18 Employee Appreciation Gifts That Your Staff Will Actually Enjoy

Boosting productivity in the workplace is easier said than done. Offering competitive salaries, incorporating new software, and resolving workplace conflicts can all go a long way to improve productivity ­— but there’s another, simpler tool any employer can use to help their team members feel engaged and supported: appreciation. 

Employee appreciation gifts show your staff that they are valued. Only 32% of employees feel engaged with their workplace, according to one Gallup poll. Showing appreciation helps to support engagement and, in turn, productivity. 

But with a limited budget and a diverse workforce, how can you choose a gift your whole staff will actually like? 

This guide will explore 18 appreciation gift ideas for all kinds of teams! From wellness-inspired gifts to group outings, these gifts will help you foster a more productive and positive work environment.

Top Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

Looking for the best way to show your appreciation for your team? Here are 18 staff appreciation gift ideas that any team leader can try.

Personalized Gift Ideas

Personalized gifts go the extra mile to show appreciation for each member of your staff. Tailoring your gifts to each recipient — even if it’s as simple as adding their name — is a great way to make everyone feel valued and increase employee happiness. 

Consider these ideas if your organization has the resources to personalize gifts for everyone on your staff.

1. Custom décor 

Custom art or desk décor is a great gift for employees who work in a shared office space. Consider custom mouse pads, bobbleheads, nameplates or other trinkets that reflect each employee’s individual style. 

2. Personalized gift baskets

Gift baskets are notoriously seen as “impersonal” gifts. However, you can boost employee appreciation by building a custom gift basket for each team member. Some items to include in each basket include:

• The employee’s favorite snack or candy
• A gift card to a restaurant the employee likes
• A poster or T-shirt for the employee’s favorite band or movie
• A handwritten card
• Pet treats for team members with furry friends

3. Personalized drinkware

Do most of your team members bring their own water bottles or coffee cups to work? Personalized mugs, bottles, or tumblers are practical gifts that your employees will use every day. You can personalize the drinkware with each employee’s name — or take it further with unique colors and prints. 

4. Choose-your-charity donations

Four out of five employees want their employer’s values to match their own, according to a Fidelity Charity Study.  You can show your staff members you appreciate their values by letting them choose charitable donations. Offer a list of local or national charities and donate a set amount in each employee’s name to the organization of their choice.

Wellness Gift Ideas

According to Wellhub’s State of Work-Life Wellness Report, 87% of workers would consider leaving a company that doesn’t support their wellbeing. Wellness gifts — whether they promote physical, spiritual or emotional health — are beneficial for employees and can help improve your company’s bottom line. 

Show your appreciation and support employee retention with these wellness gift ideas!

5. Nutritious snack baskets

Fill gift baskets for each employee with local, organic and nutritious treats. Look for shelf-stable snacks they can store in the office and eat over time. You can also include gift cards to healthy restaurants or grocery stores.

6. Blue light glasses

Blue light from phone and computer screens has harmful effects on our eyes and sleep cycles. Give your staff high-quality blue light-blocking glasses to help support healthy sleep. This is an especially thoughtful gift for team members who work with screens all day.

7. Home workout kits

Especially if your corporate wellness plan includes virtual classes, at-home equipment can help your employees get the most out of the benefit. Home workout kits include equipment like resistance bands, mats and roller wheels that busy employees can use to grab a quick workout at home. 

8. Step trackers

A simple pedometer or activity tracker is a small yet practical gift your employees can use every day. The step tracker can be worn as a watch or clipped to a bag, belt or water bottle. Tracking daily steps is an easy way to ensure you’re crushing your fitness goals. 

DIY Gift Ideas

On a tight budget? Your employee appreciation gifts don’t have to be expensive. DIY gifts offer a personal touch your employees will love. Here are a few budget-friendly DIY employee appreciation gifts.

9. Handwritten letters

A handwritten card or note is a heartfelt gift that can stand on its own or accompany another present. In the letter, address each employee’s best qualities and your gratitude for their role in the company.

10. Homemade baked goods

Love to bake? Consider homemade goodies to show your appreciation for your employees. Baked goods are great for birthday or holiday parties or a special midweek treat.

