Recognizing the efforts of your employees is a powerful practice that fosters motivation and loyalty. Our curated list of employee appreciation gift ideas goes beyond the conventional, offering tokens of gratitude that reflect genuine appreciation.
From celebrating milestones and achievements or simply expressing gratitude for everyday contributions, this collection aims to inspire thoughtful gestures that resonate. We get that sometimes it’s easier just to give a cash bonus. However, studies show that 65% of employees actually prefer non-cash incentives.
That said, let’s explore some unique and meaningful ways to show appreciation and improve employee engagement. Here's a list of the best employee appreciation gifts to give.
Staff & Employee Appreciation Gifts
Celebrate your entire team with heartfelt employee appreciation gifts that go beyond ordinary, expressing gratitude in significant and meaningful ways.
1. Deluxe Snack Box
Boost your team's morale with the Deluxe Snack Box, a perfect gesture of appreciation. This highly creative snack box comes packed with all sorts of sweet, salty, and savory treats. The Deluxe Snack Box is a delightful way to motivate your team to achieve milestones and make the foodies in them happy!
2. Gift A New Experience
Do you want to give your team a gift that will give lasting memories? Why not show your gratitude beyond the ordinary with a memorable experience? If this is what you want to do, we highly recommend the experts at Bucketlist. These guys offer a diverse range, from hot air balloon rides to skill-building opportunities like cooking classes or golf lessons.
3. California Wine Taster
Savor the best of California with The California Wine Taster, a sought-after collection that has sold out over five times. You can choose from various wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Choosing this gift to show your appreciation gives your employees a virtual winery tour to enjoy.
4. Custom Corporate Gift Shop
Here’s an idea to consider— establish a personalized corporate gift shop for your team and offer a diverse range of products for customization. Empower employees to tailor their appreciation gifts, fostering a unique and meaningful expression of gratitude.
5. Buy Them Lunch!
Treat your employees to a virtual lunch with a digital credit card. This staff appreciation gift offers the joy of morning coffee, happy hour drinks, and delivered lunches, connecting your remote team globally.
6. The Gift of Choice on Goody
Seasoned gift-givers appreciate Goody's trendy collection, featuring brands like Levain Bakery, Brightland, and Parachute. The Gift of Choice lets recipients pick any physical item, blending flexibility with a personal touch.
7. Hot Sauce Box
If you’ve got team members who love spicy food, this option will tickle their taste buds best! Spice your employee appreciation with the Hot Sauce Box, tailored for hot sauce enthusiasts. This box lets employees choose their preferred heat level, from wild to mild.
8. Let Employees Choose Their Gift
Nothing speaks appreciation better than allowing them to choose their preferred gift. So, consider demonstrating your appreciation by giving employees the power to choose their care package. This gift reflects individual preferences, boosts morale, and motivates the team.
9. Gifts of Gratitude Box
Gifts of Gratitude bundles heartfelt appreciation into a box, delivering comfort and joy to your employees. These employee gifts includes a tea set, organic coffee, artisanal soap, candles, a stone paper journal, a succulent, and a branded coffee mug.
Team Appreciation Gifts
Surprise and appreciate your team in bulk to save time and money! In this list, you just might discover a thoughtful and budget-friendly employee appreciation gift that makes a lasting impact on employee morale.
10. MiiR 20oz Tumbler
The MiiR 20oz Tumbler is a gift designed for cupholder convenience, and keeps beverages at the perfect temperature. This practical gift promotes hydration, contributing to employee health and overall well-being.
11. Remote Office Pack
The Remote Office Pack is a top-notch swag bundle for remote employees, meticulously crafted with thoughtful details, including a plastic door hanger for meeting status.
This staff appreciation gift includes a vacuum-insulated camper mug, a door hanger, cozy knit socks, and customizable insert cards, all packaged with care.
12. Marine Layer Sport Jogger
The Marine Layer Sport Jogger combines heavyweight fabric for warmth without sweating, lightweight comfort, and versatility. Ideal for both workouts and cooler weather, these joggers ensure your employees stay prepared. Featuring 4-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric, this bulk employee appreciation gift guarantees your employees or colleagues are always ready for any weather.
