree planting, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for items that are practical and high-quality – things your employees will actually use and enjoy. Second, consider the environmental impact of the gift itself. Is it made from sustainable materials? Is it built to last?
Here are some popular choices with a sustainable twist:
Eco-Friendly Gift Cards
- Digital or recycled material gift cards supporting local eco-conscious businesses. Tree planted for each card.
- Messaging: “A gift that keeps on giving, supporting local businesses and a brighter future.”
Sustainable Gift Baskets
- Locally sourced, organic, or fair-trade items in biodegradable or reusable packaging. Trees planted based on basket value.
- Messaging: “Savor the flavors of the season, curated with care for you and the planet.”
Organic Chocolate Treats
- Organic, fair-trade chocolates promoting sustainable farming and ethical sourcing. Tree planted per box.
- Messaging: “Indulge in moments of sweet mindfulness, one thoughtful bite at a time.”
Eco-Friendly Scented Candles
- Natural, biodegradable candles with essential oil fragrances. Tree planted for each candle.
- Messaging: “Illuminate your space with the warmth of sustainability and joy.”
Sustainable Tech Gadgets
- Gadgets made from recycled materials or with energy-saving features. Trees planted to offset impact.
- Messaging: “Power up with purpose, connecting innovation and impact.”
The gift box, gift notes or card inserts are the best places to communicate your initiative. Include a QR code that links to your Forest Profile, allowing employees to see their collective impact.
💡Get started by creating Your Forest here >
How to Delight Your Employees with Christmas Gifts
Just finding the right gift isn’t enough. You need to make sure it spreads joy and unites people during the holidays.
In Office or Work From Home Employees?
The logistics of gift giving look a bit different in a hybrid or remote work environment, but the principles are the same. The goal is to create a shared experience that makes them feel valued and appreciated.
For in-office employees, you might consider a small gift exchange or holiday party where you distribute the gifts. This creates a sense of community and celebration, even if it’s on a smaller scale than previous years.
For remote employees, the key is to make the unboxing experience special. Use sustainable packaging materials like recycled paper or biodegradable packing peanuts, and include a personal note or card. You can even host a virtual unboxing party where everyone opens their gifts together on a video call.
Engaging Your Team
To really maximize the impact of your eco-friendly gifts, look for ways to engage your team beyond the initial gift giving. Here are a few ideas:
- Encourage employees to share photos and stories of their gifts in action, whether it’s their growing tree or using their reusable water bottle.
- Create a friendly competition around Tree Post engagement or tree growth, with prizes for the most creative posts or the tallest tree.
- Host a virtual lunch and learn about sustainability topics related to your gifts, like reforestation or reducing waste.
- Organize a group volunteer activity like a local park clean-up or tree planting day.
The more you can tie your gifts into a larger conversation and initiative around sustainability, the more meaningful they become.
Promoting Your Employee Christmas Gifts
Finally, don’t forget to share your eco-friendly gift giving initiative with the world! This is a great opportunity to showcase your company’s values and commitment to sustainability.
Consider creating a blog post or social media campaign around your gifts, highlighting the impact you’re making together. You can even create a special landing page on your website that tracks your Forest Profile growth and other sustainability metrics.
55% of employees research brands’ environmental impact and policies before accepting a job, and more than 40% already have, or plan to, change jobs due to climate concerns.
Not only does this help spread the word about your initiative, but it also serves as a powerful recruitment and retention tool. Employees want to work for companies that are making a positive difference in the world.
Choose The Best Christmas Gifts For Employees
We hope this article has given you some inspiration and practical ideas for incorporating eco-friendly gifts into your employee Christmas celebrations. At ForestNation, we’ve seen the impact that sustainable gifting can have on employee engagement, brand reputation, and the environment.
But don’t just take our word for it – try it out for yourself! Whether you choose tree kits, Gift Stories, or a combination of physical gifts and tree planting, the key is to find something that aligns with your company’s unique culture and values.
If you have any questions or need help getting started, feel free to reach out to our team. We’d love to help you create a gifting experience that employees will love.
Happy gifting!
FAQs
Eco-friendly gifts help your employees reduce their carbon footprint while showing your company’s commitment to sustainability. It’s a perfect gift that demonstrates corporate responsibility and can make employees happy, even if they don’t explicitly ask for green presents.
Some more Xmas gifts for environmentally conscious employees include reusable water bottles with your company logo, sustainable office supplies made from recycled materials, and plantable seed paper products. These make great gifts that employees will enjoy and can use long after the holiday season.
Giving eco-friendly gifts to employees shows that you care about their values and the environment. This thoughtful approach to employee appreciation can help employees stay motivated and feel valued, making it an excellent strategy for team building and retention.
Absolutely! Consider bamboo or reclaimed wood pen holders as a sustainable alternative. These eco-friendly options make a great gift and can add a touch of nature to employees’ desks while keeping their workspace organized.
To make your gift extra special, consider personalizing it with the employee’s name or adding a heartfelt note. You could also let employees choose from a selection of eco-friendly gifts, ensuring they receive something they truly want and will use.
For outdoor enthusiasts, consider gifting a solar-powered phone charger or a set of reusable camping utensils. These eco-friendly items are not only practical but also align with their love for nature, making them the perfect gift for employees who enjoy spending time outside.
Choose gifts that are both sustainable and practical. Items like reusable coffee cups, eco-friendly laptop bags, or even experiences like plant-a-tree vouchers are gifts that employees often use regularly or cherish long-term, reducing the likelihood of them becoming waste.
For employees just starting their eco-friendly journey, consider a starter kit with reusable items like metal straws, beeswax wraps, and a bamboo toothbrush. This thoughtful gift can help introduce them to sustainable living practices and show that you support their efforts to go green.
