7 Reasons Thanksgiving Gift Cards Are Perfect for Employee Appreciation
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s about gratitude, and for businesses, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the hard work your employees have put in over the past year.
But let’s be honest, trying to figure out how to show your gratitude in a meaningful way can be as tricky as carving the perfect turkey.
Thanksgiving gift cards, like the Toasty Choice Card, offer a modern, stress-free solution for showing appreciation. In this article, we’ll explore seven reasons why Thanksgiving gift cards are the ultimate way to say “thank you” to your team this holiday season.
1. There’s a card for that
Everyone loves the freedom to choose. While it’s nice to receive a physical gift, there’s always that slight panic—what if it’s the wrong size? Or worse, what if they don’t even like it?
With Thanksgiving gift cards such as the Toasty Choice Card, you eliminate the guesswork. Your employees can pick exactly what they want, whether it’s a grocery boost for their Thanksgiving dinner, a post-holiday treat, or even a little splurge on Black Friday.
The best part? Thanksgiving gift cards are so versatile that no one feels like they’re boxed into buying something they don’t need.
Want to stock up on holiday decorations? Done.
Want an extra pie to hide from the kids? Simple.
Need a few bottles of wine to deal with the family chaos? Easy.
The only limit is your employee’s imagination (or maybe their spouse saying “no” to the extra wine bottle).
2. Gift Cards Can Help with the rising cost of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the U.S., but let’s not kid ourselves—celebrating it can be pricey. Between the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies, and drinks, families across America spend big to pull off their annual feast.
According to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average Thanksgiving dinner cost around $61.17 in 2023. That doesn’t even include the extras like appetizers, desserts, and those sneaky last-minute grocery runs.
So, how can you make life easier for your employees during this costly season? Thanksgiving gift cards!
By gifting your team these versatile cards, you’re helping them tackle those rising food bills or splurge on something they wouldn’t have otherwise.
Whether they use their card for the turkey, the trimmings, or a sweet post-feast treat, you’re making their holiday a little brighter (and their wallets a little heavier).
Did You know?
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a three-day affair. While they didn’t have pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce, they feasted on venison, seafood, and plenty of wild fowl. Sounds like an early version of a smörgåsbord!
3. Flexibility: The Key to Great Gifts
Gift-giving during the holidays can be stressful for one major reason: everyone’s tastes are different. What might seem like the perfect gift to one employee could fall flat with another.
That’s where Thanksgiving gift cards truly shine. They’re flexible, practical, and offer the recipient the freedom to choose what matters most to them. Maybe one employee will use their card to buy groceries for their holiday feast, while another might save it for Cyber Monday deals.
And let’s be honest—after a long day of hosting Thanksgiving, who wouldn’t want to use a gift card to order takeout, binge-watch Netflix, and recover from the turkey-induced food coma?
Toasty Choice Cards are the perfect Thanksgiving gift cards. They offer the ultimate flexibility by giving recipients the option to choose the type of gift card they want to redeem.
Whether it’s a card for shopping, dining, or even that post-Thanksgiving spa day, they’ll get exactly what they need, when they need it. No more guessing games, no more awkward “thanks, but I don’t really need this.”
Did you know?
With the Toasty Choice Card, recipients get to choose from hundreds of their favorite brands. There’s something for everyone!
4. Employee Recognition and Retention—The Power of Saying “Thank You”
Recognizing your employees during Thanksgiving is more than just a kind gesture; it’s a strategic investment in your business. Research shows that employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, productive, and loyal to their company.
In fact, companies with strong employee recognition programs have 31% less voluntary turnover. That’s huge when you consider how costly replacing an employee can be!
A Thanksgiving gift card is an excellent way to show appreciation while keeping it simple. It’s a thoughtful gesture that says, “We see your hard work, and we’re thankful for everything you do.”
Plus, with the holidays approaching, a little financial boost can go a long way in making employees feel valued. And when employees feel valued, they’re more likely to stay and go the extra mile.
Did you know?
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving with our national bird on the table!
5. Employees can buy more than just food
So, what can your employees actually buy with their Thanksgiving gift cards? Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling:
- Groceries: The obvious choice! From the turkey to the stuffing to the cranberry sauce, employees can pick up the essentials for their Thanksgiving dinner.
