Arranging Christmas hampers in 2026 - what you need to know

You have been given the task. Or you have given it to yourself. Either way: this year you are organizing the Christmas gifts. And whether it is for 15 or 1500 people, the questions are the same. Because what do you give? What is your budget? How do you ensure that everyone actually receives their gift - in other words, are all addresses up to date? Or otherwise, how do you guarantee that everyone comes to pick up the gift at the office? And how do you ensure it doesn't end up on eBay before the new year has even begun?

We have listed everything to help you make the right choices - from budget to concept to timing.

Start with the question that everyone skips

Most people start with the gift. Which package, which budget, which supplier. But the first question you should ask is a different one: what do you want to achieve?

Showing appreciation to your team? Strengthening team spirit? Maintaining a client relationship? The answer can be decisive for your choice. Because a team that mainly works remotely needs something different than a team that lunches together daily. A thank you for clients requires a different tone than an end-of-year gift for your own people. Don't start with the gift - start with the intention. The rest will follow naturally.

What works in 2026

Over the years, expectations around (corporate) gifts shift. While end-of-year gifts a few years ago were mainly focused on packages full of foodstuffs, that has long ceased to be the norm today. These are the trends that matter this year:

Sustainability and local products. And not as a marketing trick, but because recipients appreciate it. Brands with a story, locally produced, companies that truly give back to society: people want to know where something comes from and how it is made. A gift from a local brand with a sustainable story feels different than an anonymous imported product.

Freedom of choice. More and more companies are moving away from the one-size-fits-all package. The logic is simple: if you give 200 people the same thing, you make a part of them happy and the rest ends up on eBay. Because people are not the same. The trend is to let the recipient choose for themselves - through a choice gift, a gift card with curated options, or a portal with products.

Experience over things. Outings, workshops, experiences. Especially for people who already have everything. A yoga workshop, an escape room in a wine bottle, a cooking workshop - it provides a story.

Well-being and self-care. Hybrid working has become the standard. Many employees see their colleagues and manager less often in person. That makes a physical gesture more valuable. Products that contribute to relaxation and well-being - from massage guns to sleep earplugs - fit that need.

Budget and WKR - sounds dry, but it is important

Alright, trends discussed, so that already gives a slightly better idea of what you want to do for your team. But before you go shopping: check your work-related costs scheme (WKR). Your discretionary margin is finite, and Christmas packages are often one of the larger expenses that come out of it. Discuss with colleagues what has already been spent in the first half of the year on staff outings, anniversaries, and other tax-free allowances.

WKR percentages and thresholds are adjusted regularly. Always check the current regulations with the tax authorities or your tax advisor before putting concrete figures to it.

Timing - when you should do what

Of course, it is different for every team when you should or want to start with this. And at Cadeo you can come to us all year round: we are there for the early birds but can certainly also move quickly for late deciders. Here is a rough timeline that works in any case:

September - October: Make decisions. Determine budget, determine how many people are involved, choose a concept. This is the moment for meetings, alignment, and getting approval - not in December when everyone already has three Christmas drinks and six year-end meetings in their calendar.

October - November: Compare providers and make product choices. Don't just look at what you are giving, but also at how it arrives. Will it be delivered to home or to the office? Is there a personal card included? What does the choice portal look like if you go for a choice gift?

November: Think about: placing the order, arranging personalization. Writing the message, approving the design, sending links, or scheduling the delivery date.

December: The big moment! If all is well, you don't have to do anything now except enjoy the fact that it is all taken care of.

Last-minute? It is possible. At Cadeo, setup is possible within 24 hours if necessary. But planned is always better than rushed. Also read: why Q3 is the smartest time to plan your Christmas gifting.

The personal card - the underestimated detail

A gift without a message is a package. A gift with a personal card is a gesture. The difference is not in the gift itself but in the three sentences you write with it.

It doesn't have to be long. No corporate text, no "on behalf of the entire management team we wish you." Just something sincere. "Thank you for a great year. We appreciate what you do." That is enough. It takes five minutes and it makes the difference between a gift someone receives and a gift someone remembers.

Or let them choose

If you want to skip the whole decision-stress story: consider a choice gift. You choose a budget per person (from €15), personalize the choice portal with your company name and message, and send the link. The recipient chooses for themselves from more than 1200 beautiful products. The gift is delivered to their home. No collecting delivery addresses, no boxes at the office, no hassle with dietary requirements or allergies.

With a redemption rate of 95%, you know that almost everyone actually chooses something from it. Compare that to the traditional package where a significant portion of the content remains unused.

Schedule an introduction - we are happy to think along with you about the best approach.