13. The Original S’well Bottle
The Original S’well Bottle, crafted from food-grade stainless steel, ensures your beverages are always at the perfect temperature. This gift works best for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. It accommodates any pace and helps maintain cold temperatures for 36 hours and hot for 18 hours.
14. Bluetooth Item Finder
During busy schedules and hectic lives, it’s common for people to misplace and lose their stuff. So, we’ve found the perfect gift for forgetful folks— The Bluetooth Item Finder. This gift works as a luggage tag and a handy locator, helping employees track down their phones, keys, bags, or other essentials. One loud sound triggered by an app ensures a quick and efficient search for lost items.
15. Carson Blue Light Glasses
The Carson Blue Light Glasses shield your employees' eyes from the harmful effects of prolonged screen exposure. FDA-approved, these glasses feature anti-glare coating and UV light filtering.
Carefully crafted by UK optometrists, the Carson Blue Light Glasses has science-backed results. They provide top-notch anti-blue light protection for it's wearer, making it a great way to maintain your employees' eye health and vitality.
Employee Appreciation Gift Boxes
Elevate team spirits with curated gift boxes. Here are some creative and meaningful employee appreciation gift boxes expressing gratitude like no other.
16. Rise and Grind
Rise and Grind delivers the perfect punch to wake your employees up. It combines luxury and practicality, making employees go “wow!” when they pop the box open. Some things included in this highly-favored gift box include headphones, a charging pad, a notebook, and a personalized message.
17. Mini Wine Bottle Collection
The Mini Wine Bottle Collection allows your wine-loving employees to enjoy fine wines in perfectly sized portions. This gift box acknowledges their refined palate, offering crisp whites, full-flavored reds, and everything in between.
18. Cozy & Calm Gift Box
The Cozy & Calm Gift Box is a ready-to-go bundle that enhances employee comfort in the office or home. This gift set includes a slow-tide fleece blanket, a hot chocolate canister, a bamboo soy candle, a ceramic mug, and more, all neatly presented.
19. Taste The World – Tinggly
Give your team members a global culinary adventure with Taste The World. This appreciation gift gives recipients a virtual journey exploring Italy's pasta, India's spices, France's artisanal cheeses, and Japan's sublime sushi. Choose from over 200 curated experiences via the Tinggly redeem page, pick a suitable date, and await confirmation via email!
Unique Employee Appreciation Gifts
Celebrate your team's hard work with one-of-a-kind gifts! Discover unique employee appreciation gifts that show genuine gratitude and foster a positive workplace.
20. Custom Illustration with Outline
Turn memories into art with the Custom Illustration with Outline. Transform photos into hand-drawn line art. Choose print quality and the number of people, pets, or objects, and cherish the unique creation!
21. Send Out Employee Recognition Points
You’re sure to elevate your employee recognition with Recognition Points, empowering coworkers to acknowledge achievements. Platforms like Mo offer a diverse rewards catalog, ensuring quick cash-outs, gift cards, and easy nonprofit donations. A bonus feed enhances team appreciation and engagement.
22. The Pup Chest
Pamper pet-loving employees with The Pup Chest, a distinctive employee appreciation subscription. Each month, it delivers 2 toys, a treat pack, and an additional grooming item for furry friends, ensuring top-notch quality and endless fun.
23. Holiday Care Package
Express your gratitude with the Holiday Care Package, a staff appreciation gift brimming with delightful treats and winter comforts. From a chocolate bar to Candy Club sweets, a scented candle, a cozy mug, and warm socks, it's the perfect gesture of appreciation.
24. Custom City Map Print
Are your team members nostalgic? If they are, you can consider giving your employees a gift that reminds them of their hometown with the Custom City Map Print. This personalized map print offers an artistic representation of their favorite city or hometown, making it a perfect addition to their home office.
25. Magnetic Travel Chess Set
Relive the chess craze inspired by The Queen's Gambit with The Magnetic Travel Chess Set. Thanks to its magnetized design securing the pieces, this portable set allows employees to play anywhere, from business trips to road adventures.
26. Appreciation Gift Box
Next on our list is The Appreciation Gift Box, a gift that shows a delightful display of artisanal passion. With this gift, recipients enjoy a unique assortment of nutty flavors, expertly crafted to provide just the right sweetness for a delightful and appreciated experience.
