Recognizing your employees’ hard work is a kind gesture and a powerful way to build a positive work environment and spark engagement.

Still, finding meaningful, inclusive, and budget-friendly thank-you gifts can feel like solving a tricky puzzle.

Here’s where we come in!

Using our 30+ years of swag experience and extensive customer feedback, we’ve compiled a guide to solve all your staff gifting problems. 

In this guide, you’ll discover 25 creative employee appreciation gift ideas designed to make your team members feel genuinely valued.

On top of that, we’ll give you insights into our swag-on-demand shops that will step up your corporate gifting game.

Let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What Makes a Good Employee Appreciation Gift?

Why SwagDrop’s On-Demand Swag Shops Are Perfect for Employee Appreciation

Great Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

How to Choose the Best Employee Appreciation Gift

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Makes a Good Employee Appreciation Gift?

According to an eye-opening Nectar survey, employee recognition enhances job satisfaction, productivity, engagement, and retention.

Offering thank-you gifts that leave a lasting impression is a thoughtful way to recognize your team members’ contributions.

Here’s what makes a good staff appreciation gift:

• Personalization. Tailoring your corporate gifts to the employee’s interests, hobbies, or preferences shows you put time and effort into selecting the perfect gift.
• High quality. Always invest in high-quality company swag to prove you want the best for your team members.
• Practicality. Promotional products that bring value to the recipient’s daily life act as constant reminders of your appreciation.
• Thoughtfulness. Demonstrate you genuinely care about your staff’s well-being with employee care packages.
• Variety. Keep team members guessing by mixing physical gifts with experiences and thoughtful gestures to boost employee engagement.

Next, let us show you how our swag-on-demand gift shops can simplify the gift-giving process.

Why SwagDrop’s On-Demand Swag Shops Are Perfect for Employee Appreciation

Our swag-on-demand shops simplify the entire process of managing staff appreciation gifts.

Check out some of the benefits of using SwagDrop’s virtual gift shops.

Effortless convenience

No more wasting precious time searching for the perfect gifts.

Our on-demand swag shops let your team pick their gifts without you having to lift a finger.

Customization with a personal touch

Your virtual shops will feature branded merchandise aligned with your company’s identity, offering a polished and cohesive look.

The best part is that some of our products can also be customized with the employee’s name or a short phrase for a more memorable gift experience.

Budget-friendliness

Our swag-on-demand shops eliminate the need for bulk inventory and storage costs.

Likewise, we only produce the promotional materials your team members order, preventing waste and maximizing your swag budget.

Enhanced employee engagement

Allowing recipients to pick gifts they genuinely desire or need can boost employee morale and strengthen your bond.

This emotional connection can then motivate employees to give their all at work to help your business thrive.

How it works

You pick the promotional gifts that align with your brand identity and the occasion from our product catalogue.

Then, we help you set up a swag-on-demand gift shop with the curated swag.

Your employees will receive a link to access the shop and redeem their gifts.

Once the team members make their pick, they receive a confirmation email and the order is sent into production.

From this point forward, your employees can reach out to us directly for any questions regarding their order.

However, it’s worth mentioning that in 2024, less than 1% of workers contacted us with further inquiries, reinforcing the user-friendliness of our virtual stores.

Ultimately, we’ll handle everything from printing to delivery to provide you with a hassle-free experience.

Also, you’ll be glad to know that we can ship your corporate gifts anywhere in the continental USA at the flat rate of $9.99 per team member.

Now, let’s explore some unique gifts that will wow your staff.

Great Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

We’re here to help make your next gift-giving campaign a hit, which is why we’ve curated some of our highest-impact promotional products.

Let’s get started! 

Bulk employee appreciation gifts

If you’re organizing a big corporate event, like a company holiday party, or you simply have a large team, ordering gifts in bulk is more convenient.

Moreover, if you partner with SwagDrop, you’ll enjoy year-round volume discounts on bulk orders.

Check out some of the best gifts you can order in bulk.

1. Water bottles

Reusable water bottles encourage all-day hydration, promoting corporate wellness.

The Speckled Thor water bottle features a durable, double-wall, stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation, keeping water cold for 48 hours.

