For leaders, HR, and peers, it’s rewarding giving an employee appreciation gift. We’re all adults (mostly), so we know the act of giving a present is almost as fun as receiving one—especially in the workplace. With the hustle and bustle of the workday, those precious moments of appreciation are always memorable and valuable.
Whether it’s celebrating a work milestone, acknowledging hard work, or commemorating Employee Appreciation Day, giving a thoughtful gift goes a long way in showing gratitude to employees—and offers real boosts to morale and employee engagement. In this gift guide, we’ll explore our favorite employee appreciation gifts for all budgets and personalities so you can give (and they can get) in a truly meaningful way.
Personalized Employee Appreciation Gifts
1. Custom Engraved “Office Worker” Trophy
Recognize achievements with a personalized office person trophy by K2 awards that goes beyond acknowledgment; it literally sits on their desk and reminds them of your appreciation. Plus, this gift option is shiny and gold, which everyone loves.
2. Monogrammed Laptop Sleeve
Offer a custom laptop case from Marleylilly that adds a touch of individualized appreciation by having their name embroidered on the front. It protects their device as they travel to and from the office, and gives them the warm fuzzies that you personalized the gift just for them.
3. Custom Art Prints
Gift a custom artwork or framed prints from Shutterfly to provide a unique and sentimental representation of acknowledgment and gratitude. To tie the appreciation gift back to your brand, connect the pieces to your core values.
4. Engraved Tumbler
Give a personalized tumbler by Yeti to keep your office hydrated and engaged. Every time they reach for a drink, they’ll think of your appreciation.
5. Custom Nameplates
Personalize desk nameplates from Vistaprint to offer a professional touch to workspaces. Bonus points if you’re brave enough to print the gift with their nicknames instead.
6. Custom Photo Books
Compile memories into a personalized photo book from Kudoboard to offer a nostalgic view into their time at the company, celebrating shared experiences and connections within the workplace. Collect photos and messages using an employee appreciation day card and seamlessly print into a hardcover book.
7. Personalized Tech Gear
Customize a phone case with Casetify to add a personal touch to both their daily work and leisure lives. This staff appreciation gift symbolizes a sense of individuality and personal value within the tech world.
8. Customized Calendars
Design custom calendars featuring team photos and important personal dates to create a personalized reminder of their significance in the office. If you have enough detail, create a daily calendar from Social Print Studio to make every day special.
9. Engraved Paperweight
Show them the weight they pull around the workplace with an engraved paperweight from the Recognition Source. Although paper is rarely used in the office anymore, it’s a stylish decoration that they’ll see daily.
Snack-ey Employee Appreciation Gifts
10. Gourmet Chocolate Boxes
Sweeten their day by indulging employees with a premium appreciation gift box from See’s Candies of premium chocolate truffles for a lavish and delightful treat. Perfect for enjoying one at a time or all at once!
11. Assorted Nut Trays
Offering nut assortments from Nuts to You presents a healthy and satisfying snack option. Just be sure to survey the office for nut allergies beforehand.
12. Gourmet Popcorn Tins
Provide gourmet popcorn from Thatcher’s in sweet, savory, or spicy flavors offers a delightful and comforting snack option. They’re perfect for moments of mid-day munching, or their next movie night–office or home office edition.
13. International Snack Boxes
Take their taste buds on a world tour with snack boxes from MunchAddict featuring international treats and delicacies. It’s a delicious surprise that breaks them away from the norm.
14. Artisanal Cheese Platters
For the more refined palates in the office, give a cheese assortment gift basket from Cheese Bros with crackers and accompaniments. It’s a “gouda” way to “brie” appreciative of their engagement and dedication.
15. Custom Snack Boxes
Create your own customized snack boxes with employees’ favorite treats adds a personal touch to the appreciation gift. Send out a survey using google forms or an in-office tool to get a feel for what everyone likes beforehand.
16. Healthy Snack Kits
Provide healthy snack kits from Nature Box with granola bars, protein bites, and dried fruit to promote wellness and nourishment. While it’s fun to indulge, sometimes a little guilt-free “brain food” goes farther.
17. Gourmet Cookie Sampler
Gift assorted cookie samplers from Levain Bakery to add a touch of warmth and indulgence to employees’ workday or break times. Everyone loves a cookie break—just make sure they’re not all oatmeal raisin.
