Celebrating employee work anniversaries is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for all their hard work.
It makes your team members feel valued and seen, increasing their job satisfaction and engagement.
However, as the years go by, these celebrations need to evolve to reinforce your employees’ commitment and your relationship with them.
To make things easier for you, we used our clients’ feedback to create a work anniversary gift guide by employee seniority.
Take a look!
Table of Contents
What Are the Benefits of Celebrating Work Anniversaries?
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+ Employee Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
How to Choose the Best Work Anniversary Gifts for Employees?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are the Benefits of Celebrating Work Anniversaries?
Celebrating work anniversaries might seem insignificant at first glance, but it will set you apart from other employers.
This apparently small gesture of recognition has tremendous benefits that you shouldn’t take lightly.
Here are some of them.
- Boost job satisfaction. Recognizing everything your team members do for your company is an essential part of employee branding.
Even a simple thank you can go a long way and make your staff feel seen and valued.
In fact, a Nectar survey found that 87% of employees feel that meaningful recognition impacts their job satisfaction.
Likewise, a BR Printers report concluded that 25.8% of employees feel appreciated by their employer when given a promo item.
- Improve employee retention. Making your team members happy and recognizing their contribution is also a powerful retention strategy.
The Nectar survey found that 71% of employees would be less likely to leave their organization if recognized more frequently.
Moreover, Lily Wang, an experienced HR Director at Relyir Artificial Grass, says that: ‘Our retention rate improved by 18%, largely attributable to these appreciation efforts.’
- Increase engagement and productivity. Professional recognition also motivates employees to put their heart and soul into their work.
The Nectar survey also found that 81.9% of employees agree that recognition for their contributions improves their engagement.
Additionally, 77.9% of the surveyed employees would be more productive if recognized more frequently.
Gary Hemming, a financial expert and owner of ABC Finance, states that: ‘When employees feel valued, it strengthens their bond with the company and fuels their motivation to keep up the great work.’
- Create an inclusive workplace. Celebrating each of your employee’s work anniversaries shows you don’t discriminate and that everyone’s contribution is equally important.
That, in turn, creates a positive workplace culture where your staff can thrive.
The BR Printers report also found that 24.3% of employees feel included in the team when they receive promotional products from their employer.
Now that you know why you should celebrate work anniversaries, let’s move on to the how.
1-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
The first year in a company is like a probationary period for new hires and employers.
It’s when both parties get to know each other and decide if they’re a good match.
Therefore, the one-year work anniversary is a critical milestone that you should definitely celebrate.
It will strengthen your professional relationship and improve employee satisfaction.
Here are some effective employee appreciation ideas.
A handwritten thank-you letter from the leadership
Writing a thank-you letter by hand shows you care enough about your team members to invest yourself personally in the gift-giving process.
Pair this letter with a branded notebook and get yourself a meaningful, low-cost employee gift.
Our Mix-bound journal book set comes in seven fun colors your team will love.
Why we recommend it: Notebooks are practical promotional products that people use daily, and the letter makes the gift more personal.
Company swag
Company swag is a great appreciation gift if you pick practical, high-quality products.
For a first work anniversary, you can go with one of the classics, like:
- Branded apparel;
- Writing instruments;
- Branded backpacks;
- Custom drinkware.
However, since you probably don’t know your employees well yet, you can let them pick a gift.
Just set up a Pop-up Shop with several pre-approved swag items and ask your team members to choose the one they like best.
Why we recommend it: Branded merchandise promotes unity and makes new hires feel part of the team.
Public recognition
While recognizing your employee’s hard work during a one-on-one meeting is effective, public recognition is more impactful.
It shows your staff they are not invisible and that their contribution matters, which boosts morale.
For instance, you can praise your employee during a team meeting or on the company’s social media accounts.
Why we recommend it: Research shows that public recognition fosters commitment and positive perceptions of work, workplace, and colleagues.
Workspace upgrade
Whether your staff comes to the office daily or works remotely, they spend much of their time at a desk, which can become boring.
Therefore, giving your employees a desk makeover is a thoughtful gesture that can enhance engagement.
One of our clients’ top choices is the Truman desk organizer, which eliminates clutter and can wirelessly charge your recipient’s phone.
