Sometimes, it’s easy to forget an employee’s work anniversary.
And it’s understandable; you have a lot on your plate. But neglecting workplace anniversaries is a big no-no.
Why is that?
Because celebrating anniversaries builds a positive work environment where employees are recognized for their achievements.
Now, it’s your turn to do workiversaries right.
Without further ado, here are our top 21 work anniversary gifts that’ll make your people wanna stay for more anniversaries to come.
Table of Contents
1-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Employee 2-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas
Employee 5-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
10-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
20-Year+ Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
First year down, countless more to go.
If you’re treating your employees right, chances are that most of your employees will reach their 1-year anniversary.
And that’s definitely something worth celebrating.
It might not seem a huge milestone at first, but celebrating an employee’s first anniversary re-engages them at a critical moment, right when employees might want to see if the grass is greener on the other side.
And, luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly gifts that’ll do the trick!
A handwritten thank-you letter from the leadership
Handwritten letters might be a thing of the past, but you know what’s still cool and innovative?
A high-quality, useful journal with a personalized letter from the company’s CEO in it.
This is a first-anniversary gift that’ll certainly make an impression.
Aside from being a powerful display of leadership without public fanfare, it’ll take your employee by surprise and make them think, “Wow, my boss appreciates my hard work!”
Pair a handwritten letter with a high-quality notebook and you have a low-cost, meaningful gift that helps people stay organized and is catered to their style and personality.
Why will an employee appreciate it: A handwritten letter from their boss or manager will make the employee feel seen and valued by the leadership.
Pricing: $4 – $7
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Company swag
Generic, boring corporate swag makes employees feel like you don’t even know them.
And that’s certainly not a feeling you wanna convey on their first workiversary.
That’s why you need to do it right by investing in truly meaningful company swag that your employees will ADORE.
Here are some old-time classics when it comes to company swag:
You wanna take it a step further?
Let your employees choose their swag through a pop-up shop, an online swag store that includes a range of pre-approved branded items.
While you’re feeding people’s need for an emotional and special shopping experience, you’re also driving brand awareness by allowing employees to familiarize themselves with your message.
Sounds intriguing? Then build your own shop with us!
Why will an employee appreciate it: Since branded swag helps communicate appreciation and recognition, employees will feel like part of the team.
Pricing: $20 – $100
Public recognition
It’s one thing to privately say ‘thanks for your contribution’ and another to share a public shoutout on LinkedIn.
FOR ALL THE PEOPLE TO SEE!
Doing this is a fast, easy, and effective way to build employee recognition and show appreciation—and it’s better than any anniversary card!
With many workers checking in on the website daily, seeing a special message dedicated to them on the company page is the perfect thank-you gift.
When writing the message, reference the qualities and accomplishments you admire the most. Having you acknowledge these traits publicly on social media will make employees feel like a million bucks.
Why will an employee appreciate it: People crave recognition and, by writing a public shoutout, you show them how proud you are of them.
Pricing: Priceless.
Workspace upgrade
Our workspaces are familiar spaces where we spend so much time, and sometimes they may need a makeover to brighten up our day and make it more enjoyable.
According to research, sprucing up your employee’s desk is a unique gift idea that signals personal identity, reaps positive outcomes, and boosts motivation.
You can be the catalyst of this revival by gifting items such as:
- Branded mouse pads
- Bluetooth speakers
- Desk organizers
- Relaxing plants
- Scented candles
- Custom frames
- Aromatic oil diffusers
- Blue light lamps
Try to think of items that people can use in-person or remotely which are both practical and fun.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Employees will appreciate the improved ambiance a new item can provide, after having spent so much time looking at the same objects on a daily basis.
Pricing: $10 – $100
Coffee shop voucher
Around 166.63 million bags of coffee were consumed between 2012 and 2021 worldwide, making coffee the most popular hot beverage on Earth.
Chances are, your rookie is also an avid coffee drinker.
Giving your employees a coffee gift card is a simple way to win their hearts forever. How so?
Because a person who can’t get through the day without coffee will appreciate any gift related to their favorite drink.
And what’s great about these vouchers is that you can buy them in bulk!