18. Tea and Biscuit Hampers
Pair gourmet teas with premium biscuits or cookies from the English Tea Store to create a soothing and charming snack time. This appreciation gift will be perfect for a delightful tea break in the middle of the workday.
19. Specialty Coffee Gift Sets
Gift your employees with coffee gift sets from Beanbox with premium beans, flavored syrups, and unique coffee accessories. Whether they’re committed to the daily ritual or just need the occasional pick-me-up, it’s a great way to add some flavor to their daily grind.
DIY Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas
20. Greeting Cards
Offer appreciation cards or letters to say “thank you for your work” to add a personal touch, boost employee morale, and deepen connections. While physical cards work, online employee appreciation cards allow for the most personality and get the greatest engagement.
21. Photo Collages
Create a custom photo collage on a poster, virtual board, or wall in the office to compile memories of your shared experiences. By recalling memories of the recent (and sometimes distant) connections within the workplace, this perfect gift creates a culture of unity and camaraderie.
22. Baked Goods
Bring homemade cookies, brownies, or other treats to show your appreciation through the heartfelt effort put into creating delectable goodies. Check for allergies before you bring them in, and provide an ingredient list for everyone to view.
23. DIY Terrariums or Plants
Assemble miniature plant arrangements for everyone in the office can show your appreciation by symbolizing growth and prosperity. For a fun activity, bring in the soil, pots, and plants, and encourage everyone to get their hands dirty.
24. Knitted Items
Gift hand-knitted scarves, blankets, or accessories to show your warmth and care. These custom gifts serve as a tangible and comforting token of appreciation that speaks to your personality.
25. Custom Playlists
Share a custom “appreciation” music playlist on the preferred streaming service to add a little beat to your sentiment. From “Gratitude” by Earth, Wind, and Fire to “Thank You” by Dido, your musical options are endless.
26. Recipe Books
Encourage everyone in the office to share their favorite recipes and create a personalized recipe book in paperback or digital form. This encourages a sense of community and connection, providing a glimpse into each other’s tastes and traditions.
27. Homemade Candles
Craft scented candles to offer not just a calming and aromatic present, but also serve a thoughtful gesture of care and serenity for the recipient. It’s hard not to wax poetic about candles when you’re showing others that you “lit”erally care. .
Event Employee Appreciation Gifts
28. Live Event Tickets
Surprise employees with tickets to a sports game or theater show using Gametime to offer a memorable and enriching experience, promoting enjoyment and leisure. When the team goes together, it also creates valuable bonding moments outside of a work context.
29. Team Outdoor Adventure
Plan an expenses-paid team activity like rock climbing, kayaking, or a gentle hike through the foothills. It builds a fun and collaborative atmosphere and promotes teamwork and camaraderie among employees.
30. Group Fitness Class
Organize fitness classes like spin, yoga, or crossfit (if you’re brave enough) to offer employees opportunities for action and community. These activities show your commitment to both appreciation and their work-life balance
31. Food Tour
Pair with a local restaurant of gourmet tour to offer the team a culinary experience they won’t forget. You can often have these vendors come to you, or you can take the whole team out, your treat.
32. Adventure Experience
Plan an adventurous activity at an obstacle course or golf range like TopGolf to create thrilling and memorable experiences. Just make sure everyone signs the waiver beforehand.
33. Wine Tasting Event
Host an exclusive wine tasting event or vineyard tour to offer a sophisticated and enjoyable outing. Whether they appreciate whites, reds, or just the great outdoors, these adventures provide something for everyone.
34. Cooking Class
Book a cooking class from Sur La Table for a fun and interactive experience. Perfect for virtual employees, they can unwind and learn new culinary skills, or just watch their teammates try to perfect a pasta.
35. Concert Excursion
Arrange a group outing to an office-friendly concert, music festival, or live performance to give employees an enjoyable and memorable experience. While Coachella may be out of the budget, it’s usually pretty easy to find a local act that’s previously been vetted by another employee.
36. Pottery Class
Organize a pottery class at a local ceramics studio to give the appreciated team a creative outlet and enjoyable leisure activities. While they might not have the talent to throw something usable, it’ll make for a good story later.
37. Local Tour
Provide a guided tour of local landmarks, historical sites, or cultural attractions for the team. Bonus points if you can get the office to be brave enough to volunteer for a ghost tour.
SWAG Employee Appreciation Gifts
38. Badge Holder
Offer functional accessories that they’ll use day in and day out with custom badge reels or lanyards from Swag.com. They can be personalized with stickers or their name, and can be a quality uplevel for the entire team.
