The Best Holiday Gift Guide for Your Cleaning Staff

WHY TRUST US? The ZenMaid team has eight current and past cleaning business owners, including our CEO and founder Amar, who know the ins and outs of the maid service industry like the back of their hands. They share their expertise with us in product development, with the customer success team, and content, which includes the article you’re about to read. We also partner with some amazing leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Chris Schwab, and more, to provide you with the latest industry insights. The tips and advice you’ll find on our blog have helped our team grow their maid services, and we’re excited to share them with you to help you grow your business too.

It’s that time of year again, and we’re all trying to find the perfect holiday gifts for our teams. After watching thousands of cleaning businesses grow through ZenMaid, I figured it was time to create a proper holiday gift guide for your cleaning staff.

So, I’ve pulled together the best ideas from our team of cleaning business owners and the amazing ZenMaid Mastermind community to help you nail your holiday gifting this year. 

Whether you’re shopping for three employees or a team of thirty cleaning technicians, you’ll find something helpful here!

How much should you spend on each gift?

Usually, somewhere between $25-$100 feels right. Some factors to consider are how long someone has been working for you, how many hours they work, and what their position is. If you have an office manager who is your right-hand person, who you’d trust with your life, and has been working for you for 5+ years… I’d be more generous.

Gift Ideas for Cleaning Technicians

Cold Hard Cash

Everyone loves a bonus, especially during the expensive holiday season. The key is pairing it with a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing specific things you appreciate about them.

Branded Swag

It’s hard to go wrong with company swag — you get some extra marketing for your cleaning business, and your team gets something fun. Swag items that are great around the holidays are winter beanies, sweatshirts, water bottles, mugs, notebooks, cleaning caddies, or tote bags. 

(Please enjoy the above photo of when Michelle Allegrezza sent me swag from my own company. 😂)

Gift Cards

Gift cards are always a hit. Gas cards are particularly appreciated since many cleaning techs drive to multiple locations. Other popular options from our U.S.-based cleaning business owners love to gift:

• Walmart or Target
• Local coffee shops 
• Movie theaters
• Grocery stores
• Amazon, of course

‘Cleaning’ Care Package

Put together a bundle of items that make their workday better (but not with cleaning supplies — that’s no fun). Go for things like nice hand cream, blotting sheets for mid-day touch-ups, hand sanitizer, gum, body spray, mints, snacks, and a car freshener. Bonus points if you package it all in a branded company tote bag.

An Extra Vacation Day

The best gift of all is something we can’t get more of: time. If you offer benefits, consider giving an extra paid vacation day, or marking off their birthday or as a floating holiday.

Source: The TheCanarysNest on Etsy

Something Handmade from Etsy

If you run a smaller cleaning business, the small-batch, handmade route could be the way to go. Etsy creators make a lot of great cleaning-themed gifts, from custom coffee mugs to this candle that says, “Smells like this place would be a mess without you.” If that doesn’t get a smile, I don’t know what would. 

Source: Imflip.com

A Dundie Award, But Better

Michael Scott was on to something here….  Because even if they won’t admit it, most people appreciate some public recognition. Try to keep it classier than Michael Scott, though. 😉You can think of fun, personalized awards for each cleaning tech on your team paired with a gift card. Some ideas to get you started:

• The “Spotless Streak” Award for most 5-star service ratings on ZenMaid
• The “Mary Poppins” Award for most organized cleaning caddy
• The “Social Butterfly” Award – for most client referrals generated
• The “Rookie of the Year” Award – for the new hire who’s crushing it
• The “Time Wizard” Award – for the tech who consistently finishes on schedule without rushing
• The “Early Bird” Award – for never being late to a job

Gift Ideas for Your Office Manager

Deluxe Spa Package

Your office manager keeps everything running smoothly, so they deserve some serious relaxation. A local spa gift certificate it a great way to say “thanks for your hard work”. 

Premium Bonus

Consider a more substantial holiday bonus for your office manager since they manage a substantial part of the business. Pair it, of course, with a thoughtful note. 

Tech Upgrade

If they’re using their personal devices for work, consider upgrading their phone, tablet, or laptop. Or, gift high-end accessories like noise-canceling headphones or a standing desk in their workspace. 

Gift Ideas for Your Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) usually don’t work locally, so some of the other suggestions in this guide won’t be a good fit. Here are some other ideas that have been a hit with our virtual team at ZenMaid. 

Digital Gift Cards

Since your VA works remotely, focus on digital gifts. Amazon, Netflix, or online learning platform gift cards are always appreciated. Just make sure those platforms are available in the region they work from.

Mail Some Swag

Send a thoughtful package with company swag, local specialties from your area, and a handwritten note. It helps create a connection to your business despite the physical distance.

Pay For an Online Course

Offer to cover the cost of an online course or certification they’re interested in. It shows you’re invested in their growth while helping them build valuable skills in their job.

One Last Idea: Launch a Year-Round Gifting Program

Truth be told, I stole this idea from Stephanie Pipkin because it’s a genius way to keep the good energy going throughout the whole year. In her cleaning business, Serene Clean, she’s launching a tiered swag system where employees get to choose new branded items when they hit work anniversaries. 

Want that premium company hoodie? You’ll get to pick it out at your one-year mark. Had your eye on that fancy cooler with the company logo? That’s a two-year milestone reward. It’s brilliant because it gives staff something to look forward to throughout the year, plus they get to choose items they’ll actually use.

You could take this idea even further with a Pay-It-Forward program. When team members hit certain milestones, like work anniversaries or reaching a perfect rating streak, you make a small donation to their charity of choice. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate their achievements while supporting causes they care about. Plus, it reinforces that your company values extend beyond just keeping homes clean. 

Remember, the best gifts are something your employees actually want and show you appreciate them. Whether you go big or small, adding a personal touch makes it all the more meaningful. 

Here’s to celebrating your amazing staff and another successful year in your cleaning business! Happy holidays from the ZenMaid team. 🎄✨