You undoubtedly spend a lot of time with your coworkers, and it’s a good gesture to show your thanks for all their hard work at the end of the year by giving them a present. Purchasing gifts for coworkers and employees may appear more difficult than purchasing gifts for friends, but it does not have to be.
When looking for coworkers, there are a few factors to bear in mind. You should avoid giving gifts that are very personal.
That doesn’t mean you have to settle for mundane office products like paperweights. You can be professional and choose something you know your coworker will enjoy, such as high-quality sweets and food, a favored style of pen or notebook that the workplace does not stock, or anything related to their hobbies.
We did the legwork for you and selected the best employee gifts ideas for coworkers and employees that are both professional and meaningful.
What Is the Ideal Employee Appreciation Gift?
Employee appreciation gifts might range from surprise refreshments for everyone to one-time luxury gifts for a cherished employee’s work anniversary.
However, when it comes to employee appreciation gifts, you can’t go wrong by following these simple guidelines:
- Cool brands, not generics: “Buying generic” may be OK at the pharmacy, but not for employee appreciation gifts. Employees think one thing: cheap when they receive gifts from obscure wholesale manufacturers they’ve never heard of. Instead, choose contemporary products that your staff would buy in their own life.
- Shop for organizations that share your values: It’s upsetting for many socially conscious employees to see management steer corporate gifting dollars to large conglomerates. Instead, spend your gifting cash on brands that represent your values, such as BIPOC, female, or LGBTQ-founded enterprises, small businesses, or organizations focusing on sustainability or social impact.
- Use the five senses to build a sense of connection: It may sound New Age-y, but when employees all have the same physical gift, it can help to build a sense of connection that can help employees overcome the isolation of remote work. Give gifts that allow employees to share a similar experience, such as the scent of a candle, the feel of a sherpa blanket, the plant on their desks cape, or the taste of some good coffee.
- Allow employees to exchange gifts: No matter how nice your gift is, there is no one-size-fits-all option that every employee will appreciate. There are plenty of real reasons why employees won’t want what you’re buying them, including dietary limitations, gift preferences, and allergies.
- Avoid gift cards: While they are better than nothing, gift cards will never feel particularly thoughtful or individualized. They are also more likely to be taxed by the IRS.
Employee Gifts Ideas for Remote Workers
From noise-canceling headphones to personalized doughnuts, here is a selection of gifts ideas for a work-from-home employee in various price levels.
#1. Survival Kit for Working From Home
Working from home can be difficult because of Zoom fatigue, a potential lack of privacy or personal space, and a lack of peers to commiserate with. A work-from-home survival kit addresses common remote work issues like noise, boredom, and loneliness.
Each package includes earplugs, webcam coverings, a conference call Bingo card, and the question “pants or pajamas?” decide coin. This present is great for dispersed employees because it is both unconventional and functional. Consider sending it during onboarding, Christmas, or as a surprise.
#2. Noise Cancelling Headphones by Anker
Noise-canceling headphones are not cheap, but the increase in employee productivity and the peace of mind they provide might make them a valuable investment. When compared to the usual price of $200 for noise-canceling headphones, the type seen above is a steal at $60.
These Anker headphones have a strong microphone and are Bluetooth-enabled. The earbuds’ battery life is not just long, but the sound quality is excellent. The most essential feature of these headphones is that they decrease ambient noise by up to 90%. While more expensive models have additional capabilities, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth headphones function admirably for the price and make an excellent gift for remote employees.
#3. Subscription Box Muse Illuminate
Subscription boxes are a popular gift option for remote professionals because to their convenience and novelty, and the Muse Illuminate Subscription Box is an especially suitable option.
Though designed for businesses, the Muse box offers motivating resources that can provide much-needed inspiration and encouragement to remote workers. Motivational gifts such as professional development workbooks, goal journals, aspirational decor, and New York Times Best Selling self-help books are included in each box. Cratejoy allows you to purchase the box as a one-time gift or as a subscription.
