2024 Holiday Staff Gift Guide: What to Give Employees of Your Firm, Gallery, or Studio

Though your intentions may be good, we promise that your creative employees are tired of receiving the same wireless charger or stationery every year at Christmas. Instead of wrapping something generic this holiday season, pour a little extra thought and effort into your employee gift giving. Whether you’re seeking gifts for your procurement team, junior designers, exhibition preparators, studio managers, or drafters, we promise that every present on this list will leave a lasting impression. Read on for twelve of the best gifts to give your team this Christmas or Hannukah.

12 Staff Appreciation Gifts for Your Incredible Design Team

#1 Custom Sketchbooks with Their Names Embossed on the Cover

Nothing says “I value your creativity and individual contributions” like a custom sketchbook made just for your team. With their names embossed on the cover, these sketchbooks are both practical and personal—perfect for jotting down ideas, sketching on the go, or even making quick client notes.

This gift combines thoughtfulness with utility, making it a hit for creatives who appreciate high-quality tools that inspire them to keep creating. Bonus: every time they pick it up, they’ll think of you and your appreciation of their talent. We love this sketchbook from Smythson.

#2 Fractional Art Investments

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Gifting fractional art investment is a thoughtful and innovative way to celebrate your creative employees and their hard work this Christmas. Fractional art investments allow each staff member to engage with the art world in a meaningful (and lucrative) way. Fractional ownership empowers recipients to become part of the legacy of iconic artworks—connecting them to incredible artists and valuable cultural heritage.

This gift also introduces them to a unique form of investment that aligns with their creative mindset—potentially inspiring new ideas for their work. By offering a stake in something timeless and beautiful, you’re showing your team that you value their creativity and individuality while providing an experience they’ll cherish and remember.

How to Give Fractional Art Without Tax Issues

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To gift fractional art as Christmas gifts this holiday season, start by selecting a reputable platform like Masterworks, Otis, or Rally, which specialize in making high-value artworks accessible through fractional ownership. Sign up, choose an artwork that resonates with your team, and purchase fractional shares that fit your budget.

If direct ownership isn’t feasible, look for gift cards or transferable investment options on these platforms, allowing employees to select pieces that speak to them. When presenting the gift, include a beautifully designed certificate explaining the artwork, the artist, and the value of fractional ownership. Don’t forget to consider the legalities of transferring ownership, accessibility of the platform for your recipients, and any potential tax implications.

#3 A Masterclass Subscription

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Give the gift of inspiration with a MasterClass subscription! Whether your team wants to learn photography from Annie Leibovitz, design from Kelly Wearstler, or even leadership skills from experts, this subscription opens up a world of knowledge from industry legends.

MasterClass’s Holiday Headstart Sale: 40% Off Subscriptions!

This is a thoughtful way to encourage personal and professional growth while also giving them a chance to explore their passions or discover new hobbies. With so many options to choose from, everyone on your team will find something that resonates with them. Discover new hobbies

#4 Local Museum Memberships

Of all the Christmas gifts on this list, museum memberships might be our favorite. A museum membership is an experiential gift that just keeps on giving all year long. Supporting your local art or design museums gives your team the chance to explore exhibitions with their friends, find inspiration on their own, and connect with the larger creative community.

For remote teams, you can gift memberships to museums near them or even virtual memberships to global institutions. We recommend researching international museums that offer incredible virtual tours through their websites. This thoughtful gesture not only aligns with their artistic passions but also encourages them to take a break and immerse themselves in culture.

#5 Luxury Candles from Design-Forward Companies

High-end candles are the perfect blend of practicality and indulgence, which makes them an ideal gift for creative professionals. Brands like Diptyque or Jo Malone offer candles with design-forward packaging and sophisticated scents that can instantly elevate any workspace or home.

A luxury candle feels like a small piece of art in itself! Plus, it offers a moment of calm and inspiration during the busiest times of the year for your business. Explore a few of our favorites in this article.

#6 Leather Portfolio Cases

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Help your team present their work in style with a sleek leather portfolio case. Whether they’re carrying sketches to a client meeting or storing important documents, these cases are both functional and elegant. A high-quality portfolio case shows you’re invested in their professional success while giving them something practical they’ll use for years. This gift is the perfect blend of utility and style for anyone in a creative field.

#7 Shared Art Supplies for the Office or Studio

Shared art supplies are a great way to spark collaboration and creativity among your team. Think high-quality markers, paints, or even a custom-curated art supply kit. Not only does this gift provide tools to fuel their work, but it also fosters a sense of community in your workspace. It’s a fun and functional way to support their creativity while encouraging teamwork and innovation.

#8 A Donation in Their Name

For a gift with purpose, consider making a donation to a creative nonprofit or art foundation in your team’s name. Choose an organization that aligns with your team’s values, such as supporting emerging artists, preserving cultural heritage, funding arts education, or donating to a women’s organization. This meaningful gesture shows that you care about giving back to the creative community and can leave a lasting impact—both for your team and the cause you support.

#9 A Criterion Subscription

For the film buffs and design aficionados on your team, a Criterion Channel subscription is a thoughtful and unexpected gift. This streaming service offers access to an incredible collection of classic and contemporary films, beautifully curated for cinephiles. It’s also a great way to inspire your team with visually stunning works and stories that fuel creativity and fresh ideas. Plus, it’s perfect for cozy nights during the holiday season!