- Wine: Let’s face it, Thanksgiving can get a little… hectic. A nice bottle of wine (or three) might be just what they need to survive the holiday family gatherings.
- Black Friday Shopping: Some employees might prefer to save their Thanksgiving gift card for Black Friday deals. After all, who doesn’t love a good bargain?
- Holiday Décor: Thanksgiving is the start of the festive season. Employees can use their gift card to spruce up their homes with some fall-themed decorations.
- Travel: Plane tickets, gas, and hotels are just some of the expenses employees might face, even if they don’t host a meal!
- Spa Treatments: After all the cooking and cleaning, a little relaxation might be just what the doctor ordered.
The possibilities are endless! And because Thanksgiving gift cards offer flexibility, your employees can choose what matters most to them.
Did you know?
The average Thanksgiving host spend over $300 on food, drinks, and decor last year. Unsurprisingly, 34% of hosts said the holiday would cause a financial strain.
6. Do’s and Don’ts of Thanksgiving (Office Edition)
The holidays bring with them a certain… dynamic. Here are some light-hearted do’s and don’ts to help navigate the Thanksgiving season in both the office and at home:
Do‘s
- Do recognize your employees with thoughtful gestures like a Thanksgiving gift card. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and boost morale.
- Do encourage a healthy work-life balance. The holiday season can be stressful, so remind your employees to take time to recharge.
- Do encourage employees to share what they’re thankful for. It could be in a team meeting or on a virtual board—it’s a great way to build camaraderie and celebrate the season!
- Do express gratitude. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the year’s achievements and appreciate the hard work that’s been done.
Don’ts
- Don’t bring up politics at the dinner table. Seriously. Just don’t.
- Don’t leave food where the dog can get it. We’ve all been there. One minute your turkey’s cooling on the counter, and the next it’s gone, courtesy of Rover.
- Don’t stress too much about Black Friday. It’s tempting to dive into shopping mode, but remember—Thanksgiving comes first!
- Don’t forget to say thank you. Your employees are your company’s backbone, and showing appreciation is one of the best ways to strengthen those relationships.
7. A Cost-Effective Solution
Let’s talk numbers. As mentioned earlier, Thanksgiving is an expensive holiday, but showing gratitude doesn’t have to be. In fact, Thanksgiving gift cards are an incredibly cost-effective way to recognize your employees without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, gift cards provide a flexible way to give thanks without the logistical headaches of selecting individual gifts for each team member.
Not only are Thanksgiving gift cards cost-effective, but they’re also easy to manage. You can order them in bulk, distribute them digitally, and let your employees choose how they want to use them.
Plus, they’re more practical than the age-old tradition of giving out turkeys. No refrigeration required, and no awkward “I don’t have a use for that” conversations.
Did you know?
The Toasty Choice Card has zero fees. You only spend what you send! It’s hard to imagine a better Thanksgiving gift card.
The Real Cost of Thanksgiving and How It Impacts the Bottom Line
Thanksgiving is the time of year when people tend to spend a lot—on travel, groceries, and entertainment. For employers, the holidays can also be a time when work engagement drops due to distractions, stress, or holiday planning.
This is where employee appreciation efforts come into play. By offering Thanksgiving gift cards, you not only help ease some of the holiday costs for your employees but also improve overall engagement and satisfaction.
And for the business? Improved employee morale and loyalty mean higher productivity, lower turnover, and a stronger bottom line. When your team is happy, everyone benefits.
Did you know?
Every year since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented a live turkey to the President of the United States, and since the 1980’s, the president has “pardoned” the turkey, sparing it from the dinner table.
Closing Thoughts: Giving Thanks the Right Way
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, and what better way to show your appreciation than with Thanksgiving gift cards? They’re practical, flexible, and appreciated by everyone.
So this year, ditch the frozen turkey giveaways and opt for something modern, meaningful, and, most importantly, memorable.
Because at the end of the day, showing appreciation goes a long way—and a Thanksgiving gift card might just be the perfect way to do it.
The Toasty Choice Card offers even greater convenience by allowing your recipients to choose from hundreds of gift cards! Want to learn more?
Sign-up or book a demo below and we’ll happily guide you.