Why we recommend it: Employees can use this customized drinkware everywhere they go, including at the gym, on hikes or while riding their bike, increasing brand visibility.

2. T-shirts

Personalized t-shirts are one of the most popular team gift ideas for work because they foster a sense of unity while providing a wearable reminder of your appreciation.

Our Bodie short-sleeved tee comes in 12 trendy colors for men and women, featuring an unbelievably comfy fabric.

Why we recommend it: Branded apparel provides maximum company logo exposure, and you can even match it with your brand colors.

3. Ballcaps

Ballcaps make meaningful gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, offering UV protection all summer long.

The unisex Transcend ballcap has a low profile, an unstructured crown, and a wicking finish for added comfort.

Why we recommend it: You can offer custom hats as giveaways during outdoor team building activities, such as baseball matches or scavenger hunts. 

4. Travel tumblers

Help commuters start their workday on the right foot with a custom tumbler that allows them to enjoy their morning coffee or tea on the go.

Thanks to its stainless steel, vacuum construction with copper insulation, the Valhalla tumbler keeps beverages hot for at least eight hours.

Why we recommend it: Apart from commuters, tumblers also make great gifts for employees who are constantly moving, running across town to attend business meetings.

5. Notebooks and pens

Because of their endless usefulness, branded notebooks, notepads, and pens will never go out of style.

Still, we recommend impressing your staff with cool office supplies, like this notebook, featuring a 51% wheat straw hardcover and recycled paper sheets.

Why we recommend it: Since paper production is responsible for 26% of the total landfill waste, this eco-friendly gift set will demonstrate your brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

6. Tote bags

Tote bags are eco-friendly promotional products that eliminate the need for plastic bags, reducing waste.

The Repose tote bag is reusable and made from 100% recycled cotton, making it the ultimate sustainable gift.

Why we recommend it: You can add a personal touch by customizing this fashionable tote bag with a motivational quote to boost employee morale and productivity.

Inexpensive employee appreciation gifts

We know that purchasing swag for a large team doesn’t come cheap.

So, if you’re on a tight budget, consider some of our high-quality yet affordable employee gift ideas.

7. Sweet treats

Sweet treats are universally loved, bringing a bit of joy to your team members even on stressful workdays.

This petite, eco-friendly gift bag includes two boxes of mouth-watering Lark cookies that will delight recipients.

Why we recommend it: You can drop off this yummy treat on your team members’ desks early in the morning, so they can start their day energized and happy.

8. Potted plants

Potted flowers and succulents will brighten up your employees’ workspace and put a smile on their faces.

The Modern Sprout petite terracotta DIY kit features everything you need to start growing beautiful daisies. 

Why we recommend it: Thanks to the built-in passive hydroponic system, the daisies will thrive even if the recipient forgets to water them or overwaters them.

9. Power banks

Power banks make a fantastic employee onboarding gift because they eliminate the need to carry chargers and cables to work daily.

Thanks to its 2,200 mAh battery capacity, the Jolt power bank will keep the recipient’s devices charged at all times.

Why we recommend it: This small, yet highly practical token of appreciation can accompany your team members while running errands, attending meetings, or traveling.

10. Hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are healthcare promotional items that prove your commitment to your staff’s well-being.

The Clip-N-Go hand sanitizer features a 62% alcohol content, keeping hands germ-free with each use.

Why we recommend it: What we like most about this self-care product is its compact size and mini carabiner that allows you to attach it to your keys, bag, or pants for easy access.

11. Drawstring bags

Drawstring bags are universally appreciated gifts because their lightweight design and ample storage make them perfect for daily commutes, gym visits, or casual outings. 

Moreover, our trendy drawstring bag is made from recycled water bottles, and 1% of each sale is donated to environmental nonprofits.

Why we recommend it: To create a memorable experience, you can turn this promo item into a swag bag full of small holiday gifts, like reusable water bottles, keychains, and candy.

Unique employee appreciation gifts

Generally, you should always tailor your employee appreciation ideas to the occasion.

