35 Unique and Creative Employee Appreciation Ideas to Say Thanks

No doubt, employees are the heart and soul of every business, fueling the engine that propels us towards our organizational goals. One way to fuel these high-performance engines is to show how much you appreciate them. 

Employee appreciation is more than just a pat on the back. It’s the megaphone that announces, "We see you. We value your efforts." It’s the secret sauce that keeps your team motivated, engaged, and honestly, just plain happy to be part of your organization. The result? A vibrant workplace buzzing with high morale, lower turnover rates, and productivity charts that soar through the roof!

In a world that’s continually evolving, how do we keep our appreciation game fresh, relevant, and exciting? Let’s explore some unique employee appreciation ideas. 

Benefits of Showing Staff Appreciation

Increases Employee Engagement

Appreciated employees are energized employees. Recognition fuels a sense of purpose and helps team members stay emotionally connected to their work. According to Wellhub's State of Work-Life Wellness 2025, 88% of employees value their wellbeing as much as their salary. When you show appreciation, you’re contributing to that sense of wellbeing.

Strengthens Retention

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to turnover: 83% of employees say they would consider leaving a company that doesn’t focus on employee wellbeing. When employees feel seen, heard, and recognized for their contributions, they’re more likely to stay—even when other offers come their way.

Improves Team Culture

Appreciation builds trust. It helps create a culture where recognition is part of the everyday rhythm, not just a quarterly event. Teams that thank each other regularly tend to communicate better and support one another more effectively.

Boosts Productivity and Performance

Employees who feel appreciated work harder and smarter. Recognition is a motivator—it drives people to keep showing up, giving their best, and solving problems with energy.

Reduces Burnout and Builds Resilience

A simple thank-you can go a long way toward buffering stress. When leaders acknowledge effort—especially during high-pressure times—it reminds employees that their work matters, and that they’re not invisible.

Encourages Innovation

When people feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to speak up with new ideas. Appreciation fosters psychological safety—an essential ingredient for creativity and growth.

Pro Tip: Make It Timely, Personal, and Specific. A vague “great job” doesn’t carry the same weight as a “thank you for staying late to help your teammate meet that deadline.” Let your appreciation match the moment.

Wellness Gifts  

There are many ways you can encourage work-life wellness. The key is to offer activities that are fun and promote physical and mental health. Here are some unique wellness perk ideas:

1. Guided Meditation Subscriptions

Help your team find moments of calm during the workday with guided meditation apps like Calm or Headspace. A little zen can go a long way.

2. Wellness Retreats

Forget traditional office parties—host a wellness retreat! Think sunrise yoga followed by a healthy breakfast to recharge your team.

3. Personal Health Coaches

Motivate your employees to stay on track by offering access to health coaches who can provide personalized advice and accountability.

4. Nutritionist Consultations

As the saying goes, "You are what you eat." Offer sessions with a nutritionist to help employees boost their energy and productivity through healthy eating.

5. Pet Therapy Days

Let furry friends spread joy with on-site or virtual visits from therapy animals. It's a guaranteed mood lifter.

6. Holistic Health Allowances

Provide a monthly stipend for employees to explore wellness options like aromatherapy, acupuncture, or massages.

7. Virtual Reality (VR) Relaxation

Set up VR headsets for employees to take a five-minute escape to serene beaches or calming forests without leaving the office.

Virtual Learning Platforms

Investing in your employees' growth shows you value their professional development. It also nurtures a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, key traits in today's dynamic business landscape. And in this digital era, virtual learning platforms offer a perfect solution. Here are a few virtual learning options: 

8. Online Course Subscriptions

Support personal and professional growth by offering access to platforms like Coursera or Udemy, covering topics from coding to mixology.

9. Masterclasses from Experts

Bring in local professionals for workshops—imagine cooking lessons with a chef or writing sessions with an author!

10. Virtual Book Clubs

Create a culture of continuous learning with virtual book clubs that spark discussions and build connections.

11. Personal Development Stipends

Empower employees to choose their growth path with stipends for learning resources or tools they love.

12. Access to Virtual Seminars and Conferences

Give employees the opportunity to learn from industry leaders without leaving their home offices.

Personalized Gifts

There's something undeniably special about receiving a gift that says, "This made me think of you." Not only do they show your appreciation in a tangible form, but they also serve as a constant, visible reminder of your gratitude. Every time your team member sees this gift, they'll think of you. They'll think of your company. It’s a “thank you” that never fades.

