What Makes A Good Employee Appreciation Gift?
Employee recognition is a vital part of maintaining employee morale, so gift-giving to your entire team regularly is essential. Whether you’re praising a year with the company or even the completion of an onboarding program, budget-friendly options are a thoughtful addition. Research shows that while 25% of workers have received praise in the last week, achieving a figure closer to 60% can lead to higher quality work and reduced absenteeism. Create a company culture where showing appreciation is ubiquitous and strive to create moments of thanks in your everyday routine.
Choose gifts that are meaningful, relevant, high-quality, personalized, specific, enjoyable, and memorable. It’s also important to consider your recipients’ “love language” regarding gifts. Some people prefer words of appreciation; others enjoy receiving physical gifts or experiences. Tailor your employee appreciation gifts to each team member to really create a meaningful exchange.
Related Reading
• Employee Appreciation Day • Employee Appreciation Week • Employee Appreciation Month • Employee Appreciation Gifts
13 Office DIY Employee Appreciation Gifts
1. Handwritten Thank You Notes
Handwritten thank-you notes are a great way to show appreciation for your employees' hard work. Taking the time to handwrite a personalized note for each employee allows you to express your gratitude in a meaningful and heartfelt way. It shows that you value and recognize their efforts, which can boost morale and motivation in the workplace.
2. Customized Desk Accessories
DIY desk accessories like pen holders, mousepads, or coasters are practical and thoughtful gifts for employees. These customized items can add a personal touch to their workspaces and make them feel appreciated. Plus, creating these accessories yourself adds a special element of care and consideration that employees will surely appreciate.
3. Motivational Posters
Motivational posters are a great way to inspire and uplift employees. Creating custom posters with inspiring quotes or messages for each team member can help boost morale and motivation in the office. It shows that you care about their well-being and want to encourage them to do their best work.
4. DIY Stress Balls
DIY stress balls are a fun and practical gift for employees. Making stress balls using balloons and flour or rice can provide a stress-relieving activity for your team. These homemade stress balls can help employees relax and unwind during stressful workdays.
5. Handcrafted Keychains
Handcrafted keychains make for unique and thoughtful gifts for employees. Creating keychains using beads, charms, or other materials allows you to customize each keychain to suit the recipient's style and personality. It's a small but meaningful gift that employees can carry with them wherever they go.
6. DIY Inspirational Journals
Decorating notebooks or journals with inspirational quotes or designs can be a creative way to show appreciation for employees. These DIY inspirational journals can serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for employees as they jot down their thoughts and ideas.
7. Handwritten Poems or Stories
Writing personalized poems or stories for each employee is a creative way to show appreciation. These heartfelt gestures can make employees feel valued and recognized for their hard work. It's a unique way to express gratitude and make employees feel special.
8. Handmade Bookmarks
Handmade bookmarks crafted with ribbons, beads, or paper can be a thoughtful gift for employees. These personalized bookmarks can make reading more enjoyable for employees and add a personal touch to their reading materials. It's a small but meaningful gesture that shows you care about their interests.
9. Customized Water Bottles
Decorated reusable water bottles are practical and customizable gifts for employees. Adding stickers, vinyl decals, or paint to water bottles can make them unique and personalized for each employee. It's a gift that encourages employees to stay hydrated while showing your appreciation.
10. DIY Inspirational Magnets
Creating magnets with motivational quotes or images can serve as daily reminders of encouragement for employees. These DIY inspirational magnets can be displayed on office whiteboards or home refrigerators to provide a source of inspiration and motivation. It's a simple but impactful gift that employees can appreciate.
11. Handcrafted Thank You Cards
Designing and creating handmade thank you cards for each team member is a thoughtful way to express appreciation. Handcrafted thank you cards show that you took the time to create something special for each employee. It's a personal and heartfelt gesture that can make employees feel valued and recognized.
12. Personalized Photo Frames
Decorating photo frames with paint, glitter, or embellishments adds a personal touch to a common gift. Personalized photo frames allow employees to display their favorite memories at work or at home. It's a thoughtful gesture that shows you care about their personal lives outside of work.
13. DIY Desk Calendars
Creating desk calendars with motivational quotes or personalized messages for each employee is a practical and inspiring gift. Personalized desk calendars can help employees stay organized and motivated throughout the year. It's a useful gift that shows appreciation while also helping employees stay on track with their goals.