Of course, you can pick other cool office supplies, like branded mouse pads, desk lamps, or document sleeves.
Why we recommend it: According to a 2023 study, a clean and organized desk can increase productivity.
Coffee shop voucher
According to Drive Research, nearly 3 in 4 Americans drink coffee daily.
Thus, you can be sure a coffee shop voucher will brighten up your team member’s day.
Add to this our uniquely-shaped Angus custom mug, and you’ll win their hearts forever.
Why we recommend it: Your recipients will start their day energized and will likely come to work with a smile on their faces.
Employee 2-Year Anniversary Gift Ideas
After two years of working together, your new employee is already a valuable team member.
However, just because you know it doesn’t mean you don’t have to show it.
As the years go by, employee recognition becomes even more important for keeping your staff happy and engaged.
Our clients also suggest you upgrade your gift-giving game to more creative swag items.
Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Cocktail hour gift basket
Raise a glass in honor of your team member on their second-year anniversary.
Put together a cocktail hour gift basket including custom wine cups and a bottle of wine, or whiskey, glasses, and an ice mold.
Our mocktail gift set is the best option if you want to celebrate at work or for alcohol-free employees.
It includes a DIY mocktail kit and delicious salty snacks.
Why we recommend it: You can use this opportunity to make a toast in front of the entire team, recognizing your employee’s accomplishments.
Gourmet swag bag
If you manage a large team, taking all of them out to lunch for every work anniversary is not feasible or affordable.
Therefore, you can opt for a gourmet swag bag instead.
The Sweet Success gourmet cooler is among our favorites, including sweet and salty treats for any taste.
Still, be sure to ask about any potential dietary restrictions before picking a snack gift basket.
Why we recommend it: Your team member can reuse the practical cooler bag to bring home-cooked meals to the office.
Career planning session
According to the 2023 Learning at Work survey, only 51% of respondents said managers encouraged participation in learning and development.
That’s a big loss for the company and the staff.
So, be different!
On the second-year anniversary, invite your team members to a career planning session.
Ask them what future role they would like to play in the company and offer them training opportunities.
In our clients’ experience, this strategy improves job satisfaction and reduces employee turnover.
Why we recommend it: If your employees acquire new skills, they can take the company to the next level.
Escape room adventure
An employee’s success is usually due to team effort and support.
Therefore, work anniversaries are best celebrated as a group.
You can ditch the classic lunch for a fun escape room adventure that promotes team building.
Team members must work together to solve the puzzles in a given time.
Why we recommend it: Research shows that team building increases employee performance, productivity, and problem-solving at work, among many other benefits.
Work-from-home care package
A 2023 research study found that remote workers registered an 18% lower productivity than in-person workers.
It’s not surprising given that many of these employees get distracted by their kids or household chores and feel isolated from their work colleagues.
Thus, an employee care package is a considerate second-year anniversary gift.
For example, your work-at-home kit can include noise-canceling headphones, scented candles, and a cozy blanket.
Your remote workers can wrap themselves in this soft, fuzzy blanket on chilly days for maximum comfort.
Why we recommend it: This promotional gift will show remote employees they are valued team members and that you care about their well-being.
Employee 5-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Younger generations no longer believe in putting down roots in a company.
They constantly look for better jobs and higher wages.
Hence, retaining employees for five years is no easy feat, and you should congratulate yourself for this.
As for the workers themselves, a classic promotional gift will no longer do the trick.
Instead, offer employee gifts to strengthen your bond and motivate others to reach the five-year milestone.
Weekend getaway essentials
By now, you should know your employee well enough to choose gifts that match their interests.
For some, the ideal weekend getaway might involve relaxing at a spa retreat.
In this case, a cozy branded bathrobe and a good book are all they’ll need.
However, for those who prefer an outdoor adventure, you can create an essentials kit, including:
- A camp blanket;
- An outdoor lantern with a power bank;
- A waterproof Bluetooth speaker;
- A log carrier.
Lastly, the cherry on top can be the minimalist Osprey Sportlite backpack, which can fit all hiking essentials.
