Company cultures differ widely when it comes to giving gifts to employees for the holidays. Some companies give salary bonuses, some give real wrapped presents, some throw a big party and call it a day, and many do a combination of these.

You know your own style and budget, but the one thing you don’t want to do is come off like Scrooge. The people who work for you expect and deserve recognition at this time of year especially, and getting holiday gifts for employees is both a good way to close out the year and also to start the new one with renewed staff energy.

It actually may surprise you to know that cash isn’t the best gift. It’s always welcome, of course, but most employees view it as earned compensation for their work and not as an expression of appreciation for their personal contributions.

People want acknowledgement that you know who they are and that you recognize them as individuals and not just as cogs in the wheel that keep your company going.

Incidentally, the IRS also views cash gifts as earned compensation, and, as such, they’re taxable and subject to withholding as well as personal income tax. So, if you’re going to give cash, calculate what you intend the net amount to be for your employees so they get the full benefit of your gift.

Gift cards or certificates redeemable for general merchandise are also taxable unless their value is what’s called de minimis and fall into certain categories, so check the rules to avoid surprises.

Putting aside the bah humbug subject of taxes, a big corporation may understandably have to give similar gifts to all its employees, but even at that, think about whether it’s possible for more individualized presents to be chosen by supervisors at various levels for the people who work directly for them.

Now here are some great gift-giving suggestions as well as some thoughts about what not to give:

Do Make It Personal

Everyone appreciates a present that’s been selected especially for him or her.

Even if you know the person very well, though, some things are too personal to give in a business context, especially if everyone is going to open presents at the same time (note: if gifts are going to be opened in the office, make sure they’re of generally equivalent value or you risk hurt feelings).

Think of items that relate to someone’s hobby or special interest, like a book, some music, or things like a box of golf balls, a dozen cans of tennis balls, or some unique fishing lures. Companies like Promo Punks can offer these kinds of branded items in bulk, making it easy to find just the right fit for any interest or occasion.

Don’t Make It a Joke

Gag gifts might be funny in the moment, but they’re really no way to make someone feel appreciated. Jokes can fall flat, too, and can stop that holiday spirit right in its tracks. If you’re going to give gag gifts, do them as an addendum rather than the main event.

Do Think of the Employee’s Family

The people who work for you have lives outside of the workplace, or so you’d hope, and it’s thoughtful to recognize the contribution that the people at home make to the person who you see every day.

A gift of food or something the employee’s family would enjoy is a nice way to bring your holiday wishes home. A basket of breakfast treats, for example, with pancake mix, syrups, jams, cocoa, and the like. Or a picnic hamper filled with goodies.

Do Consider Personal Preferences

If you’re giving the same or similar gifts to everyone, bear in mind that not everyone shares the same religious beliefs or lifestyle choices. A warm fleece throw works for everyone while a subscription to beer or bacon of the month club is probably not the greatest idea for everyone.

Don’t Make a Gift Strictly Work-Related

While your employees might like to have comfortable new chair cushions, they don’t make for much of a holiday present. On the other hand, tech gifts that have wider value could be in order. For example, travel chargers, laptop bags, or cell phone stands.

Do Think of Time as a Gift

Time off is one of the most appreciated gifts there is. Consider offering an extra personal day off, or, especially in the busy holiday season when everyone has so much to do to get ready, give everyone an extra half day off so they can beat the crowds to the mall.