We’ve compiled a list of 44 gifts for employees because we think that employees are the heart of a business.
Employee gifting includes both employee appreciation gifts as well as gifts that are given as a reward to employees that reach their milestones.
During 2020 there have been dramatic changes in most industries due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The pandemic brought us social distancing restrictions that have forced many companies to start working remotely.
Some companies have managed to find the bright side of the situation and have taken it as a step forward.
A great example of this is Microsoft.
More than simply telling its employees to work from home for as long as the restrictions apply across the world, the tech giant announced that they’ll be allowing their staff to work from home and follow this “hybrid” virtual teams work approach permanently.
Have a look:
We can only assume that more companies are likely to start making similar decisions and adopt such an approach.
However, whether your team works in an office environment or from home, the need to show appreciation and make them feel that they’re valuable team members of a strong and united unit is crucial.
Here’s some data that proves that appreciation and recognition can fire up employee motivation.
Showing appreciation also helps maintain employee retention.
Our experience in the market urges us to share with you the importance of giving out personalized and meaningful gifts to show your appreciation, especially in these unprecedented times.
The gifts options we have for you are on a budget, of high quality, and diverse.
Let’s get right into our first gift idea.
44 Gifts for Employees Who Work Remotely
Gift Idea #2: Home Office Supplies (with a twist)
Gift Idea #3: Mental Health Support Sessions
Gift Idea #4: Elearning Courses
Gift Idea #8: Bluetooth Speaker
Gift Idea #10: Laptop Microphone
Gift Idea #11: Blue Light Glasses
Gift Idea #16: At-Home Workout Equipment
Gift Idea #18: Beauty Products
Gift Idea #20: Shower & Body Brush
Gift Idea #28: Cheese Serving Set
Gift Idea #30: Wine Bottle Gift Set
Gift Idea #33: Portable Cooler
Gift Idea #35: Gardening Tools
Gift Idea #36: Goodies Gift Basket
Gift Idea #37: Baking Essentials
Gift Idea #42: Happy Hour Cocktail Kit
Gift Idea #1: Face Mask
The first gift idea I have for you is the must have accessory of 2020; a face mask.
Face masks and face coverings are the most popular products of the year given that, after several months of practising social distancing around the world, most people have tried several types of face coverings already.
One thing’s for sure – a spare face mask is always handy and that’s why we’re including it in our list.
A personalized face mask can make a remote worker feel a part of the team and bring them closer together with their remote co-workers.
How?
Well, after having sent out your branded face masks to your remote employees, you can consider organizing social media competitions with the #whoworeitbetter hashtag, and encourage your employees to participate.
It’ll help in terms of team building and your employees will have fun.
Gift Idea #2: Home Office Supplies (with a twist)
This is probably the most valuable gift that an employee can receive while working from home.
Drumroll please…
Home office supplies of course!
If you want your staff to be able to work efficiently from home, you need to make sure that they have all they need to do so.
But, you shouldn’t think of a home office essentials gift box – the one that includes all the standard office supplies, from the humble paperclip to organizers, pens, pencils, sticky notes, notebooks, paper, ink, toner, staplers, scissors, highlighters, and so on and so forth – as the ideal gift.
It can become ideal if you add up a few items that’ll improve the atmosphere of your employees’ workplace.
In other words, if you want to go the extra mile with your employees, you should include a diverse range of desk accessories, like a desk lamp, a cinema light box, a pair of succulents or other plants.
Gift Idea #3: Mental Health Support Sessions
A gift idea that can be highly beneficial for your employees who are working remotely is to set up online mental health support sessions.
The pandemic alongside social distancing and other physical restrictions is very likely to affect a person’s mental health.
Here’s how COVID-19 has been reported to affect the mental health of Canadian adults as of April 2020:
To help prevent severe mental health issues happening amongst your employees working remotely, you should seriously consider providing them with online mental health support, where they can learn helpful strategies to overcome mental health issues and feel emotionally supported.
Gift Idea #4: Elearning Courses
The fourth gift idea I have for you is elearning courses.
You shouldn’t allow the fact that your company has adopted remote working to have a negative impact on your employees getting better at their work and learning something new.
Elearning courses are great gifts to help you keep your employees motivated and also make sure they’re not missing out on their progress and training.
