Holiday Gift Ideas Your Remote Employees Will Actually Enjoy

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Holiday gifts for remote employees

Finding great holiday gifts for remote employees can feel tougher than expected. You want something useful, personal, and uplifting, without it feeling generic or “one-size-fits-all.” Research from Gallup shows that feeling appreciated directly boosts engagement, which makes small gestures like holiday gifting more meaningful than ever for distributed teams.

Below is a curated list of websites offering thoughtful, creative, and practical gift ideas, perfect for making your remote employees feel valued this season.

Top Websites for Thoughtful Remote-Employee Gifts

Different websites excel at different types of gifts: handmade pieces, curated boxes, wellness treats, or clever workspace upgrades. Here are some standout places to browse this year, along with a few specific ideas to spark inspiration.

Etsy: Personalized, Handmade, and Always Unique

Etsy is one of the best places to find heartfelt, one-of-a-kind items. Remote employees often appreciate gifts that make their home workspace feel warm, personal, and truly their own.

Gift ideas to consider:

  • Custom desk nameplates – sleek wooden or acrylic styles that add polish to any workspace.
  • Handmade mug warmers – perfect for long Zoom days when coffee needs to stay warm.
  • Personalized stationery sets – great for note-takers, planners, or creative thinkers.
  • Cute home-office décor – plant pots, wall prints, motivational signs, and more.

Pro Tip: Personalized gifts don’t need to be expensive. Adding someone’s name or initials instantly makes even small items feel more meaningful.

Uncommon Goods: Clever Gifts With Heart

Uncommon Goods is known for creative, design-forward products that feel special but still practical. Teams often love these because they’re unexpected without being over the top.

Great picks for remote workers include:

  • Self-care gift sets like bath soaks, aromatherapy oils, or cozy comfort kits.
  • Productivity gadgets such as desktop whiteboards, cable organizers, or mini desk vacuums.
  • Creative desk accessories that brighten up the workday, a colorful hourglass, a cool magnetic puzzle, or a sculptural paperweight.

These gifts strike the right balance between fun and functional, making them ideal for remote teams who spend hours in their at-home workspace.

Anthropologie: Cozy, Stylish, and Always Giftable

If you’re shopping for something aesthetically pleasing, Anthropologie is a reliable go-to. The brand offers a range of cozy, beautifully designed items ideal for people who appreciate style in their workspace.

Remote-friendly favorites:

  • Soft throws and blankets for comfort during long sitting periods.
  • Desk candles with warm, relaxing scents.
  • Chic mugs and drinkware that bring a bit of charm to morning routines.

This is a great option for teams who enjoy lifestyle-focused gifts with an elevated look.

Amazon: A Reliable, Global-Friendly Choice for Remote Teams

Amazon is one of the simplest ways to shop for remote employees in multiple countries. With local storefronts and quick shipping, it’s easy to find practical, budget-friendly gifts that fit different work styles and personalities.

Gift ideas your team might appreciate:

  • Ergonomic work essentials like laptop stands or footrests
  • Desk accessories, including mug warmers and organizers
  • Self-care picks, such as teas or candles
  • Tech tools like wireless chargers or earbuds
  • Cozy basics like blankets or insulated bottles

Redbubble: Artful, Creative Gifts with Worldwide Shipping

Redbubble offers unique, artist-designed products and ships to most countries, making it a great choice for global teams. It’s perfect for employees who enjoy personalized or expressive items that brighten their home workspace.

Fun and practical remote-work–friendly picks include:

  • Artistic desk mats
  • Motivational wall prints
  • Unique mugs and drinkware
  • Laptop sleeves and stickers
  • Cozy patterned throw blankets

Society6: Artful Additions to Any Home Office

Society6 is full of bold, creative artwork that can brighten up any remote workspace. Because each piece is created by independent artists, you can find designs that match nearly every personality.

Gift ideas your team may love:

  • Motivational or calming wall art
  • Artistic desk mats or mousepads
  • Laptop sleeves featuring unique prints

Art-based gifts work particularly well for remote employees who value creativity or want to make their workspace feel more personalized.

Knack or Teak & Twine: Curated Gift Boxes Made Easy

Curated gift boxes have become an employee favorite, especially for distributed teams. These boxes from Teak & Twine let you bundle items into a single cohesive experience, from snacks to self-care to workspace boosts.

Popular themed boxes include:

  • Wellness boxes with teas, candles, and relaxation items
  • Coffee-lover boxes featuring blends from small roasters and stylish mugs
  • Workspace refresh kits with notebooks, pens, and desk accessories

Wellness and Self-Care Gifts Remote Employees Appreciate

Working from home blurs the lines between work and life, making wellness-focused gifts more meaningful than ever. Wellness gifts show employees you care about their whole experience, not just their output.

Here are thoughtful picks that support well-being:

  • Aromatherapy diffusers for calming focus
  • Weighted blankets to ease tension after long workdays
  • Mindfulness journals for personal reflection
  • Tea samplers paired with cozy mugs
  • Neck and shoulder heating pads for stress relief

Quick Idea: Bundle a few small wellness items together (tea, journal, candle) for a mini “reset kit” employees can use during busy seasons.

Gifts That Make Remote Work More Comfortable

Comfort is an underrated part of productivity. Improving the home-office environment, even in small ways, can make day-to-day work noticeably better.

Here are smart options remote employees often appreciate:

  • Ergonomic footrests for better posture
  • Soft desk lighting to reduce eye strain
  • Noise-canceling earbuds for focus during meetings
  • Lap desks for those who prefer flexible working spots
  • Laptop stands to improve neck and back alignment

These gifts are practical, supportive, and universally useful, especially for team members who may not have a dedicated office space.

Budget-Friendly Picks That Still Feel Personal

Meaningful gifts don’t need a high price tag. Plenty of remote-friendly gifts under $25 still feel thoughtful and personal.

Some low-cost favorites include:

  • Cute plant pots with succulents
  • Artistic notebooks from Society6
  • Handmade ornaments from Etsy
  • Coffee sampler packs
  • Mini desk games or fidget tools

These small surprises can add a bit of joy to the workday without stretching the budget.

How to Choose the Right Gift for Remote Employees

Selecting the right gift goes beyond aesthetics. A thoughtful choice shows employees that you see them as individuals, not just roles.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Consider interests and lifestyles

Does the person love coffee? Plants? Art? Tech? Tailoring gifts around interests shows care.

Think about practicality

Remote employees appreciate items they’ll actually use: desk upgrades, wellness items, or organizational tools.

Include a personal note

Even a short message can make a gift feel more meaningful and memorable.

Keep accessibility in mind

Choose gifts that accommodate different preferences, work styles, and needs.

Pro Tip: If you’re gifting at scale, consider offering a small selection and letting employees choose their favorite. Choice is empowering and improves satisfaction.

Bring Joy to the Home Office This Season

Holiday gifts may seem simple, but they play a powerful role in helping remote employees feel valued and connected. When people feel seen and appreciated, engagement naturally follows. A small, thoughtful gift can brighten someone’s workday, reinforce a sense of belonging, and remind your team that they matter, especially during the busy season.

If you’re planning your holiday gifting strategy, use these ideas to spark inspiration and create moments your remote employees will remember long after the holidays.

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