The holidays are the definition of “busy.”
But that doesn’t even come close to how busy restaurants get this time of year.
From Thanksgiving through the New Year, restaurants are in full-on hustle mode. It’s great for business, but it can be exhausting for hardworking staff.
The holiday season is the perfect time to show your appreciation with thoughtful gifts. While cash is always a crowd-pleaser, going the extra mile with a meaningful gift can truly make your team feel valued.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve rounded up 22 brilliant gift ideas for restaurant staff that fit any budget and show your team you’re grateful for them.
Gifts for relaxation and chilling out After standing and serving customers all day, restaurant staff deserve gifts that help them mentally and physically unwind and recharge. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas promoting relaxation and relief for those hard workers.
1. Daily moisturizer with sunscreen ($39) Taking care of your skin is a simple way to practice self-care. This daily moisturizer from Geologie with SPF30 combines hydration and sun protection in one. Broad-spectrum SPF30 helps guard against harmful UV rays, which can prevent premature aging and sun damage. This highly-rated moisturizer is a thoughtful gift that encourages your staff to prioritize their health and well-being daily.
2. Acupressure body strap ($40) Easing stubborn stress has never been more approachable with the Bed of Nails Acupressure Body Strap . It's like a stress-busting caregiver swooping in to carry the day. Plus, it's portable, so it's always with you. Anyone working in a kitchen will tell you your body will get tested daily.
3. Vanilla bath gift basket ($73) Break out the bathrobes and bring on the heavenly smell of vanilla. One of the hits on Body & Earth's best-seller list is the Vanilla Fashion Bath Set Tote . This isn’t just any gift set with body wash and some bubble bath soap. This richly indulgent ensemble of bath goodies is the stuff of dreams for weary souls. The comforting blend of vanilla might not whisk staff away to Tahiti, but it will undoubtedly sprinkle their daily routine with a sweet serenity.
4. Streaming service subscription ($8.99-$15.99/month) When it's time to log off, nothing works like thousands of movies and TV shows to lose yourself in. Be it Netflix or Hulu (or the seemingly too many others that have come out), this monthly dose of endless entertainment is the perfect recipe for a guilt-free switch-off session.
5. Essential oil diffuser ($50) After a double shift or a hectic holiday rush, every team member deserves a moment of zen. The Vapor 90 Ceramic Ultrasonic Diffuser transforms any space into a relaxation haven with soothing scents that melt stress away. It’s the perfect way to help your staff unwind and recharge, one calming breath at a time.
6. Gym membership ($20-$50/month) Support your team’s well-being with a gym membership that encourages them to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost energy, and improve mental health. All of which are key benefits for anyone juggling a demanding work routine. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care about their long-term wellness and success.
7. Ivation foot spa massager ($80) Treat your team to the ultimate relaxation with the Ivation Foot Spa Massager . This all-in-one device combines a heated bath, automatic massage rollers, soothing vibrations, and bubbles for a complete spa experience. With adjustable temperature settings, a built-in timer, and an easy-to-use LED display, it’s the perfect way to help your staff unwind after long shifts on their feet.
8. Tea press ($22-$50) These Bodum tea presses are a delight for tea lovers. They have a glass handle and a colored plastic lid. They provide an elegant and easy way to brew fresh loose-leaf tea. Their convenience enhances the tea-drinking experience, making them a heartfelt gift for enthusiasts.
9. Shoe inserts ($15-$100+) Long hours on their feet can take a serious toll, making high-quality shoe inserts a thoughtful and practical gift. These inserts provide indispensable cushioning and support, helping to reduce the physical strain of demanding shifts. By gifting them, you’re showing you care about their comfort, well-being, and the effort they put into their work daily.
Gifts for kitchen pros and budding home cooks This list enhances the functionality and enjoyment of cooking. These gift ideas are perfect for your team's seasoned chefs or budding home cooks.
10. Sharpening stones and leather strop ($27-$130) Sharp knives are safer, more efficient, and take culinary skills to the next level.
For seasoned kitchen pros, this whetstone sharpening kit might complement their existing tools or refine their technique. For less experienced cooks, it’s an opportunity to learn the art of knife sharpening, fostering a deeper appreciation for the tools of the trade. Once they experience the difference of a perfectly honed edge, there’s no turning back.
11. Gray Kunz spoons ($5-$50) No matter what product you can imagine, there’s always a super premium version of it somewhere. With their reputation in the culinary world, Gray Kunz spoons make an outstanding gift for restaurant staff, offering both a touch of luxury and practicality in their daily tasks. These aren’t just any old spoons; they’re practically the Rolls-Royce of spoons.