#4. Gift Box with Succulent Sampler
While plants add cheer and color to a home office, succulents reign supreme in terms of easy-to-mail and easy-to-care-for plants. Mountain Crest Gardens has a great selection of reasonably priced bouquets that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. The succulent sampler gift box includes nine succulents in two-inch pots, all with plant ID labels. Each box includes the opportunity to put a personalized gift message, allowing you to incorporate a sincere greeting.
This gift box is an excellent value at less than three dollars per succulent. Mountain Crest Gardens also sells terrariums, hanging planters, and lovely artificial small pumpkins as succulent gifts.
#5. Desktop Vacuum ODISTAR
Crumbs do not miraculously disappear because there are no janitors in your staff’s home offices. Desktop vacuum cleaners keep your employees’ workspaces clean and clear of dust, debris, and pet hair. Because these gadgets are small and unobtrusive, your colleague can place the cube in the corner of their desk or quickly hide the square in a drawer. The models are available in vibrant hues such as white, orange, blue, yellow, and lime green. ODISTAR vacuums are also available with battery, USB, or wireless charging options.
#6. Donuts with Personalized Message
By physically spelling out the sentiment, this gift conveys a distinct message. These donut assortments come in a variety of phrases, including:
- Thank you very much.
- Congratulations
- Many, many more years!
- You’re the greatest!
- Best wishes!
The variety of messages makes these treats suitable for a wide range of occasions. Angel Food Bakery creates fresh donuts and ships them anywhere in the United States. Chocolate or vanilla sprinkles, orange blossom, fruity pebbles, Samoa, and raspberry chocolate chip are among the flavors available.
Best Employee Christmas Gifts Ideas
From heated blankets to beer-making kits, here is a list of Christmas holiday gifts ideas for your squad.
#7. Two-Person Fondue
Fondue for Two is a convenient way to enjoy this popular melted cheese dish. A tealight candle melts and warms the cheese mixture in this countertop device, which has a wood base and a porcelain crock. This little fondue pot can be used at a romantic supper with a spouse or during the workday to lend a bit of luxury to a mundane Wednesday lunch.
#8. Malicious Women’s Co. Candles
Malicious Women Co. candles are unisex, despite their moniker. In fact, the company even makes a cedar-bourbon scented candle called “Because Men Like Candles Too.” Additionally, if your employees work in a specific field, Malicious Women Co. has industry-specific scents, such as the healthcare themed “Because Patients…”, and a “happy hour in scrubs” scent. Before making a purchase, keep in mind that the verbiage on certain options may not be HR-approved.
You can steer into safer territory, however, by selecting tamer options, such as “All I Do Is Win,” infused with “the tears of my opponents,” or the apple and pear scented, “I Talk to Everyone; Moving My Seat Won’t Help.” Candles can come across as impersonal gifts, but these funny alternatives add humor and personality to the present, allowing for further bonding.
#9. Heated Sunbeam Blanket
As I type this essay from inside a blanket cocoon, I’m thinking that human icicles don’t make good employees. I truly envy the hypothetical employees who receive heated blankets from their employers.
The Sunbeam heated blanket has ten settings, allowing your giftee to choose the optimal level of toastiness. The quilted fleece on the throw is very soft and luscious. The blanket is machine washable and has a 5-year warranty.
#10. Gift Basket of Dried Fruit and Nuts for the Holidays
When I became an adult and began purchasing my own food, the cost of dried fruits and nuts astounded me. Most people regard these snacks to be a luxury item, therefore they make an excellent present. Oh, My Nuts! Holiday Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Baskets include a variety of all-natural snacks like pistachios, almonds, dried apricots, dehydrated kiwi, and dried mango. This collection encourages your employees to choose a healthy food option at snack time.
#11. Phone Sanitizer And Wireless Charging Hub Vie Oli UVC
This gift is a two-in-one, serving as both a quick wireless charger and a UV cleaning feature. Recipients can use this device to charge their phones while also neutralizing surface bacteria. The device is compatible with the majority of phones and phone covers. Furthermore, the hub is small and portable, making it an excellent travel companion. The combo sanitizer/charger is also useful in the office or at home. This phone sanitizer and wireless charging hub comes in two colors: rose and black.
