Employees are the backbone of any successful organization. Their dedication and hard work drive your company forward. Showing genuine employee appreciation is crucial, and one tangible way to do this is through thoughtful Employee Gift Ideas. Moving beyond generic, impersonal gestures, strategic gifting can significantly boost morale and demonstrate that your company truly values its team.
Why Employee Appreciation Matters
Feeling valued and recognized is a fundamental human need, especially in the workplace. When employees feel their contributions are seen and appreciated, they are more motivated to perform at their best. Ignoring this need can lead to decreased engagement and even burnout. An employee appreciation gift, when part of a broader recognition strategy, can be a powerful tool in fostering a positive and productive work environment.
It’s important to remember that a single annual gift doesn’t replace fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, or daily recognition. Effective employee recognition should be timely, specific, frequent, visible, inclusive, and aligned with company values. However, a carefully chosen and personalized gift serves as a strong symbol of your company’s care and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
When Employee Appreciation Gifts Really Shine
While employee appreciation should be ongoing, certain moments are particularly opportune for gifting.
Employee Appreciation Day, observed annually on the first Friday of March, is an ideal time to amplify your gifting efforts. The end-of-year holiday season also presents a natural occasion to express gratitude for the year’s accomplishments. Furthermore, celebrating the successful completion of major projects with employee gifts can provide a timely and relevant thank you to teams for their extra effort.
Now, let’s explore 35 employee gift ideas categorized by price point to help you find the perfect token of appreciation for your team.
Exciting gift box with ribbon
$ Lower Price Employee Gift Ideas
These budget-friendly employee gift ideas prove that appreciation doesn’t have to break the bank.
1. An Extra Day Off 🌱
One of the most universally appreciated and surprisingly cost-effective employee gifts is a bonus day off. Beyond the minimal cost of a day’s productivity, this gift offers immense value to employees. Paid time off is scientifically linked to improved well-being, and refreshed employees are more engaged and productive in the long run. Offering an extra day off is a win-win employee appreciation gift.
2. Grocery Gift Cards 🌱
Help employees with everyday expenses by gifting grocery store gift cards. This practical gift can contribute towards a holiday meal, a regular grocery run, or a fun family pizza night. Grocery gift cards are flexible and can be given in amounts to suit various budgets. For an eco-conscious option, consider Whole Foods gift cards, made from recycled paper.
3. Fan Their Fandom
Tap into employees’ personal interests by gifting items related to their favorite TV shows, books, movies, or hobbies. Etsy is a treasure trove of custom-made items, from personalized mugs to themed artwork. A thoughtful, fandom-related gift demonstrates that you see employees as individuals with unique passions. For example, a “Star Baker” apron inspired by the Great British Bake Off would be perfect for baking enthusiasts on your team.
4. Handwritten Notes
In a digital world, a handwritten note carries significant weight. This nearly free employee gift idea involves investing time to personally express your appreciation. Be specific in your praise, highlighting individual contributions and linking them to company values. A genuine, handwritten note is a powerful and personal way to show you value your team.
Inline call to action for employee gift guide questionnaire
5. Piñata
Inject some fun and nostalgia into employee appreciation gifts with a piñata delivered directly to their door. Filled with candy and a personalized note of thanks, a piñata is a unique and playful way to celebrate achievements. Companies like Piñatagrams offer a variety of fun piñata shapes, from unicorns to festive reindeers.
6. Fidget Toys
Capitalize on the fidget toy trend to provide employees with stress-relieving desk accessories. Fidget toys can help with focus and concentration, particularly during long virtual meetings. With endless options available online, you can find fidget toys to suit various preferences and budgets as thoughtful employee gifts.
7. Desk Accessories
Enhance employee comfort and workspace organization with practical desk accessories. A foot hammock for under-desk comfort or a cable organizer to declutter workspaces are both useful and affordable employee gift ideas. These thoughtful items improve the work environment, whether employees are in the office or working from home.
8. State Candles
A state candle representing your company headquarters is a unique and fragrant employee gift. Homesick Candles offers candles with scents designed to evoke the essence of different states. For example, a Colorado candle might feature scents of spruce, cedar, and cinnamon to represent the Rocky Mountains. This gift provides a sensory reminder of company pride and location.
Mulled wine in a glass
$$ Mid-Price Employee Gift Ideas
Step up your employee gift ideas with these mid-range options that offer a balance of thoughtfulness and value.