39. Branded Apparel
Give apparel with the company logo to provide wearable symbols of unity among employees. Although if the office has a long history of giving branded clothing, it may be best to choose another item from the employee appreciation gift idea list.
40. Water Bottle
Gift insulated tumblers or reusable water bottles from DrinkBranders to promote sustainability and show your brand’s commitment to employee well-being. It’s a classic SWAG item that they’ll keep reaching for again and again.
41. Notebook and Pen
Add a professional and personal touch to employees’ workspaces with custom-branded stationery. This appreciation gift is perfect for old-school employees that still take handwritten notes off of the laptop.
42. Laptop Stickers
Provide each employee with unique laptop stickers that serve as a means of personal expression while also showcasing team spirit and company pride. It’s an inexpensive bulk employee appreciation gift that can make a big splash around the office.
43. Branded Desk Plants
Provide branded pots with mini succulents or air plants to add a touch of nature and tranquility to workspaces. And if you pair them with a branded water bottle, they’re sure to stay watered as well.
44. Customized Tote Bag
Gift company-branded totes from ToteBagFactory to add a touch of eco-conscious fashion to employees’ daily routines. Plus, this great gift looks super cool at Trader Joe’s.
Funny Employee Appreciation Gifts
45. Novelty Desk Accessories
Provide employees with options for quirky desk items like eccentric pens or playful paperweights from Get Bullish to add humor and lightheartedness to workspaces. Promote a sense of fun and enjoyment during work hours, but just make sure that everyone doesn’t get the same one.
46. Funny Coffee Mugs
Gift amusing or pun-ny coffee mugs from BigMouth, Inc to bring laughter and lightheartedness to coffee breaks. For a little fun, buy a variety and let employees choose, or see if you can nail everyone’s personality with your good taste.
47. Whimsical Socks
Give everyone on the staff playful or themed socks from Sock It to Me that showcase personality and bring smiles. Who wouldn’t love a fresh pair of socks as an employee appreciation gift?
48. Humorous Wall Art
Design unique and funny artwork or posters to add humor and personality to office decor, promoting a sense of creativity and light-hearted expression in the workplace. These are much more effective if they reference office inside jokes or themes.
49. Silly Stress Relievers
Present comical stress balls from 1001 Stress Balls on Employee Appreciation Day to offer a dose of stress relief and amusement, creating moments of relaxation and fun during work hours. These could be company branded or even reference a mascot.
50. Clever Desk Signs
Add a dose of wit and charm to workspaces with desk signs featuring humorous quotes or messages to spark moments of light-heartedness and delight during work hours.
51. Funny Greeting Cards
Humorous and light-hearted greeting cards or notepads provide amusing messages, adding moments of laughter and cheer to employees’ day-to-day interactions. Try a funny-themed virtual greeting card filled with appreciation memes, gifs, and more for the best gift.
52. Sarcastic Desk Plaques
Offer tongue-in-cheek or sassy desk plaques from the Name Tag Wizard to bring levity and amusement to workspaces, encouraging brief moments of laughter and light-hearted expression during work.
Wellness Employee Appreciation Gifts
53. Meditation and Relaxation Kit
Include relaxation aids as a part of your employee appreciation gift program to promote peace and tranquility, providing employees with moments of serenity and self-care.
54. Aromatherapy Set
Offering soothing candles, essential oil diffusers, or scented bath bombs from Lush to provide a relaxing and therapeutic escape, fostering comfort and well-being at home. For remote employees, maybe even encourage a mid-day bath to help them center their energy and recharge.
55. Yoga Accessories
Provide yoga mats, blocks, or straps from Manduka to promote physical wellness and flexibility, encouraging employees to engage in mindful movement and relaxation. Bonus points if it’s company branded.
56. Self-Care Books
Select books on self-care, mindfulness, or overall well-being creates opportunities for personal reflection and discovery, promoting mental wellness and self-awareness. A great place to start is The Four Agreements, which has been a New York Times best seller for almost a decade.
57. Wellness Journals
Encourage self-reflection with wellness journals or gratitude planners from the Happy Planner to foster mindfulness, self-expression, and a sense of emotional well-being.