#12. Colored Pencils in Pop Colors
Adult coloring books have become a popular office presence during the last decade. While bookshops have sold adult coloring pages for years, few people had considered giving coloring tools an age-appropriate update until lately. Pop Colors creates pop-culture-themed colored pencils based on popular TV shows such as Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Seinfeld, and Parks and Recreation. Color names include puns like “we were on a grey-k” in the Friends pack and
Lemonade yellow in the Beyonce-inspired “Shades of Bey” collection. There’s also a nursing-themed set that comes in colors like “scrubs and rubber gloves” blue. The store sells coloring sheet bundles, but you can also couple the pack with an adult coloring book of your choice.
#13. Brewing Kit for Beer
Employees can relax, develop new skills, unleash creativity, and hone social skills through hobbies. In recent years, there has been a movement toward from-scratch and DIY initiatives. A beer brewing kit is a fun and hands-on experience for employees who are interested in home brewing but are not ready to invest the time and money required to fully immerse themselves in the hobby.
The Brooklyn Brew Shop’s package includes basic equipment, dry ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process. This present is a unique way to send a holiday drink to your dispersed team without having to cope with the complexities of each state’s alcohol postal restrictions. Furthermore, your recipients will learn while having fun.
#14. Gloves for Touchscreens
As the cold weather sets in, employees face the challenge of remaining productive while protecting their hands from freezing. Touchscreen gloves allow people to send a quick text or check their email without having to remove their mittens and face the freezing weather. The North Face is a master of warm but effective winter clothing. The Etip Gloves have smartphone-accessible fingertips and a textured palm grip that promises to let you hold onto devices even in the slickest of situations. The fleece lining on the inside of the gloves keeps hands warm, while the outer material is weather and moisture-resistant.
Employee Work Anniversary Gifts Ideas
Here is a list of employee gifts ideas for your colleague’s firm anniversary, ranging from idea diaries to personalized M&M’s.
#15. Hatch Idea Book
The Hatch Idea Journal is a notebook for planning that divides the entrepreneurial and project management journey into three stages: conceive, incubate, and hatch. Guided activities assist journal owners in visualizing and realizing goals by breaking the process down into smaller parts. This diary is an excellent first-year work anniversary gift because it demonstrates that you value your employees’ ideas.
#16. City Brief Shoulder Bag by Incase
Incase creates long-lasting, fashionable bags and laptop cases that make wonderful work anniversary gifts. The City Brief is a very adaptable option because it may be used to transport a laptop, tech accessories, crucial professional documents, or personal stuff. Its fleece-lined pockets guard against dirt and damage. The bag also has compartments for easy access to essentials and is available in sleek muted grey or simple black. When properly cared for, Incase bags can last for years.
#17. Cauldryn Smart Coffee Mug
Once upon a time, the concept of always-hot to-go coffee was a pipe dream. At present, temperature-controlled travel tumblers keep drinks piping hot for hours. Cauldryn makes a Bluetooth-enabled smart mug that allows customers to precisely regulate the temperature of their drink using an app. The cup holds 16 ounces and can be completely charged for up to ten hours, a luxury that few would turn down.
#18. Cheese Board and Knife Set by Bambusi
Cheese boards are a sophisticated and tasteful present for any occasion, including workiversaries. The Bambusi Cheese board is made of organic bamboo and features scooped corners to keep crackers and sides organized, as well as a roll-out drawer to hold the complementary cheese knife set. Furthermore, the surface is water-resistant and antimicrobial, making the board simple to clean and sanitary. Not to add, if you give this board as a gift, the receivers may invite you to a dinner party.
#19. M&M’s with personalized labels
Personalized M&M’s are an excellent gift for a long-term employee who enjoys sweets. The official M&M website includes a “design your own” feature page where you may select colors, text, and images to print on personalized candy. When they receive a bag of chocolates featuring their likeness, your employee will undoubtedly feel like a celebrity. Personalized M&M’s come in a two-pound bag and provide a one-of-a-kind gift experience.
