Quick answer
Thanksgiving is a good moment to thank your team and clients, before the December rush. For employees, a grocery gift card, a team lunch or a paid early finish before the holiday are popular. For clients, a gourmet basket, good coffee or a local food gift with a handwritten thank-you note stands out. Aim for gifts to arrive the week before Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026), and check gift and tax rules first.
Many businesses send gifts in December, so they blend in with dozens of others. A Thanksgiving gift arrives when inboxes and mailrooms are quieter, and its theme, gratitude, fits a business thank-you naturally.
This guide covers gifts for employees, teams and clients, with timing, typical budgets, gift rules and how to write a message people actually read. Thanksgiving is a US holiday, so for international teams and clients, we suggest framing the gift as a simple thank-you.
For everyday workplace gifting, see gifts for coworkers and how much to spend on a coworker gift.
How we chose these ideas
We chose gifts that suit a business relationship: easy to share or use, appropriate for people of any background, and simple to send. Budgets are typical ranges, not prices. Tax and gift rules vary, so we note where to check.
What makes a good business Thanksgiving gift?
- Genuinely useful
- Grocery cards and food gifts help with the holiday itself, which makes them feel practical, not promotional.
- About them, not your brand
- A heavily branded gift feels like marketing. A good gift with a short, personal note feels like thanks.
- Fair
- Employees at the same level should get the same gift. For clients, keep gifts similar within each tier.
- Within the rules
- Many clients' organizations limit gifts. Some employer gifts are taxable. Check both before you send.
- Inclusive
- Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving. Vegetarian, alcohol-free gifts and a message about gratitude suit everyone.
- On time
- Gifts should arrive the week before the holiday, while people are still at work.
Which idea fits them best?
Find the line that sounds most like them, then jump to that idea.
| If they… | Try this |
|---|---|
| You want to help employees with the holiday meal | Grocery store gift cards |
| You want to celebrate together as a team | Local restaurant gift cardsOr cater a team lunch before the holiday. |
| You want a treat for the office | A pie or dessert from a good bakery |
| It's for an important client | Fruit and gourmet gift baskets |
| It's for a client's whole team | Quality chocolates or local treats |
| You want a smaller, personal client gift | Local honey, maple syrup or jam |
| Your team works remotely | Gift cards for their usual coffee shop |
| You want a gift that reflects gratitude | A donation to a cause they support |
Business Thanksgiving gifts by recipient
| Who it's for | Good directions | Ideas to start with |
|---|---|---|
| Employees | Something that helps with the holiday, the same for everyone at each level. | |
| The whole team | A shared meal or treat before the holiday break. | |
| Key clients | A quality basket with a handwritten note from the person they work with. | |
| A client's team | Something everyone at their office can share. | |
| Small clients or partners | A modest, personal gift and a sincere note. | |
| Remote staff or clients | Digital gift cards, or a small parcel to their home if they've shared an address. | |
| Colleagues (not as the boss)Gifts for coworkers → | Keep it small, or join a team gift. |
Quick picks by type of gift
- EmployeesGrocery store gift cards · Local restaurant gift cards
- Team treatsA pie or dessert from a good bakery · Quality chocolates or local treats
- ClientsFruit and gourmet gift baskets · Specialty coffee samplers
- RemoteGift cards for their usual coffee shop
- GratitudeThank-you notes and cards · A donation to a cause they support
Thanksgiving gifts for employees
The most appreciated employee gifts are practical: they help with the holiday or give people time with family.
Grocery store gift cards
A practical gift that helps with the cost of the holiday meal.
- Suits:
- Adults and households
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A gift card for a supermarket or grocery delivery service.
Why it works
Holiday meals are expensive. A grocery card is a traditional Thanksgiving gift from employers, and it's useful to every household.
What to look for
- A store that's convenient for the person.
- Delivery services for people who work long hours.
- The same amount for everyone at the same level, for employee gifts.
Best for
- Employees
- Families
- Students
- Anyone on a tight budget
Potential downside
In the US, gift cards from employers are usually treated as taxable income. Check with payroll.
Example ideas
- Supermarket gift cards
- Grocery delivery credit
- Local market gift cards
Make it personal: Add a handwritten thank-you note.
Local restaurant gift cards
A night off from cooking.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A gift card for a local restaurant that offers dine-in or takeout.
Why it works
It's practical help for new homeowners, new parents and busy friends, when cooking is one more job.
Why it fits this guide
A restaurant card lets employees take a night off from cooking during a busy holiday season.
What to look for
- A place near them with takeout.
- Food that fits their diet.
- A long expiry.
Best for
- New homeowners
- New parents
- Last-minute gifts
Potential downside
Check the location and expiry date.
Example ideas
- Local restaurant cards
- Takeout gift cards
- Food delivery credit
Make it personal: Recommend a dish in the card.
Thanksgiving treats for the team
A shared meal or treat before the long weekend brings people together and includes everyone.
