7 Unique Employee Appreciation Gifts to Boost Morale and Productivity

In the fast-paced world of business, where deadlines and meetings often take the forefront, the value of showing appreciation to employees can sometimes be overlooked. A thoughtful employee appreciation gift can boost morale and productivity in the workplace. In fact, 75% of employees who received gifts believed it enhanced their morale, according to a survey by Staples Advantage. These gestures can have a positive impact on the overall work environment, so it is important to nurture them.

As a manager, finding the right gift can be a daunting task, especially when aiming for a personalized touch for your employees. This blog aims to ease your journey by presenting seven unique gift ideas that will not only express your gratitude for your workforce but also make your team feel genuinely valued.

1. Personalized Items

Personalized gifts are cherished by employees. They reiterate the thought and effort put into making them happy. The personal touch carries a unique charm but also conveys the message that each team member is valued individually. 

Consider engraving employee names or common sayings on everyday staple items, like: 

• Coffee mugs
• Keychains
• T-shirts
• Quality pen 
• Daily planner

These gifts serve as a daily reminder to your employees of their value within the team. The gesture forms a basis for loyalty to flourish, fostering loyalty that benefits companies in the long term.

2. Memorable Experiences

A great way to express collective appreciation is through experiences that can be remembered. Be it a team outing, a relaxing spa day, or a collective office celebration, make sure to pick activities that align with your employee’s interests. 

These shared moments create lasting memories that enhance team cohesion and foster camaraderie. After all, when teams see that their tangible work efforts are being rewarded, it will inspire them to stay motivated and goal-focused at work.

3. Subscriptions

This is another great employee appreciation gift idea. Investing in subscriptions for your employees creates appreciation with a lasting impact. Here are six great budget-friendly and unique gift ideas that may suit a variety of interests:

Online Learning Platforms

For teams in the creative industry, Skillshare is a great resource for creative learning pursuits. With thousands of hands-on courses available on-demand, employees can develop skills across a variety of hobbies, from graphic design to launching a business. 

For a more esteemed gift, look towards a Masterclass subscription. Masterclass is known for its prestigious delivery of value, delivering courses through world-renowned instructors, quality production, and well-structured classes. It provides valuable learning insights, fostering personal and professional growth for employees.

Physical Improvement Gifts

Sometimes, promoting employee appreciation can go beyond the office walls. Cooking enthusiasts would appreciate a subscription to Blue Apron. This service delivers farm-fresh ingredients and chef-designed recipes directly to your employees' doorsteps. It not only saves them time on grocery shopping but also allows them to explore new cooking methods with easy-to-follow recipes. 

Alternatively, adding enjoyable physical activity sessions can help employees reset from work. Explore local fitness options such as group workout sessions, boxing classes, or relaxing yoga. Alternatively, virtual fitness classes from DailyBurn offer the convenience of expert-led workouts at home.

These gifts not only show care but also inspire a culture of wellness that supports the physical and mental health of your valued team members.

Wine/ Coffee sets

For wine lovers, FirstLeaf offers a personalized wine subscription service. Employees can enjoy a selection of curated wines based on their taste preferences, expanding their wine horizons with every delivery. 

Similarly, coffee enthusiasts would appreciate Atlas Coffee Club, a subscription that delivers freshly roasted coffee beans from around the world. Each month, they can savor unique and exotic coffee flavors, transforming their coffee breaks into moments to look forward to.

Pet gift box 

Don’t forget your pet-loving employees! BarkBox is a subscription service where employees receive a box filled with toys, treats, and grooming products for their beloved pets each month. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you appreciate not only your employees but also their furry companions.

4. Health and Well-being Gifts

​Investing in your employee's health and well-being sends a powerful message of care. Consider the following employee appreciation gifts:

• Ergonomic office furniture that promotes good posture and reduces strain during long work hours.
• A pair of running shoes or a fitness tracker can inspire physical activity to help employees pursue their health goals.
• A high-quality massage pillow for those who enjoy relaxation. This can come in handy during periods of stress.

These employee appreciation gifts underline the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce and foster an environment where both physical and mental health are valued.

5. Tech Gadgets

Tech gadgets can transform the way employees work, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and enjoyment. Here are a few great ideas:

• A pair of noise-canceling headphones can create a focused environment, ideal for deep concentration. 
• A wireless charging pad or a smart desk lamp with adjustable brightness can add convenience to your staff’s office workspace.
• These self-heating mugs from Ember are great for keeping tea or coffee warm and enjoyable throughout the day. 

6. Gift Cards

Offering gift cards allows employees the freedom to choose what resonates with them personally. It reflects an inclusive workplace where diverse preferences are acknowledged.

Gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or popular local restaurants give employees the freedom to choose according to their interests. Whether it’s a $5-10 gift card towards a morning coffee or $100 towards the best steakhouse in town, it's the thought that will be remembered. 

7. DIY and Handcrafted Gifts

Like personalized gifts, DIY or handmade gifts carry a sentimental value that shows effort and appreciation. These can include anything from custom artwork, and handmade cupcakes, to a thoughtful note. Each item brings a unique warmth that reminds employees of the supportive and caring environment they work in. 

Key Takeaways

An employee appreciation gift can go a long way toward fostering workplace happiness. They cultivate loyalty, boost morale, and inspire productive teamwork, which improves employee retention. Remember, appreciated employees are motivated employees, so embrace gift-giving in the workplace one gesture at a time, and watch how new and stronger relationships flourish.