7 Unique Employee Appreciation Gifts for Your Team

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. Explore seven gift ideas below, choosing what suits each employee rather than assuming one gift will suit everyone.

Before you buy:

1. Ask about preferences privately. Get agreement before personalizing an item or sharing a home address for delivery.
2. Choose a comparable per-person spending approach, with an all-in budget that includes customization, delivery and other applicable charges.
3. Check availability and delivery timing, subscription renewal and cancellation terms, and gift-card expiry and redemption rules before buying.
4. Offer scent-free, alcohol-free, dietary-compatible and accessible alternatives. Employees need not explain personal reasons or disclose diagnoses.

Jump to a gift category:

• Personalized Items
• Memorable Experiences
• Subscriptions
• Health and Well-being Gifts
• Tech Gadgets
• Gift Cards
• DIY and Handcrafted Gifts

1. Personalized Items

Personalized gifts can be thoughtful when they suit the recipient. The personal touch carries a unique charm but should reflect each team member’s preferences. 

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

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

These gifts can serve as a daily reminder to your employees of your appreciation. Choose items they will enjoy using.

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. Keep participation optional, check accessibility, and offer an individual gift for anyone who prefers not to join. 

Shared experiences can offer a chance to enjoy time together, if employees want to take part.

3. Subscriptions

A subscription can be a thoughtful gift when it matches an employee’s interests. Before choosing a food subscription, privately check that it suits the recipient’s dietary preferences; they need not explain personal reasons. Check availability, gift duration and redemption arrangements, and who handles renewal and cancellation. Offer alcohol-free and dietary-compatible alternatives. Explore the options below.

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.

Offer these subscriptions as optional gifts for employees who enjoy cooking or fitness, with another choice for those who prefer something else.

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 as an optional comfort gift. Provide work-essential equipment separately from discretionary appreciation gifts.
• A pair of running shoes or a fitness tracker for employees who want one.
• A high-quality massage pillow for those who enjoy relaxation and would like one.
• Custom private label essential oils branded with your company logo. Paired with a desktop diffuser, these tailored aromatherapy blends can help employees manage stress, boost focus, and create a calm workspace.

Choose these optional gifts around the recipient’s interests and comfort preferences, rather than assuming they want a health-related gift. Get agreement before choosing scented items and offer a scent-free alternative.

5. Tech Gadgets

Tech gadgets can add convenience when they fit an employee’s setup and preferences. Here are a few great ideas:

• Noise-cancelling headphones for employees who want them and can use them appropriately in their work setting.
• 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 within a retailer’s range. Ask which retailer they would use and check that they can redeem the card. Check expiry, applicable fees and other redemption restrictions before purchase.

Gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or popular local restaurants may suit different interests. Examples such as a $5-10 gift card towards a morning coffee or $100 towards the best steakhouse in town are illustrative, not spending standards or verified purchase prices. 

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. For food gifts, check dietary preferences and offer artwork or a note as a non-food alternative.

Key Takeaways

An employee appreciation gift is a chance to say thank you. Choose for the recipient, check delivery and terms, and add a note about the work you appreciate.