Great Gifts for Your Employees that Won't Break the Bank

There is no better time to show your employees how much you appreciate the hard work they do than around the holidays. However, the costs can add up quickly if you aren't careful. Use one or more of these suggestions to find an inexpensive gift for each of your employees.

• Give your employees a gift card to a restaurant close by that is frequented for lunch. A $10 gift card will be plenty for most places.

• For your female employees, purchase a selection of soaps or lotions. At Bath & Body Works, you can usually purchase three of the smaller travel-sized items for around $10.

• Most men love tools, so head over to Sears and purchase the Weather Handlers Glove Box Tool Set for around $15. This will come in very handy if your employee runs into trouble on the road.

• Movie tickets make great gifts. Consolidated Theatres offers gift cards in $5 increments. A $10 gift card for the movies is enough for one person to enjoy a matinee, as well as grab a drink and a snack.

• Food is never a bad way to go. Buy your employees a box of Lindor Truffles for an inexpensive, yet special treat.

• Purchase something practical, such as shirts, key chains, and ink pens. If your company offers these items with the logo or name on it, then go that route. Depending on the quantity you need, you may be able to get a bulk discount.

• Pull out a recipe book and bake a variety of treats to put in goodie bags for your employees. Chocolate dipped Oreos and pretzels, praline square bars, and sugar cookies are excellent treats for goodie bags.

• Buy your employees a subscription to a magazine. Many magazines run great deals around the holidays and you can find a subscription for between $10 and $15. You'll have to do a little research on your employees to find out what their interests are, but it will be worth it to give a gift that lasts for an entire year.

• Buy a desktop calendar for each of your employees. There are a variety of such calendars available, so you can make a seemingly impersonal gift personal by purchasing one to suit each of your employee's personalities. The best part is that most desktop calendars are under $10 and can be purchased from a local mall or discount store.