Employee Christmas Gifts that Won't Put Your Company in the Red

Here comes Christmas once again, the eternal time of giving. Family bonds grow stronger, children delight in peeking in their stockings, and jolly Christmas caroler's traverse the neighborhood, slugging eggnog and belting out "Jingle Bells" at every block.

Christmas may not be that picturesque for everyone, but it is a time of giving. Who better to give to than those very people that have kept your business afloat with their loyalty and dedication? An often overlooked and difficult gift is one for your employees. The rule to follow here is simplicity + equality = good morale.

Rather than stress out trying to personalize gifts, consider an online website such as Branders.com. Here you can purchase a variety of inexpensive gift items with your company logo printed on them. You can purchase a travel mug and fill it with some pens, pencils, a key chain, and add a Christmas card to complete the set. You'll find everything from pencils to day planners to USB flashcards. Most items come in bulk groups of ten, but you save money buying in bulk and left over goods can be distributed to customers a few months later.

If you have an office environment, consider a Chia Herb Garden at available at Target. It's less than $20.00 and will give a nice touch to the office. Almost any small plant will also make a nice addition to the office. Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and other large home centers all have a gardening department. You can find grow kits for herbs, flowers, bonsai trees, or all the components to assemble your own.

Pre-assembled gift bags, such as a gourmet food basket, or hot chocolate making kits are readily available at home shopping centers. Gift baskets are great inexpensive gifts- not too personal, yet greatly appreciated by the recipient. Look for a multi-functional one that can be used year round, such as a cheese and sausage tray with a cutting board and knife or a coffee assortment with a pair of mugs.

Want a cheap gift that doesn't look cheap? Go with cash. Not in the traditional sense, though. A gift certificate to Starbuck's for morning coffee or a local restaurant for lunch is inexpensive and practical. You can also purchase a Visa or American Express gift card that can spend anywhere. A few assorted gift cards show a little more appreciation than one big one.

Why not buy Christmas dinner? The online site PFRcorporategifts.com has gift certificates for turkeys and hams. The certificate will only cost you face value plus one dollar and they spend at most grocery stores.

Gift certificates and gift cards are best given attached to something, like an inexpensive box of holiday candy or Christmas cookies. If there's a bonus check to give out, now's the time. Just incorporate it into whatever gift you choose.

Remember, these inexpensive gifts are to show appreciation. Keep them equal for all of your employees so no feelings get bruised unintentionally. You want your employees to come back after Christmas with a smile on their face, ready to turn out another great year of production. Happy Holidays!