Recognizing your remote staff’s hard work is key to increasing job satisfaction and employee retention.

After all, the lack of in-person chats, meetings, and celebrations can make remote workers feel isolated, unseen, and unvalued. 

Hence, you should always say “thank you” and make your team feel appreciated with meaningful gifts.

Be inspired by our thoughtful remote employee gifts and learn how to simplify gift selection and delivery with our swag-on-demand gift shops.

Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Why Are Remote Employee Gifts Important?

21 Best Gift Ideas for Remote Employees

How SwagDrop’s On-Demand Swag Shops Can Help with Remote Employee Gifts

What Are Some Other Remote Employee Appreciation Gifts?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Are Remote Employee Gifts Important?

In a remote work environment where in-person interactions are replaced by Slack messages and Zoom meetings, sending thoughtful gifts can have a considerable impact.

Here’s why investing in remote employee appreciation gifts is worth it:

Boosts morale

We are social beings who crave human interaction, even at work.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to get to know your boss and colleagues and socialize with them through screens and text messages.

That’s why remote employees often feel disconnected and unseen.

A well-timed corporate gift shows workers that you notice their contributions and consider them a valued part of the team.

In fact, a 2023 BR Printers report found that 24.3% of employees feel included in the team when they receive promotional products from their employer.

This form of employee recognition can boost morale and improve employee mental health.

Increases job satisfaction and retention

According to a Nectar survey, 87% of employees feel that meaningful recognition impacts their job satisfaction, and 71% would be less likely to leave their organization if recognized more frequently.

So, make sure you always give a shout-out to your remote team members for their significant accomplishments during your Zoom meetings.

In addition to a heartfelt “thank you,” you can show appreciation and care by sending meaningful employee gifts.

Remote workers will remember your thoughtful gesture every time they use the swag item, building loyalty and enhancing employee retention.

For instance, Julia Lozanov, Chief Editor at Verpex, told us: “I recall sending a care package to a remote team member who was going through a tough time. It included a cozy blanket, a book, and a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. They were touched by the gesture and felt more connected to the team.”

Drives engagement

The same Nectar survey found that 81.9% of employees consider that recognition for their contributions improves engagement.

And nothing says “we see and appreciate you” like a high-quality gift.

Moreover, corporate gifts are like a pat on the back for a job well done, motivating employees to continue to give their best.

Robert Rodriguez, Head of Marketing at Slipintosoft, shares: “We recently sent a personalized silk nightwear set from our product line to our remote team members. This gesture was a nod to our brand and underscored that they are prized community members. Following this, we saw increased employee communication, engagement, and overall positivity within the remote teams.”

Next, we’ll share some practical gift ideas for remote team members.

21 Best Gift Ideas for Remote Employees

At SwagDrop, we believe that you should always pick unique gifts that leave a lasting impression.

So, using our 30-plus years of experience and our clients’ insights, we’ve rounded up 21 one-of-a-kind remote employee corporate gifts.

1: MiiR Vacuum Insulated Camp Cup

The MiiR camp cup transforms the traditional coffee mug into a standout personalized gift.

This sleek promotional item features double-wall vacuum insulation and a lid to keep beverages hot while employees do their work.

Why we recommend it: Custom mugs are popular work-from-home gifts because everyone enjoys sipping coffee or tea during business hours.

2: Wood Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Charging Pad

Elevate your remote team members’ workspaces with our vintage-looking wood Bluetooth speaker.

Besides producing crystal clear sound, this speaker doubles as a wireless charger for compatible devices.

Why we recommend it: According to a 2024 CSS-Tricks poll, 45% of respondents always listen to music while they work.

3: iLive Portable Cordless Massage Gun

Spending long hours at a desk can cause back and neck problems that the iLive massage gun can fix.

This healthcare promotional item includes four interchangeable attachments that target different muscle groups.

Why we recommend it: The health benefits of a massage include reducing stress, anxiety, muscle tension, low-back pain, and neck pain.

4: Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless Bluetooth Earbud

The Skullcandy earbuds are the perfect gift for brightening your employee’s workday.

This tech swag item features built-in touch sensors that allow users to listen to their favorite songs and answer important calls while they work.

Why we recommend it: A 2023 research study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that listening to music lowered the participants’ stress levels and improved their mood.

5: Graphite Dome Computer Business Case

A computer business case is a great gift for hybrid work environments or remote employees who travel a lot for work.

Our clients love the professional look of this promotional product that complements any business attire.

Why we recommend it: You can personalize this computer business case with your company logo and name to generate brand exposure whenever the employee uses it.