12. Mandoline slicer ($65) A mandoline slicer is a game-changer for anyone looking to easily achieve fast, delicate, uniform cuts. The Benriner Mandoline , a staple in professional kitchens, takes this tool to the next level. Handcrafted in Japan with razor-sharp stainless steel blades, it offers precision slicing that rivals high-quality knives.
Its safety guard ensures confidence while slicing, making it a perfect gift for both experienced chefs and aspiring cooks. Whether it’s creating flawless garnishes or mastering a potato galette , a solid mandoline turns everyday prep into an art form.
13. Wine pairing towel set ($15-$40) These wine pairing towels are a playful yet practical gift for anyone eager to explore the world of wine. Perfect for servers or novice wine enthusiasts, they offer an easy way to experiment with classic flavor combinations. While there are no strict rules for pairing wine and food, understanding the basics can provide a strong foundation and make learning approachable and enjoyable.
14. Anova precision cooker ($80-$200) A trendy and precise tool endorsed by professionals, a tool for sous vide cooking techniques allows even a beginner cook to achieve chef-level outcomes. This one from Anova has an app with step-by-step recipes, ensuring that perfectly cooked meals are a button push away. Again, this is another excellent tool for front-of-house staff interested in cooking and will help them understand more advanced cooking techniques.
15. Compost bin ($30+) Compost bins are an eco-friendly gift that encourages sustainability and gardening. They transform kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost, perfect for staff who enjoy cultivating their green thumbs. With options suited to varying spaces and composting needs, these bins offer a practical and educational contribution to a more sustainable lifestyle.
16. A (nice) knife roll ($45+) No tool is more valuable to a chef than a knife. Over time, many chefs will amass a collection of fine knives they come to cherish. That’s why you might want to look into snagging a great knife roll to help them carry these functional works of art and keep them safe during their daily commute. You can never go wrong with canvas, although finding one with decent leather is a nice touch.
17. Some (really) good olive oil ($35+) Professional and home cooks agree—no home kitchen is complete without some seriously good olive oil. Versatile in countless cuisine styles, not to mention being packed with vital nutrients, it’s no wonder why olive oil is so highly sought after.
The problem is that so many olive oil brands are less than honest about where their oil comes from that it can be hard to justify a hefty price tag. If you want solid extra virgin olive oil made right in California, you can’t go wrong with Fat Gold .
Gifts with a fun or unique twist Choosing the right gift takes time and consideration, but it can also create a connection between you and your staff. Some educational and enriching gift ideas cater to various interests, hobbies, and professional expertise.
18. A book with a humorous take on hospitality ($15) An enlightening and entertaining read tailored for service industry professionals, Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip
19. A book on business principles ($20) For hardworking managers with ambitions beyond the dining room, The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business
20. A book on wine ($15+) Wine can be intimidating to get into, especially when you learn just how expansive and huge it is. You could spend a lifetime learning about grape varieties, the diversity of styles, and the countless microclimates worldwide, so consider if anyone on your staff is eager to learn more with a good book on the subject .
21. Ceramic class (Prices vary) Ceramic classes offer a hands-on, artistic escape for those curious about pottery and sculpting. This creative outlet can also help building patience, focus, and coordination.
This unique gift encourages relaxation and fosters a sense of accomplishment beyond the workplace. It’s a meaningful way to inspire your team to explore their artistic side and unwind in a rewarding environment.
22. A nice notebook ($15) A creative tool for your culinary-focused staff, this journal provides a dedicated space for ideating new dishes, capturing recipe inspiration, or simply jotting down memorable experiences in the kitchen or dining room. With thoughtful designs and ample writing space, give them a nice notebook they’ll actually be excited to fill up.
23. Starter vinyl record player ($79+) Even in a time where streaming is how most enjoy music, there’s just something about physical media. Picking a record, placing it on the turntable, dropping the needle onto your song of choice—it’s a whole vibe.
Collecting vinyl can be a bit of a commitment, but getting a record player is a great start. If you have any music lovers on your staff, this record player by Crosley could be just the ticket.
Gifts for restaurant staff are perfect small gestures The restaurant industry can feel like the world’s most chaotic juggling act. High employee turnover, the need to adapt to ever-changing customer preferences, and the spice of competition make it clear that to stand out, restaurants need to embrace innovation. AI for restaurants to free up staff to focus on in-house guests to exploring ways of boosting employee retention, restaurants need to adapt unlike ever before.
When you present gifts that mirror your employees' interests and hobbies or help nourish their career growth, it's like serving them a big plate of "you matter." When employees feel seen and recognized, it stirs up their engagement levels and fosters commitment.
Ready to learn how AI can transform your guest experience? Book a free demo today to see how Slang can help.
