10 Employee Gift Ideas to Show Appreciation & Boost Morale

Employee recognition is a core component of a healthy, productive company culture. Many organizations are finding that simply offering competitive pay isn’t enough; they must actively and consistently show their teams they are valued. Recognition creates loyalty, boosts morale, and strengthens the connection between hard work and the business’s success.

The challenge lies in getting it right. A generic, uninspired gesture can feel worse than no gift at all. Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday season, welcoming someone back into the office, or onboarding a new hire, the best employee appreciation gifts strike a balance between practicality, thoughtfulness, and genuine personalization.

Let’s dive into the essential guidelines for corporate gift-giving, why you should do it, the common mistakes to avoid, and ten high-quality ideas your employees will genuinely appreciate.

Why reward employees with gifts?

Outside of gift-giving being a nice thing to do for your dedicated employees, there are tangible business benefits to doing so as well. Thoughtful corporate gift-giving serves as a strategic component of your employee engagement and retention strategy.

• Boosts morale and motivation: Recognizing effort directly validates employees’ hard work, resulting in increased job satisfaction and engagement.
• Strengthens retention: Recognition programs significantly lower attrition rates, as employees feel valued and are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
• Reinforces company culture: Gifts serve as tangible reminders of your company’s core values, building a deeper connection and a stronger sense of belonging.
• Increases loyalty: Thoughtful, personalized gestures transform the employer-employee relationship into a partnership built on mutual respect and appreciation.

So, what do your employees actually want in a gift? To make that decision, let’s first cover the guidelines of corporate gift-giving and the common mistakes to avoid.

Employee gift ideas: What to do

Welcoming your employees with a thoughtful gift is a tangible way to show you value their presence and their contributions. To maximize the impact of your corporate gift, follow these guidelines:

• Be mindful of size. Make sure the gift is not overly bulky or difficult to carry. You’re trying to show them appreciation, not add another hurdle to their day — so consider the logistics of your employees’ commutes and workspaces. Going big and extravagant is tempting, but it’s unnecessary.
• Practicality is important. A great gift can be used or interacted with weekly, if not daily. A gift that gathers dust on a shelf doesn’t do much for your employees’ happiness. Look for something that enhances their day-to-day lives, like tech gadgets or self-care items.
• Personalized gifts mean more. Adding a personal touch can make all the difference when it comes to gift-giving. Show appreciation for each employee with a handwritten note or a gift with their initials engraved, for example. Taking the extra step demonstrates genuine care and makes each employee’s gift unique to them.
• Be inclusive. Make sure the gifts you give your employees are equal in value and that everyone is included. Your workforce is diverse, and your gifts should reflect that. Opt for inclusive options that everyone can enjoy, or consider offering a selection of gifts to cater to different tastes.

Employee gift ideas: What to avoid

Now, let’s talk about a few things to steer clear of when deciding what gifts to give your employees:

• Stay away from politics and controversial topics. The workplace should be a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their personal beliefs. Avoid gifts that touch on sensitive or polarizing subjects, as they can inadvertently create tension or discomfort. Stick to neutral and universally appreciated themes.
• No inappropriate jokes or gag gifts. While a bit of humor can lighten the mood, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Avoid gifts that rely on offensive stereotypes, crude humor, or discrimination. A misstep in this area can damage employee morale and create a hostile work environment.
• Don’t be overly generic. While well-intentioned, a generic back-to-work gift can feel impersonal and lackluster. Take the time to understand your employees’ interests and preferences and tailor your gift choices accordingly. Even a tiny, personalized touch can make a world of difference.

10 high-quality corporate gift ideas

The perfect gift strikes a balance between practicality, thoughtfulness, and personalization. If you need help developing a unique gift idea for your workforce, here are ten ideas to draw inspiration from.

Gift cards

While not the most complicated gift, the versatility of gift cards makes them a perennial favorite. They let your employees choose something they truly desire—a new book, a delicious meal, a relaxing spa treatment, etc. Take it a step further by giving each employee a gift card specific to their interests. Is there a massive sports fan in the office? Consider a gift card to an online sports retailer.

Coffee mugs & tumblers

There’s no such thing as too many mugs. A personalized mug or tumbler is a practical and stylish gift your employees can use daily. Customize it with their name or the company logo to create a sense of belonging and pride. Fill it with their favorite coffee beans or tea bags for an added touch.

Office supplies

Help your employees stay organized and productive with a curated set of high-quality desk accessories. Think beyond the basics and consider items like stylish notepads, ergonomic pens, colorful sticky notes, or a sleek desk organizer. Try to acquire something that can’t be found on the first page of Amazon.

Succulents or desk plants

Bring a touch of nature indoors with a low-maintenance succulent or desk plant (the “low-maintenance” part is essential; you don’t want to give them a plant that will die from a week without water). These green companions add visual appeal to the workspace and contribute to cleaner air and a more calming atmosphere. 

Corporate swag

Branded merchandise can boost team spirit and company pride. Choose functional and practical items, such as T-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, or tote bags. Spend the extra dollar to invest in high-quality, long-lasting materials so your employees can sport them for years.

Computer gadgets

Upgrade your employees’ work experience with valuable and innovative computer gadgets. To enhance comfort and productivity, consider wireless mice, mouse pads, ergonomic keyboard wrist rests, laptop stands, chargers, or Bluetooth headphones.

Wellness items

Prioritize employee well-being with gifts that promote relaxation and self-care. Stress balls, aromatherapy diffusers, eye masks, or mini back massagers can help employees de-stress and recharge during the workday. Employee engagement is more manageable to facilitate when everyone is relaxed and stress-free.

A classic gift box/basket

A curated gift basket with healthy and tasty snacks is a simple but reliable choice for a return-to-work gift. Include a variety of sweet and savory treats, and consider options for those with dietary restrictions. Include other goodies that are personal to each employee, like their favorite candy or drink.

Personalized desk nameplates

Add a touch of personalization to each employee’s workspace with a custom desk nameplate. Choose a material and design that complements your office decor, and have each nameplate engraved with the employee’s name and title.

Experiences or activities

Instead of a gift set, consider planning an activity or event for your employees. Organize a team lunch, company outing, or provide tickets to a local event or attraction. These experiences create opportunities for connection and celebration, making the return to the office even more enjoyable.

Facilitate employee success with OfficeSpace

A thoughtful gift can kickstart positive momentum, but long-term employee morale requires a supportive, functional workplace. A successful workplace management strategy goes beyond just providing gifts; it requires careful consideration of space utilization, employee preferences, and the overall physical and digital work experience.

Workplace management software like OfficeSpace can streamline and inform these processes by providing holistic insight into every aspect of the hybrid workplace, reducing costs and workplace friction, and eliminating manual processes. With OfficeSpace, you gain real-time data on occupancy and attendance, office usage, and compliance, enabling you to understand how your space is utilized and make data-driven decisions about space and resource allocation.

Ready to enhance employee appreciation year-round? Schedule a demo to learn how OfficeSpace can help your team create a seamless and optimized workplace experience.