6: Classic Six-Can Lunch Cooler

A cooler can encourage remote workers to step outside their home office and eat lunch outdoors.

Our product features PEVA insulation that will keep food and beverages cool even on hot summer days.

Why we recommend it: You can turn this cooler into a snack gift basket full of nutrient-rich snacks to promote a healthy diet.

7: All Wrapped Up Gift Set

The All Wrapped Up gift set includes a cozy custom blanket to keep remote workers warm in their home office on chilly days.

Our thoughtful gift also includes an exquisite ceramic mug that you can personalize with a motivational quote for employees and delicious cookies.

Why we recommend it: This work-at-home kit shows you care about your remote staff’s well-being.

8: Modern Sprout Tiny Terracotta Grow Kit Thank-You Daisies

Enhance your staff’s home office design with this petite terracotta planter that will fit any desk or windowsill.

The Modern Sprout kit is fitted with a passive hydroponic system that helps the daisies thrive even if you overwater or forget to water them.

Why we recommend it: Research shows that interaction with houseplants can reduce physiological and psychological stress.

9: But First Coffee Gift Set

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for coffee lovers, this kit is a top choice.

The gift set includes nutty, chocolatey, and smooth Folly Classic Jo coffee, a coffee mug, and a yummy treat.

Why we recommend it: Folly Coffee is an award-winning Minnesota coffee roaster, making this a high-quality promotional gift. 

10: Speckled Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle

The Speckled Thor insulated bottle is an eco-friendly promotional product that reduces plastic water bottle waste.

Moreover, the double-wall, stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation will keep water cold for 48 hours, encouraging remote workers to stay hydrated.

Why we recommend it: According to the CDC, drinking water prevents dehydration, which may cause unclear thinking, mood change, overheating, constipation, and kidney stones.

11: Restore Yoga Bag and Mat

Being stuck behind a home desk all day can affect an employee’s physical and mental health.You should therefore encourage remote workers to prioritize self-care with a wellness gift.

Our clients recommend opting for the Restore bundle featuring a yoga mat and storage bag.

Why we recommend it: Some of the health benefits of yoga include reducing stress, sharpening concentration, and increasing flexibility and muscle strength.

12: Arctic Zone Titan Thermal HP Slim Cooler

The Arctic Zone cooler maintains hot and cold beverages at optimal temperatures no matter the season.

Employees can even place a slim can inside this custom tumbler and sip their favorite beverages while traveling.

Why we recommend it: The Arctic Zone tumbler works well as a summer giveaway and a Christmas gift for remote staff.

13: Welly Copper Vacuum Tumbler

For a more meaningful gift-giving experience, pick company swag that supports important causes.

For instance, Welly donates 1% of each tumbler sale to water projects that bring clean water solutions to communities worldwide.

Why we recommend it: You can include this tumbler in your new hire welcome kits to familiarize new employees with your company’s values.

14: Tentree Men’s Space Dye Classic Hoodie

Keep remote team members warm and comfy while they work in a custom hoodie.

The Tentree men’s hoodie is made from an extra soft and sustainable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, making it an eco-friendly gift. 

Why we recommend it: All Tentree products are produced in fair, safe working conditions and are made using sustainably sourced and recycled materials.

15: Tentree Women’s Space Dye Zip Hoodie

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about your female employees.

We have a Tentree zip hoodie specifically designed for women.

Remote workers can wear this sporty hoodie at home or while jogging, cycling, or hiking.

Likewise, you can send hoodies before virtual team-building events and ask the team members to wear them to promote inclusivity and camaraderie.

Why we recommend it: Branded apparel, like hoodies and t-shirts, are practical gifts that advertise your brand every time employees wear them.

16: Jolt 2,200 mAh Power Bank

We all love and rely on gadgets daily.

However, our beloved devices often run out of battery when we’re on the move and need them most. That’s why power banks are such practical gifts.

Remote employees can keep this compact power bank in their bag or backpack and charge their devices while running errands across town.

Why we recommend it: The Jolt power bank is a budget-friendly gift for employees who will use it frequently.

17: Mouse Pad with Coating

Our mouse pad with antimicrobial coating offers remote workers peace of mind by keeping the surface germ-free for longer.

At the same time, its non-slip rubber base ensures smooth, hassle-free use, making it a practical addition to any home office desk.

Why we recommend it: The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more health-conscious, and corporate wellness gifts show employees that you truly care about them.