Author’s note: Try pairing the coffee voucher with a custom mug. Not only is there no such thing as too many mugs, but they’ll serve as a reminder that work sucks without that employee.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Giving gifts tailored to your employee’s passions and things they like shows them that you know them well.
Pricing: $20 – $200
Employee 2-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas
At this stage, your new employees have become valued members of your team, but it’s still a critical turning point.
Even if people decided to stick around to see how “things might go,” they could feel that the excitement is wearing off or that things are getting too real.
To make it work, it’s time to get creative.
When the anniversary date rolls up, surprise your employees with this mix of gift ideas.
Cocktail hour gift basket
Happy hour might truly be the happiest time of the day.
For your worker’s second anniversary, raise your glass to their achievements with an outstanding cocktail gift.
A happy hour basket—or any kind of corporate gift basket—leads to all sorts of great things, like improved employee retention.
You can include:
- Promotional and funny socks
- Custom tumblers or other drinkware
- Essential bar tools
- An assortment of munchies
- Cocktail shakers and picks
- Recipe cards or cocktail books
- Branded cocktail napkins
Here’s an idea!
During happy hour, share a toast with a drink themed around the employee to make it truly special.
Why will an employee appreciate it: With this basket, you let employees toast their accomplishments with the people who matter the most while building stronger relationships.
Pricing: $16 – $200
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Gourmet meal swag bag
Instead of offering yet another free lunch, second anniversaries are the perfect occasion to get more creative with your meals.
And trust us: a gourmet meal swag bag is a gift every employee will love to receive.
Here’s what you can include in this swag bag:
- Deluxe milk chocolate gifts
- Gluten-free salted peanuts and pretzels
- Crackers and chips
- Cookies and brownies
- Energy-boosting snack bars
- Meats and jerky
- Snack bowls and coolers
Don’t make it a one-size-fits-all deal.
People have different tastes, so incorporate their personality and likes in the gift bag, but be wary of any dietary restrictions and allergies.
Why will an employee appreciate it: The thoughtful meal adds authenticity to your gift and shows employees that you care about them as people, not just as business partners.
Pricing: $10 – $60
Career planning session
Employees want to grow their skills but unfortunately, only 50% of managers encourage them to use their work time to learn.
Be different and think bigger!
Celebrate the second-year mark with a company-centric career planning session.
During the meeting, invite employees to a conversation about anything and everything they might want to accomplish at the company, no matter if they have experience or training in a certain field.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Employees will appreciate the open communication and your interest in their professional development, and it will also make them excited for the future.
Escape room adventure
An employee’s second anniversary is more than just an individual’s accomplishment; it’s a collective effort.
So, naturally, your employee doesn’t have to be the only one enjoying themselves.
A group outing is the perfect way to celebrate in style and promote team building. If you’re looking for novel ideas, try an escape room adventure based on a theme your honored employee will enjoy.
Escape rooms are themed challenges where players collaborate to find clues and solve puzzles.
Although the scenarios are fictitious, escape rooms can boost problem-solving skills, deal with complex and time-bound challenges, and increase team communication.
Why will an employee appreciate it: It motivates team members to work and have fun together.
Work-from-home care package
According to OwlLabs, working from home makes employees feel more productive than working in the office.
As a result, many workers have permanently shifted to remote work due to the better work-life balance—and the flexibility in where and when they work.
Having this home and workspace blend means that you have to make an extra effort to show your appreciation on their anniversary.
Work-from-home packages can be as simple as sending a savory snack to their door.
But for their workiversary, send them a high-quality care package that includes the following items:
- Scented soaps
- Savory treats
- Bath salts
- Ground coffee beans
- Lip balms
- Accessories for a yoga session
- Non-toxic candles
Why will an employee appreciate it: Remote employees that receive a care package are more motivated to grow with the company.
Pricing: $10 – $100
Employee 5-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
With the average employee tenure fluctuating based on industry, occupation and age an employee reaching a 5-year anniversary is quite a big deal.
So, first of all, congrats!
Give yourself some credit for retaining an employee for so long. It can only increase from here!
But what can you do for such a momentous occasion?
For the big five, select perks that reflect what they’ve achieved over the last few years instead of giving something tangible.