Specifically, you must step up your gift-giving game when celebrating major milestones and work anniversaries to make team members feel truly valued and improve employee retention.

Here are some inspiring gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your top-performing employees and senior staff members.

12. Experiential gifts

Experiential gifts allow employees to enjoy memorable activities rather than receiving physical swag. 

These gifts stand out because they create lasting memories and allow recipients to recharge and unwind outside work. 

Some examples include concert tickets, hot-air balloon rides, and all-expenses-paid weekend vacations.

Why we recommend it: By offering experiences tailored to individual interests, you show genuine thoughtfulness, making team members feel appreciated uniquely and personally.

13. Lunch with leadership

A lunch with leadership is a casual meal where employees can sit with senior leaders in a relaxed setting. 

Whether you take staff members to a fancy restaurant or organize a company BBQ, these outings encourage open communication and build closer connections with the leadership team.

Why we recommend it: Sharing a meal breaks down barriers and shows employees their voices and contributions truly matter, boosting morale and engagement.

14. Wellness or SPA gift card

Wellness or SPA gift cards are a thoughtful way to show workers you care about their well-being. 

These wellness gifts for employees offer a chance to relax, recharge, and focus on self-care, which is highly appreciated in today’s fast-paced world. 

Why we recommend it: By giving the gift of relaxation, you’re rewarding hard work while also encouraging employees to live healthier, happier lives.

15. Classes and training

Offering employees classes and training to support their hobbies or professional interests demonstrates that you value them as individuals beyond the workplace. 

These meaningful gifts inspire personal and professional development, reduce stress, and boost creativity, which can also improve their work performance.

Depending on the recipient’s preferences, you can opt for fun cooking or dancing classes or educational classes for learning new skills

Why we recommend it: These gifts are a thoughtful way to help employees pursue their passions and feel genuinely appreciated.

16. Blue light glasses

Blue light glasses are eyewear designed to filter out blue light from screens, reducing eye strain and improving focus during long hours of screen time.

If your team members work all day on the computer, this unique gift will enhance their comfort and eye health.

Why we recommend it: Blue light glasses are practical and stylish and remind you of your thoughtfulness every time you wear them.

Remote employee appreciation gifts

While remote work offers employees more flexibility, it can also be quite isolating.

Therefore, we recommend surprising your remote workers with a work-at-home kit that shows genuine gratitude and care to boost morale.

Pro tip:  Need to show appreciation to your remote team members? Then check out our guide, which is full of fabulous remote employee gifts.

17. Cozy blankets

Team members can wrap themselves in a cozy blanket to keep warm on chilly days while working from their home office.

Our custom blanket features 100% polyester anti-pilling fleece, offering an extra soft hand feel for maximum comfort.

Why we recommend it: Employees can also cozy under this blanket while relaxing at home with a good movie or a book.

18. Candles

Scented candles can inspire remote employees to unwind through aromatherapy.

The Calm Meadow candle combines the scents of mint, white sage, lavender, sea salt, and green apple.

Why we recommend it: A 2023 research study found that aromatherapy can improve concentration, cognitive performance, memory, sleep quality, and emotional well-being.

19. Bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth speakers allow your remote workers to listen to their favorite music while working, relaxing or entertaining guests at home.

However, you can go the extra mile for your team by opting for this waterproof speaker that recipients can take with them at the beach, on camping trips, or at backyard parties.

Why we recommend it: According to a 2023 study, listening to music while working increases work performance.

20. Exercise equipment

Promotional fitness products encourage remote workers to step away from their home desks and exercise occasionally.

This Home Studio set, which includes a fitness towel, mat, and block, is perfect for practicing yoga or Pilates.

Why we recommend it: Given that a sedentary lifestyle can cause cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders, exercise equipment can improve your team’s health.

21. Gift cards

Gift cards can be a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time.

While these corporate gifts lack the personal touch, they allow team members to buy needed products.

For instance, an Amazon e-gift card offers a wide range of products catering to different preferences.

Why we recommend it: You can combine various swag items with gift cards to create personalized gift baskets for employees.

Personalized gifts idea for any occasion

We’ve all been there: Employee Appreciation Day or any other special occasion is fast approaching, and you’ve run out of gift ideas.

