Christmas gifts for businesses – An easy way to delight employees and customers

Choosing the right Christmas gift for employees or business partners can be surprisingly challenging. It's tempting to rely on familiar and safe options like chocolate boxes or mulled wine. However, with a little extra effort, you can give a gift that stands out and is truly memorable.

In this article, we’ll explore straightforward and practical Christmas gift ideas that are particularly suited to workplace communities and business culture. 🎄🎁 Let’s make this holiday season special!

Why are Christmas gifts important in business relationships?

In Finland, giving Christmas gifts has become an established part of workplace and business culture. When a company remembers its employees, customers, or partners with a gift, it communicates appreciation and strengthens the relationships at the heart of its business.

A gift can build trust and a sense of being seen and valued. A well-thought-out Christmas present can boost job satisfaction, support a positive atmosphere, and strengthen bonds both within and outside the organization.

Well-planned gifts can:

  • Increase employee engagement and improve retention
  • Show customers and partners that their collaboration is valued
  • Keep the company in mind when future decisions are made
  • Support employer branding and the company’s cultural profile

Even a small gift can have a significant impact. Especially in B2B relationships, a personal and well-timed gesture can reinforce long-term partnerships and shared values.

Mastering Corporate Christmas Gifts: Goals, Tax Rules, and a Smooth Process

Clear Goals for Employee and Client Christmas Gifts

Before Selecting Christmas Gifts for Employees or Clients, Define the Purpose

Before choosing holiday gifts, it's essential to consider why you're giving them. A clear goal simplifies selection, ensures a meaningful message, and supports your company’s values and brand. Start by defining the primary purpose of gifting. You can do this by answering questions like:

  • Do you want to thank employees and enhance workplace satisfaction?
  • Do you aim to strengthen client or partner relationships?
  • Do you want to reinforce your brand image and visibility among key stakeholders?

Each objective guides the gift selection in a different direction. If showing appreciation to employees is the priority, personal and uplifting gifts work best. If brand reinforcement is the goal, practical items with company branding may be the right choice.

Gift choices should reflect your company’s culture and values. If sustainability plays a major role, eco-friendly or locally made products are a natural fit. For organizations that value tradition, classic and timeless gifts may be more suitable. When a gift feels authentic, it resonates better with the recipient.

Also, keep in mind that employees and clients may have different expectations. Employees often appreciate tangible expressions of gratitude and good workplace energy, while clients see gifts as part of long-term partnerships or professional relationships. Tailoring gifts to the recipient ensures that the message is received in the right way.

A well-defined gifting goal helps in selecting presents that align with your company’s culture and strengthen relationships.

Tax-free limits and regulations in Finland

t’s important to consider tax regulations when giving Christmas gifts to employees or clients to avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Tax-Free Limits for Employee Gifts:

You can give employees a customary gift once per year that is not considered taxable income, provided that:

  • The value is reasonable, typically no more than 100 euros.
  • The gift is not cash or cash-equivalent, such as a general-purpose gift card (e.g., S-Group or an unrestricted online store voucher).
  • It is related to a general occasion, such as Christmas.
  • It is given equally to all employees and not tied to individual work performance.

If a gift exceeds 100 euros, the full amount becomes taxable income. Additionally, if the gift is cash or an unrestricted gift card, it is always taxable regardless of value.

Tax Deductibility for Business Gifts:

The rules for corporate gifts to clients and business partners are different. Business gifts can be tax-deductible if:

  • The gift is modestly priced and directly related to maintaining or developing business relationships.
  • The value does not exceed 35 euros per recipient (as commonly accepted by the Finnish Tax Administration).
  • Expensive gifts or alcoholic beverages typically do not qualify as deductible business expenses.

Christmas gifts for employees can remain tax-free as long as they are not cash, are valued under 100 euros, and are distributed fairly. Proper planning ensures compliance and makes holiday gifting more seamless.

Smart Budgeting and Early Planning

Allocating time for budgeting and planning Christmas gifts early in the fall helps avoid last-minute stress and unnecessary extra costs. It also ensures consistent quality and appreciation across all recipient groups, whether employees or clients. Start by defining a realistic overall budget for holiday gifts and consider the amount per recipient—this simplifies comparison and decision-making.

Scheduling is important. It's best to finalize gift selections by early November. Delays can lead to higher prices or product availability issues. Early planning also allows you to:

  • Take advantage of bulk discounts
  • Personalize gifts with company branding or messaging
  • Ensure timely deliveries before the holiday season

When setting a budget, remember to account for:

  • Packaging and wrapping materials
  • Shipping fees or courier costs
  • Value-added tax (VAT), typically 25.5% in Finland

These additional costs can easily add up if not factored in from the start.

Simplify gift selection by exploring Delicard gift cards. Our collection offers a variety of price ranges and visual styles, including Delicard Custom, where you can tailor the selection, design, and value yourself.