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Employee appreciation gifts are a simple, yet powerful way to make employees feel valued and recognized — when chosen thoughtfully.
And they’re not just for employee appreciation day, as gifts can be rewarding to employees on a variety of occasions and can even have an impact on employee retention. In fact, research shows that organizations that prioritize employee appreciation also have workers that are 56% less likely to job hunt.
Let’s learn why employee appreciation gifts are a boon to organizational health and get a list of gift inspiration ideas to celebrate employees that go above and beyond.
What do employees want as appreciation?
While there’s a wide variety of appreciation gift ideas out there, it all starts with knowing your employees personally and selecting a gift that reflects their individual achievements and interests. The gifts you choose should be meaningful to your employees and speak to the style of recognition they’d like to receive.
For example, for employees that are deeply motivated by positive feedback and social recognition, a personalized thank you note or public shoutout could go a long way to making them feel valued.
Additionally, opportunities that align with personal and professional goals, like professional development courses or mentorship programs, may resonate more deeply with employees that have big career aspirations.
What are good employee appreciation gifts?
A good employee appreciation gift is personalized and considers their interests and motivations.
Some great examples of them are:
- A simple but powerful personalized thank you note
- Gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- Extra paid time off to travel or spend with family
- Professional development courses related to their career aspirations
- Wellness gifts such as a spa voucher or gym membership
- Donation to their favorite charity in the employee’s name
- Mentorship program tailored to their career development plans
Why should you give your employees appreciation gifts?
1. Boosts employee morale
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of employees through gifts makes them feel acknowledged and valued, ultimately boosting their morale. According to Gallup, it’s essential that recognition comes from management or senior leadership – as employees say that the “most memorable” recognition comes from their manager (28%) or a “high-level leader or CEO” (24%).
2. Boosts retention
Employees that feel appreciated tend to have more job satisfaction and are more likely to remain loyal to their organizations. According to Harvard Business Review, showing appreciation and recognition to employees is linked to morale, retention, and even customer satisfaction. On the other hand, Gallup notes that employees who feel inadequately recognized are 2x more likely to leave their jobs the following year.
3. Boosts productivity
Appreciation gifts help employees feel recognized and valued, making them more engaged and motivated to contribute to the organization. According to Great Place to Work, appreciation from those in leadership roles can spark a 69% increase in employees being more likely to go above and beyond.
32 great employee appreciation gifts for every occasion
Finding gifts your employees will truly appreciate doesn’t have to be difficult. Take your pick from the great options covered below.
1. Anything they want, with reward points
With a points-based reward system, the challenge of providing employees with personalized appreciation is a thing of the past. Team members receive points monthly or periodically and can then gift these redeemable points to their coworkers whenever they want to show appreciation.
The enjoyment of watching your points balance rise over time is combined with the freedom of selecting rewards that are meaningful to you. This is made possible by the extensive reward catalogs offered by the top employee recognition platforms. The simplicity and impact of points-based reward systems is unmatched, especially when combined with personalized messages of appreciation.
2. A message of thanks
The best reward in the world won’t mean as much if words of appreciation are missing. Whether it’s taking a minute before an all-hands to shout out a team member’s accomplishments or a quick moment of recognition after a great client meeting, social recognition is one of the greatest gifts any team member can receive. Make sure you’re delivering it effectively by following these core principles:
- Tie the message to the specific reason you’re providing appreciation
- Recognizing the individual in a timely fashion, rather than weeks or months after the event
- Make social recognition a regular part of your organizational culture, rather than a once or twice a year occurrence.
3. Branded swag employees will use
Branded swag is a great way to show appreciation while also getting your company’s branding out there. These include things like water bottles, sweatshirts, tote bags, umbrellas, branded notebooks, and more.
They’re a great idea for enterprise-sized organizations as they’re practical and cost-effective bulk gifts that can foster a sense of cohesion and brand loyalty across a large workforce. Welcome packages can also be bolstered with onboarding swag that makes new hires feel valued right from the start.