Don’t fret because we’ve got a few aces up our sleeve for such cases.

Here come the personalized tokens of appreciation that work on any occasion.

22. Coffee mugs

According to Drive Research, 87% of Americans consider themselves somewhat or full-on coffee-obsessed, making coffee mugs a universally-appreciated gift.

The MiiR insulated camp cup can keep the recipient’s coffee hot for hours, enhancing their experience. It comes in classic black or fetching blue speckle, recalling starry nights and precious camping memories. 

Why we recommend it: This versatile custom mug is also the perfect companion on family camping trips or picnics. 

23. Computer backpacks

We believe that every employee should receive a branded backpack sooner or later because of their daily usefulness.

Our eco-friendly backpack is made from 100% recycled PET and features an office-ready design ideal for any business setting.

Why we recommend it: Workers can also use this backpack during outdoor activities or short trips, exposing your company logo to the public.

24. Letters of appreciation

A letter of appreciation is a heartfelt note that acknowledges an employee’s hard work, dedication, or specific achievements. 

This token of appreciation is personal, meaningful, and shows you took the time to recognize the team member’s contributions in a genuine way. 

Why we recommend it: Unlike material gifts, a letter provides lasting sentimental value and can be a source of employee motivation for years to come.

25. Extra paid time off (PTO)

Extra paid time off is an amazing way to show employees you value their hard work and want them to recharge. 

This perk gives workers the flexibility and freedom to spend additional time on the things that matter most to them.

For instance, team members can spend quality time with their family, practice their hobbies, or simply relax.

Why we recommend it: Extra PTO can boost morale and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Before we go, we want to share some practical tips for selecting great gifts.

How to Choose the Best Employee Appreciation Gift

Choosing the best gift for your employees can be effortless as long as you follow these steps.

1. Get to know your team

Take the time to learn everything you can about your team through surveys, casual conversations, or simply observing preferences.

Understanding what resonates with your workers allows you to pick personal and thoughtful gifts.

2. Set a gift budget

Set a budget and stick to it, balancing meaningful and cost-effective employee gifts.

Remember that even a letter of appreciation or a small promo item can create a lasting emotional connection.

3. Think about the occasion

Always pick swag or experiences tailored to the occasion and the recipient.

For instance, if you’re celebrating an employee’s fifth work anniversary, don’t offer them the same gift basket you gave the new hire.

Instead, pick top-of-the-line promotional products to make the senior employee feel truly recognized, increasing their engagement.

4. Pay attention to the presentation

A beautifully wrapped gift box with a handwritten note can make even a simple gift feel extraordinary.

Thoughtful touches show you went the extra mile, leaving a lasting impression.

Now, over to you!

Start Customizing Employee Appreciation Gifts

Recognizing your employees with thoughtful gifts proves that you value their hard work and contributions. 

The right gifts can boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and create a positive work environment where everyone feels appreciated.

Browse our SwagDrop shop for more gift ideas and watch your workplace culture thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the common questions our clients frequently ask.

Q1. What are the benefits of employee appreciation programs?

Employee appreciation programs offer the following benefits:

• Boost morale by making employees feel valued and motivated;
• Increase employee retention by building brand loyalty;
• Strengthen team bonds by celebrating achievements together;
• Improve workplace culture by promoting respect and gratitude among coworkers.

Q2. When and how often should we give employee appreciation gifts?

We recommend giving employee appreciation gifts:

• When celebrating work anniversaries, promotions, or major achievements,
• On Employee Appreciation Day, Labour Day, and Christmas;
• After completing major projects,
• Randomly to surprise employees and lift their spirits.

Q3. What are the dos and don’ts of giving employee appreciation gifts?

Do’s of giving employee appreciation gifts:

• Tailoring gifts to individual preferences;
• Choosing meaningful gifts that show genuine appreciation;
• Opting for practical swag items that employees can use or enjoy daily.

Don’ts of giving employee appreciation gifts:

• Offering generic, impersonal promo items;
• Overlooking inclusivity and cultural background;
• Not paying attention to the gift presentation.