These gifts also have a positive effect on the rest of the team as they’ll see the benefits of staying this long with a company.
Here are our suggestions.
Weekend getaway essentials
By now, you know your employees well, whether they’re outdoorsy or if they prefer quieter spaces.
So, for an employee that just reached the five-year milestone, we’ve got the perfect employee appreciation gift idea that caters to all kinds of moods and personalities.
A weekend getaway might give employees what they need to recharge their batteries and come back with increased mental motivation.
What’s great is that there are many different types of weekend getaways, such as:
- Going camping
- Spa sessions
- Hiking
- Road trips
- Shopping
What’s important is to give employees the opportunity to relax on this three-day vacation so there’s less chance of burnout.
Why will an employee appreciate it: The gift shows your employees that you value their time and care about their wellbeing.
Pricing: $40 – $100
Team party
On this special day, it’s time to bring out the big guns and throw a great party for the honored employee.
Or be more chill with wine and dinner, perhaps.
A party is a chance for team members to socialize and get to know each other on a more personal level, outside of work.
Make sure to tailor the event to suit your worker’s personality with music they listen to, and by inviting people they get along with, and serving food they’ll enjoy.
Why will an employee appreciate it: A party honors the employee who’s celebrating an anniversary while also bringing the team together for a good time.
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?Day off
A lot of the time, employees may not need monetary incentives or other gifts. They may need more free time!
So, instead of giving them something tangible, offer them a well-deserved break to celebrate with their loved ones or enjoy a brief respite from the daily work stress.
A few days off will be highly appreciated as a reward for their years of service. If it’s not possible, even a half-day off or a late start can be a nice treat.
What’s important is that the employee gets some precious “me time.”
Why will an employee appreciate it: The powerful memory associated with this special moment will make employees anticipate next year’s anniversary.
Framed picture of their early days
Remember when your employee first arrived at your company?
Maybe you can still see, clear as day, how nervous they looked when entering your company’s doors (or appearing virtually), not knowing how your partnership will go.
Now, they’re a prized member of your company—and somebody you don’t want to part with.
To celebrate this milestone, find a picture of your employee at a company outing or party.
By printing and framing it in a branded frame, you’ll remind the employee of their achievements and how far they’ve come from being a new hire in an unknown workplace environment.
Why will an employee appreciate it: With 89% of employees saying friends impact their quality of life at work, a framed picture reminds them of the friendships they’ve made along the way.
Pricing: $10 – $50
10-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
A whole decade of hard work is no small feat.
However, deciding on a 10-year employee anniversary gift might be challenging since those employees begin to have a sense of ownership in your company.
At this point, they might even consider their coworkers as family—and they’re actively involved in the company’s growth.
So, what can you do to make it special?
Aside from giving your employees years of service awards, you can try some of these suitable gifts.
Paid vacation
After so many years working day and night at your company, your employees have earned a nice free vacation.
With an all-expenses-paid vacation, you’re showing your employees you appreciate their hard work.
Bonus points if you send them to their dream destination.
If you want to make it easier for them, you can plan it all yourself. Book the flight, choose the hotel, and arrange transportation—but make sure you check in with your employee first.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Coming back from a trip results in new ideas, new perspectives, and renewed motivation to tackle bigger projects.
Dinner at the CEO’s house (for employees that work in the same physical location)
A long time ago, the prospect of dining with the CEO would’ve been scary for a new employee.
But now, things are different.
To celebrate a 10-year anniversary, give your employees the honor of dining at the CEO’s house, where they’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal and feel appreciated for their service.
This winning combination will show high levels of recognition and an opportunity to connect with senior leadership—and make the whole interaction incredibly meaningful.
Carefully plan it so you don’t overwhelm your CEO with too many dinners. Depending on your company’s size, dinners can be quarterly or bi-annual events.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Dinner with the CEO will make the employee feel like a VIP.
Stock options
Employees who’ve made it to ten years at a company have shown their commitment.
How can you ensure you offer an equally rewarding gift?
Stock options are a creative way to reward employees for their time while giving them better peace of mind for the future.
They’ll also improve loyalty and offer long-term financial gain, which will make the employee truly understand the value of the gift.
After all, when your company grows, so do the employees.
