Top 10 Employee Appreciation Gifts
If you are a business owner or just a manager of a team, you know how important your people are to your success. While compliments and free lunch are nice, gifts are a great way to show your appreciation, help build culture, and establish team spirit. In fact, studies have shown that recognizing your team members can even lead to greater employee performance.
So in the spirit of showing your people that you care, here is our list of 10 great gift ideas for your employees.
Branded Clothing
The best gifts are ones that they'll want to use. Branded clothing is a fantastic way to show you care without breaking the bank. T-shirts, hats, and even jackets are all great options that will keep your team looking sharp, and feeling appreciated. We have found that people notice when you spring for higher quality materials. They don't cost much more, but they show you care. Go for the super-soft t-shirt, or the nicer hoodie to really knock it out of the park!
Office Chair Back Support
If you have ever worked a desk job, you know how important it is to have a comfortable chair. Even the best chairs can start to feel a bit uncomfortable after sitting in them for eight hours a day. A seat cushion is a great way to add a little bit of comfort, without breaking the bank. It's also a great way to show that you care about their comfort. You can find them in a variety of price points and materials starting at around $35 - Here is one on our site
Branded Backpack
A new backpack or tote is always a welcome gift, especially if it has your company logo on it. This way, they can show their support for the team wherever they go, and you'll be top of mind. And if you spring for a higher quality backpack, it will last them for years. We have many options on our site - this backpack, for example, is great for the team member that is traveling with their computer.
Branded Jacket
Even as we start to see signs of spring, we still see windy days or even rain. A light branded jacket or windbreaker is a great way to show your appreciation while keeping your team comfortable when they are out and about. We all need jackets to keep us warm, and this way they can think of you every time they put it on. A nice bonus is that branded jackets tend to be very popular, so you'll usually have people clamoring to get their hands extras for their friends or clients!
Under Desk Footrest
If your team spends a lot of time at their desks, an under-desk footrest can be a great way to show you care about their comfort. This simple gift can help them avoid back and leg pain, and make their day-to-day a bit more comfortable. You can find them starting at around $20 on Amazon and they make a great gift for any of your desk-bound team members. Make their day a little better and watch what happens!
Branded Coffee Cup or Insulated Mug
Coffee is essential to many people's mornings, and a nice mug or cup is a great way to show that you care. If you really want to make an impression, get one that is insulated so they can keep their coffee hot all morning. A branded cup or mug also serves as a great way to promote your company. You can find them in a variety of materials and styles.
Water Bottle
A water bottle is a great way to show you care about your team's health and well-being. Staying hydrated is essential to keeping our bodies functioning properly. You can find them in a variety of materials and price points, so there is sure to be one that fits your needs. We love this glass water bottle - it's eco-friendly and stylish.
Insulated Lunch Box
People like to bring their lunch to work, and an insulated lunch box is a great way to show you care about their health while making it easier to say "no" to going out to eat all the time. It's also a great way to save them some money, and help the environment by reducing the use of disposable containers. You can find them in a variety of styles and price points which makes it easier to find one that fits your budget and the needs of your team. We like THIS ONE, but if you REALLY want to blow them away, consider getting some embroidery done with your logo to set it apart.
Bluetooth Tracking Tile
A Bluetooth tracking tile is a great way to show you care about their things and help them keep track of their belongings. We all have that one thing that we are constantly misplacing, and this can help them keep track of it. You can find them starting at around $25 on Amazon, and they make a great gift.Pro tip: Tape one to the bottom of the container with that last piece of chocolate cake you brought in to see who is stealing your desserts from the refrigerator!
Gift Certificate to a Local Cafe or Restaurant
A great way to show your team you care is to give them a gift certificate to a local restaurant. This can be for lunch or dinner, and it shows that you are thinking about their needs. As a bonus, you will be supporting your local businesses. Talk about a win-win!
Gift Card
If you just don't have the time or resources to find a physical gift for your team, gift cards are always a great option. Just make sure you consider avoiding pre-paid debit cards since they sometimes come with fees and other challenges to the recipient when it comes time to splurge on something. Of course, you can always go with the tried-and-true Amazon or Target gift cards, but you might consider a card to a store that each person will appreciate, based on their interests. For instance, your outdoorsmen might like a gift card to Bass Pro Shops, while your athletes might like one for Dick's Sporting Goods. If you have any gamers on your team, consider Steam, Xbox, or Playstation gift cards. Show that you care about their interests if you can!
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to showing your appreciation to your team. Get creative, and have fun! If you need help screen printing or embroidering your designs on them, reach out to the team at Local Threads for more ideas!
