Unique Christmas gifts for employees: Advent calendar with branded gifts

A little surprise a day adds holiday magic to the Christmas week. See how to make Christmas gifts for employees unforgettable with a 7-day Advent calendar.

Not a gift card or a food and wine basket will replace the excitement of unboxing. Imagine a beautiful silver holiday box with seven surprises your teammates open every day before Christmas. Every small box adds a festive atmosphere, and every gift is a warm touch of your brand. 

In fact, you can place anything inside with your brand logo: socks, headphones, tea, sweets, cookie cutters, scarves, cosmetics, candles (below I will share the best Christmas gifts ideas). But this year, Swag42 prepared two pre-sets that will bring warmth and nostalgia to your team.

Swag42 Advent calendar 2026 with seven Christmas gifts for employees

We analyzed client demand and employee feedback in previous years and created two Advent calendars: The Tech Spark and The Slow December. Each pack comprises seven compact products: Christmas-themed, wellness, and practical Christmas gifts for employees. Every item is branded with your corporate logo, including a glossy silver package with a custom sleeve.

The silver box links to the sparkling snow and Christmas tinsel. It will make a charming interior decoration alongside the Christmas tree and twinkling lights.

Advent calendar 1: The Tech Spark

This gift set has four handy gadgets for practical-minded people who prefer useful things. We added everyday-use essentials, along with winter-themed Christmas gifts for employees that create a holiday atmosphere.

1. Powerbank, 3000mAh
2. Old-school tamagotchi
3. Mini charging cable
4. Pocket wireless speaker
5. Hydrating lip balm
6. Custom-branded mini chocolate bar
7. Custom warm socks

Advent calendar 2: The Slow December

Created for creative and wellness-focused people, this Advent calendar encourages a slower pace and a bit of calm during the holiday rush. It’s a meaningful gift that shows you care about more than just deadlines.

1. Old-school Tamagotchi
2. Branded gingerbread X-mas tree cookie
3. Hydrating lip balm
4. Aura Peony soy candle
5. Eco-silk all-over printed scarf
6. Branded flavoured tea tube 50g
7. Custom warm socks

Why Advent calendars are great Christmas gifts for employees

Non-standard and memorable

In December, social feeds will be full of advent calendars. People just love the childish excitement of getting a present every day. Advent with Christmas gifts for employees is a surprising and memorable present that your staff will not forget. 

Boost in staff loyalty and social sharing

Corporate Christmas gifts calendar gives seven touches to your staff. You contribute to the holiday atmosphere during Christmas week, showing that you care and joining them in such a pleasant season. Isn’t that the main goal of Christmas gifts for employees? 

Of course, they will boast about the gifts to friends and share them on social networks, promoting your brand through the most efficient word-of-mouth. 

Flexible price and easy ordering

You regulate the price of the Advent Calendar. Combine all kinds of products from our 500+ item catalog that fit the boxes. You set the requirements, and we suggest gifts that fit your boxes and budget. 

Note that custom advent calendars may have delivery restrictions, and fitting custom-selected gifts takes more effort and time, and may affect the final price of the order.

Even easier: order the ready-made advent calendar by Swag42. Anyway, we take up the hardest job: branding design, packing, and delivering to offices or individual addresses securely and on time. 

What do employees want for Christmas gifts?

As far as we see from our experience, the Advent calendar gifts should be:

1. Caring and warm. According to McKinsey & Company, about 80% of consumers reported wellness as a top or very important aspect in their lives in 2024. Therefore, companies should focus on employee wellness, burnout prevention, and their teams’ physical and mental well-being. Wellness Christmas gifts for employees are an excellent opportunity to do this.
2. Practical and universal. People have always appreciated useful and high-quality gifts. Your advent box must include at least one universal thing for everyday use, such as a widely used tech gadget from a well-known brand with your logo.
3. Christmas-themed. There are two ways to add a holiday atmosphere to your Advent calendar. The first is with Christmas-themed products (e.g., Santa toy, snow globe, snowflake key chain, winter tea blend). Another way is to use branding design elements (snowflakes, Christmas trees, snow globes, sparkles, etc.).
4. Small-sized. Our box sizes range from 70x70mm to 110x150mm.

Christmas gifts ideas for the corporate Advent calendar

If you want to select gifts for the calendar, inspire with our corporate Christmas gifts ideas, but always relate to your recipients’ values and lifestyle.

Wellness and health

• Soy aroma candles. Promote relaxation and mindfulness after a long workday.
• Aroma diffusers. Create a calming workspace or home environment to reduce stress.
• Cosmetics. Basic toiletries from premium brands like Rituals offer a touch of daily luxury.
• Hydrating lip balm. A winter essential to stay protected and hydrated in cold weather, especially in windy locations.
• Moisturizing hand sanitizer. Keeps hands clean without drying out skin in winter.
• Self-heating gel packs for hands. A winter favorite, great for outdoor long walks or office workers alike.
• Loop earplugs. Ideal for better focus at work or restful sleep during busy holiday travel.
• Sleepmask. Encourages rest and relaxation—whether at home or on business trips.
• Branded mint box. A refreshing little gift that’s great for desks or bags.

• Toys. Christmas-themed desk toys add playfulness, a festive mood, and encourage breaks.
• Custom-branded cotton socks or bamboo compression socks. Compression socks are especially great for frequent flyers or those on their feet all day.
• Warm two-sided scarf. A cozy, stylish gift that suits nearly every lifestyle.

Tech gadgets

• Powerbank. Our catalog has many chargers, so you can keep your team connected and powered on the go.
• Bluetooth speaker. For music lovers or remote workers who enjoy good sound while working. 
• Custom mobile case. A high-quality, durable custom case protects devices while showcasing your brand.
• Wireless earbuds. Useful for meetings, focus time, or entertainment during travel.
• Heart rate monitor. Supports wellness goals and encourages active lifestyles.
• Photo creator kit. Great for team members who enjoy capturing memories with creativity.
• Baseus fast charge compact cable. A reliable accessory to make charging faster and tidier.

• Apple AirTag with your logo. Perfect for travel or everyday use to keep track of essentials.
• Crossbody strap leash. Useful for those constantly on the move with phones or ID cards.
• Custom popsocket. A small, fun phone accessory that’s surprisingly handy.
• Custom silicon case for AirPods. Adds a fresh look and protection to a daily-use tech item.

Miscelanious

• Custom luggage tag. Adds personality to travel gear and reduces the risk of lost luggage.
• Custom suitcase cover. Eye-catching and functional, it keeps luggage protected and recognizable.
• Custom stickers. A playful way for employees to personalize laptops, notebooks, or water bottles.
• Pin in a card. A collectible or sentimental item that employees can wear or display proudly.
• Hugo Boss pocket umbrella.  A high-quality item from a renowned brand that’s always useful in unpredictable weather.
• Hugo Boss money wallet. A refined accessory that reflects your appreciation.

An Advent сalendar isn’t just a gift—it’s an experience. By offering your team small daily surprises, you bring joy, appreciation, and connection during the most wonderful time of the year. 

Don’t wait until it’s late—book your corporate Advent calendar in June at a lower price and make the Christmas season unforgettable for your employees.