Why we recommend it: This gift shows workers that you know who they are on a personal level and that you are not only interested in their work performance.
Team party
A five-year work anniversary is a momentous occasion that deserves an office party.
Make it more personal by choosing a theme that aligns with your employee’s interests.
For instance, if your worker is a movie buff, you can host a costume party and ask participants to dress up as movie characters.
Likewise, you can host a movie-themed trivia game to make things more fun and engaging.
Once the party is over, offer your employees a themed corporate gift that will remind them of this occasion.
You can opt for the What’s Pop’N gourmet popcorn gift set that features popcorn, seasonings, and a large reusable bowl.
Why we recommend it: A team party will make the employee feel special while also encouraging the rest of the team to socialize and bond.
Day off
A day off is a thoughtful wellness gift for employees.
It encourages them to take a break from all the stress at work and enjoy some much-deserved ‘me time.’
Just inform your team members of the day off well in advance so they can plan the perfect day.
Whether they get a massage, picnicking with their family, or shopping, they’ll appreciate the time off.
Why we recommend it: Sometimes, offering perks or experiences can be more meaningful than tangible gifts.
A framed picture of their early days
A five-year anniversary is a good time for your employees to reflect on where they started and what they’ve accomplished since.
A framed picture from one of their first company outings can be a fun reminder.
Likewise, you can choose a photo of your employees’ work besties to keep them company even when the others are on vacation.
According to a 2021 survey, 57% of people agree that having good work friends makes the job more enjoyable.
Why we recommend it: A constant reminder on your desk of how far you’ve come can motivate you to strive for more.
10-Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Working a decade for the same company shows true commitment.
So, celebrating these hard-working individuals is a must.
However, after so many years of work anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas gifts, surprising workers with something new is tough.
Check out some of our clients’ practical ideas.
Paid vacation
After ten years of giving their all to the company, your employees deserve a free vacation.
Partner with a well-known tourist agency offering vacation packages to exotic tourist destinations.
Create a list of packages that fit your company budget, then let your team member choose one.
Include diverse options that cater to various vacation preferences.
Even if you know your employees usually prefer beach resorts, you might encourage them to try something different this time.
Why we recommend it: An all-expenses-paid vacation is a generous corporate gift that allows your worker to unwind and recharge.
Dinner at the CEO’s house
In small companies, everyone gets to know the CEO sooner or later.
However, in large companies, this rarely happens.
Hence, an opportunity to dine with the senior leadership is a memorable experience.
Of course, if you have more than one ten-year employee to celebrate, hosting a collective dinner is best.
After all, CEOs are busy professionals with little time to spare.
Why we recommend it: A dinner with the CEO is like offering your employees VIP treatment and shows high recognition.
Stock options
Offering your team member stock options may not be very personal, but it offers long-term financial benefits.
This gift idea motivates senior employees to give their best to help the company grow.
As the company grows, so will the value of their stock options.
Still, since this anniversary gift doesn’t produce an immediate effect, we suggest pairing it with a tangible, luxury promotional product.
The Executive wine collector’s set is a popular choice for wine connoisseurs.
It includes all essential wine tools and an elegant cherry-wood case for storage.
Why we recommend it: Offering stock options to workers shows how much you trust and appreciate them, reinforcing brand loyalty.
Monetary gift
People always save money for things they need or want, but they don’t always share this information with their colleagues or managers.
Thus, instead of offering your senior team members an expensive gift they don’t necessarily need, treat them with a monetary gift.
Why we recommend it: This gift allows your recipient to buy something truly special and remember you for it.
20-Year+ Employee Work Anniversary Gift Ideas
Employees who spend 20 years or longer in your company are like family.
They know the good and bad and still choose to stand by your side.
Their contribution should always be publicly acknowledged to inspire others to do the same.
Still, finding appropriate rewards for them is not a walk in the park.
After surveying our clients, we came up with only three effective gift ideas.
Extra annual PTO
While having one day off on your tenth work anniversary is nice, getting five or more extra PTO days every year is a gift to remember.
These employees deserve more annual vacation time after giving their heart and soul to the company for so many years.
Whether workers use it to spend more time with their friends and family, travel, or take up a new hobby, they’ll highly appreciate it.