Make Employee Appreciation Easier With Giftpack
At Giftpack, our driving force is to simplify the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. Utilizing our custom AI algorithm, we create highly customized scenario swag box options for you. We do global delivery and have an extremely user-friendly platform. We curate the most fitting gifts from a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide (which is ever-increasing).
By carefully considering an individual's basic demographics, preferences, social media activity, and digital footprint, we tailor each gift selection process regardless if the recipient is an employee, a customer, a VIP client, a friend, or a family member. With a wide range of locally and globally sourced gifts, we ensure that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale, delivering meaningful connections across the globe.
Make employee appreciation easier with Giftpack — try Giftpack for free today.
28 DIY Employee Appreciation Gifts
1. Personalized Tote Bags
Fashion meets function! Create custom tote bags for your employees with embroidered / hand-painted elements. Perfect for expressing individual style while being super practical. It’s a trendy way for your team to carry their essentials with a personal flair.
2. Custom Painted Canvas Art
Bring a burst of color and creativity to your team’s workspace with custom-painted canvas art. A personalized piece of art is a vibrant source of daily inspiration and a vivid reminder of the unique talents they bring to the team.
3. Custom Painted Shoes
Talk about walking in style! Transform a pair of shoes into a canvas of appreciation. Every step they take will remind them of how much their work is valued.
4. Handmade Pottery
Handmade Pottery brings a touch of artisanal charm to the everyday. Whether it’s a mug, a vase, or a dish, each item serves as a functional work of art. Practical yet beautifully crafted – they’re everyday reminders of your appreciation.
5. Custom-Designed T-Shirts
Custom-Designed T-Shirts are fun and fashionable employee appreciation gifts. Whether it’s a witty saying, a beautiful design, or a representation of an inside joke, these shirts can become a favorite wardrobe staple that keeps the team spirit alive.
6. DIY Mason Jar Crafts
Fill them with layered ingredients for a favorite recipe, turn them into a small terrarium, or use them as personalized desk organizers. The possibilities are endless! Each jar is its own universe, waiting to brighten up their day.
7. Handmade Wooden Cutting Board
Perfect for those who love to cook. Engrave it with names, special dates, or messages, making every meal preparation a more personalized experience. It’s more than just a kitchen item, it’s a piece of art!
8. Knitted Scarf Or Blanket
Wrap them in warmth and appreciation! A cozy, hand-knitted scarf or blanket is perfect for those chilly days, symbolizing the warmth and comfort of being part of a caring team.
9. Hand-Sewn Pillows Or Cushions
Add a cozy touch to your gratitude with hand-sewn pillows or cushions! These comfy creations are a heartfelt way to bring comfort and style to your employees’ homes or offices, showing you care about their relaxation.
10. Homemade apple pie
Spread the love with jars of homemade jam! Make each spoonful a burst of flavor, crafted with the freshest fruits and a pinch of gratitude. It’s like giving a jar full of sunshine and smiles.
11. Baked Goods Assortment
Get ready for a treat that’s as sweet as it is thoughtful! Imagine the smiles when your team unwraps a box full of homemade cookies, brownies, and other delectable goodies. A warm and delightful way of recognizing your team members’ hard work.
12. Homemade Granola Or Trail Mix
Who says healthy can’t be delicious? Whip up a batch of homemade granola or trail mix, perfect for a nutritious snack break. Let them know that you care about their health and happiness.
13. Homemade Salsa Or Sauce
Spice things up with your very own salsa or sauce! Whether it’s fiery hot or tantalizingly tangy, it’s a zesty way to show your team, “You’re the secret ingredient to our success!”
14. DIY Tea Blends
Brew some warmth and well-being! Crafting your own tea blends isn’t just thoughtful; it’s a comforting gesture that says, “Relax and unwind, you’ve earned it!” Whether it’s calming chamomile or energizing green tea, each sip is a reminder of your heartfelt thanks.
15. Customized Plant Pots
Whether it’s painting them in vibrant colors or etching names, customized plant pots can be a delightful addition to your team’s desks. It’s a fun way to bring a bit of nature indoors, and what better way to show your appreciation than by nurturing their love for plants?
16. Customized Coasters
Add a personal pop to any table setting! Customized coasters are a fun and vibrant way to protect surfaces while showcasing individuality and style. Whether it’s bold patterns, monograms, or quirky designs, these coasters aren’t just practical – they’re conversation starters and a testament to your attention to detail.