Gift Idea #5: Ebooks
Likewise, ebooks can be really good gifts for employees working remotely.
You could consider giving your employees any kind of ebooks you think they might like or you could offer them a premium Kindle subscription and they can download the books they like.
In any case, you’ll provide them with the opportunity to spend quality time with good reads.
What’s better than that, right?
Moving on to home office essentials with a tech twist.
Gift Idea #6: Webcam
Another gift idea I have for you is a webcam.
When it comes to giving gifts to employees working from home, think of the kind of essential equipment to be included in a gift box.
For example, you may think that everyone can use their laptop cameras to join a webinar, virtual conference, or meeting, but it can turn out that not all people have access to state-of-the-art equipment.
The main reason for giving gifts to your employees, alongside showing your appreciation, is to support them while they go through this unfamiliar work model.
You should try to give them anything that might make their working from home situation easier and more effective, like a webcam that can improve how one looks during video calls.
Gift Idea #7: Printer
Similarly, depending on the nature of the job, a printer might be a good idea for remote employees.
It’s one of the office gifts that can facilitate a work from home situation, especially for professionals whose work might be firmly linked to visual representation and design, or if they need to work on physical deliverables.
Gift Idea #8: Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth speakers are yet another nice tech gift.
A high quality bluetooth computer speaker can significantly improve sound quality when working from home, like when watching video or having a meeting with your team.
What’s even better is that they can also be used for listening to your favorite songs loud and clear.
It’s a win-win situation.
Author’s Note: You could give away speakers with your company logo on them. That can help employees feel motivated and be reminded of the fact that they’re part of the team.
Gift Idea #9: Earbuds
Gift idea #9 is earbuds.
Who doesn’t love jogging while listening to their favorite music?
Wireless earbuds are pocketable and they can be used for a series of outdoors activities that help maintain wellness and make one feel powered and motivated.
Additionally, they can be used during online meetings which makes them great for people working in shared flats or with their families around, plus they might need to keep noise to a minimum.
Gift Idea #10: Laptop Microphone
A laptop microphone might also be the perfect gift for employees working remotely.
Sometimes, computer microphones are simply not good enough.
A state-of-the-art laptop microphone can help remote workers who are jumping on calls frequently to have great sound quality and, in general, have smooth online meetings.
Well, at least in terms of how they sound – we can’t control it all, right?
Gift Idea #11: Blue Light Glasses
Another good gift idea for employees working from home is a pair of blue light glasses.
Blue light glasses are great for those who spend long hours in front of their computer screen.
What these glasses do is block out the harmful blue light coming out of screens.
By including a pair of these glasses in your employee gift box, you can help them with eye strain and digital fatigue.
Gift Idea #12: Smartwatch
A smartwatch can be one of the best gifts.
A smartwatch is basically like having your smartphone on your wrist, which makes it very handy.
No matter what you do at home, you can stay connected with your business emails and make sure you don’t miss any important notifications.
Also, some smartwatches are incredible fitness trackers, thus promoting wellness as well as helping one keep track of their exercise routine.
Gift Idea #13: Powerbank
Sticking with useful tech gifts for employees working from home, a powerbank is a small gift, but it’s incredibly useful.
Working from home is already challenging enough.
Having to worry about charging all your devices – especially if you have an iPhone 🙂 – and constantly trying to make sure there won’t be any distractions in relation to low-battery devices etc., can make it even more stressful.
A powerbank is one of these gadgets that can give remote workers one less thing to worry about.
Gift Idea #14: Wireless Mouse
The last tech gift idea before we move into other types of gifts is a wireless mouse.
It’s a comfortable tech gift that can make working from home a little easier and less tiring.
A wireless mouse is a must, especially for employees that do design work or other types of tasks that require precision.
Gift Idea #15: Workout Mat
A workout mat is one of these gifts that employees will be delighted to receive.
Working from home might make people spend a crazy amount of time sitting on their office chair and working, at least until they find a more beneficial working pattern and get used to the changes in terms of their working routine.
Additionally, working from home alongside lockdowns and other physical restrictions might affect one’s motivation.
For those reasons, it’s extremely important to give thoughtful gifts that will motivate your employees to stand up and stretch out those legs.
