Top 20 Christmas Gifts for Remote Employees They'll Love

Buying Christmas gifts for a distributed team feels harder than it should. You're shipping to a dozen zip codes (maybe a dozen countries), and you want every single person to feel like you thought about them.

But here's why it's worth the effort. Research from Gallup and Workhuman, reported by NPR, found that employees who feel recognized at work are 45% less likely to leave their jobs.

Most companies budget somewhere between $25 and $150 per employee for holiday gifts. A well-chosen Aequilibrium spinning glass (hand-blown crystal that starts at $42.99) sits right in the middle of that range. It works for almost anyone on your list, whether they drink wine, whiskey, or nothing stronger than sparkling water.

This guide breaks down exactly what to give, how much to spend, and how to pull off gifting for a team that isn't in the same building (or even the same time zone).

Remote employees miss the casual social moments of office life, including the informal happy hour or holiday toast. A quality glass brings that ritual home.

1. Aequilibrium Spinning Universal Glass

For teams where you don't know everyone's drink of choice, the Aequilibrium Universal Glass works across wine, whiskey, and everything in between.

It features a hand-blown, lead-free crystal bowl on a 360-degree pivoting base. Give the glass a gentle push and it keeps spinning on its own, gently aerating whatever's inside. It's a detail that turns a solo evening pour into a small, satisfying ritual.

The Aequilibrium Wine Glass and Aequilibrium Spirit Glass both feature the same pivoting design. Choose one depending on an employee's preference, if you happen to know.

Price: Promo price starts at $39.99 (spirit) and $42.99 (wine and universal) for a set of 2

For fast quotations on bulk corporate orders, visit Audacem's corporate gifting page.

2. Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler, 30 oz

This insulated tumbler's double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 11 hours. The narrow base fits most car and desk cup holders, and the comfort-grip handle makes it easy to carry between rooms during a workday. It comes in dozens of colorways, so you can pick something that matches an employee's known taste.

Price: ~$40

3. YETI Rambler 14 oz Stackable Mug

The Rambler mug uses kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, so morning coffee stays hot for hours. The MagSlider lid uses magnets to open and close, which helps prevent spills on a desk full of cables and paperwork. At this price point, it's one of the easiest gifts to scale across a large team.

Price: ~$25–$30

Also read: Audacem Aequilibrium Wine Glass: A Spinning Wine Glass Experience

Comfort ranks near the top of every remote-work gift list, and for good reason. People spend eight-plus hours a day at a desk that used to belong in their living room.

4. Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie

Long video calls and chilly mornings are much more comfortable in this oversized wearable blanket. The soft sherpa lining provides warmth without restricting movement, making it ideal for employees who work from home through colder months.

Price: $30–$40

5. ComfiLife Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion

Not every remote employee has an ergonomic office chair, making a quality seat cushion a thoughtful gift. The memory foam and cooling gel construction help improve comfort during long workdays while fitting most office chairs and dining chairs alike.

Price: $50–$60

6. Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The Ostrichpillow Go uses high-density memory foam to provide better support than typical travel pillows. It makes flights, train rides, or even short breaks more comfortable. Its washable cover and compact carrying case add convenience, giving employees a gift they'll use both inside and outside of work.

Price: $60–$70

A remote employee's desk setup is their entire workplace, and most people underinvest in their own. Thoughtful holiday gifts help solve those small daily annoyances.

7. Logitech Pebble 2 Combo (Keyboard & Mouse)

The Logitech Pebble 2 Combo features quiet keys and clicks, multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, and a slim, minimalist design that fits neatly into any workspace. Employees can easily switch between a work laptop and personal device, making it a practical tool they'll use every day.

Price: $55–$70

8. Twelve South Curve Flex Laptop Stand

The Curve Flex adjusts to multiple heights and folds flat for easy storage. It's ideal for employees who alternate between a dedicated desk, the kitchen table, or a coworking space. Its aluminum construction adds a premium touch while remaining highly functional.

Price: $70–$80

9. Anker 525 Charging Station

The Anker 525 Charging Station combines AC outlets, USB-C ports, and USB-A ports into one compact desktop hub. It allows employees to power a laptop, phone, headphones, and other accessories from a single location. It also helps reduce cable clutter while keeping essential devices charged throughout the workday.

Price: $40

Also read: Best Christmas Gifts for Colleagues: 30 Office-Ready Ideas

Food gifts are among the most appreciated options for distributed teams, and it's easy to see why. They're consumable, don't require storage space, and work for almost any dietary preference if you choose carefully.

10. BonBon Swedish Candy Gift Box

For something more memorable than a traditional snack basket, a curated assortment of Swedish candy offers a fun twist. BonBon's gift boxes feature a mix of sweet, sour, and fruity treats packaged in colorful, gift-ready boxes. It's an easy way to give employees something they'll likely enjoy sharing with friends or family.

Price: $30–$50

11. Harry & David Gift Box

Harry & David's curated assortments typically include premium pears, artisan cheeses, crackers, chocolates, and savory snacks that employees can enjoy with family during the holidays. The presentation feels festive and substantial without becoming overly extravagant.