27. Amplify Snacks + Goods
There are a few gifts that you can tell were designed to uplift and inspire employees. Amplify Snacks + Goods is one of them. We like this goodie box’s perfect mix— a medium roast coffee for energy, a scented candle, twelve wholesome snacks, and a quality notebook.
Moreover, this gift is one that makes an impact. Each purchase supports Feeding America and the Equal Justice Initiative, working towards ending racial inequality.
28. Olio E Osso – Lip & Cheek Tinted Balm
Olio E Osso Lip & Cheek Tinted Balm pampers lips and cheeks with a captivating allure perfect for any setting. This beauty gift enhances eyelids, cheeks, and lips with a perfect shade, enriched with natural ingredients like shea nut oil, olive oil, beeswax, grapefruit peel oil, and more!
Tips When Choosing Employee Appreciation Gifts
Any of the amazing options above are great appreciation gifts for your team members and staff? However, having all these options can be overwhelming at times.
To help get over the analysis paralysis, here are some important guidelines when choosing employee appreciation gifts. Hopefully, this helps you make the right choice!
1) Consider Personal Preferences
Understanding your employees' individual interests and preferences can make your gift more meaningful. A gift that aligns with their hobbies, tastes, or needs shows that you've put thought into it and value them as individuals.
Adding a personal touch, like a handwritten note or customizing the gift, can significantly increase its value in the eyes of the recipient.
2) Keep it Professional
Ensure the gifts are professional and appropriate for the workplace. Avoid anything too personal or intimate that might make the employee feel uncomfortable.
3) Be Inclusive
Choose gifts that are inclusive and considerate of different cultures, dietary restrictions, and lifestyles. It's important that no employee feels left out or offended by the choice of gift.
4) Think Practicality
Practical gifts that employees can use either in their professional or personal lives are often appreciated. Items that improve their work experience or add convenience to their daily routine can be great choices.
5) Quality Over Quantity
Giving a smaller, quality item is better than a larger, less durable one. A quality gift reflects your genuine appreciation and respect for the employee.
6) Give Group Experiences
Instead of individual gifts, consider experiences the team can enjoy together, like a group lunch or a team-building activity. This not only shows appreciation but also promotes team bonding.
7) Be Mindful of Monetary Value
Be cautious about the monetary value of the gift. It should be substantial enough to show appreciation but not so expensive that it makes the employee feel uncomfortable or obliged.
8) Stay Consistent
Maintain consistency in the value and type of gifts given to employees at similar levels or in similar roles to avoid any perception of favoritism or unfairness.
When you start giving gifts, you’ll also need to build consistency in the practice as much as possible. For instance, if you give gifts to sales representatives who hit quotas and sales targets, other sales staff will assume you’ll keep giving gifts to performers.
9) Seek Feedback
Consider getting feedback from employees on the types of gifts they would appreciate. This can be done through surveys or informal conversations, providing valuable insights for future gift selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good appreciation gifts for employees?
Effective employee recognition gifts are items or experiences designed to convey appreciation and acknowledgment. Aside from the items above, you have a whole array of other generic gifts. Here are some common gifts you can give to show your appreciation:
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Personalized Desk Accessories: Customized stationery, mouse pads, or pen holders.
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Fitness Trackers: To promote health and wellness.
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Subscription Boxes: Monthly delivery of snacks, books, or coffee.
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Professional Development Courses: Online courses or workshops.
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High-Quality Headphones: For music or conference calls.
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Customized Tumblers or Mugs: Personalized with their name or a motivational quote.
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Spa Gift Cards: For a day of relaxation and self-care.
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Portable Phone Chargers: Useful for employees on-the-go.
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Team Lunch or Dinner: A group outing to a nice restaurant.
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Book Club Membership: Especially if they love reading.
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Personalized Office Artwork: Art prints or motivational posters.
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Ergonomic Office Chair or Desk Accessories: To improve their workspace.
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Streaming Service Subscription: Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify.
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High-Quality Backpack or Briefcase: Stylish and practical.
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Gourmet Food Baskets: Chocolates, cheeses, or fruits.
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Plants or Terrariums: To brighten up their desk space.
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Wellness Retreat: A weekend getaway focused on health and relaxation.
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Smart Home Devices: Like smart speakers or lights.
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Customized Apparel: Hoodies or t-shirts with company branding.