9. Cold Hard Cash 🌱
A classic and always appreciated employee gift is cash. For larger organizations seeking equitable and straightforward gifts, cash bonuses are a practical choice. Extra funds are always welcome and provide employees with the flexibility to spend as they choose.
10. Subscription Box
Personalize employee appreciation gifts with subscription boxes tailored to individual interests. From gourmet food boxes to monthly book clubs, there’s a subscription box for nearly every hobby and passion. Consider meat subscription boxes, international snack boxes, or even unique options like bulb-of-the-month clubs. A multi-month subscription provides ongoing enjoyment and shows continued appreciation.
11. Something Green That’s Not Cash 🌱
For plant-loving employees, consider gifting houseplants. Brands like Bloomscape and Amazon offer a wide selection of indoor plants. Punny planters with appreciative messages add an extra touch of thoughtfulness. Studies show that houseplants can reduce stress and boost productivity, making them both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial employee gifts.
12. Fuji Polaroid Camera
Help employees capture and cherish life’s moments with a Fujifilm Instax Mini Polaroid camera. This fun and nostalgic employee gift allows for instant photo prints, perfect for personal keepsakes and sharing memories. It’s a great way to encourage employees to document and enjoy moments outside of work.
13. At-Home Crafts
For creative employees, at-home craft kits are engaging and relaxing employee gift ideas. Consider knitting, embroidery, crochet, or pottery kits. A pottery kit for making planters or a needle felting kit for textile art provides a hands-on, enjoyable activity and a finished product to enjoy.
14. Cookbook
Appeal to culinary enthusiasts with a well-chosen cookbook. For bakers, “New World Sourdough” is a popular choice. Beginner chefs might appreciate “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” while classic cooks may enjoy “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” A cookbook is a thoughtful employee gift for anyone who loves to cook or wants to expand their culinary skills.
15. Wine, Whiskey, Chocolate, or Coffee Tasting Kit
Indulge employees’ palates with gourmet tasting kits. Wine, whiskey, chocolate, and coffee tasting kits offer a curated sampling experience. Voluptuary wine tasting kits, whiskey tasting sets from The Spirit Co., and chocolate tasting kits with global cocoa beans are all excellent employee gift ideas for those who appreciate fine flavors.
Inline call to action for employee gift guide questionnaire
16. Puzzles and Games
Provide employees with entertainment and relaxation through puzzles and games. Wooden jigsaw puzzles from brands like Liberty Puzzles offer a sophisticated and engaging activity. Board games like Cover Your Assets, Codenames, or Taco Goat Cheese Pizza are fun for families and individuals alike. Pairing a puzzle or game with gourmet hot chocolate elevates this employee gift idea.
17. Self Care Kit
Promote employee well-being with self-care kits. You can create customized kits or purchase pre-made versions from companies like Unbox Me, Pinch Provisions, or Bath Bevy. These kits often include items like bath bombs, aromatherapy products, and relaxation aids, providing a thoughtful employee gift focused on stress relief.
18. Headspace Subscription 🌱
Encourage mindfulness and mental well-being with a Headspace subscription. Promoting mindfulness in the workplace can improve morale and motivation. A Headspace for Work subscription is a valuable employee appreciation gift that supports employee mental health and productivity.
19. National Parks Annual Pass 🌱
Inspire employees to explore the outdoors with a National Parks annual pass. This employee gift encourages employees to enjoy nature and take advantage of national parks across the country. Consider offering a day off to further incentivize park visits and promote work-life balance.
20. Picnic Basket
A picnic basket is a classic and delightful employee gift idea. It’s something employees might not buy for themselves but would enjoy having. Fill the basket with shelf-stable picnic essentials for an extra thoughtful touch, creating a complete gift ready for outdoor adventures.
21. Movie in a Box Kit
Create a cozy movie night experience with a movie-in-a-box kit. Include popcorn, candy, and perhaps cozy slippers for a complete home cinema experience. Pre-made kits are available online, or you can personalize your own for a thoughtful and fun employee gift.
22. Sled
For employees in colder climates, a sled is a fun and seasonal employee gift. From classic wooden toboggans to modern sleds, you can choose options to fit different budgets. A sled offers wintertime fun for employees and their families.