11. Wall of gratitude

Setting up a wall of gratitude in your workplace is an affordable way to show employee appreciation year-round. Team members can post their own positive messages, including thank-you cards and special messages. 

Experience Gift Ideas

Many people value experiences more than physical items. Experience gifts can support staff bonding, promote relaxation and foster employee growth. However, not just any experience will do — look for ideas relevant to your work culture and talent philosophy. 

Here are a few examples of valuable experience gifts.

12. A team retreat

Take your team on a weekend getaway, such as a camping trip or outdoor resort. Retreats offer an opportunity to bond outside the workplace and promote your organization’s values. They also encourage wellbeing by giving your employees a chance to experience nature.

13. Game or concert tickets

Give your employees tickets to see a local sports team, band or artist. This is an awesome individual gift — the employee can take their spouse or friend — or a group gift for employees to get to know each other outside of work. 

14. In-office celebrations

Hosting an office party is a fun way to bond with your staff members and show appreciation without overspending. This could include a winter holiday party, Halloween party, Juneteenth celebration or other special event. Make sure the celebration is stress-free — no work talk allowed!

15. Virtual happy hours

Need help connecting with remote staff members? Try hosting a virtual happy hour. Send your team members a gift card for a food or drink delivery service, then get together online once everyone has their snack or beverage of choice. 

Bulk Gift Ideas for Team Appreciation

Sometimes individualized staff appreciation gifts simply aren’t possible for companies with 100+ employees — especially when you need to give those gifts all at once. Bulk gifts can be just as thoughtful and relevant as personalized gifts when they align with your company’s culture and values. 

Here are a few examples of bulk employee appreciation gifts your whole team will enjoy. 

16. Audiobook credits

Giving your team members credits to an audiobook account shows you care about their relaxation and mental wellbeing without ignoring their preferences. Each team member can choose their own books on their own time.

17. Houseplants

Looking for an easy way to improve workplace efficiency? One important step is to optimize your work environment. Give your employees lush greenery they can enjoy at their desks, improving the ambiance and fighting workplace dreariness. 

18. Company merch

Wearable merch like T-shirts and cozy hoodies doesn’t just promote your brand. It gives your employees something comfortable to wear and a chance to show their company pride. Consider designing new stylish merch every year to give your staff something to look forward to. 

When to Give Employee Appreciation Gifts

There is no “best” time to show your employees you appreciate them. Staff appreciation gifts can be effective at any time! They could mark a special milestone, celebrate a holiday or come as a fun surprise. 

If you’re searching for the right time to give your employees a gift, consider these ideas:

• Personalized gifts to celebrate birthdays
• Bulk gifts to celebrate holidays
• Wellness gifts during national mental health initiatives like stress awareness month
• Employee gifts to celebrate company-wide achievements
• Personalized gifts to celebrate individual achievements

How to Choose a Great Gift

Every workplace has a unique culture. Some operate on strict schedules, while others thrive on creative expression. Some teams comprise two or three people, while others are huge. When choosing an employee appreciation gift, find an idea that fits your workplace culture. 

The best staff appreciation gifts should also be:

• Meaningful
• Enjoyable
• Relevant to everyone in a diverse workplace
• Memorable
• Simple (the gift shouldn’t require explanation or extra steps)
• Thoughtful

If you need help choosing the right gift for your team, why not talk to your employees directly? Ask them what gifts they would appreciate and how you can best show your gratitude. Open communication is an essential element of supportive leadership. 

Support a Healthy Workplace with Employee Appreciation Gifts

You can’t buy your employees’ respect or happiness. However, you can help foster a healthier workplace by showing your staff how much you appreciate them. Employee appreciation gifts are a worthwhile investment in better employee retention, improved productivity and a happier team. 

Another wonderful tool you can use to boost productivity and care for your staff is an employee wellbeing program. This type of program is the gift that just keeps giving. It allows you to support your employees' physical, mental and emotional wellbeing year-round, promoting a healthy and thriving work culture. 

If you’re looking for the best way to support your team long-term, speak with a Wellbeing Specialist today!

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