Affordable Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees (plus last-minute ideas!)

Thanksgiving gifts for employees are one of the simplest ways to show real appreciation before the holiday season kicks off. A thoughtful gesture at the right moment can go a long way toward building connection, boosting morale, and reminding your team that their work matters.

Of course, employee recognition isn’t just about sending a gift, saying thanks, and calling it a say. The right Thanksgiving gift shows you notice the effort behind the results and value the people who make success possible.

In this article, we’ll explore Thanksgiving gifts for employees and share ideas, strategies, and examples to help you choose options that feel meaningful, practical, and aligned with your company culture.

TL;DR Looking for last minute Thanksgiving employee gifts? You’ve still got time to send something thoughtful, fast, and on budget. ⏱️🦃 

Digital gift cards are the easiest way to say thanks without stressing about shipping, stock, or inflated holiday prices. They’re instant, affordable, and delightful. 💳

From coffee gift cards to to grocery, travel, luxury cards and more, you only need a few minutes to start sending when you use a gift card platform. Add a short message to make it personal. 💝

Thoughtful Thanksgiving gift ideas for employees

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to show your team how much you appreciate them, and the right gift can make that message feel genuine. The best gratitude gifts for employees are simple, thoughtful, and easy to share before the long weekend.

Food gifts are always a classic choice. A small basket of local treats or a batch of freshly made cookies will certainly feel festive and warm. Of course, costs can rise quickly here when you factor in packaging, shipping, and accommodating diverse dietary needs.

Branded swag is another common go-to, even though it often costs more than it’s worth. Things like tumblers or hoodies typically require bulk orders and long lead times (not to mention outsized markups). 

Plus, your employees likely already have enough company gear (and who really wants another cheap mug, anyway?🤔) .

Experience gifts such as online classes or team activities can be memorable (not to mention great for team-building), though they’re harder to organize for remote or global teams.

And rounding out the list, digital gift cards are almost always the easiest and most appreciated option for employee appreciation gifts. That’s because:

• They’re affordable (work with the right gift card platform and you’ll never pay more than face value of the cards you’re sending). No shipping costs, either. 
• They’re easy to send and can be delivered instantly (so even if it’s the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving when you’re reading this, you’ve still got time to send some great employee gifts). 
• Choose a gift card platform with a global gift card catalog, and your gifts will work for teams virtually anywhere, making them a great choice for hybrid and/or remote and/or international teams.

And if you’re worried that a gift card might be too impersonal, don’t be. 

Gift cards have been the most requested holiday gift for nearly two decades. 

Plus, streams of academic research have made it crystal clear that there’s inherent value in being able to pick your own gift for yourself. And when you give someone a gift card, you’re doing just that: giving them the freedom to buy exactly what they want with it. 

Indeed, employees consistently rank digital gift cards as their favorite reward because they get to choose what they actually want. It’s a simple, flexible way to say thanks before the holiday break.

Despite all the benefits of digital gift cards, some people still want to give something you can hold in your hands. If that sounds like you, consider pairing your gift card with something tangible.

Print a QR code with a link to a gift card, or print a physical gift card and slip it into a small treat bag, attach it to a handwritten note, or include it in that gift basket. Make it part of a bigger gift they unwrap, or send it with a thoughtful message on Slack or via email to make it more personal. 

Clearly, you’ve got options. 

💬 Like Giftbit CCO Nat Salvione says, “digital gift cards are flexible enough that you can always create the right moment for the person you’re giving it to.”

You can also personalize the digital gift itself. Many digital gift card distributors let you include a custom message or curate a list of brands that fit your team’s interests, so the experience still feels intentional and human.

Small Thanksgiving gifts for employees

☕ Bulk digital coffee gift cards offer a simple, affordable way to show employee appreciation, and they don’t have to be big. 

💬 Like Giftbit Director of Business Development Matt Brossard says, “even with the way prices have gone up, a $5 Starbucks card feels like, ‘coffee’s on me, a treat’s on me.’” 

Indeed, a $5–$10 coffee card hits the sweet spot. It’s inexpensive for the sender but still feels like a genuine treat for the recipient.

Coffee gift cards are practical and and pretty universally beloved, making them an easy win for any team. They’re easy to send, easy to redeem, and easy to love. 

Whether your employees are remote, hybrid, or in-office, a quick caffeine boost is something nearly everyone enjoys (and even if they don’t, most coffee shops are going to offer treats and other types of drinks too 🍩). 

Try curating a short list of popular coffee brands within your rewards catalog so employees can choose their favorite. For example, Starbucks gift cards, Dunkin’ gift cards, and Tim Hortons gift cards are all in the Giftbit catalog, along with other popular chains from around the world.  

Small business Thanksgiving gifts for employees

When you’re running a small business, you want thoughtful employee rewards and gifts that won’t strain your budget or your time. 

Here too, gift cards are almost always the best bet for most small orgs. 