A pie or dessert from a good bakery
A welcome contribution to the meal, if the host says yes.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- $10–$25
What it is
A pie, cake or tray of cookies from a local bakery, brought to share.
Why it works
Dessert is one of the most helpful things a guest can bring to a big meal. A bakery pie takes pressure off the host, and it's easy to carry.
Why it fits this guide
Pies or desserts for the office kitchen the week of Thanksgiving are a simple, shared thank-you.
What to look for
- Ask the host first, so it doesn't clash with what they've planned.
- Order early. Bakeries are very busy the week of Thanksgiving.
- A container you don't need back.
Best for
- Thanksgiving guests
- Potlucks
- Friendsgiving
Potential downside
Bringing food without asking can upset a host's plan. Always check first.
Example ideas
- Pumpkin or apple pie
- Pecan pie
- A cookie tray
- Gluten-free desserts
Make it personal: Bring whipped cream or ice cream to go with it.
Quality chocolates or local treats
An easy, shareable gift that suits most people.
- Suits:
- All ages
- Typical budget:
- $10–$25
What it is
A box of quality chocolates, cookies or snacks, ideally from a local maker.
Why it works
Food gifts are easy to share and don't add clutter. Choosing a local maker adds a personal touch.
Why it fits this guide
A snack spread or catered lunch before the holiday is a team gift people actually enjoy together.
What to look for
- A local maker or regional specialty.
- Allergy information.
- Gift-ready packaging.
Best for
- Coworkers
- Teachers
- Hosts
Potential downside
Check allergies, especially for office gifts.
Example ideas
- Local chocolate boxes
- Bakery cookie tins
- Regional snack boxes
Make it personal: Add a card saying what makes these treats special.
Thanksgiving gifts for clients
Client gifts should feel considered and personal. Quality and the note matter more than size.
Fruit and gourmet gift baskets
A generous, shareable business or family gift.
- Suits:
- Offices and households
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
A basket or box of fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts, chocolates or other gourmet foods, often delivered.
Why it works
Baskets are easy to send, suit a whole team or household, and feel generous. They're a common way for businesses to thank clients at Thanksgiving.
What to look for
- Good-quality contents, not filler.
- Delivery on a specific date.
- Options for dietary needs, like nut-free or vegetarian.
Best for
- Clients
- Teams
- Families you can't visit
Potential downside
Perishable baskets need someone there to receive them. Avoid sending to empty offices over the holiday.
Example ideas
- Fruit baskets
- Cheese and cracker boxes
- Snack boxes for teams
- Chocolate and nut assortments
Make it personal: Time it to arrive a few days before the holiday.
Specialty coffee samplers
New coffees to try, with nothing left to clutter the house.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A set of small bags of different coffees, often from one independent roaster.
Why it works
For coffee drinkers, a sampler turns the daily routine into a chance to try something new. It gets used up, so it suits people who don't want more things.
Why it fits this guide
Premium coffee or tea is a neutral, high-quality client gift that suits any office and any culture.
What to look for
- Whole beans or ground, depending on whether they grind.
- A recent roast date.
- Tasting notes on each bag.
Best for
- Coffee drinkers
- Someone who has everything
- Clutter-free gifts
Potential downside
Check how they brew and whether they need ground coffee.
Example ideas
- Roaster sampler boxes
- Single-origin coffee sets
- Coffee subscription gift months
Make it personal: Add a mug and a card to rate each coffee.
Local honey, maple syrup or jam
A small, special pantry gift they'll enjoy after the holiday.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- $10–$25
What it is
A jar of local honey, real maple syrup, preserves or another small-batch pantry item.
Why it works
Pantry gifts don't add work on the day and get enjoyed afterward, often at breakfast. Local products also feel more personal than supermarket items.
Why it fits this guide
A food gift from a local producer near your business is a personal touch that tells a small story about who you are.
What to look for
- Small-batch or local producers.
- Pretty jars or bottles that look like a gift.
- A sealed, shelf-stable product.
Best for
- Hosts
- Neighbors
- Teachers
- Coworkers
Potential downside
Honey isn't safe for babies under 12 months.
Example ideas
- Local wildflower honey
- Pure maple syrup
- Small-batch jam
- Infused honey
Make it personal: Pair it with a loaf of fresh bread or a pancake mix.
Gifts for remote teams and clients
Gift cards for their usual coffee shop
A few drinks at a place they already enjoy.
- Suits:
- Teens and adults
- Typical budget:
- Under $10
What it is
A small gift card for a coffee shop they visit regularly.
Why it works
It's a small treat that fits an existing routine, which makes it easy for coworkers and teachers.
Why it fits this guide
Digital café or food-delivery cards arrive instantly and work in any city.
What to look for
- The shop they actually use.
- No expiry.
- Enough for two or three drinks.
Best for
- Coworkers
- Teachers
- Last-minute gifts
Potential downside
A card for a shop they never visit feels random.
Example ideas
- Local café gift cards
- Coffee chain gift cards
- Café loyalty top-ups
Make it personal: Write "Next coffee is on me" in the card.
