Jaye’s startup gift guide for the holidays
So many clients have asked me over the last week or so: “What should I get my team for the holidays?” I figured it would probably help you all to have me write a blog post about it. So here you go…
I think that as a leader - especially of an early stage tough tech startup - that it’s really important to do something special for your team around the holidays. It’s a cultural expectation, for sure. It’s also really nice to show your appreciation and what better excuse than the winter holidays and new year.
Here are some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for your team:
Write a thoughtful hand-written note: I feel that a hand-written note with nicely branded stationery is a must for all presents. I love using MOO for branded paper goods, they are top quality.
Branded stickers: Who doesn’t love stickers? Sticker Mule is my go-to for stickers.
SWAG: Custom Ink is fast and you can also select showing items that have no minimum for small teams.
Winter theme gifts: Put a Yeti’s custom drinkware, some deluxe hot cocoa, and a plush blanket in a box and you have a winner present for everyone.
Cash or gift card: It’s certainly not super fun but it is very helpful to have some extra funds during the holidays or a gift card to somewhere practical like Target to get some essentials.
Personalized books: spend about the same amount of money on each person and pick out a book that you think they’d like like this one for adventurous women, or this one for fahionistas.
Personalized cook book + kitchen gadget: William Sonoma has great cookbooks and festive kitchen accessories.
Inspirational bracelets: These bracelets are super trendy and all genders are into them right now. I love supporting this women-owned business. You can make custom messages for your team, too, which I love.
Get nerdy: One of my clients makes super nerdy cool science socks; ask her to make some that relates to your research.
Host a high-end yankee swap: Give everyone $100 and tell them to buy something super nice that they’d want for themselves. Have folks wrap their presents and then do a yankee swap. This is how I ended up with my air fryer which I love and use every single day.
Slippers: Get everyone’s shoe size and buy them super cool slippers like these ones (yes, my son has them) or just really warm ones like these (my personal favorites).
Hydroponic gardens: I bought these gardens for VIP guests at Founder Led Biotech Week and it was a huge hit. Make winter a little less dull with some fresh greens in your kitchen.
Whatever you do, make sure that you put in a little extra effort to wrap it nicely and make it feel super spectacular. And try to stay away from Christmas-themed stuff - remember inclusivity is so important and you can’t assume anything about anyone.
I hope this helps. Happy celebrating, y’all!