4. Improvements for the (home) office
Whether your company has kept an in-office work arrangement, made the switch to fully remote, or adopted a hybrid of the two, funds for sprucing up employees’ work environment is always welcome. Organizations can provide employees with a stipend for improving wherever they work with items such as an ergonomic desk setup or noise cancelling headphones. Helping employees make their workspace somewhere they actually want to be is a win-win, boosting morale and productivity.
5. Charitable donations and time to volunteer
Everyone wants to contribute more to causes they care about, but time and money are often limiting factors. That’s why the opportunity to make donations or volunteer is one of the best gifts your organization can give employees — and there’s plenty of ways it can do so. For example, your company can match the percentage of sales made each quarter and let the top-selling employee choose the charity to donate to. Or it can give all employees the afternoon off work and encourage them to volunteer together at a voted-upon organization, building a sense of camaraderie.
6. Snacks, lunches, and delicious beverages
Everyone needs to eat! Food and drinks are always a welcome way to show appreciation, and your organization can easily personalize this type of gift to suit specific team members. For example, a simple gift card for a large restaurant group or a food delivery service gives employees the freedom to choose the type of food they prefer. But if you know the employee a little better, why not send a care package full of their favorite snacks? Giving them their favorite coffee, chocolates, wine, or even sparkling water provides a little extra touch that will make a big impact.
7. Support for professional development
Employees want to see that your company is invested in their success and growth. Demonstrating that your organization will do what it takes to help employees reach their career goals helps your company leverage in-house talent while incentivizing employees to stick around. Whether it’s paying for continuing education, establishing a talent development program, or tweaking an employee’s responsibilities to better align with their interests, there are professional development options available for any budget.
8. Fun and meaningful experiences
Life is defined by experiences, so fun and meaningful ones are one of the best gifts you can give an employee. If there’s something you know an employee has always wanted to do, make it happen, and they’ll never forget it. A trip to a place they’re obsessed with, a concert headlined by their favorite band, or even that mountaineering class they’ve always wanted to take — whatever it is, an experience is a personalized, impactful way to show appreciation.
9. Additional paid time off and flexibility
Team members dedicate a huge amount of time to your company, so give some of it back. Award your employees with additional paid time off when they’ve accomplished something impressive or give your team Friday off for a much-deserved long weekend. Providing employees with additional freedom regarding when and where they work can make all the difference when team members are trying to achieve work-life balance.
10. Gifts for improved mental and physical wellness
Companies can’t afford to neglect employee wellness as new stressors are contributing to an unfortunately high level of employee burnout. There’s plenty of gifts that organizations can provide to boost employees’ physical and emotional wellness. Providing a gym membership, paying for a weekly yoga class, or even offering a meditation app are all great gifts that show your organization cares about employee wellness. Your company can go a step further by linking its recognition and wellness platforms, so employees are rewarded whenever they achieve their wellness goals.
11. Gift cards
Just like reward points, gift cards let employees select things they want and allow your company to perfectly align the gift with its budget. Gift cards can also be tailored to an employee’s tastes, or, if you’re unsure what they like, you can provide gift cards from major credit card providers or companies like Amazon. While everyone enjoys receiving a gift card now and then, it’s best to combine them with other types of rewards so team members know that your company hasn’t put its recognition program on autopilot.
12. Personalized awards
Personalized awards are a fantastic way to publicly recognize the many ways team members contribute to your company. Whether they’re given out annually, incorporated into an employee of the month award program, or simply provided whenever an employee has done something to appreciate, awards are a powerful way to show appreciation, especially when combined with additional rewards. You can get all employees involved with your awards program by mixing the criteria up, including everything from a coaching champion award to awarding an employee who truly exemplifies your company values.
13. Corporate and travel discounts
Discounts are another gift that provides employees with the flexibility to choose their own rewards. Discounted travel and hospitality options let employees take much-needed vacations that they might not be able to afford otherwise, while discounts at a favorite retailer or restaurant chain can quickly add up. You might think only large enterprises can secure corporate discounts, but before writing this option off, note that there are services your organization can use to obtain discounts it otherwise might be unable to obtain.
14. Classes and subscriptions
Employees want to know your organization values them as individuals rather than simply as contributors to the bottom line. Show appreciation with gifts that help employees pursue hobbies and goals outside of work, by gifting them classes and subscriptions that match their interests. Does someone dream of skydiving? Do they want to do something creative like an art class? Giving a gift relating to a hobby or dream is a personal, touching way to say thank you.