Champagne bottle with glasses
$$$ High-Price Employee Gift Ideas
For significant milestones or exceptional performance, these higher-value employee gift ideas make a lasting impression.
23. Food Boxes, But Make Them Unique
Move beyond generic popcorn buckets with gourmet food boxes from sites like Goldbelly, Zingerman’s, and Snacknation. These services offer everything from meal kits to specialty food items like Zingerman’s famous corned beef Reuben kits. Gourmet food boxes provide a luxurious and delicious employee gift experience.
24. Airbnb Experiences 🌱
Gift employees memorable experiences with Airbnb Experiences. From alpaca encounters to cooking classes and city tours, there’s an experience to suit every interest. An Airbnb Experience is a unique employee appreciation gift that provides lasting memories and personal enrichment.
25. Massage 🌱
Promote relaxation and well-being with massage gift cards. Services like SpaFinder or Groupon offer gift cards that can be used at spas and massage centers nationwide. A massage is a thoughtful employee gift that encourages self-care and stress reduction.
26. Classes 🌱
Offer opportunities for learning and personal development with class gift certificates. Mixology, craft, or cooking classes are all engaging options. Local class providers or online platforms offer a wide variety of classes to match employee interests, making this a personalized employee appreciation gift.
27. Espresso Machine
For coffee-loving employees, an espresso machine is a premium and indulgent employee gift. An at-home espresso machine elevates their daily coffee routine and provides a touch of luxury.
28. Pasta Maker
Inspire culinary creativity with a pasta maker. A pasta maker opens up a world of homemade pasta possibilities, from fettuccine to lasagna. It’s a unique employee gift for those who enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.
29. Masterclass Subscription 🌱
Provide access to world-class learning with a Masterclass subscription. Employees can learn from experts in various fields, from writing to cooking to business. A Masterclass subscription is a valuable employee appreciation gift that supports personal and professional growth.
30. Subscription to a Book Club
Encourage reading and intellectual stimulation with a book club subscription. BlackLit and similar services offer curated book selections and engaging reading experiences. A book club subscription is a thoughtful employee gift for book lovers and lifelong learners.
31. Cameo 🌱
Create a unique and memorable employee gift with a celebrity shout-out through Cameo. Employees can receive personalized video messages from celebrities, athletes, or personalities they admire. This is a fun and unexpected way to show appreciation.
32. Headshots 🌱
Offer professional development and a polished image with headshot vouchers. Companies like Soona provide convenient and modern headshot services, with virtual and in-studio options. New headshots are a practical and valuable employee gift for professional branding.
33. Cleaning Services
For busy employees, especially those working from home, the gift of cleaning services is incredibly helpful. A clean and organized home environment contributes to mental well-being. Gift cards for local cleaning services are a practical and appreciated employee gift.
34. Digital Photo Frame
For employees who cherish personal photos, a digital photo frame is a thoughtful desk accessory. A digital frame allows employees to display a rotating slideshow of favorite memories, adding a personal touch to their workspace and making it a heartwarming employee gift.
35. A Bottle of Nice Champagne
A bottle of high-quality champagne is a classic celebratory employee gift. Opt for a truly special bottle that employees might save for a significant occasion. Remember to offer non-alcoholic alternatives for those who prefer them.
Inline call to action for employee gift guide questionnaire
The Takeaway
These 35 employee gift ideas for [Year] are designed to genuinely delight your employees and show your sincere appreciation. Investing in employee recognition is not just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a strategic investment in your company’s success.
A comprehensive peer-to-peer recognition program offers continuous appreciation and significantly improves employee motivation and team performance throughout the year. Platforms like Bonusly streamline company-wide recognition and simplify gift-giving, making employee appreciation an integrated and automated part of your company culture. Perhaps, in the end, a system for consistent recognition is truly the most valuable gift of all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the best time to give an employee appreciation gift?
Employee appreciation gifts are most impactful when timed strategically throughout the year. While Employee Appreciation Day in March and year-end holidays are traditional times, consider gifting to celebrate project completions, team milestones, or even individual achievements for more personalized and timely recognition.
What should I consider when choosing an employee appreciation gift?
Personalization and relevance are key factors in selecting employee appreciation gifts. Consider individual interests, preferences, and the message you wish to convey. Gifts that align with sustainability or promote well-being are often highly valued. Ensure the gift feels thoughtful and avoids being perceived as generic to maximize its positive impact on employee morale and engagement.
