GiftCard Partners Blog

According to arecent Gallup survey, as of mid-2025, only 32% of U.S. employees reported feeling engaged at work—a number that has remained stagnant. This has prompted many organizations to take a fresh look at their employee engagement strategies and recognition plans. As employers design their year-end rewards, offering personalized options and letting employees choose rewards that align with their goals can connect recognition to genuine motivation, learning, and growth. 

As 2025 comes to a close, HR leaders and business decision-makers are rethinking how to recognize, reward, and retain talent in a competitive market. Traditional year-end gifts—swag bags, baskets, or one-size-fits-all merchandise—are no longer enough. Employees expect something more personal, more practical, and more empowering. That’s why the Visa Reward Card is emerging as a top choice among corporate holiday rewards and prepaid card incentives for employees.

The best employee holiday gifts in 2025 include flexible gift cards, personalized recognition, and experiences that foster loyalty and morale. As the year comes to a close, employers are looking for ways to recognize achievements, motivate employees to finish the year strong, and carry momentum into the new year. Recognition during the holiday season isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical component of employee engagement and morale.

The holiday season is more than just a time of celebration; it’s also a crucial moment for organizations to show appreciation to employees, clients, and partners. Choosing the right gift can be challenging, especially when you need something that appeals across a wide range of preferences. That’s why gift cards have become the go-to solution for corporate holiday gifting: they’re flexible, memorable, and consistently ranked among the most effective rewards in business today.

Gift cards, recognition, and motivation — three forces that shape how people and programs thrive. Now, we’re bringing them all together in a new way.