15. Wellness or spa experience
A wellness or spa experience is an incredible employee appreciation gift, as it offers a restorative break from the daily grind. As high-pressure workplaces can often lead to employee burnout, a wellness or spa experience offers an opportunity alleviate any stress or anxiety that has built up. It’s a thoughtful gesture that doesn’t just acknowledge all the hard work that an employee has put in, but also reinforces an organization’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
16. Mini company retreat
Mini company retreats are a casual way to bring the team together in between your large-scale annual company on-site retreats. It’s an opportunity for employees to gather for team building activities in a relaxed setting, take a break from work, and have a chance to strengthen relationships with one another. While annual company retreats may focus more on strategic planning for the year ahead, mini company retreats are simply a way to celebrate the hard work of your employees and to give them a chance to enjoy each other’s company. Ultimately, the gift of the mini retreat shows commitment to employee wellbeing and can boost morale and job satisfaction.
17. Personal gratitude budget
While most people might consider appreciation coming from their manager to be the most valuable, peer-to-peer recognition can be just as powerful. Which is why empowering your employees with a personal gratitude budget to purchase gifts for their teammates can be a great employee appreciation gift idea. Giving employees the freedom to manage their own gratitude budget demonstrates trust, promotes a culture of autonomy within the company, and nurtures connections between colleagues.
18. Personalized drinkware
Personalized drinkware is a fun employee appreciation gift that’s blends functionality with a personal touch. It’s a way to celebrate the uniqueness of your employees by adding personalized elements, such as their name or a special message, while giving them a practical gift that they’ll use every day at work. With every sip, they’ll be reminded of how appreciated and valued they are by their organization.
19. Tickets to a live show or sporting event
Tickets to a live show or sporting event are a meaningful employee appreciation gift, as it requires a genuine understanding and level of care for an employee’s passions, hobbies, and interests outside of work. It’s sure to make them feel valued and recognized, communicating that their personal identity is just as important to the company as their professional contributions. It’s also a thoughtful gesture reinforces the importance of work-life balance as an organizational value.
20. Personalized gift basket
Personalized gift baskets are also another employee appreciation gift that requires genuine understanding of a person’s individual tastes and preferences. By curating a mix of items that are aligned with their interests – such as favorite beverages, gourmet snacks, cozy socks, and personalized drinkware – this customized gift is a thoughtful way to show that company values the unique personalities that employees bring to work.
21. Team bonding experiences
Team bonding experiences such as escape rooms, cooking classes, or a group hike isn’t just an opportunity for employees to unwind outside of work – but also helps build trust and communication within teams. Shared experiences can boost employee morale, improve team synergy, and shows a dedication to fostering a cohesive work environment.
It’s important to note that all team-building activities outside of work hours should be voluntary. Leaders should also gather feedback to ensure employees would benefit from such experiences before organizing them – as ultimately it comes down to offering appreciation gifts that employees truly enjoy.
22. Food truck visit
Food truck visits are a unique employee appreciation gift that brings delicious culinary experiences right to the workplace. Going one step further than footing the bill at a restaurant or for a team takeout lunch, booking a food truck visit promotes a fun and social atmosphere where people can relax and connect over their shared love of food. To ensure that all dietary restrictions and allergies are catered to, run a quick survey to ensure that your food truck choice is as inclusive as possible.
23. Monthly staff appreciation awards
Monthly staff appreciation awards are a way to offer frequent and consistent recognition while celebrating employee achievements on a regular basis. It’s an opportunity to implement a structured program where appreciation for employees can be shown every month, and where outstanding performance is acknowledged in a timely manner. Staff appreciation awards can be a morale booster, motivating employees to strive for excellence, while reinforcing the value that hard work is acknowledged and rewarded within your organization.
24. Additional perks
Additional perks to your employee’s total rewards package, such as extra vacation days, support for childcare, a gym membership, or mental and physical therapy coverage, are a really great way to show appreciation to your employees. It demonstrates that you value your employees beyond their work contributions and prioritize their overall wellbeing and wellness – which ultimately boosts morale and job satisfaction.
