Christmas 2026: How Companies Are Preparing Their Year-End Gifts

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Thanking the teams, celebrating their accomplishments, and ending the year on a positive note: That’s what end-of-year gifts are all about.

But you still have to balance the budget, logistics, and everyone’s preferences. Here are 5 tips for preparing Christmas gifts for your employees in 2026.

1. Start planning as early as October

In December, schedules are packed. Start the project 6 to 8 weeks before the deadline: define the scope in mid-October (recipients, budget, format, date), get quotes by the end of October, and place the order in early November. Set aside November to verify your recipient list: email addresses, mailing addresses, new hires, departures, and employees on leave.

2. Set a budget within the URSSAF framework

In 2026, a Christmas gift card may be exempt from social security contributionsup to €200 per event and per employee (5% of the monthly Social Security ceiling). Christmas for children up to age 16 counts as a separate event. The eligibility criteria must be objective and the same for everyone. Check these rules on the URSAFF website or with your accountant before finalizing the process.

3. Offer the freedom to choose

Some people love going out, others enjoy home decor, sports, or travel. The multi-retailer gift card is a win-win for everyone: you set the amount, and each person chooses where to spend it. For a more personal touch, Gift.cool’s “passions” gift cards point recipients toward a specific theme, while still letting them have the final say. A gift card—that’s cool!

4. Choose a simple format and clear terms

Are your teams all at the same location? Handing out the gift in person during an end-of-year party creates a special moment. Do you have remote or multi-site employees? The digital gift card arrives in just a few clicks. Before signing, check four key points with the service provider: fees, validity period, partner network, and whether the card can be used online or in-store. Then provide employees with a brief user guide and a contact person in case they have questions.

5. Accompany the gift with a sincere thank you

It’s not just about the amount. A few sincere words give meaning to the gesture: mention a successful project or a challenge you overcame together, then look ahead to the coming year. Announce the gift during a friendly gathering, whether in person or via video call.

Get Ready for forChristmaswith Uggy

A leader in the gift card industry since 2010, Uggy helps companies and employee representative bodies offer a gift that’s easy to organize and truly appreciated.

Are you getting your holiday gifts ready?Talkto our team to find the solution that best fits your organization and your budget.

https://uggy.io/#contact

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