18: Light Up Logo Bluetooth Headphones

Maintaining concentration while working from home can be difficult, especially if you have small kids running around or noisy neighbors.Even though these are not noise-cancelling headphones, they can still shut out most of the surrounding distractions.

Due to the soft ear cups, remote workers can comfortably wear these headphones all day, listening to their favorite tunes while focusing on work.

Why we recommend it: A 2023 research study found that employees who listen to music while working perform better than those who work without music.

19: Royal Fleet Smart Fitness Tracker

The Royal Fleet smart fitness tracker encourages your staff to stay fit and healthy by monitoring their steps, calories, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Our tracker features an IP67 waterproof rating and a minimalist design, allowing recipients to wear it in any setting.

Why we recommend it: Remote employees often have a sedentary lifestyle that can pose grave health risks, like cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders.

20: 100% Recycled PET Fleece Blanket with RPET Pouch

Show team members that you care about their well-being and the planet with our extra cozy and sustainable blanket.

This blanket is made of 100% recycled PET but still feels like polyester micro plush, providing ultimate comfort.

Why we recommend it: Whenever remote employees wrap themselves in this blanket, they’ll be reminded of your care and attention, strengthening your bond.

21: Slim Can Insulator

This can insulator is a cool and practical remote employee gift. It is perfect for keeping drinks chilled and refreshing during long workdays.

The neoprene material provides a comfortable grip, making this swag item great for virtual happy hours or backyard relaxation.

Why we recommend it: You can use this promo product as a summer holiday gift or as a fun way to welcome new employees to the team.

Now, let us explain how we can simplify your next gift-giving campaign.

How SwagDrop’s On-Demand Swag Shops Can Help with Remote Employee Gifts

Remote work makes it harder to get to know your employees and discover what they like or are passionate about.

Therefore, it’s challenging to pick personalized gifts that resonate with your team members.

The good news is that you can overcome this challenge with our on-demand swag shops.

Here’s a run-down of how it all works:

• We provide you with a product catalogue and you get to pick the swag items that best suit your brand, budget, and occasion.
• We help you create a virtual gift shop that includes the promotional products you’ve curated.
• You send the link to the on-demand swag shop to your remote employees and ask them to pick the product they like most.
• To add a personal touch, remote workers can customize the promo item with their name or a short message.
• Before placing the order, employees have to provide their shipping information.
• Once we receive all the orders, we’ll carefully print and package each individual gift.
• Finally, we ship the swag to your remote team members’ doorstep, anywhere in the continental USA, for only $9.95 per employee.

Forget about time-consuming gift selection and complex logistics and give our on-demand swag shops a try.

What Are Some Other Remote Employee Appreciation Gifts?

To celebrate significant employee milestones, you can always pair tangible branded products with virtual gifts.

Here are some gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression:

• Entertainment subscriptions or upgrades to Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max allow remote employees to enjoy a good movie and spend quality time with their friends and family.
• Wellness memberships to fitness or yoga classes promote employee self-care and show you care about their well-being.
• Travel vouchers make standout Christmas gifts, allowing remote workers to plan unforgettable vacations, strengthening your relationship.
• Digital tickets to concerts and festivals are bound to impress employees, especially if the events align with their interests.
• Training classes help team members learn new skills and show you’re committed to investing in their professional development.
• Gift cards or vouchers to Amazon or eBay allow employees to pick the products they want. However, these gifts are less personal and memorable than swag.

Now, over to you!

Over to you!

There’s no denying that your company stands a lot to gain by investing in thoughtful remote employee gifts.

After all, your team members are your biggest asset, and keeping them happy will help your business thrive.

So, start planning your next gift-giving campaign right away.

Browse our SwagDrop shop for more meaningful gifts that will bring smiles to your remote staff. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What are cost-effective gift options for remote employees?

Some cost-effective gift options for remote employees include:

• Custom tumblers and coffee mugs
• Eco-friendly tote bags
• Cool office supplies, like branded notebooks and desk organizers
• Branded apparel, like t-shirts and hoodies

What factors should be considered when choosing a gift for a remote employee?

Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a gift for a remote employee are:

• Practicality guarantees that the remote worker will use your gift frequently, reminding them of your thoughtful gesture.
• High-quality shows team members you pay attention to detail and want what’s best for them.
• Personalization shows you took the time to learn more about your staff’s preferences and interests, strengthening your bond.

How can employers personalize gifts for remote employees?

Employers can personalize gifts for remote employees by:

• Learning everything they can about a team member and picking a gift that matches their hobbies or interests.
• Customizing branded merchandise with the employee’s name or a meaningful message.
• Including a handwritten thank you note in the gift box.