58. Healthy Snack Box Subscriptions
Arrange subscriptions to nutritious snack boxes or wellness food delivery services like Factor to support employees’ health-conscious goals and overall well-being. If you schedule a few monthly or quarterly employee appreciation gift boxes, the team will enjoy having a consistent reminder that you care.
59. Fitness Equipment
Offer portable exercise tools like resistance bands, jump ropes, or hand weights to encourage employees to stay active and support a healthy lifestyle. This gift goes well with the changing weather of the March season
60. Spa Gift Vouchers
Gift spa treatments, massages, or wellness retreats from SpaFinder to offer employees luxurious and rejuvenating experiences, promoting relaxation and indulgence.
61. Workplace Wellness Subscriptions
Provide access to a workplace wellness platform or mental health resource like Calm to create a supportive and caring environment, promoting a sense of communal well-being and support.
62. Health and Fitness Trackers
Budget permitting, gift fitness watches from Amazfit to show you care about employees’ health and activity, promoting a proactive and invigorating lifestyle.
Big Ticket Employee Appreciation Gifts
63. Weekend Getaways
Surprise employees with a weekend escape with an Airbnb gift card for a dream getaway to provide them with a cherished and well-deserved break from routine. It’s an employee recognition experience that they’ll always treasure and a chance to create lasting memories.
64. Gourmet Dining Experience
Treat small groups of employees to a fine dining experience at a local restaurant to indulge their senses and foster a sense of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Or, bring the dining experience to them with in-office catering
65. Concert or Event Tickets
Surprise employees with tickets to a highly-anticipated event or concert to offer them not just entertainment, but an experience to look forward to and create memories to cherish. For a great gift idea, send them out there in a limo or party bus.
67. Gadget Upgrades
Gift high-end tech gadgets like the Apple AirPods Max to enhance their convenience and enjoyment, showing them how much you appreciate their commitment.
68. Gourmet Gift Baskets
Splurge on lavish gourmet gift baskets from Olive & Cocoa filled with treats and fine wine to offer a gesture of luxury, appreciation, and delight, showing your gratitude in a decadent and memorable way. For remote or hybrid workers, have a gift box shipped to their front door.
69. Fitness Memberships
Support a healthy lifestyle with memberships to an exclusive fitness club like Orange Theory to promote their well-being and personal growth this Employee Appreciation Day gift that shows you genuinely care about their health and happiness.
70. Home Appliances
Gift high-quality kitchen appliances like an Instant Vortex AirFryer to add a touch of luxury (and convenience) to their daily lives and show your appreciation with a thoughtful and practical gesture.
Universal Employee Appreciation Gifts
71. Customized Mugs
Personalize mugs to provide a daily reminder of appreciation, fostering a sense of belonging and gratitude with every sip.
72. Gift Cards
Offer versatile gift cards for freedom of choice, empowering employees to select a reward that truly resonates with their tastes and preferences. Attach the appreciation gift to a group appreciation card from Kudoboard to make for even more surprise and delight.
73. Subscription Services
Provide subscriptions to services like Apple TV or Barkbox (for their furry friend) as an employee gift. These on-demand systems offer ongoing enjoyment and relaxation, showing that their wellness and interests matter.
74. Tech Accessories
Gift trendy phone cases, wireless chargers, or ergonomic keyboards to showcase an understanding of their tech-savvy needs and interests.
75. Books
Select books that reflect personal interests or professional development to show a thoughtful understanding of their aspirations and personal growth.
76. Plants
Incorporate a touch of nature into the work environment with low-maintenance plants to promote tranquility and well-being in the workplace. Plus, group care for hybrid office plant encourages camaraderie and support.
77. Headphones
Provide quality headphones or earbuds to create an ambient space for productivity or personal entertainment, showing appreciation for their need for focus and relaxation.
78. Portable Chargers
Give handy power banks to ensure their connectivity on the go, showing that their productivity matters even when they’re away.
79. Personalized Desk Accessories
Customize stationery sets, engraved pens, or desk organizers to add a personal touch to workspaces, symbolizing the uniqueness and value of each employee.
Employee Appreciation Gifts for the Remote Employee
80. Home Office Upgrades
Gift an ergonomic chair from Branch to ensure their well-being and productivity in their remote work environments, demonstrating your commitment to their comfort and success.
81. Virtual Experience Gift Cards
Offer gift cards from Masterclass for virtual cooking classes, online workshops, or virtual tours to provide remote employees with engaging and enriching experiences, fostering a sense of connection and personal development.