#10 Monthly Art Box Subscriptions

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Another gift that keeps on giving, art subscription boxes like ArtSnacks or Paletteful Packs are ideal holiday presents for the creative employee! Each month, your team will receive a curated selection of art supplies to experiment with and enjoy. This is an especially fun option for creatives who love to explore new tools and techniques. They’ll look forward to each box long after the holidays are over.

#11 Miniature Artworks by Local or Rising Artists

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Celebrate creativity and support your community by gifting small, original artworks or prints from local or up-and-coming artists. These pieces are unique and personal, which makes them the perfect addition to your team’s workspace or home.

Supporting artists aligns beautifully with your company’s creative values, and your team will love owning something truly special. This is a lovely, heartfelt way to combine art, community, and individuality in one memorable gift.

#12 Custom-Embroidered Aprons for Studio or DIY Work

For team members who love to get hands-on with their projects, a custom-embroidered apron is both thoughtful and practical. Personalize it with their name or an inside joke from the studio to make it feel extra special.

Whether they’re painting, building, or crafting, this gift ensures they’ll be stylish while keeping their workspace mess-free. These Rifle Paper Co. Meadow Blue aprons and smocks from Hedley & Bennett are our favorites!

Answering the FAQs About Employee Gifting You Might Feel Too Awkward to Ask

Should I buy every employee the same gift this Christmas?

When deciding whether to buy each employee an individual gift or give everyone the same one, it really depends on your team and the vibe you want to create. Individual gifts can feel more personal and show that you’ve put thought into what each person might like, which is great for small teams where you know everyone well.

On the other hand, giving everyone the same gift is simpler and can help create a sense of unity—plus, it avoids any awkwardness if someone feels their gift isn’t as good as someone else’s. A good middle ground?

Choose a thoughtful, high-quality gift that resonates with your team’s shared interests, like museum memberships or art subscriptions, but offer a small personalized touch, like a handwritten note or custom engraving. This way, everyone feels special without overcomplicating things.

How much money should I spend on staff Christmas gifts?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what a good gift budget should be—it depends on your company size, budget, and culture. A general guideline is to aim for $25 to $75 per person if you have many employees and a bit higher if you have a small team.

For creative firms or high-end industries, going up to $100 to $200 per person might feel more on-brand. If you’re on a tighter budget, focus on meaningful and thoughtful gifts rather than splurging. A beautifully curated item, like a custom sketchbook or a shared art subscription, can feel more valuable than its price tag if it resonates with your team.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between showing appreciation and staying within your financial means—generosity and thoughtfulness matter more than the number on the receipt.

Do I need to give gifts to every employee or just the core team?

Yes, it’s best to include everyone. Skipping certain team members, even if they’re part-time or remote, can unintentionally make them feel excluded. If you’re on a budget, consider a thoughtful group gift or a heartfelt note to acknowledge everyone equally.

What if some employees don’t celebrate holidays?

If you know that some team members don’t celebrate certain holidays, frame your gift as a gesture of appreciation rather than tying it to a specific celebration. Using terms like “end-of-year gift” or “thank-you gift” makes it inclusive for everyone.

Should I include managers or higher-level employees?

While managers often receive gifts from their direct reports, it’s a good idea to include them in the company-wide gesture, especially if the gift is something everyone is receiving. Just make sure it’s consistent across all levels of staff to avoid awkwardness.

Is it okay to give cash or gift cards?

Yes, but it depends on your team and company culture. Cash or gift cards can feel impersonal if given alone, but they’re universally appreciated. Pairing them with a thoughtful note or small token gift can make them more meaningful.

What if an employee doesn’t seem happy with their gift?

It’s hard to please everyone, and that’s okay! Focus on the intent behind the gesture. If it’s a recurring issue with a specific employee, consider asking for input from your team next year or offering flexible options like gift cards or a small selection to choose from.

Is it okay to skip gifts and just throw a party on site?

It depends on your team. For smaller teams or those with a close-knit culture, a party might be a hit, but for larger or more formal environments, employees may still expect a tangible token of appreciation. If budget allows, consider doing both—maybe a modest gift alongside a celebration. If you do host a holiday party, be sure to make it fun (no work!) and include a variety of snacks or drinks (not just wine).

How do I handle gifting in a remote team?

For remote teams, choose gifts that are easy to ship, like digital gift cards, subscriptions, or small, lightweight items. Personalization—like including a thoughtful message or acknowledging their contributions—can go a long way in making remote employees feel valued.

Is it weird to give employees a gift that promotes company branding?

It’s okay as long as the item is genuinely high-quality and useful, like a sleek tote bag, water bottle, or notebook. Avoid items that feel overly promotional or cheap; the focus should be on the employee, not marketing.

What if I gave the same gift last year?

Repetition isn’t necessarily bad if the gift was well-received, but it’s a good idea to switch it up to keep things fresh. If you loved last year’s idea, consider a different variation (e.g., upgrading the type of subscription or offering a new design).

Should I involve employees in choosing the gift?

If you’re unsure what your team would appreciate, a quick, anonymous survey with a few options can help. This shows you value their input while keeping the final decision in your hands.

Final Thoughts: We Hope You Enjoyed Our 2024 Staff Holiday Gift Guide!

We hope this guide sparked some inspiration for your holiday gifting this year! Whether you’re choosing personalized sketchbooks, museum memberships, or something as innovative as fractional art investments, these thoughtful ideas are sure to make your team feel appreciated.

Now we’d love to hear from you! What gifts are you planning to give your employees this holiday season? Did we miss any creative ideas that your team has loved in the past? Drop your recommendations in the comments below—we’re always looking to share and discover more ways to celebrate the incredible work of creative professionals (not just on special occasions).