Gift Idea #16: At-Home Workout Equipment
If you want to take it step further, you could consider adding at-home workout equipment.
Such equipment can range from resistance bands and jump ropes to balance disks, balance balls, and hand weights.
You could even have these items printed with inspirational quotes and/or your company’s motto.
Keep in mind that this gift can be very valuable for so many people, given that most gyms around the world are closed or have reduced capacity.
Gift Idea #17: Candles
Gift idea #17 is a set of high-end candles.
With the holiday season fast approaching, a set of scented, beautiful candles will be much appreciated by your employees.
Although such a gift isn’t so much connected with remote working, it’s a thoughtful gift that’s connected with relaxation, and we sure all need tons of that right now.
Oh boy! 2020 has been challenging!
Gift Idea #18: Beauty Products
In a like manner, a set of beauty products can be a nice Christmas gift for remote workers.
We might not have the opportunity to attend spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations – although fingers crossed for Valentine’s Day! – but sure we all want to look our best, so a set of beauty products can be ideal for both men and women.
Gift Idea #19: Bath Salts
Yet another gift idea that’s to do with wellness and relaxation rather than work is bath salts.
As a remote worker, you probably spend most of your day at home.
However, that shouldn’t mean that your home becomes your office and it’s not your temple of relaxation and rejuvenation anymore.
Bath salts, similar to other products mentioned a little further up in this list, are here to help remote workers reestablish their relationship to their personal space and light it up a little.
Gift Idea #20: Shower & Body Brush
Last but not least, in the category of personal hygiene and wellness gifts for employees, we have a shower and body brush.
A shower and body brush is easy to use and can be beautifully personalized.
More than that, it’s usually made from natural, eco-friendly materials, which makes it a fantastic gift for eco-conscious employees like yours!
Gift Idea #21: Socks
This wouldn’t be a great gift guide if socks were missing.
Socks are an inexpensive way to show your appreciation to your employees and give them comfort.
You can consider personalizing them with funny patterns or even quotes and make someone’s day.
Gift Idea #22: T-shirt
When it comes to gifting, there’s an old time classic – the t-shirt.
You can never go wrong with a t-shirt.
Well, only if you choose a low-quality one with a lame logo on it, but I know you won’t.
Gift Idea #23: Hoodie
We’re half way through our list of 44 gifts for employees working remotely.
How about giving them a hoodie?
A personalized hoodie could be a fantastic employee appreciation gift.
Print out a fun statement, such as “Remote Employee of the Month” and give it away.
Gift Idea #24: Gloves
We’ve said it already, the holiday season is approaching, so make sure your gift box includes some winter essentials, like some fabulous gloves.
I know you might be thinking that a pair of gloves isn’t that much of a unique gift.
It’s definitely a useful one, though, and helps motivate someone who’s working from home to go out for a walk and enjoy the benefits of cold weather.
Gift Idea #25: Coffee mug
Gift idea #25 is a coffee mug.
For a great number of people, their working routine is firmly linked to a cup of their favorite coffee.
You can consider giving unique and personalized coffee mugs to your employees who are working remotely so they have a little extra motivation to start working in the morning.
Coffee makes everything possible, right?
Gift Idea #26: Tumbler
Similar to the previous gift idea, there’s the tumbler.
Author’s Note: This can also be a great corporate gift for your best clients.
A tumbler might be a great option for that employee who drinks their coffee or tea for hours because it prevents liquids from getting cold.
Additionally, it’s an eco-friendly gift, given that the tumbler can be made of stainless steel and it’s reusable.
Gift Idea #27: Utensils to Go
Utensils to go are great for a variety of reasons.
First, they’re reusable and are usually made out of natural materials.
Second, they’re a nice way to tell someone who’s working from home to go have a picnic at the park and spend some time with their loved ones outdoors.
Gift Idea #28: Cheese Serving Set
A nice employee gift is a cheese serving set.
Although it’s simple, such an item can make an ordinary dinner at home feel like a special experience.
This is especially recommended for your foodie employees that love cooking.
Gift Idea #29: Water Bottle
Another gift idea is a cool reusable water bottle.
Trust me, you can never go wrong with a high-quality water bottle.
Additionally, you can personalize the bottle depending on what each employee likes in terms of colors and style.