Now, let's jazz up the traditional corporate gift with some alternative ideas:

13. Eco-Friendly Swag

Customize reusable water bottles or tote bags with their names or a motivational quote.

14. A Tree in Their Name

Gift employees a tree planting in their name—a unique gesture that grows over time.

15. Personalized Workspace Accessories

Think custom stationery or a mousepad that nods to their favorite hobby or interest.

16. Pet Portraits

Commission an artist to capture their beloved pet’s personality in a beautiful keepsake.

Employee-Designed Workspace

In an era where the line between office and home has blurred, there's a growing emphasis on creating a workspace that's not only functional but also comfortable and inspiring. By offering your employees a stipend to design their own workspace, you're saying, "We value your comfort as much as your contributions." This gesture holds particular significance for remote employees, making them feel invested in and part of the broader team culture.

Here are some items your staff might want in a well-designed workspace:

17. Ergonomic Furniture

Invest in chairs or standing desks that support good posture and physical health.

18. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Perfect for blocking distractions and enhancing focus—especially in open offices or remote work settings.

19. Tech Upgrades

Boost productivity with tools like large monitors, fast routers, or premium keyboards.

20. Creative Lighting Solutions

Offer desk lamps or ambient lighting options to enhance mood and energy in workspaces.

Appreciation Ideas For Your Remote Workers

Use these ideas to create moments of connection and gratitude that travel across time zones!

Virtual Shoutouts and Team Celebrations

21. Celebrate wins during team meetings

Start your next video call by spotlighting a team member’s recent success or effort.

22. Create a digital kudos board

Tools like Slack, Lattice, or Bonusly make it easy for teammates to recognize each other in real time.

23. Employee of the Month—Reimagined

Highlight not just performance but attitude, helpfulness, or creativity. Include a photo, a quote from teammates, and a few personal fun facts.

Personalized Appreciation Packages

24. Send curated gift boxes

Think wellness kits, coffee samplers, or items from local businesses in their area.

25. Surprise lunch delivery

Use services like DoorDash, Grubhub, or UberEats gift cards to say, “Take a break—lunch is on us today.”

26. Celebrate remote milestones

Work anniversaries, first project launches, or personal news—send a custom card or treat that reflects the moment.

Opportunities for Growth and Recognition

27. Offer learning stipends

Let employees choose a course or certification that interests them, both a perk and a vote of confidence.

28. Feature employee spotlights

Use your intranet, newsletter, or LinkedIn to celebrate their impact with a short story or video.

29. Let them lead something

Show trust and appreciation by giving them the floor, whether it’s running a meeting, a peer training session, or a team-building event.

Creative and Fun Touches

30. Host themed virtual socials

Trivia, show-and-tell, remote talent shows—just 30 minutes can go a long way in making people feel valued.

31. Send remote team swag

Think cozy hoodies, desk plants, or water bottles. Add your logo or a motivational phrase your team loves.

32. Celebrate “just because” days

Surprise your team with a half-day Friday, a digital “treat yourself” card, or a quick coffee chat that’s all about fun.

Acknowledge Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance

33. Offer a wellness stipend

Whether it goes toward yoga classes, fitness gear, or a meditation app, it’s a meaningful way to show you care.

34. Say thank you for setting boundaries

Let employees know you appreciate when they take time off, unplug on weekends, or say no to overwork.

35. Recognize behind-the-scenes effort

A lot of emotional labor goes unseen in remote settings. A direct message that says, “I see the care you’re putting in” can make someone’s week.

Pro Tip: Remote appreciation is most powerful when it’s consistent, specific, and personalized. Don’t wait for big milestones—small, timely moments of gratitude can have the biggest impact.

The Best Way to Appreciate Employees? Support Their Wellbeing.

It's easy to overlook employee recognition, yet it plays a huge role in motivation, retention, and employee wellbeing. Expressing appreciation helps build employee loyalty and shows staff members they are valued. 

Employee wellness programs can be a powerful tool to express your appreciation — there’s a reason 100% of HR leaders say wellness programs are important to employee satisfaction. Today’s workforce values their wellness as much as their salary, making wellbeing a powerful retention tool.

Wellhub helps you show your employees how much you care about their wellbeing — while saving money. Our flexible wellness platform gives employees access to thousands of wellness partners offering in-person and digital activities, meeting them where they are. Connect with a wellbeing specialist today!