17. Personalized Journals Or Diaries
Tailor them with the recipient’s name, initials, favorite colors, or motifs. Empower the art of writing in a personalized way! These journals become invaluable companions for documenting life’s journeys, brainstorming sessions, or simply jotting down to-dos, all while adding a personal flair.
18. Handcrafted Leather Wallet
Elevate everyday essentials with elegance! Handcrafted leather wallets are a fusion of functionality and artisanal beauty. Crafted with precision and care, each wallet is a sophisticated statement piece, reflecting the recipient’s style and the thoughtfulness of the giver.
19. Personalized Calendars
Personalized calendars are a delightful way to keep track of important dates while reliving cherished memories or enjoying favorite themes. They turn planning into a joyous activity, tailored to the recipient’s life and interests, making every glance at the calendar a reminder of special moments.
20. Handmade Candles
Light up your employee appreciation with handmade candles! Craft each candle with care and personalize the scents for a glowing tribute to your team’s dedication. Fill their homes or offices with warmth and a soothing ambiance.
21. Homemade Bath Bombs
Dive into relaxation with homemade bath bombs! These fizzy delights, bursting with essential oils and soothing scents, are a fun and luxurious DIY gifts. It’s a spa experience in a bath bomb, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
22. Homemade Body Scrub
Buff away the workday stress with a homemade body scrub. Incorporate exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients like sugar, salt, and oils. It’s a perfect way to show your employees that you care about their well-being. It’s a spa-day in a jar, leaving their skin refreshed and glowing!
23. Handcrafted Soaps
Cleanse and refresh with handcrafted soaps. Infuse with unique scents and ingredients to make it personal and thoughtful. Further show that each bar is a labor of love with custom engravings. It’s what your hardworking team deserves!
24. DIY Puzzle Or Board Game
Offer your employees a relaxing break with a unique puzzle or board game! It can be themed around your workplace or industry, making it a fun and engaging way to strengthen team bonds.
25. Custom Pet Toy
How about a treat for the furry family members of your team? Whether it’s a knotted rope toy for dogs or a catnip-filled toy for cats, these handmade gifts will surely bring joy to your employees’ pets and demonstrate your thoughtful and inclusive approach to showing gratitude.
26. Customized Phone Cases
Jazz up their most used accessory – personalize phone cases for your team by decorating them with unique designs, colors, or motifs that reflect each team member’s personality. It’s protection with a personal twist!
27. Personalized Mugs
Craft personalized mugs for your team, adding unique designs, inspiring quotes, or even inside jokes. It’s a perfect way to brighten their coffee breaks and rightfully holds its place as one of the most versatile DIY employee appreciation gifts.
28. Personalized Wall Decor
Transform their workspace into a gallery of gratitude! Create personalized wall decor for your team members, tailoring each piece to their tastes or interests. This could be a framed collage, an inspirational quote, or a custom-painted canvas.
Related Reading
• Employee Recognition Write-up Examples • Staff Appreciation Gifts Under $5 • Employee Appreciation Message • Employee Appreciation Ideas For Large Companies • Appreciation Email To Employee • Employee Appreciation Games • Employee Appreciation Food Ideas • Employee Appreciation 2024 • Virtual Employee Appreciation Ideas • Employee Appreciation Day Themes
12 Unique Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas
1. Virtual Gift Card for a Wellness or Spa Experience
We all know how valuable investing in well-being and self-care is, but many employees don’t take the initiative alone. Thankfully, a gift from someone else can nudge them in the right direction. Use Hoppier to send your employees a virtual card to spend with vendors like Spafinder, Classpass, Headspace, and more. You can even purchase virtual bulk gift cards to prepare you for every employee appreciation gift occasion. Oftentimes, the best employee is the stress-free, healthy one.
2. Dance Classes
Amplify the energy of your thank you with a lesson in some new moves! Your team can engage in dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in NYC and dance classes in the Bay area, as well as in other cities across the nation.
3. Photography Classes
Your team can learn the art of the snapshot from expert photographers in each city. Teams working remotely can even stream online photography classes to learn the finer points of capturing images using smartphones, digital cameras and traditional film.
4. Acting Classes
Acting classes are the perfect employee appreciation gift idea for those with a taste for drama! They’ll learn self-expression techniques and perform fun exercises for character-building and scene preparation. For the shy set, online acting classes provide a more private setting to explore their talents.
5. Travel Packages
Combine an airfare gift card with an Airbnb gift card and let your employees choose a getaway for themselves. They’ll love this employee appreciation gift idea that lets them relax in a new destination or a little time spent in their favorite faraway locale.