82. Digital Subscriptions
Provide subscriptions to Audible or Duolingo to offer a virtual escape and a means for personal growth, catering to the varied interests of remote employees.
83. Tech Accessories
Gift wireless chargers, Bluetooth earbuds, or smartphone stands to enhance their digital work setups, ensuring they have the tools needed for efficient and seamless virtual collaborations.
84. Customized Care Packages
Send curated care packages to remote employees, offering a thoughtful gesture of care and consideration, adding a touch of delight to their remote work experience.
85. Workout and Wellness Apps
Provide subscriptions to a fitness app like Strava to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle for remote employees, showing your commitment to their well-being and personal growth.
86. Digital Gift Cards
Give e-gift cards for online shopping, food delivery, or streaming services to offer remote employees the flexibility and freedom to choose rewards that best suit their preferences and needs. Who doesn’t love a gift card?
Make Employee Appreciation Day Special
Employee appreciation gifts are more than just tokens of gratitude; they contribute to a culture of recognition, connection, and happiness in the workplace. At a corporate level, offering employee appreciation gifts shows that the company values its employees’ hard work and commitment. It goes beyond monetary compensation and acknowledges the human element in the workplace, contributing to a culture of gratitude and recognition. This can have a positive impact on workplace culture and employee satisfaction, ultimately leading to improved employee retention and morale.
When giving an appreciation gift to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, commemorate a milestone, or “just because,” pair it with a group eCard from Kudoboard. You can collect employee recognition and appreciation messages from coworkers, leaders, and friends, personalize the board for the recipient, and automatically send on the right day.
Kudoboard empowers teams to create cultures of authentic appreciation in the office, using personalized cards to welcome a new hire, say “thank you,” or celebrate a milestone. With an Enterprise plan from Kudoboard, you’ll have unlimited access to cards, posts, and customization. And, who knows? Your team might even find group cards to be more meaningful than their physical gifts.
Level up your employee appreciation gifting
Build culture and improve happiness by bringing employee appreciation cards to your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions about Appreciation Gift Ideas
When is Employee Appreciation Day?
Employee Appreciation Day is a fun and impactful occasion celebrated on the first Friday in March every year. This day is a great opportunity for organizations to show gratitude to their hardworking employees as spring approaches. It’s a chance to recognize their dedication, commitment, and contributions, and to make them feel valued and appreciated. Whether it’s through appreciation gifts, team activities and events, or heartfelt gestures, Employee Appreciation Day is all about spreading joy, recognition, and positivity throughout the workplace.
How much should I spend on each employee?
The amount spent on each employee varies based on the organization’s budget and the significance of the occasion. While some companies might set a specific budget per employee, others might tailor the value of the gift based on tenure, performance, or the nature of the accomplishment.
What truly matters is the thought and the personalization behind the gift, as it’s the sentiment and the acknowledgment that employees truly cherish and remember. While an expensive corporate gift can make a bang, inexpensive but personal items make the biggest impression.
What are the benefits of giving employee appreciation gifts?
Employee appreciation gifts serve as powerful tools in nurturing a positive workplace culture. By recognizing and celebrating the efforts and achievements of employees, organizations can boost morale, enhance employee satisfaction, and foster a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty. An employee recognition gift also contributes to a sense of belonging, showing employees that their hard work and dedication are valued and appreciated.
Ultimately, they play a pivotal role in shaping a supportive and uplifting work environment, contributing to employee retention, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
How do I choose a gift that’s right for everyone?
Choosing an employee appreciation gift that resonates with everyone can be quite a challenge. One approach is to consider a range of options that cater to different preferences and interests, such as wellness items, personalized gifts, or experiential rewards. Individualizing gifts based on employees’ hobbies, achievements (like excellence in customer service), or personal milestones (like a work anniversary) can also add a meaningful and personal touch. If the organization’s culture allows, involving employees in the decision-making process or offering choices can further ensure that the gifts are well-received and appreciated.
What are the best retailers for Employee Appreciation Day gifts?
Outside of the brands above, several retailers offer a wide range of employee appreciation gifts, including Amazon, Etsy, and other personalized gift websites. These platforms provide an assortment of options, from personalized and customizable items to unique and thoughtful gifts suitable for various occasions. Additionally, corporate bulk gift box suppliers and local artisan shops with holiday gifts can also offer a diverse selection of high-quality and customizable gifts, catering to different preferences and budgets.
