How to Purchase Turkeys for Your Employees

How to Purchase Turkeys for Your Employees

Sep 12, 2025

Finding a meaningful way to show appreciation to your employees during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're a small business or a nationwide company, giving turkeys as a Thanksgiving gift is a time-honored tradition that makes people feel valued. In fact, 90% of U.S. households enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. That means your gift will likely be used, enjoyed, and appreciated by your employees and their families.

Still, handing out 20lb frozen birds isn't always easy. Where do you store 30+ frozen birds for a week? How do you transport them? What about employees who don’t have large freezers or an appetite for turkey? Instead of stressing over logistics, storage, or dietary restrictions, there's a better way to approach it.

Options for Purchasing Turkeys for Your Employees

A turkey gift may seem small, but it’s a genuine way to build connection, show appreciation, and recognize your employees’ contributions. It’s a human gesture that reminds people they matter, especially around the holidays.

Fortunately, physical turkeys aren’t your only option. The goal is to offer a meaningful gift that’s also flexible, secure, and easy to distribute. Below are several great options to consider:

Physical Turkeys

Ordering and distributing actual turkeys is a traditional route, but it comes with logistical challenges. You can work with local grocery stores like Kroger or Safeway, or wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, to bulk order turkeys for pickup or delivery. Farm-to-table suppliers also offer fresh or frozen birds, perfect for companies that value locally sourced goods.

However, storing dozens of turkeys before Thanksgiving can be a headache. You’ll need freezer space, a delivery system, and a plan for employees who don’t eat meat or lack the space to store a turkey at home.

Gift Cards or Store Credit

Fortunately, physical turkeys aren’t your only option. Grocery store gift cards let employees buy turkeys or whatever they need for their holiday meal. These cards are practical, widely accepted, and appreciated, especially by employees who may not cook a traditional meal.

For maximum flexibility, Visa or Mastercard gift cards are another option. While not turkey-specific, they allow employees to spend the funds however they like. However, they may feel a bit less personal or festive compared to themed options.

Turkey Vouchers

Some brands offer specific turkey vouchers for corporate gifting. These are typically good for a specific turkey weight or price range and can be redeemed at participating grocers.

Turkey vouchers solve many of the logistical issues of handling physical birds. They’re easy to distribute and give employees the ability to choose a turkey that suits their preferences, or to gift it forward. 

With Turkey or Ham, you get the best of all worlds: flexibility, convenience, and a holiday-themed gift that’s actually used. Our gift certificates can be redeemed at any grocery store, for any brand or style of turkey or ham.

Here’s how it works:

  • Choose the dollar amount that fits your budget.

  • Send the gift certificates to your employees—we can handle mailing if needed.

  • Employees redeem them whenever and wherever they want, for the turkey or ham of their choice.

No storage issues, no dietary mismatches, no stress. Just a simple, secure way to show you care while keeping the holiday spirit intact.

Alternative Holiday Perks

If turkeys aren’t the right fit for your team, consider a meal kit or holiday box. These often include turkey, sides, and dessert, and eliminate the need for cooking or planning.

Another thoughtful option is charity-based. Some companies donate a turkey in an employee’s name to a local food bank. This shows appreciation while making a positive impact in your community, especially for employees who may not want or need a turkey themselves.

Turkey or Ham Serves Teams of All Sizes, Everywhere

Skip the guesswork and give your team something they’ll actually enjoy. At Turkey or Ham, we make it easy to purchase turkeys for your employees with secure checkout, fast shipping, and zero hassle.

Whether you have 5 or 500 employees, our service can meet your needs. We ship nationwide, and we’ll deliver directly to your location or to your remote team’s door. 

Ready to order? Visit turkeyorham.com and choose the gift that fits your team and your budget.