Like we’ve covered, digital gift cards work great because they’re instant, affordable, and scale easily (meaning they work great whether you have five employees, fifty, or five thousand). 

Specifically, you might consider a curated gift set of cards from well-known retailers or food delivery services to give your team something they’ll actually use. 

And feel free to choose smaller denominations of gift cards. Even just $10 or $15 works when it’s personalized and arrives with a note of appreciation.

And like we’ve already suggested, including a short Thanksgiving message will make the gesture feel even warmer.  A few genuine words from you or your leadership team always go a long way. 

Cheap Thanksgiving gifts for employees

When it comes to employee gifts, affordable doesn’t have to mean impersonal. 

The best inexpensive gifts are ones that feel like a small, thoughtful gesture rather than a budget compromise.

And digital gift cards are perfect for this. Even a $5 or $10 reward can make someone’s day (especially when it’s for something they’d naturally enjoy). 

When you’re looking for affordable Thanksgiving gift cards, think about where your recipients will get the most bang for your buck. Like we covered, even a small coffee shop gift card can let your recipient treat themselves.

And there are other types of gift cards where $10 goes a long way, like smoothie shops, ice cream parlors, and fast-casual restaurant gift cards.🍦

Cute Thanksgiving gifts for employees

As you’ve definitely figured out by now, we’re big proponents of making your gifts feel personalized for the recipients getting them. 

So if you think your team likes “cute,” here’s how you can still make your gifts thoughtful and affordable without going overboard into cuteness overload. 

• Offer a digital card to a popular café (think weekend-coffee run) plus a branded pastry tote or thank-you token.
  
  
• Send a gourmet popcorn or artisanal cookie box paired with a digital reward card so they choose something extra they love.
  
  
• Give a “mini plant” desk kit together with a gift card to a home décor retailer (adorable and practical!🪴).
  
  
• A curated digital gift card list (for example, favourite cafés or bakeries) lets your team pick what delights them most.
  
  
• Focus less on flashy branding and more on the vibe: pastels, handwritten names, a short note, and the like.
  
  

Thanksgiving gifts for remote employees 💻

Physical gifts (even ones you order from those fancy online catalogs) can quickly become a logistical headache when your team is spread across zones, countries, and cultures (not to mention the added costs 😬). 

Here, too, digital gift cards are often the smartest choice for remote teams. This is especially true when you’ve got teammates in multiple countries. 

Choose a reliable and global gift card provider, and you won’t have to worry about shipping costs, currency conversions, managing multiple bank accounts, or shipping constraints. 

For example, Giftbit simplifies the whole process for you, down to the currency conversion. 

And our catalog has local currency rewards in 41 markets, plus global sending options that work in nearly 200 markets (translation: if they work for you, you should be able to find a great option!). 🌏

💡 Remember: look for a provider that offers a global catalog and supports multiple currencies and brands so every employee gets a reward they can redeem where they live. 

Useful gifts for employees

Finally, perhaps you’re looking for corporate gift ideas that are actually going to make your employees’ lives a little easier. 

In this case, you’ll want to consider digital gift cards to broad retailers or everyday expense categories. 

A catch-all card (for example one redeemable at retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, or Target) will let your employees get something they really need, whether that’s pantry supplies, a new pair of headphones, or the week’s grocery top-up.

Grocery and gas gift cards work the same way. These types of practical gifts help with everyday costs like fuel or food and make it easy for your team to pick up real essentials. 

In this way, your small gesture becomes meaningful support. 

And these more ‘useful’ gifts also feel more personal because everyone can use them in their own way.

💡Protip: just make sure the amount fits the purpose. 

$5 isn’t going to go very far if you’re filling up your tank. So $25-50+ cards tend to work better in this category. 

“Everyone knows the pain of filling up your tank or being at the grocery store cash register and seeing that number grow and grow and grow,” says Nat. "Knowing that you have a gift card to alleviate that is a great 'feel good' moment. 

Meaningful vs. generic employee appreciation gifts

Generic gifts check a box.🎁  Meaningful gifts show you actually paid attention.❤️ 

The difference between a forgettable gift and a meaningful one usually comes down to relevance. A gift feels meaningful when it fits the person, not just the occasion.

Maybe that’s sending a foodie a restaurant card, or giving your remote team a food delivery card so everyone can enjoy a virtual lunch together. Fitness buffs are going to want workout gear, while new partners might prefer a meal delivery kit or grocery card. 

You get the idea. It’s not about spending. It’s about matching the reward to real interests.

Think of it this way: a good employee gift says, we see you. A great one says, we get you.

How to say 'thank you' to employees at Thanksgiving

Stuck for inspiration? Don’t worry: your Thanksgiving message to staff doesn’t need to be long or poetic. What matters is that it feels authentic and real and specific to your team. 

And we’ll keep beating this drum: a few heartfelt words can turn a simple gift or small gift card into something memorable.