25. Mentorship programs
Mentorship programs tailored to the career aspirations of employees are an exceptional appreciation gift as they offer personalized guidance and an opportunity for advancement in the company. Pair employees with mentors that can offer support and advice that’s aligned with their professional goals and support your employees on their quest to find work that is fulfilling and meaningful to them.
These programs foster a culture of continuous learning, and show a commitment to nurturing talent – which can boost job satisfaction and retention in the long run.
26. Book bundles or audiobook credits
Book bundles or audiobook credits are a great option for employee appreciation gifts, as they provide enrichment while catering to personal interests. It’s a way to show appreciation to book-loving employees, while showing that you’d like to nurture their professional and personal growth. Book bundles are a thoughtful choice for employees whose reading preferences you know well, but audiobook credits offer more flexibility, allowing them to select titles that align with their individual interests.
27. Cooking classes
Cooking classes offer a fun and engaging way for employees to connect with their team while developing new skills. They make for an excellent team-building experience or can be a thoughtful gift for employees to enjoy with family and friends. By learning from professional chefs, employees can explore different cultures, discover how to prepare healthy meals at home, and bond with colleagues through a shared experience. These classes also provide an opportunity to reinforce your organization’s commitment to work-life balance, personal growth, and creativity.
28. Plant kits
Plant kits are a whimsical employee appreciation gift, as they bring lush greenery and joy into any workspace – whether in the office or at home. A kit includes everything your employee with a green thumb might need to grow and care for a plant, whether it’s a bonsai or succulent starter kit. Besides enhancing their workstation, tending to plants encourages employees to take a break from work and has many other mental health benefits. In fact, research shows that plants in the workplace have a calming effect and can help with stress reduction as well.
29. Virtual staff party
A virtual staff party is a great employee appreciation gift option for remote or hybrid workforces, providing an inclusive way to build camaraderie while celebrating milestones and achievements. Some ideas include virtual game nights, themed gatherings, or trivia – and organizers can even encourage employees to bring their pets to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Virtual get togethers are an opportunity to help bridge the gap between employees that work in-office and remote team members – reinforcing a sense of inclusivity, community, and belonging.
30. Public shoutouts
Public shoutouts on the company newsletter or social media are a simple but powerful gift idea for employees that enjoy being in the spotlight. By highlighting an employee’s achievements publicly, organizations are celebrating their hard work while also helping to boost their credibility and visibility within the organization. Leveraging social recognition to say thank you helps employees feel seen and heard, and it could also have the added benefit of motivating other team members to strive for excellence as well.
31. Travel accessories
High quality travel accessories are a fantastic way to show your gratitude to the employees that travel often for your organization – whether they’re in sales, marketing, or event management. Some options for travel accessory gifts include noise cancelling headphones, neck pillows, luggage, laptop bags, and passport wallets – a practical and thoughtful way to help your globetrotting employees feel more relaxed and happier on their work trips.
32. Work from anywhere day
Giving the gift of a “work from anywhere day” allows your top performing employees to take a break from their usual work environment and routine. It offers flexibility, freedom, and potentially a boost in creativity and productivity. When it comes to selecting locations for a “work from anywhere day,” it is all up to where the employee feels the most productive and energized – whether it’s a cafe, co-working space, or a gourmet takeout lunch for a work from home day. Besides offering a more flexible work arrangement, it also communicates to employees that you care about their wellbeing – which ultimately boosts job satisfaction and morale.
Deliver truly meaningful employee appreciation gifts with Achievers
Personalized gifts that resonate with employees can significantly enhance the impact of appreciation for a job well done. By offering access to a comprehensive marketplace, companies can empower employees to choose rewards that truly matter to them.
Our 2024 State of Employee Recognition Report highlights that employees with access to a wide-ranging rewards marketplace are 61% more likely to experience a strong sense of belonging, and 60% more likely to feel meaningfully recognized at work.
The Achievers Experience Platform is your company’s hub for providing meaningful gifts. It includes Achievers Recognize, a science-based recognition and reward platform that not only encourages social recognition, but also offers a vast selection of rewards that employees can redeem with their points.
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