Planning Employee Holiday Gifts? Start Earlier Than You Think
The holidays may seem far away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about employee gifts.
Custom-branded apparel and gifts require more coordination than clicking “add to cart.” Choosing the right items, finalizing artwork, confirming quantities and allowing time for customization and delivery all add to the timeline. Starting early gives you more options and a better chance of creating something your team will genuinely appreciate.
More Time Means Better Choices
Waiting until the holiday rush can limit your options. Popular apparel styles, colors and gift items may become harder to source as the season gets busier, especially when you need larger quantities or specific sizes.
Planning ahead gives you more flexibility to find items that fit your team, your brand and your budget rather than simply choosing from what’s left in stock.
Customization Takes Time
Embroidery, screen printing and other custom branding can turn a simple gift into something that feels intentional and connected to your company.
But customization also adds production time. Starting early gives you room to consider details like logo placement and colors to packaging and presentation without rushing decisions just to meet a deadline.
The Best Gifts Feel Thoughtful
A great employee gift doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to feel useful, appropriate and worth keeping.
Think beyond the standard giveaway. A quality jacket, comfortable quarter-zip, branded bag or thoughtfully selected gift set can become something employees use long after the holidays are over. The extra planning time helps you choose pieces that feel like a genuine thank-you, not a last-minute obligation.
Don’t Forget the Logistics
Choosing the gift is only part of the process. Before you place an order, think through these practical details:
- Employee counts and sizes: Make sure your list is current and you have the sizing information you need.
- Multiple locations: Consider where gifts need to go and whether they’ll be shipped individually or delivered to each location.
- Customization: Allow time to finalize artwork, branding details and any personalization.
- Distribution: Decide when and how employees will receive their gifts, whether that’s at a holiday event, in the workplace or shipped directly to them.
These details can take longer than expected, particularly for growing teams or organizations with employees in different locations. Building them into your timeline early can make the entire process smoother.
Make Holiday Gifting Easier This Year
Employee holiday gifts are an opportunity to recognize the people who helped move your organization forward throughout the year. A little extra planning makes that recognition feel more personal and simplifies the process for your team.
If custom apparel or branded gifts are part of your holiday plans, it’s time to get started. Threads can help you find the right pieces, coordinate customization and keep the process moving so your gifts are ready when you need them.
Ready to start planning? Let’s create something your team will be excited to receive.