Why Your Staff Deserve More Than a £20 Voucher This Christmas

As the festive season approaches, and yes we are using the ‘C’ word already – many businesses are starting the annual task of sorting Christmas gifts for their teams. For years, one option has dominated: the trusty £20 high street voucher.

It’s quick. It’s easy and it ticks a box. ✅

But here’s the truth: a voucher is not always the thoughtful gesture you think it is.

We’re not here to be the Grinch. We know the intention is there—and that you want your team to feel appreciated. But if you’re relying on vouchers as your go-to gift, it might be time for a rethink.

Let’s talk about why.

First of all, vouchers can—and often do—go missing. We’ve all been there: finding a gift card at the bottom of a drawer in March, only to realise it expired in January. Life is hectic, especially over Christmas, and sometimes vouchers simply don’t get spent. That means your staff may not receive anything at all from you, despite your good intentions.

Even when they do use them, vouchers are rarely spent on the person they’re intended for. With so many gift cards now valid across multiple stores, they often end up being used to buy Christmas presents for partners or kids instead of something just for the person who earned it. Your thank you gets quietly redirected to someone else.

We’ve also heard from many people who’ve used gift cards on basic household essentials—things like cleaning products, food shopping or toiletries. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it’s hardly the kind of festive treat you imagined when you hit “order.”

And then there’s the financial side. Some companies have arrangements with gift card providers that mean they’re only charged when the card is redeemed. While that might sound savvy on paper, it turns what should be a gesture of generosity into a cost-saving exercise. Gifting shouldn’t be a strategy—it should be about showing real appreciation and care.

This is exactly why Smile Box exists.

We create beautifully curated, fully branded gift boxes designed to make your team feel special. Each box contains six handpicked items—thoughtful, high-quality gifts chosen to spark joy, encourage self-care, and support wellbeing. It’s a way to say “thank you” that feels genuine, personal and memorable.

It’s not just a box. It’s an experience. A moment of connection. A reminder that someone sees and values them.

We’re already seeing high demand for Christmas 2025, and we expect to close our order books by the end of September. If you want to do something a little more meaningful for your team this year, now is the perfect time to get in touch.

Let’s make this the Christmas where your staff feel truly appreciated—for everything they’ve done over the past 12 months.

Get in touch today to plan your Smile Box Christmas order. Your team deserves more than just a voucher.