Gifts that reflect gratitude
Thank-you notes and cards
The simplest, most personal way to say thank you.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- Under $10
What it is
A handwritten card or note telling someone specifically what you're grateful for.
Why it works
A specific thank-you note is often valued more than a gift. It costs very little, and people often keep them for years.
Why it fits this guide
A handwritten note from the person who works with them most is the part clients and employees remember.
What to look for
- Simple, good-quality card.
- Space to write a few real sentences.
- A pen that writes smoothly.
Best for
- Teachers
- Hosts
- Mentors
- Anyone who helped you
Potential downside
A generic "thanks for everything" message is easy to forget. Say what they did and why it mattered.
Example ideas
- Blank note cards
- Thank-you card sets
- Postcards
- Handmade cards
Make it personal: Mention one specific moment you remember.
A donation to a cause they support
Honors their values without adding clutter.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A donation in their name to a charity or cause they care about, often with a card or certificate.
Why it works
For people who have everything, supporting a cause they care about can mean more than an object, and it shows you understand their values.
Why it fits this guide
Some businesses donate to a local food bank in their clients' or team's name at Thanksgiving, and share a card explaining it.
What to look for
- A cause they already support.
- A reputable charity.
- A card or certificate to give.
Best for
- Someone who has everything
- Minimalists
- Values-driven people
Potential downside
Choose their cause, not yours.
Example ideas
- Animal welfare donations
- Local food bank donations
- Environmental charity gifts
Make it personal: Explain in your card why you chose that cause.
Ideas by budget
These are typical budgets for each kind of gift, not prices. Costs vary widely by brand and store.
| Budget | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Under $10 | |
| $10–$25 | |
| $25–$50 | |
| $50–$100 |
Why give business gifts at Thanksgiving?
- You stand out. December gifts compete with many others.
- The theme fits. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, the same message as a business thank-you.
- It's inclusive. A gratitude gift doesn't depend on religion, unlike many December holidays.
- People are still at work. Gifts sent before late December often arrive to closed offices.
When to send Thanksgiving business gifts
Aim for gifts to arrive between Monday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, or the week before. Many offices close on Thursday and Friday. Order personalized items and baskets at least two to three weeks ahead, since delivery services get busy.
Gift rules and tax notes
- Client limits: Many organizations, especially government, healthcare and finance, cap the value of gifts staff can accept. A shared team treat usually fits.
- Employee taxes: In the US, cash and gift cards from employers are generally taxable. Ask your payroll provider.
- Business deductions: In the US, the tax deduction for business gifts is limited per recipient per year. Check the current rules with your accountant.
- Alcohol: Avoid it for business gifts unless you know the recipient well.
What to write in a business thank-you
Keep it short and specific. Mention one thing you're grateful for this year: a project, their trust, their patience. Sign it by hand. For example: "Thank you for trusting us with your rebrand this year. Working with your team was a highlight. Wishing you a restful Thanksgiving."
Typical budgets
- Employees: often $25 to $50 per person, or a team meal.
- Key clients: often $50 to $100, within their gift rules.
- Other clients and partners: $15 to $40, or a card.
These are typical ranges, not rules. A heartfelt note matters more than the amount.
How to choose business Thanksgiving gifts
Make a list by tier
Group employees and clients, and choose one gift per group to keep it fair.
Check the rules
Client gift limits, employee tax rules and your own company policy.
Choose useful over branded
A good gift with a small logo on the card beats a logo on a cheap item.
Write personal notes
Have the person closest to each recipient sign it.
Order early
Plan for gifts to arrive the week before Thanksgiving.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending gifts that arrive after offices close for the holiday.
- Sending heavily branded items that feel like advertising.
- Giving some employees at the same level more than others.
- Ignoring a client's gift limits, which can embarrass them.
- Sending alcohol as a business gift.
- A printed card with no personal message.
Other ideas worth considering
Time off
An early finish on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the most appreciated employee gifts.
A team volunteering day
Volunteer together at a food bank the week of Thanksgiving.
Personal calls
For your most important clients, a phone call to say thank you is memorable and free.
Advice for this decision
Short reads on the questions behind this kind of gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Thanksgiving gift for employees?
Grocery gift cards, a team lunch, a restaurant card or an early finish before the holiday are all popular and practical.
What is a good Thanksgiving gift for clients?
A quality food basket, premium coffee or a local food gift, with a handwritten note from the person who works with them.
When should I send Thanksgiving business gifts?
Aim for them to arrive the week before Thanksgiving, by Wednesday at the latest, since many offices close Thursday and Friday.
Are employee gift cards taxable?
In the US, gift cards and cash from an employer are generally treated as taxable wages. Check with your payroll provider or accountant.
Should I send Thanksgiving gifts to international clients?
Thanksgiving is mainly a US holiday. For international clients, a simple thank-you gift and note at this time of year works, without focusing on the holiday itself.