Ten ways to say thanks: keep employees happy without breaking the bank.

• Author: Sergeant, Deborah Jeanne
• Position: IMPROVING MORALE

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As 2008 winds to a close, it's time to start thinking about how you want to thank your employees for all their hard work this year. Without them, where would your company be?

Although a tight economy may tempt you to forgo a holiday gift, now more than ever businesses need to make the gesture. Holiday bonuses express appreciation, but a present conveys thoughtfulness. It's more personal.

"It is very, very effective to give thank-you gifts to your employees," said Kimberly Smart-Waiters, owner of The Gifted Basket in Anchorage. "It makes them feel appreciated. Employees needs to feel important and valued for their services."

The Gifted Basket creates holiday and other seasonal and theme-oriented basket-based presents for corporate giving.

Employee holiday gifts can reduce turnover and keep morale high.

"When the employer shows gratitude, the employees feels valued and appreciated, therefore they will become more loyal to their employer, perform their jobs better for the success of the company," Smart-Waiters said.

Oftentimes, what you spend isn't as important as how meaningful the gesture is. The following 10 ideas can help you stay on-budget while thanking the people who keep your business rolling.

1. Edibles

   Whether it's a communal tray of goodies in the break room (which works best if all your employees work from a central location) or individual food gifts such as tins of cookies, most people appreciate edible presents. Gourmet cocoa, tea or coffee packaged in mugs also make thoughtful gifts, but be conscious of employees' beverage preferences and choose a mug that reflects their personal taste. Not everyone will like a mug depicting Springer spaniels.

   Keep in mind that some people have food allergies and most have food preferences, so stick with known favorites and avoid common allergy trigger such as strawberries, nuts and dairy.

2. Party time

   Shelling out for a lavish thank-you dinner at an upscale restaurant will likely be too costly; instead, consider hosting an informal party at your home or dolling up a conference room with holiday decor. Ordering catered desserts or hors d'oeuvres cost a lot less than a full meal. If your budget is really tight, pick up prepared trays from a local deli counter or desserts from a bakery and perform the legwork yourself. Or, if you are a whiz in the kitchen, whip up the food yourself.

   Consider hiring entertainment, such as a comedian or magician. Casual get-togethers could...