#20. Jr.’s Cheesecake
The cake is appropriate for special events, and you can celebrate your colleague’s work anniversary by buying cheesecake from Junior’s. The Brooklyn-based bakery will make their world-famous cheesecake and mail it anywhere in the United States. Though the classic is plain New York-style cheesecake, these desserts come in a variety of tastes such as brownie explosion, strawberry shortcake, and dulce de leche. Samplers, packs of individual cheesecakes, and low-sugar, low-carb variants are also available. Order one extra of whichever flavor you want for the workplace so your honoree does not feel obligated to share!
#21. Smart Watch by Fossil
Though Apple timepieces tend to lead the way in the smartwatch market, Fossil’s collection of smart timepieces provides chicer and more professional options. The timepieces come in a variety of colors, metals, and bands, with a design that maintains loyal to its roots. Voice commands, app and calendar alerts, GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a heart rate monitor are among the features. Because the watch is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, there is no need to research employees’ phone kinds before purchase. Current variants cost roughly $250, while previous models start at $99.
Employee Appreciation Gifts Ideas
Here are some present ideas to adequately reward employees for their hard work and excellent outcomes, ranging from gourmet popcorn to soft socks.
#22. Gourmet Oreo Popcorn
When it comes to employee appreciation, you can’t go wrong with food. Thankful Sweets’ cookies-and-cream flavored popcorn is a refreshing contrast from more traditional popcorn flavors like butter, cheddar, and caramel. This delicacy, which is both salty and part sweet, will fulfill your staff’s appetites for an indulgent but still fairly nutritious snack. The seller makes each batch to order and distributes it quickly, so your teammates will receive fresh, hand-crafted popcorn in a matter of days.
Other unique gourmet popcorn varieties available at the shop include banana pudding, strawberry milkshake, and chocolate dream, as well as a personalized variety pack. Gourmet popcorn is a simple yet effective method to express gratitude to employees. The best part is that each bag of this brand features the word “thankful” in bold letters.
#23. Phin Coffee Maker
Phin is a Vietnamese coffee brewing method similar to the French Press. The filter fits into a cup, and the drinker fills the brewing chamber with hot water. Slowly, coffee seeps through the filter into the cup. The gradual percolation process encourages participants to slow down and relax, creating an ideal environment for a virtual coffee break. For restaurant-quality Vietnamese coffee, add a teaspoon of condensed milk. Nguyen Coffee Supply sends out kits that include a phin filter, a bag of Vietnamese-grown and Brooklyn-roasted coffee, and brewing instructions.
Each box includes a sticker that reads, “Thank you for hustling with us!” and a blend with a name like “Courage” or “Loyalty,” feelings that complement the employee appreciation theme wonderfully.
#24. Pack of Chocolate Treats
Instead of waiting for a breakthrough or great accomplishment deserving of a large present, surprise your workers with a tiny symbol of your appreciation. This cute goodie pack comes in a gift box that says, “We’re Choc Full of Appreciation For You,” and includes a touching inscription. Inside are a variety of fun-sized candy bars. If your team isn’t chocoholic, try an alternative snack, like the Starbursts kit, which proclaims, “Our team is overflowing with stars like you,” or the Goldfish pack, which declares, “You’re a wonderful catch!”
#25. Plant Appreciation Cube
This clever planter comes in a variety of phrases, like “thank you for your thyme,” “your commitment and dedication help us grow,” and “grateful for you from my head to-ma-toes.” Each appreciation plant cube includes a printed wooden box, a liner, a peat pellet, and seeds for a suitable flower, herb, or veggie.
#26. Socks Bombas
Warming your employees’ toes with comfortable socks indicates that you care. Bombas socks are comfortable, long-lasting, and charitable. The specifically designed cushioned and moisture-wicking design keeps wearers’ feet warm and dry. Bombas distributes a pair of socks to the homeless population for every pair purchased, making the gift an excellent opportunity to give back to your employees and the community.
