With the holiday season well underway, you may be wondering what to give your hard-working dental teammates as a gift. We’ve got you covered! Here are seven ideas to give you some inspiration.
Gift card
Yes, gift cards are 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. (And as an added bonus, shopping local means supporting a small business owner who would greatly appreciate the boost.)
Some more unconventional gift card ideas include:
- The café where they get coffee every morning
- Local zoos or museums (especially if they have children)
- Independent bookstores
- Streaming services
- Their favorite local restaurant or food delivery service
- Craft or hobby shops
- A voucher from their local chamber of commerce
- Movie theatres
- Local gift shops
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 2024.
Local fare
Give small 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 home state, there are all kinds of gift ideas right in your own backyard.
Lunchtime gear
For those who bring their morning coffee or 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 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. Ask your teammates or check out websites like guidestar.org, givewell.org, greatnonprofits.org or charitywatch.org to get started.
Desk items
Whether your teammates are rocking the front of the practice or on their feet all day, they are sure to appreciate helpful desk items for their work or home office. These can include:
- Phone charger
- Bluetooth speaker
- Dry erase scratchpad
- Coaster
- Monthly or daily calendar
- Desk organizer
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.
