Employee Appreciation (Page 5)

Give Great Gifts to Recognize the Great Employees at Your Office

Well-chosen employee gifts can increase employee engagement, improve retention, and create a positive work environment. When you take the time to show your appreciation and give your employees meaningful gifts, you invest in your company culture.  When you recognize your staff’s vital role in building your business, they’ll be proud to have your company logo on thoughtful gifts.

Custom employee gifts like stainless steel tumblers, water bottles, or travel mugs serve as stylish and practical swag for team members to use daily and reduce single-use plastic waste. Go a step further and make it a personalized gift by adding a thank-you gift card for a local coffee shop alongside the mug. 

Occasions and Opportunities to Show Employee Appreciation

There’s no wrong time to express gratitude to your team, but there are key moments and occasions to be sure to recognize hard work. Plan to give staff appreciation gifts for:

Employee Appreciation Day - The first Friday in March.  In 2025 it is Friday, March 7th. 

Work Anniversaries - Recognize milestones with premium gifts like elegantly engraved pens or watches.

Holiday Gifting - Show you care during the holiday season with corporate gift sets, gourmet gift baskets, or premium drinkware. Our corporate gift guide will help you find the perfect holiday gifts for your staff!

Appreciation Weeks and Days - Use national recognition weeks and days like Customer Service Week, National Nurses Week, or Administrative Professionals’ Day to hand out appreciation gifts for employees tailored to their roles. Our Promotional Giveaway Calendar can help you plan your gifting. 

Employee Onboarding - Celebrate a new hire with an onboarding gift of company swag. They're able to show off their new job and bring awareness to your business. 

Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

Employee recognition is important for a healthy work environment. From tote bags, to leather journals, and gourmet gift baskets, your employee appreciation gifts boost the team’s well-being. When you personalize it with your company logo, you reinforce your company’s commitment to the staff.

Personalized Awards

Recognition gifts like plaques, acrylic awards, and desk clocks are classic options for formal appreciation. They’re commonly used for celebrating work anniversaries, exceptional achievements, or leadership milestones. Adding an employee’s name, role, or an inspiring message gives these awards a personal touch that makes them more than just decorative items.

Fitness & Wellness Products

A healthy team is a happy team. Support your team’s well-being with self-care gifts that promote this lifestyle. Branded water bottles, yoga mats, massage guns, or fitness trackers are practical and encourage good habits. Consider a wellness gift box featuring items like lip balm, sunscreen, and hand sanitizers. These gifts show you value their physical and mental health, creating a positive ripple effect in your work environment.

Gourmet Gift Baskets, Charcuterie Boards, & Gift Sets

For group staff gifts, you can’t go wrong with delicious gift baskets and curated edible gift sets. From artisanal chocolates and fine teas to gourmet snacks and popcorn, these make great gifts for holidays or celebrations. Go the extra mile and get each employee a gift set that includes items like a mug and hot chocolate packet, or a mug and air plant for their desk. 

Engraved Pens & Premium Journals, Notebooks, & Planners

High-quality engraved pens are more than another office supply, they’re a quintessential employee recognition gift for executives. It’s a keepsake for those who have ascended to the C-suite office and have the signature that makes deals.  Pair your executive pens with luxury notepads, leather-bound journals, or premium planners to make your gift practical and stylish. These are perfect appreciation gifts that will be used and appreciated daily. 

Custom Drinkware

Drinkware is a go-to for employee appreciation gifts. Insulated tumblers and wine glasses, travel mugs, and stainless steel water bottles are popular choices, especially when branded with your company logo. For an even more unique and thoughtful mug, consider a temperature-controlled mug. These mugs include a coaster that charges the mug and it connects to an app to keep it at the perfect temperature all day.

Upscale Tote Bags

When you choose a tote bag for an employee appreciation gift, make sure to select a stylish and durable option. Tote bags are popular because they’re eco-friendly and useful.  We carry a selection of high-end options made from materials like canvas, denim, and jute. Add extra swag by filling the totes with desk accessories, and gift cards, or choose a tote gift set to create a fun gift bag experience.

Celebrate Your Whole Team With Bulk Employee Appreciation Gifts

Buying gifts for employees in bulk is a cost-effective way to get something for your whole team. It makes large-scale gift-giving easier. You’re always ready for when new hires come along or someone has an unexpected, but noteworthy achievement. From onboarding team members to celebrating employee appreciation day, a stockpile of branded employee gifts like gift boxes, power banks, or snacks means you’re always prepared. 

FAQ About Employee Recognition & Staff Appreciation Gifts

What is a small token of appreciation for an employee?

A small token of appreciation is a way to subtly thank an employee. Instead of a grand gesture and public announcement, a small token of appreciation can be as simple as a handwritten note to an engraved watch the recipient opens in their own time. It is something meaningful and heartfelt.

What are the IRS rules for gifts to employees?

According to the IRS, gifts given to employees are generally considered taxable income unless they are of nominal value, meaning holiday gift bags or small appreciation gifts for employees.  Gifts fall under de minimis fringe benefits when they are infrequent and low in value. Cash or cash-equivalent gifts like gift cards are always taxable, regardless of the amount. Be sure to consult a tax advisor for specific guidelines. For more information, visit the IRS website (opens in a new window).

Why should you be celebrating your team members?

Celebrating your team members creates more productive employees and a positive work environment. Recognition shows employees that they are valued as individuals and not just for their contributions. Valued employees mean reduced turnover, which is better for your business too. Celebrating your team also helps build a culture of appreciation among peers, strengthening the team, and encouraging hard work across the board.

When should you start planning your corporate holiday gifts?

It’s best to start planning your corporate holiday gifts early. We’d suggest beginning to work on your budget in late summer and start picking your gift ideas in early fall. This gives you ample time to choose the right custom employee gifts and have them early enough for timely delivery.

How can I celebrate Employee Appreciation Day?

Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day by making a day of it at your office. In addition to giving  Employee Appreciation Day gifts, consider hosting a special lunch, team-building activity, or wellness day.

Create awards or have a small ceremony for team members to recognize specific achievements or milestones. Consider a raffle of high-value items like Bluetooth earbuds or a trendy pickleball set to make the day more fun. 

Can you suggest unique employee appreciation gift ideas?

Our suggestions for unique employee appreciation gift ideas include items that are trendy or will be used daily to improve their days. Consider pickleball sets to join in on the fast-growing game. A branded succulent with a custom planter looks great at home or on an office desk. Tech bundles featuring wireless chargers, power banks, and Bluetooth speakers are useful at work and during social events.

What are some budget-friendly employee appreciation gift ideas?

If you’re on a budget, consider these small appreciation gifts for employees:

• Keychains with a motivational message or that have a dual purpose like a bottle opener or flashlight
• Mini gift bags with candy, tea, or coffee samples.
• Affordable desk accessories like organizers or stress relief toys.
• Eco-friendly tote bags or reusable water bottles.
• Branded t-shirts or hoodies with your company name.

Show Employee Appreciation Turns into Staff Inspiration

Giving employee appreciation gifts rewards hard work and shows you value your team. From personalized gifts for employees like engraved pens and journals to practical gift sets and desk accessories, employee recognition gifts build loyalty, boost employee engagement, and make your team feel genuinely appreciated.

Find the perfect gifts for your hardworking team at 4AllPromos. Your team deserves the best gifts and we’re here to make swag worth bragging about.

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