Holiday Food Gift Baskets

Employees will enjoy holiday food gift baskets or holiday gift cards, and the goodwill generated by these thoughtful gifts lingers long after the food has been eaten or the card has been spent. People spend a great deal of time at their jobs, yet they often feel discouraged and unappreciated for their efforts. Difficulties with co-workers and unrealistic expectations from supervisors can lead to a sense of grinding, unproductive monotony found in many workplaces, rather than a sense of teamwork and a positive, purposeful attitude. Needless to say, this discouraged attitude does not contribute to the success of the business. However, a thoughtful remembrance on special holidays can result in renewed zeal and redoubled effort on behalf of employers who take the time to appreciate the people they lead.

The cost of holiday food gift baskets can range from inexpensive to extravagant, according to the wishes of the giver. Baskets may be assembled by the giver, or purchased from brick-and-mortar or online stores. An Internet search will yield a great number of attractive and interesting baskets from which to choose, in a number of different price ranges. Meal choices can range from simple chicken soup and homemade bread baskets to gourmet meals with sauces, side dishes and desserts. Kosher items and baskets are readily obtained. Larger baskets can be used to feed a crowd, or broken down into smaller portions to provide a number of meals for a smaller family's needs.

In a small business, the owner may know the employees well enough to select specific items which will be appreciated. If there are not too many employees, personalized baskets for each individual can be assembled at reasonable cost. Baskets, decorative boxes or a multitude of other containers more appropriate to the business can be obtained and filled with food items. Be on the lookout for items which may be appropriate as the holiday approaches. Try to avoid items which are the cause of common food allergies. (Nothing says 'I don't know you' more than giving a severely allergic person something which could harm him!) Of course, an employer is not expected to know every detail about an employee's life, but time spent investigating which items will be most appreciated is time well spent, especially if one's intent is to encourage employees.

Although special food selections will be enjoyed by that worker who loves chocolate or cookies or certain brands of candy, each will especially appreciate the time that was taken to select the gifts. Fewer, yet more high-quality food items is better than a basket full of junk. Try to keep the baskets fairly equal in value, so that no one feels slighted. Also, include a non-perishable item, such as a mug with the company's logo or an item which can be used in the workplace every day, like a pencil cup filled with treats, so that a lasting remembrance of the gift can continue to be enjoyed long after the food items have been consumed. Cover the holiday food gift baskets with colorful cellophane wrap tied with a ribbon or raffia bow to keep items in place and make an attractive presentation.

If the number of employees makes individual selections impractical, there are many businesses which can be consulted for help in assembling interesting and quality items into holiday food gift baskets. Baskets or other containers can be obtained filled with pretzels, fruit and nuts, breads and cheese, candy and chocolates. Towers of cookies, pies, and other baked goods and even gourmet holiday meals may be ordered, limited only by the finances of the giver. Special baskets for congratulations on a job well done or other types of business gifts are usually available as well. Perhaps a special contest regarding sales goals can be set up to compete for a prize in which a 'gift of the month' selection is arranged to arrive at the business and each month's gift is given to the most successful employee. Although this may seem like too much of an expense, the fun of a friendly competition and the interest it will generate in achieving higher sales levels should more than compensate for it.

Other options for employee gifts are holiday gift cards. Most major credit card companies offer them in a dizzying variety of options. At first, simply a number of background choices was available. Now, a company may also include its own logo or business motto on the cards. Also, slogans for special campaigns or projects may be imprinted onto the holiday gift cards. A client is also able to design an envelope to carry the gift. Gift cards may also be used as a bonus to retain good customers or to thank them for continued patronage. Customers like to be appreciated, too. Other gift card options include printing messages such as 'Congratulations!', 'Good Job', 'Thank you' or 'Happy Holidays'. These may be used to extend a bit of recognition to a hard-working employee. Another benefit of this type of gift is that the person can use it to purchase whatever they desire. Holiday times often bring unexpected expenses. The freedom to use holiday gift cards for pressing needs may be greatly appreciated.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Sometimes in the pursuit of business interests, an employer fails to see beyond the next quarter's pressing concerns to the needs of the workers who will be instrumental in seeing those objectives accomplished. Purchasing holiday food gift baskets or giving holiday gift cards is a thoughtful way to let employees know that their work is significant and appreciated.

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