#27. Event Tickets
One of the best employee appreciation gifts is event tickets. Consider rewarding your employees for their hard work and dedication by providing them with tickets to a festival, sporting event, concert, or performance. Often, businesses can obtain corporate discounts on passes to these outings, especially if they are sponsors of the event. If there are no forthcoming activities in your region, or if you want to give employees more options, consider giving them season tickets to a local venue, a Fandango gift card for movies, or a Ticketmaster gift card for live events. Consider covering entry to virtual events as well.
Employee Birthday Gifts Ideas
Here is a collection of birthday gifts ideas for your employee, ranging from cupcakes to balloon bouquets.
#28. A Mug of Birthday Cake
No birthday is complete without cake, and a birthday cake in a mug is a convenient way to commemorate the occasion. Each set includes a watercolor ceramic cup, a chocolate cake mix, sprinkles, and a candle. This kit is a convenient way to give a delicious surprise to your remote staff on their special day. Sing “Happy Birthday” to the honoree on Zoom, or send a video birthday serenade. Best of all, your giftee can continue to drink coffee from the cup long after the occasion has passed.
#29. Gift Certificate for GrubHub
Traditionally, the team provides a complimentary supper to the birthday person. However, your honoree may already have plans for lunch or supper or may work remotely. A GrubHub gift card is an excellent alternative because it allows the recipient to select the restaurant and date of delivery. This gift certificate allows your recipient to get takeout on a night when they would rather not cook or clean dishes.
#30. Milk Bar Birthday Cake
Milk Bar is well-known for their rainbow-colored birthday cake. The bakery will mail its trademark birthday cake to any location in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. The cake will arrive fresh and moist thanks to quick shipment and high-quality ingredients. The traditional recipe calls for layers of sprinkle-decked vanilla cake, frosting, and cake crumbs, but the bakery also sells chocolate and gluten-free versions of the birthday cake, among other treats.
#31. Urban Flowers
Fresh flower bouquets make excellent birthday gifts. Urban Stems make exquisite flower arrangements that appeal to all aesthetics. Find flowers that match your employee’s personality and style, whether they are monochromatic or vibrant and colorful, in a basic vase or a unicorn planter. Depending on the arrangement, options for overnight or hand delivery may be offered.
#32. Balloon Bouquet from Party City
If flowers aren’t your staff member’s thing, try a balloon arrangement. Party City has a variety of low-cost solutions. Because most people live close to a Party City, purchasing online and arranging for delivery is simple. Balloon bouquets are available in a wide range of colors, themes, and patterns.
#33. Bandeau Boho
For female birthdays, boho bandeaus are a lovely present. These flexible accessories can be worn as headbands, hair wraps, scarves, masks, armbands, scrunchies, or dress liners by recipients. Because of its versatility, your employee can wear the bandeau in a variety of ways. The fabric is extremely soft and comes in a variety of colors and designs.
#34. Dollar Shave Club Membership
A Dollar Shave Club subscription is an excellent birthday present for men. The club delivers replacement razor blades every month, saving your employee from a last-minute trip to the corner store. Best of all, even after delivery, the subscription is only a few dollars per month, making Dollar Shave Club a practical, professional, and easy gift.
Employee Retirement Gifts Ideas
From Virtual Retirement Parties to personalized glass cubes, here is a list of farewell gifts for your valued employee.
#35. Virtual Retirement Celebration
Retirement parties are common fare for retiring colleagues, but if you work on a dispersed team, you may be unable to assemble to bid your colleague farewell. Booking a fully-hosted virtual retirement party as part of your employee’s departure gives the team one more chance to have fun on the work together.
Virtual Retirement Parties include engaging team bonding activities like Retirement Trivia, team scavenger hunts, and icebreakers, all hosted by a lively host. Each event lasts 90 minutes and is held in a secure Zoom room.
#36. Kindle
Your teammate will have a lot more time to read once he retires. Kindles make excellent retirement gifts because your coworker can buy books directly from Amazon or borrow books from a local library. Because the item is portable, the receiver can take it with them on their retirement experiences, such as a trip to see the Great Wall of China or a stroll around the neighborhood park.