6. Shopping Sprees
Why not let your team choose their own employee appreciation gift ideas? Designate a workable budget for each member, plan a trip to a local mall or nearby shopping center and let them run wild as they choose whatever gift suits them best!
7. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Help your crew see the world from a new perspective with a trip in a hot air balloon. They’ll spend a relaxing morning taking in the sights and celebrate their successful return to Earth with a champagne toast!
8. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers are employee appreciation gift ideas that make life easier! An Amazon Echo or Dot or a Google Nest on their desks provides workers with handy voice-activated assistance with an array of daily tasks. They’ll also have mood-setting music whenever they need it to make the day more relaxing and productive.
9. Added Perks
Work-life balance is an essential part of the modern office. The largest and most successful companies have upped their perks and stipends and even offered unlimited vacation days to account for the change in workplace dynamics.
10. Company Clubs
Interest clubs are easy to set up and are a great way to unite people based on shared hobbies like reading, gaming, cooking, or crafting. Use some of your corporate gifting budget to provide drinks and snacks using a Hoppier card, or buy supplies like books, games, and ingredients.
11. Mini Company Retreat
Company retreats — when planned correctly — as a useful way to gather everyone in one place to share ideas, make progress, and get to know each other. But they’re also a rewarding employee appreciation gift — especially if you put the focus on wellness and personal growth.
12. Personal Gratitude Budget
Research shows that recognition from management matters, but peer-to-peer recognition can be even more impactful. Empower your team members with a small budget to spend on gifts for the people they work with.
Decide on a figure that fits your budget and surprise your employees with this new policy. Encourage them to send thank-you gifts — they don’t have to be too elaborate, even customized t-shirts, tote bags, keychains, or company swag will work. This is a great way to invest in your team and create a culture of gratitude and appreciation.
8 Inexpensive Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas
1. Snack Gifts
I recommend putting together a few bags of your workers’ favorite treats. Dollar stores and discount outlets offer reasonably priced goodies for tasty and thoughtful employee appreciation gifts under $10.
2. Parking Spaces
A simple yet heartfelt gesture, gifting your employees a special parking space usually reserved for executives makes a thoughtful employee appreciation gift idea that doesn’t cost a thing. Your employee will be thrilled to park among the bigwigs, and even have a covered spot if your facility allows it!
3. Boss for a Day
Put all your team members’ names in a cup and pick one of your star players to head up the team for a day. This fun employee appreciation gift idea lets them run the show they see fit, providing a fun change of pace the whole office can enjoy. Cycle through all the names over the course of a few months to give everyone a chance!
4. Award Certificates
For more frequent staff appreciation gifts under $5, put together some fun certificates in Canva and present your team with little awards for jobs well done. Combine them with easy-to-store treats like candy bars or canned sodas and leave them on desks as a sweet surprise.
5. Desk Swap
If there’s a prime spot in your workspace, like a cube with a view or a warm window desk everyone covets, offer an occasional desk swap as an employee appreciation gift idea that costs nothing but may have incredible value! You can set up a semi-annual schedule and draw names at random to keep the work of moving to a minimum while emphasizing your gratitude.
6. Personalized Notes
For employee appreciation gifts under $10, keep a stack of inexpensive note cards handy and jot a line or two telling your team members how much you appreciate them whenever your heart tells you to.
7. Dress Down Days
For teams who adhere to a more business-like dress code, dress-down days are employee appreciation gift ideas that translate to a more relaxed work experience. If your facility allows, you can offer themed days such as sports teams or pajamas for an added touch of fun.
8. Donuts and Coffee Gift Card Sets
A pair of $5 gift cards to a donut shop and a coffee shop makes an inexpensive employee appreciation gift idea that lets your crew treat themselves whenever they’re ready. Tie them with a snazzy ribbon and include a note card expressing your gratitude.
Related Reading
• Vantage Circle • Best Employee Recognition Software • Reward Gateway • Nectar Recognition • Employee Appreciation Gift Boxes • Kudoboard Alternative • Employee Appreciation Software • Alternatives To Kudoboard • Workhuman Competitors • Reward Gateway Pricing • Bonusly Vs Nectar • Awardco Competitors • When Is Employee Appreciation Week
Make your gifting efficient and improve employee attrition rates with Giftpack AI
Visit our product page to unlock the power of personalized employee appreciation gifts.
Click this Banner to book a call
Ask us anything about Corporate Gifting