So what’s a short and sweet Thanksgiving message? Try one of these:

• “Thanks for everything you’ve done this year. Enjoy a well-deserved break and something special on us.”
  
  
• “We’re grateful for your hard work and all you do to make this team stronger. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving.”
  
  
• “Your effort and energy make all the difference. Hope you treat yourself to something you’ll really enjoy.”
  
  
• “We appreciate you, today and every day. Have a great holiday and take some time to relax.”

But ultimately, the best messages sound like you. Keep it conversational, skip the corporate filler, and focus on simple gratitude.

How to budget for employee Thanksgiving gifts 

🧾 Quick Budget Planning Tips

• Use your engagement budget as a guide: Many companies allocate 1–2% of payroll annually for recognition, so carve out a small portion for holiday gifting.
• Keep it consistent: Similar roles should receive similar-value gifts to avoid any perception of favoritism.
• Plan for fees and taxes: Digital gift card platforms often eliminate mailing costs, which helps stretch your budget further.
• Measure the outcome: Track participation or thank-you responses to see how employees engage with the program.

When planning your Thanksgiving gifts, it’s a good idea to start with a simple framework. Most companies budget for employee engagement with either a small percentage of payroll (often 1–2% for the year) or a set amount per employee. 

Of course, depending on company size and goals, yearly engagement budgets can vary widely. They often land between $100 (or less) and $1,000 (or more). 

Similarly, there’s no magic number for Thanksgiving gifts, but most fall between $5 and $150 per person. The trick is to stay consistent so everyone feels equally appreciated.

• Smaller budgets ($5–$25): Gift quick, thoughtful rewards like coffee or restaurant gift cards. Your gift will be enough for a few treats without feeling like a token.
  
  
• Mid-range budgets ($25–$50): Consider broader options like gift cards for subscription streaming services or popular retailers that let employees treat themselves to something they’ll actually use.
  
  
• Higher budgets ($50+): Look for premium brands, Visa incentive cards, travel cards, or a bundled gift.

The real question isn’t how much you spend, but how your holiday gifting fits in with your broader recognition plan. 

» If Thanksgiving is your big appreciation moment for the year, be a little more generous. 

» If you’re already recognizing people throughout the year (maybe with employee gifts throughout National Gratitude Month and on other unique HR holidays), a smaller gift with a personal note will still be lovely. 

One easy approach: set your total budget first, then divide it by headcount. If the number feels tight, see if you can shift funds from other end-of-year costs or roll it out in stages. A $10 gift you can give every year beats a $50 one you can’t repeat.

And remember, your budget covers more than just the gift. Think about delivery, platform fees, or currency conversions for global teams. 

Ultimately, digital gift cards help you skip most of those extras, so more of your budget goes straight to your people.

And finally, it’s always a good idea to track what you spend, what you send, and what’s redeemed. Recognition is an investment. Good gift card tracking via the right platform can give you data you can then use to create a better picture of true ROI. 

Thanksgiving Gift Budget Planning Chart

How to align corporate Thanksgiving gifts with your corporate culture

Finally, you’ll want to pick employee Thanksgiving gifts that align with what your company values and principles. 

Yes, we’ve been talking about how and why you want to choose gifting options that are easy to send, and that’s certainly the case. 

But you’ll also want to pick gifts that genuinely reflect what your company stands for. Gifts that echo your mission and values are inherently going to feel more authentic and heartfelt for your team. 

So, if the environment is a high priority, choose sustainable corporate gifts that minimize waste and environmental impact. Again, digital gift cards are a strong fit here since they eliminate packaging, shipping, and plastic waste. You can also choose to only send gift cards to eco-conscious brands or retailers with strong sustainability credentials.

For teams that value inclusivity, make sure your gifts work for everyone. That might mean choosing a rewards catalog with international availability, diverse brands, or charity options. The goal is to ensure every employee feels seen and included, no matter their location or lifestyle.

More unique corporate gift options for Thanksgiving (and beyond 🚀) 

Once you’ve set up a digital gifting platform, you (and anyone else in your company) can manage every part of your holiday gifting from a single account. That includes thoughtful Thanksgiving rewards, bulk Christmas gifts, year-end appreciation, and even corporate gifts for clients, customers, prospects, and contractors. 

In other words, Thanksgiving will be just one of many opportunities you have to celebrate your people—and maybe even boost some sales and marketing efforts, too 🙌. For example, Marketing teams might use the same system to send thank-you gifts for campaign engagement or year-end pushes, while customer experience teams might use them as survey incentives or in their retention programs.

Thanksgiving gift cards for employees: an easy choice 

A good Thanksgiving gift isn’t just about gratitude. It’s about momentum, too. When you take a moment to thank your team before the holidays, you'll set the tone for a positive finish to the year and a stronger start to the next one.

Gift cards make that moment simple. They’re flexible enough to fit every team, yet personal enough to feel sincere. Most of all, they remind people that the effort they put in all year doesn’t go unnoticed—and that’s something worth celebrating.