Why we recommend it: Extra annual PTO is a good incentive for retaining senior employees as they won’t get this perk if they change jobs.
Custom team video
A custom video with personal congratulatory messages from all the important team members is a precious keepsake.
Come up with a few original questions for your staff and ask them to share a funny memory of the celebrated person.
Record each message in private to make people feel more comfortable opening up.
Work with one of your tech-savvy employees to edit the video, then surprise the recipient at your next company meeting.
Why we recommend it: Receiving a custom team video is moving and will constitute a fond memory for years.
An experience they’ll never forget
If we’re being honest, we all have a secret bucket list.
The possibilities are endless, whether it’s an extreme sport, like bungee jumping, or getting a VIP pass at a concert to meet your favorite band.
Now, imagine your boss coming up to you and making one of those dreams come true.
You’d be over the moon and would cherish that memory forever.
Still, for this to work, you must plot with your employee’s spouse or best friend to discover some of the feasible items on that bucket list.
Why we recommend it: Offering unforgettable experiences will reinforce your relationship with your employees and prevent them from leaving the company.
How to Choose the Best Work Anniversary Gifts for Employees?
While all these work anniversary gift ideas are great, they don’t work for every company and every employee.
As Gianluca Ferruggia, General Manager at DesignRush, says: ‘In terms of celebrating these milestone moments, I believe the best way involves recognizing individuality. One size does not fit all.’
Therefore, we suggest you use the following criteria when picking employee gifts.
- Identify your employee’s preferences. To offer meaningful corporate gifts, you first need to learn what your employees like.
You can either ask all your team members to answer surveys or talk with your employee’s work friends to find out more about them.
If you’re unable to gather enough information, set up a Pop-up Shop and let your employees choose their gifts.
- Choose gifts that align with the company culture. For instance, if you promote a relaxed work environment, office parties and fun promotional materials are the way to go.
- Factor in the years of service. As we’ve already shown you, with every anniversary, you need to step up your gift-giving game.
If you offer similar appreciation gifts for one-year and ten-year anniversaries, your employees won’t feel special at all.
- Consider your budget. Don’t overspend on luxury swag if you can’t afford it.
Instead, you can always opt for a small, high-quality promo item and pair it with a day off.
- Opt for customizable promo products. You should always personalize your gifts with the company name and logo or a personal message to make them more memorable.
- Look for something practical. If your gift ends up locked inside a cabinet and forgotten, it’s meaningless.
Always pick items that your team members can use daily, at home or at the office, like cool tech swag.
- Don’t overlook employee recognition. In our opinion, you should always pair work anniversary gifts with private and public employee recognition messages.
This simple gesture has a big impact on employee morale and will make them feel truly appreciated.
Now, let’s wrap this up.
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Over To You!
Whether it’s your employee’s one-year or 20-year work anniversary showing your appreciation goes a long way.
Even a small corporate gift can make your team members feel seen and valued, improving their job satisfaction and performance.
So, don’t waste any more time, and start planning your next employee celebration.
Browse our SwagDrop shop for more unique work anniversary gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the questions our clients frequently ask:
What is a work anniversary?
A work anniversary is a celebration of an employee’s first day on the job. Companies can choose to celebrate these anniversaries every year or at specific intervals.
How do I keep track of employee milestones?
The easiest way to keep track of employee milestones is to use a centralized calendar. Set it up to get timely notifications of important milestones. That will give you enough time to pick a gift or organize an in-person celebration.
How do I budget for work anniversary gifts?
Set different budgets for work anniversary gifts based on the years of service and stick to them. Make sure you get notified of these important milestones well in advance to avoid last-minute overspending.
How do you celebrate work anniversaries virtually?
Just because your team is fully remote, doesn’t mean you can skip work anniversaries. In fact, these celebrations are even more important in this case as they keep employees close and engaged.
You can celebrate work anniversaries virtually by hosting online happy hours and trivia games. However, you should also send your employee a thoughtful gift via mail.
What is the best work anniversary gift?
The best work anniversary gift is something that matches your employee’s preferences, is practical and customized. Likewise, you should always pair your gifts with a private and public employee recognition message.