With the holiday season underway, you may be wondering what to give your hard-working dental teammates as a gift. We’ve got you covered! Here are six ideas to give you some inspiration.

Gift card

Yes, this is a tried and true classic, and sure, you can just buy a gift card from a big-box retailer. But if you personalize a gift card choice to the recipient, a “basic” gift can feel much more special. Some more unconventional gift card ideas include:

• The café where they get coffee every day
• Local zoos or museums (especially if they have children)
• Independent bookstores
• Streaming services
• Their favorite restaurant or food delivery service
• Craft or hobby shops
• A gift card from their local chamber of commerce
• Movie theatres

Professional development

If you really want to invest in your teammates’ success, consider giving the gift of a continuing education course or even a ticket to an upcoming industry conference! To find CE, check out this post or click here to get a sneak peek at some of the conferences lined up for 2022.

Local fare

Give your local businesses a boost (and your teammates a smile) by gifting local this year. From merchandise showing your state pride to snacks and goodies made in your hometown, there are all kinds of gift ideas right in your own backyard.

Lunchtime gear

As more people make the choice to cook from home or bring their lunch to work, it is a nice gesture to make sure their beverages stay hot and their food fresh. A nice, insulated lunch bag, a cooling pack and a quality thermal mug are thoughtful gifts that will also get plenty of use.

A donation to the charity of their choice

If there is a cause that your teammates are passionate about, you can give the gift of a donation in their name to their favorite charitable organization or a cause that reflects their interests. Check out websites like guidestar.org, givewell.org, greatnonprofits.org or charitywatch.org to get started.

No matter the gift, say thank you

Regardless of what type of gift you choose to give, it is important that you thank dental teammates for all their hard work this year. A handwritten note with a card can speak volumes, so make sure you jot down how much you and your patients appreciate them.

The bottom line: No matter what you decide to give your teammates, make sure it is personal and let them know how much they are appreciated.