Price: $40–$70

12. Compartés Luxury Chocolate Gift Box

Compartés is famous for creative flavor combinations and eye-catching packaging. Its gift boxes feel more luxurious than standard holiday chocolates. It's an excellent option for employee recognition, client appreciation, or executive holiday gifts where presentation matters.

Price: $35–$60

Also read: Best Corporate Food Gifts for Clients & Employees

The isolation of remote work makes wellness gifts land differently than they would in an office. Pair a small self-care item with a handwritten note thanking them for a specific contribution.

13. RENPHO Eye Massager

The RENPHO Eye Massager uses gentle warmth and rhythmic air compression to help relieve eye fatigue and encourage relaxation after long stretches at a computer. Foldable and rechargeable, it's easy to store between uses. It feels like a premium wellness gift without exceeding a typical employee gifting budget.

Price: $50–$70

14. Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser

The Asakuki diffuser features multiple mist modes, automatic shutoff, and a quiet operation that won't distract during video calls. Its wood-grain finish blends into most home office setups, making it a practical wellness gift for everyday use.

Price: $25–$35

15. Bearaby Hugget Knot Pillow

The Bearaby Hugget provides gentle, comforting pressure whether it's used on a lap or around the shoulders. Its soft, hand-knit design adds a cozy touch to any home office while encouraging employees to take mindful breaks throughout the day.

Price: $39–$49

Also read: Staff Christmas Gifts: 25 Ideas Your Team Will Love

At year-end, a personalized item tells an employee you see them as an individual. These gifts take more planning for a large team, so they work best for smaller groups or as a reward for tenured employees.

16. Papier Personalized Notebook

Papier offers customizable notebooks with the recipient's name printed on the cover. The personalization turns an office essential into a thoughtful keepsake they'll use beyond the holidays.

Price: $35–$40

17. Leatherology Personalized Valet Tray

Customize Leatherology's full-grain leather trays with an employee's initials. Doing so adds a thoughtful touch without sacrificing practicality. Elegant enough for a desk or entryway, it's a keepsake employees are likely to use every day.

Price: $40–$55

18. Minted Custom Photo Art Print

Minted prints are available in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing companies to send personalized gifts that feel unique and thoughtful. It's an especially considered choice for milestone anniversaries or long-tenured team members.

Price: $38–$50

Some gifts create shared experiences even when the team spans various time zones. Some companies pair these with an optional group call, turning an individual gift into a light team moment.

19. Uncommon Goods Virtual Experiences

Uncommon Goods offers live virtual experiences ranging from cocktail making and coffee tasting to cooking classes, flower arranging, and creative workshops. Participants receive a kit (for eligible experiences) before the event and join an instructor online. It's easy for remote teams across different locations to share a memorable holiday activity.

Price: $35–$75 per person

20. Tinggly Experience Gift Box

Rather than choosing a single activity, a Tinggly Experience Gift Box lets employees select from hundreds of experiences around the world. The flexibility makes it especially well suited for distributed teams in different cities or countries. It feels highly personal while eliminating the guesswork for employers.

Price: $59–$99

The strongest employee gifting programs offer a small, curated set of choices. Two or three options across categories like food, wellness, and drinkware can let each employee pick what fits their life.

A quick, anonymous survey in November takes 10 minutes to build. It also saves you from guessing wrong on dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal taste.

If you manage a smaller team and know people well, lean into personalization. If you manage a larger or newer team, lean into quality and universality. Items like a hand-blown glass, a soft throw, or a coffee set work regardless of individual preference.

• Under $25 per person — works for large teams or as a supplement to a bonus.
• $25–$75 per person — the most common range for meaningful individual gifts.
• $75–$150+ per person — smaller teams, leadership gifts, or a genuinely memorable item.

A quick flag before you finalize a corporate gifting budget: the IRS treats most employer-provided gifts as taxable compensation unless they qualify as a "de minimis" fringe benefit or small, infrequent, non-cash items. Cash and gift cards never qualify. See the IRS Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits or check with your accountant.

Gifting a remote team means gifting across zip codes, sometimes across borders. Build in lead time. Handmade and specialty items, in particular, often need three or more weeks to produce, personalize, and ship internationally.

Collect current addresses well before the holidays. Remote employees relocate more often than in-office staff. A gift sent to a stale address is a gift that never arrives.

For larger orders, look for a vendor that handles packing, addressing, and customs directly. Audacem's corporate gifting program, for example, manages design, packing, and international shipping for teams ordering 20 or more gifts.

• Sending the same generic item to everyone. A single mass-ordered item, especially one with no personalization, reads as an afterthought.
• Forgetting dietary restrictions and allergies. Food gifts are popular, but they're also easy to get wrong. Always offer a non-food alternative or collect preferences in advance.
• Underestimating shipping time. International shipping, holiday shipping delays, and production time for personalized items add up fast. Order early.
• Choosing something that only works in an office. Anything that assumes a communal space doesn't translate to a home office.
• Skipping the personal note. A short, specific note often matters more to the recipient than the gift itself.

The best Christmas gifts for remote employees do something special. They show up at someone's door, in their own space, and say, "We see the work you did this year," even from a distance.

Start with what your team actually uses. A glass they'll reach for on a quiet Tuesday night does more for morale than a branded item that sits in a drawer. Build in enough lead time to ship it well, personalize where you can, and back it up with a short, specific note.