Since stocks reap benefits over time, you can combine them with a more tangible gift such as a whiskey gift basket.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Employees will feel like an integral part of the company and will appreciate having a stake in the company’s growth.
Monetary gift
You know what they say; money makes the world go round.
On your long-standing employee’s next anniversary, why not bump their salary to express your gratitude?
Use this occasion to talk about a well-deserved promotion and choose a promotion gift that reflects your employee’s personality and interests.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Giving money as a gift helps support an employee’s livelihood.
Keep in mind that cash is always gratefully accepted, but unfortunately quickly forgotten. Such a gift has no trophy value and is not an experience that will be remembered. If you can, go for more personalized employee gifts.
Pricing: Depending on how much you’re willing to pay, it can be anything from $500 to $5,000.
20-Year+ Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Two whole decades of hard work is definitely something worth celebrating in style.
Even if it might seem like it’s impossible to find a suitable gift to match the occasion, don’t worry.
Here are some amazing ideas you can take inspiration from.
Extra PTO (permanently)
If you think you’ve already offered everything to a loyal employee, think again.
On their anniversary, give them more paid time off to disconnect from their job. And we’re not talking about one extra PTO day, but at least two weeks away from work.
This way, you give employees the freedom to do whatever their heart desires and encourage them to focus on themselves.
You might consider this as a paid sabbatical, where employees might:
- Spend time without worrying about deadlines
- Experience a new culture abroad
- Learn a new hobby
- Participate in a local service project
Allowing workers to focus on themselves is a priceless experience.
Remember to set clear expectations of no work communication AT ALL by letting employees pass their responsibilities to someone else.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Many employees will appreciate more days off to spend with family and friends or just enjoy themselves.
Custom team video
What’s a heartwarming way to show your appreciation to such an outstanding member?
Make a custom video with all your coworkers.
Receiving a video with a personal message from the company serves as a thoughtful memento that employees can keep for years and will be more meaningful than a greeting card.
Here are the steps to ensure you do this right:
- Come up with a list of questions to ask a group of people that know the recipient well.
- Record the people answering the questions, but make sure to record the sessions separately to ensure the answers are genuine.
- Edit the responses in the video editing software of your choice.
- Spring the surprise on your ‘victim’ at your next big meeting!
Why will an employee appreciate it: Consider this video as an emotional time capsule that employees can watch any time to remember how fantastic they felt on their anniversary.
An experience they’ll never forget
Extreme sports are on most people’s bucket lists.
If you have an employee that’s a daredevil, be the one that helps your employee cross that off the list by giving them the experience of a lifetime.
Whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, a sightseeing tour, or a theater show, it’s important to choose an experience your employee is unlikely to forget anytime soon.
Think of something you know your employee enjoys or ask them if you aren’t sure.
It might be a good idea to gift at least two tickets, in case the recipient wants to include a spouse, friend, or family member.
Why will an employee appreciate it: Any experience will serve your employee engagement efforts well and renew the employee’s commitment to the organization.
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Order Work Anniversary Gifts Now
Work anniversary gifts ensure that your employees’ years of hard work don’t go unnoticed.
Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas on how to create the perfect gift that’ll ensure your employees feel appreciated at each stage of their journey with you.
Ready to build your own custom anniversary pack? Start designing your best workiversary gifts now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’re here to answer any of your questions!
Q1. Why should we celebrate work anniversaries?
Companies that celebrate work anniversaries frequently may benefit from:
- Better employee retention, which means lower turnover costs.
- More engagement, which directly links to better job satisfaction.
- Stronger company culture, creating a work environment that values their employees.
- Elevated morale that helps employees care about their work.
- Enhanced employee wellbeing, which helps employees feel valued.
Q2. How do I keep track of employee milestones?
It’s important to keep employees’ start dates organized and count how many years they’ve been with your company.
You can use a centralized calendar everyone can access, which in turn helps people celebrate each milestone together. As a result, it contributes to a more positive company culture.
Q3. How do I budget for work anniversary gifts?
Set aside a budget for celebrating workiversaries and timely plan for these milestones to ensure you make a lasting impact.
When you fail to do so, you might end up with a gift that’s meaningless—or skip celebrations altogether.