#37. Customized Glass Cube
During the going away party, many employers present retirees with a plaque or a glass award. This Things Remembered glass cube is a trendy piece of decor that may be used in living rooms or offices. The main display includes an illuminated LED moon that changes colors, and the wooden base has an inscribable metal plaque on which you may print your colleague’s name, title, and a personal greeting.
#38. Digital Photo Frame Feelcare
Teammates frequently offer a photo in an attractive frame to a retiree. This traditional gift is given a modern twist with digital photo frames. While embossed silver frames make meaningful gifts, digital photo frames allow users to display many images at once, allowing you to pre-load the frame with a slideshow photo tribute. The Feelcare frame accepts video clips as well as images and loads content via an easy-to-use app. As an added advantage, the frame can maintain the connection between the team and the departing colleague by allowing teammates to upload fresh images to the app in order to update and engage with their former comrades.
#39. Subscription to the Bloomin’ Bin
Gardening is a popular hobby among retirees, so seed subscription boxes make excellent gifts. Bloomin’ Bin is a monthly subscription service that provides in-season seeds. While the subscriber can select flowers, fruits, and vegetables, or a combination of the two, the precise seed varieties are a surprise, adding to the excitement of the present. The service has multiple subscription packages and excellent customer support.
#40. Masterclass
Without a forty-hour work week, your departing colleague has more time to pursue new interests or abilities. Giving a Masterclass course allows the retiree to learn a new discipline with a world-renowned specialist. Among the many classes available are Gordon Ramsey’s cookery courses, Malcolm Gladwell’s writing tutorials, and Carlos Santana’s guitar instruction.
Employee Welcome Gifts Ideas
From promotional sweaters to screen cleaning kits, here are some gifts to welcome your new teammate to the organization and put them up for success.
#41. Tile Mate Custom
Your new teammate is navigating an unfamiliar setting during the first few weeks on the job, making misplacing vital artifacts like wallets or keys more unpleasant. You may assist your new hire keep organized while learning the ropes and the workplace layout by giving them a Tile Mate. The device and an app work together to track any object connected to the Tile Mate. Swag.com also allows you to personalize your Tile by printing your company’s logo or a personal image on the square.
#42. Sweater with Embroidery
Apparel swag makes new employees look and feel like they belong to the team. By giving your teammate a sweater on the first day, you confirm their place in the team, which warms their heart and torso. While acquiring sweaters in bulk on an organizational level is usually the most cost-effective option, Merchology does offer quick-ship options for purchasing a single sweatshirt that arrives in a matter of days.
#43. Whoosh! Kit for Cleaning Screens
New employees want to create a good first impression, but a smudge-covered laptop or phone screen will not do. Whoosh! is a specifically developed cleaning solution that eliminates dust, filth, and grease from a variety of screens without the use of harsh chemicals or odors. The Screen Shine Duo kit includes one big bottle of solution, one travel container, and two microfiber towels.
#44. Pop Grip Pop Socket
Pop Grips are useful devices that allow you to prop up your smartphone or tablet. When not in use, the tops collapse into a more compact version and screw off, allowing you to change their appearance. Users can request bespoke designs from the Pop Socket website’s create-your-own page.
Conclusion
Whatever the occasion, there are numerous ideas on the market that make excellent employee gifts. The bottom line is that your gifts should always be given from the heart, and taking the time to make an employee feel valued or special is what actually matters.
When offering your gift, attempt to make time to chat with them individually to explain why you’re giving it and what they did to earn it. Because not all businesses make an attempt to purchase gifts for their employees, selecting the appropriate item and reason will go a long way and leave a lasting impression on the employee.
Employees are critical to a company’s success, which is why they deserve a little extra from time to time. You don’t have to be an experienced gift giver to show them how much you appreciate their time, effort, and hard work on a daily basis. Gifts for employees not only make your staff feel valued but also demonstrate that you care about their contributions to the success of the business.
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