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Charity Donation in Their Name: For a cause they care about.
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Cooking Class: Either in-person or virtual.
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Tech Gadgets: Like the latest smartwatch or tablet.
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Artisan Coffee or Tea Collection: For the caffeine aficionados.
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Personalized Calendars: Featuring team photos or company milestones.
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Wine or Craft Beer Tasting Experience: For the connoisseurs.
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Scented Candles or Aromatherapy Sets: For a soothing atmosphere.
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High-Quality Notebook and Pen Set: For jotting down ideas.
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Customized Puzzle: Featuring a company photo or the company logo.
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Virtual Reality Headset: For tech-savvy employees.
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Gift Cards: To their favorite stores or online shops.
How do you show staff appreciation on a budget?
Employee appreciation gifts are a great way to show your appreciation to your staff. They don’t always have to be expensive. You can buy affordable gifts or buy them in bulk to get discounts from sellers.
Apart from gifts, there are many other ways to show your appreciation. Here are some ideas:
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Personal Thank You Notes. Handwritten notes expressing specific appreciation for an employee's work can be very impactful.
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Public Recognition. Recognize achievements during meetings or through company communication channels. This can boost morale and doesn't cost anything.
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Flexible Hours or Time Off. Offering a longer lunch break, leaving early on a Friday, or a day off can be a great reward that doesn't impact the budget.
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Professional Development Opportunities. Offering training sessions, online courses, or even in-house skill-sharing can be valuable for employees.
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Casual Dress Days. If your work environment allows, offering casual dress days can be a simple and free way to make employees feel more relaxed and appreciated.
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Team Lunch or Potluck. Organize a team lunch where everyone brings a dish. This can be a great way to build team spirit without a large expense.
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Employee of the Month. Implementing an employee of the month program with a small token of appreciation, like a certificate or a prime parking spot, can be motivating.
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Wellness Programs. Initiatives like a lunchtime walking group, meditation sessions, or a company sports day can promote health and show you care about your employees' well-being.
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Feedback and Career Development Conversations. Regularly scheduled meetings to discuss career goals and provide feedback can show your investment in their professional growth.
How do I order employee appreciation gifts in bulk?
To order employee appreciation gifts in bulk, engage with companies offering bulk purchases. These providers often manage the entire logistics process, including shipping, making it a convenient option for mass procurement.
When is a good time to show appreciation to your employees?
You will find no shortage of time to give your employees gifts to show appreciation. Of the many occasions, these are some of the most common that you should never miss.
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After Completion of a Big Project. Recognizing employees' hard work and dedication after the successful completion of a significant project is a great time for appreciation.
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During Regular Meetings. Incorporating recognition into regular meetings can create a culture of appreciation. It doesn't have to be for monumental achievements; consistent performance and improvements can also be acknowledged.
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Employee Anniversaries. Celebrating work anniversaries or milestones shows employees that their long-term contributions are valued.
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During Employee Appreciation Day. This day, typically observed on the first Friday in March, is a dedicated occasion to show gratitude to your staff.
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End of the Year. Recognizing employees' contributions over the past year during an end-of-year meeting or party can be very motivating.
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When They Exceed Expectations. If an employee goes above and beyond their normal duties, it's a perfect opportunity to show appreciation.
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After Receiving Positive Feedback from Clients. When a client commends an employee, sharing this feedback with the employee and recognizing their efforts is important.
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On Their Birthday. Acknowledging employees' birthdays with a small celebration or gesture can make them feel valued personally.
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Randomly. Sometimes, random acts of appreciation can be the most impactful. It shows that you always pay attention, not just during expected times.
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During Times of Personal Achievement or Challenge. Recognizing an employee’s personal achievements (like completing a degree) or offering support during challenging times (like family issues) shows that you care about them as individuals.
Final Thoughts
Employee appreciation should be something your organization and leadership team show as often as possible, not just once in a blue moon. The best companies make efforts like appreciation gifts a part of their continuous culture. Thoughtful gifts, personalized or practical, can greatly communicate and reinforce your appreciation for your team members and the effort and value they bring to your team, department, or organization.
Just remember that the key lies in recognizing individual preferences, celebrating achievements, and fostering a sense of belonging. Embedding this appreciation gesture will almost always boost morale and build enduring bonds within their teams.
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