Gift Idea #30: Wine Bottle Gift Set
Here’s a more fancy employee gift idea.
A wine bottle gift set.
You could put together a wine gift set to include not only wine bottles but also a pair of high end wine glasses and some snacks.
They’ll be thrilled.
Gift Idea #31: Bottle Opener
A little added extra to the previous gift idea, a bottle opener, or a wine set kit could either go into the wine gift set or accompany a single bottle of wine.
Gift Idea #32: BBQ Tool Set
Here’s another great employee gift idea; a BBQ tool set.
It can go to all employees, including vegetarians, flexitarians, vegans, or meat-eaters.
A BBQ tool set is always handy, no matter what kind of food you’re going to BBQ.
Moreover, it might give some of your employees the opportunity to spend time outdoors, which is essential when working from home.
Gift Idea #33: Portable Cooler
A portable cooler can totally go together with the previous gift idea.
You could even consider putting together a ‘thank you for your hard work, now go spend some time outside’ gift box that might include several of the items mentioned in this list post.
It’ll be much appreciated!
Gift Idea #34: Tea Gift Box
A tea gift box can include a rich selection of several types of tea.
Keep in mind that tea is much more than a healthy beverage – for many it’s a ritual that’s connected with wellness and relaxation.
We all need a little bit of that, right?
Gift Idea #35: Gardening Tools
Gift idea #35 is a gardening tools kit.
A gardening tools kit can be a fantastic gift for your employees that have a garden or love plants and have pots everywhere in their house.
Additionally, it can be great for those who want to start a new hobby at home.
Gift Idea #36: Goodies Gift Basket
A gift basket full of goodies is a top gift.
There’s really no limit to the types of goodies you could include in such a gift basket.
From sweets, cookies, and chips to healthier snacks like dried nuts and energy bars – anything can go in.
You name the snack, it can be in a gift basket – just be imaginative!
Gift Idea #37: Baking Essentials
Here’s another gift idea that focuses on helping people have fun at home, baking essentials.
You could totally include muffin tins and a rolling pin but could also take it to another level and include a digital scale.
Gift Idea #38: Board Games
There’s such a wide range of board games you could give to your employees who are working from home.
They can be cooperative or competitive games.
You could also gift them with premium virtual games that they can play with their coworkers during breaks.
Gift Idea #39: Coffee Maker
A coffee maker can make a great employee or coworker gift.
Given that many people are used to having coffee at work, they might feel that they’re missing the office’s coffee maker.
A coffee maker at home can make this up and help some employees keep up with their daily tasks, exactly as they would have done in the office.
Gift Idea #40: Gift Card
The gift card could be a whole other list post on its own.
It can be a Kindle gift card, an Amazon gift card, an UberEats gift card.
No matter what type of gift card it is, by giving one of those you make sure that your gift will be used and appreciated.
Gift Idea #41: Tote Bag
A tote bag is another handy gift idea.
It can be used in so many different ways, it’s practical, and eco-friendly compared to single use plastic bags.
Gift Idea #42: Happy Hour Cocktail Kit
Employees working from home might miss going for drinks with their colleagues after work.
For that reason, you could give them a happy hour cocktail kit that allows them to make their own drinks at home.
Who knows, they might want to prepare their drinks and video chat with their coworkers, just like they did in the good old times?
Gift Idea #43: Drone
The second to last gift idea I have for you is a drone.
The small device that flies overhead and takes images can be a very entertaining gadget for employees and their families.
Gift Idea #44: Thank You Note
A thank you note is the simplest and most thoughtful thank you gift you can possibly send to all your employees working hard in this ever-changing working environment.
Don’t underestimate its power and definitely don’t forget to include one in any kind of gift boxes you might be sending to employees working remotely.
Ready to Choose Your Employee Gifts?
That was all!
You’ve made it through the end of our list of 44 gifts for employees who are working remotely.
If you’re still here, it probably means that you’re interested in offering employee gifts as a way to not only show your appreciation for all their hard work and boost their morale, but also make them feel part of the team, especially now that they’re working from home.
Whether you’re thinking of establishing an ‘Employee Appreciation Day’ or make little nice surprises every now and then, we’re here to help you find the best personalized gifts for your employees.
Feel free to contact us and let’s get this gift-giving started.
