Employee appreciation gifts that will make their day
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, retaining top talent is more important than ever. One of the main reasons that employees leave their place of employment is because they feel undervalued and unappreciated. It’s crucial for companies to focus on enhancing team morale and boosting employee motivation.
A recent study suggests that over 80% of employees feel appreciated when they receive gifts and recognition from their employers. Thoughtful employee appreciation gifts are one of the most effective ways to cultivate a positive work environment, and when done right, can strengthen employee loyalty.
The basic principle is simple. It’s a show of gratitude in the form of a gift, a tangible way to demonstrate that you value your employee’s contributions. However, finding appreciation gifts that cater to a wide range of preferences and interests can be challenging.
Below we’ve curated a list of employee appreciation gifts that can help you reward your employees for their hard work and show them just how much you appreciate them.
- Custom branded socks
Step up your corporate gifting with custom branded socks. Company socks are a fun and practical gift choice, blending luxurious comfort with brand promotion. Thousands of companies globally are designing custom branded socks with Swanky Socks, with the bamboo custom socks being the most popular choice.
Last year alone, Swanky Socks sold half a million pairs, with over 80% of clients choosing bamboo. Crafted from the softest bamboo fibres, the socks offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties for all-day comfort.
Arranging artwork concepts is super easy, reach out to the design team while including your logo/brand guidelines. The Swanky Socks team will do all the hard work to bring to life your next custom branded sock design.
Custom branded socks are one of the most powerful marketing products in corporate merchandise. Gifts that employees can use, whether in their professional or personal lives, are highly favoured.
- Coffee tumblers
For the employee that loves piping-hot coffee or ice-cold drinks, stainless steel insulated tumblers are more than up for the job. They make a fantastic appreciation gift, especially if the employee is always on the go.
Custom engravings or prints with the recipient’s name, initials, or a meaningful message can make the tumbler feel special and unique. Consider features like spill-proof lids, easy-to-clean designs, and ergonomic handles. Some travel mugs also have built-in temperature control or can fit in car cup holders.
Enhance the gift by including complementary items like gourmet coffee or tea, a reusable straw, or a travel blanket.
- Desk plants
A new leafy desk plant is a great employee gift for the team. Plants symbolise growth and life, they are living reminders of the bonds formed and the time spent working together. Unlike other gifts that may eventually be forgotten, a plant continues to grow and thrive, serving as a lasting memento of your appreciation.
A bonus for the wellbeing of employees, taking care of a living thing can also provide a sense of calm and encourage mindfulness. Opt for plants that are easy to care for, especially if the recipient may not have a green thumb. Popular choices for offices include pothos, zanzibar plant, and snake plant.
- Company sweatshirts
Cosy company sweatshirts are practical and can help foster a sense of team spirit and belonging. Include your company’s logo in the design. You can opt for a subtle embroidery or a more prominent print, depending on the recipient’s style and your brand guidelines.
Choose colours that align with your company’s branding. Besides sweatshirts, other styles to consider can include classic pullover hoodies or zip-up versions. Sweatshirts are versatile and can be worn both in and out of the office, making them a practical and appreciated gift.
- Picnic blankets
Encourage your employees to get out in nature with company picnic blankets. They are useful for a variety of outdoor activities, including outdoor picnics, beach outings, and camping. It ensures that your employee will always be lawn-ready. Custom blankets can serve as a walking advertisement, helping to keep your brand top-of-mind for employees and clients.
By incorporating custom designs, quality materials, and creative presentation, you can provide a gift that not only expresses gratitude but also enhances employees’ outdoor experiences and well-being. Whether used for picnics, beach trips, or just relaxing at home, a custom picnic blanket is a versatile and memorable way to show your appreciation.
- Power banks
Give your employees a positive charge with portable power banks. Customise the power bank with your company’s logo or branding. This not only makes the gift useful but also subtly promotes company pride. Pair the power bank with other tech accessories, such as a sleek phone stand, a stylish charging cable or a wireless charger. This can create a more comprehensive and thoughtful gift set.
Present the power bank in a beautifully designed gift box. You may choose to include a handwritten note or card expressing your appreciation for their hard work and contributions. Alternatively, you can include QR code with a message from the leadership team or a video expressing appreciation. It adds a personal touch and makes the gift more memorable.
- Insulated water bottles
Promote hydration for your employees with stainless steel insulated water bottles. Choose a high-quality, durable water bottle with features like insulation to keep beverages hot or cold, a leak-proof design, and a sturdy construction.
As a company you’ll be sending an important message to say goodbye to wasteful single-use plastic bottles and hello to eco-friendly drinking. Stainless steel water bottles also serve as a powerful branding tool as you’ll be doing planet earth a favour by reducing waste.
Choose a high-quality, durable water bottle with features like insulation to keep beverages hot or cold, a leak-proof design, and a sturdy construction. By focusing on quality, personalisation, and thoughtful extras, you can turn a simple water bottle into a meaningful and appreciated employee gift.
- Notebook and pen sets
Inspire and delight with personalised notebook and pen sets. You’ll be encouraging employees to make their mark with high quality notebooks. Premium materials to consider are leather or leather-like covers for a professional look and a durable finish.
You may choose to have the employee’s name or initials engraved or debossed on the cover for a personal touch. Elevate this gift by pairing the notebook with a high-quality pen that complements the design of the notebook.
- Self-care packages
Who doesn’t love a little bit of relaxation? Show your hardworking employee how much you appreciate them with a collection of self-care items, including sheet masks, relaxation candles, and bath bombs. Because the truth is, every worker deserves to feel like the CEO for the day.
These items cater to a variety of preferences and support mental and physical wellbeing. When employees, in the office or remote, feel cared for and appreciated, they're more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work.
- Gift cards
If all else fails, go classic with gift cards. It is sometimes seen to be old-fashioned but it’s one of the most versatile gifts, offering gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, or online stores. It allows your employee to choose something that they genuinely want or need. Options like Amazon or Visa gift cards are particularly flexible.
Whether it’s customised branded socks, office essentials, or engraved keepsakes, the key is to select gifts that reflect genuine gratitude and support a culture of appreciation. By choosing versatile, practical, and thoughtful gifts, you can enhance morale, foster a positive work environment, and show your appreciation in a way that resonates with everyone.
