Thanksgiving isn't just for turkey and football; it's also a chance to show your team some love. Offices everywhere are beginning to see the benefits of using this holiday as a prime opportunity to express gratitude to employees. Giving thanks to your team with thoughtful team holiday gifts is a meaningful gesture that can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and even improve productivity. This article will help you with creative ideas for employee appreciation this Thanksgiving, from simple acts of kindness to more lavish gestures. Whether you're looking for something festive and fun or a little more personal, we've got you covered.
Giftpack can help you find the perfect company branded swag to say "thanks" to your employees this Thanksgiving.
What is Thanksgiving & When is it Celebrated?
Thanksgiving stands as a revered holiday in the United States and Canada, steeped in traditions of gratitude and celebration. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and express thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
It’s also an opportunity for businesses to acknowledge employees' hard work and dedication. As the holiday season kicks off, consider this the perfect moment to show appreciation to those who have been pivotal to your organization's success.
When and How We Celebrate
Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving offers a moment to breathe before the whirlwind of the Christmas season. Timing is everything here.
By acknowledging your employees’ contributions now, you set a tone of appreciation that can carry through the end of the year. It’s refreshing to express thanks without the pressure of the December rush.
Stand Out with Thanksgiving Gifts
Thanksgiving is the one holiday dedicated entirely to gratitude. Use it to let your business partners and employees know they’re valued. Don’t wait until December, when gifts get lost in the shuffle.
By sending personalized corporate Thanksgiving gifts, you spotlight your brand. Surprise employees and clients with an unexpected Thanksgiving treat, reminding them of their importance before the year-end holiday frenzy begins.
Why Appreciate Your Employees on Thanksgiving
1. Showing Appreciation Boosts Employee Retention
Losing employees can be a costly and disruptive issue for any organization. One of the main reasons employees leave a need for more appreciation.
Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to show your team you value their hard work and dedication. A thoughtful gift can go a long way in making employees feel appreciated and valued, which can help reduce turnover rates.
2. Increase Productivity by Recognizing Employees
Employees who feel appreciated are likelier to engage with their work and perform at their best. Thanksgiving gifts serve as a tangible reminder to employees that their efforts are recognized and appreciated, which can inspire them to continue doing great work.
3. Connecting with Remote Workers Through Recognition
Remote employees often feel disconnected from their colleagues and are more likely to receive negative feedback. This can lead to feelings of isolation and underappreciation. Sending Thanksgiving gifts to remote workers can help bridge this gap and show them that their contributions are valued, regardless of their physical location.
4. Recognizing Employees Drives Performance
Numerous studies show that recognition is a key motivator for employees. When employees are recognized for their hard work, especially during Thanksgiving, it encourages them to maintain high performance and fosters loyalty to the organization.
Related Reading
• Holiday Gifts For Employees • Holiday Message To Employees • Christmas Gifts For Employees • Holiday Gifts For Coworkers • Work Christmas Party Games • Christmas Team Building Activities • Staff Christmas Gifts • Holiday Team Building Activities
How Do You Thank Employees for Thanksgiving?
1. Give the Gift of Extra Time Off
Granting employees additional time off around Thanksgiving can be one of the most cherished gifts. A long weekend allows them to enjoy quality time with family and friends, emphasizing that you value their work-life balance.
2. Make it Personal With Handwritten Thank You Cards
Sending handwritten thank-you cards can leave a lasting impression. Personalize each one with specific acknowledgments of what the employee has contributed. A small gesture like this can make employees feel genuinely appreciated.
3. Organize a Thanksgiving Potluck
Want to foster community and camaraderie? Host a potluck where employees bring their favorite dishes. It’s a fun way for everyone to share their culinary traditions while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
4. Provide Thoughtful Thanksgiving Gifts
Consider giving gifts like turkeys, gift cards, or gourmet food baskets. This thoughtful gesture helps employees celebrate the holiday and shows appreciation for their hard work.
5. Throw a Festive Holiday Party
Planning a holiday party can be an excellent way to show appreciation. Include fun activities, games, and awards to recognize outstanding contributions. Make it family-friendly to encourage employees to bring loved ones along.
6. Celebrate Achievements Publicly
Use this time to publicly acknowledge individual and team accomplishments in meetings or through company-wide communications. Highlighting specific contributions reinforces the value of each employee's efforts.
7. Kick Off a Gratitude Initiative
Create a gratitude wall where team members can post notes to show appreciation for one another. Encourage them to provide specific examples of attitudes and actions for which they are grateful. Employees can either sign their notes or leave them anonymously.
8. Include Remote Employees in the Celebration
Don’t forget about remote workers! Send them personalized gifts or organize virtual events, such as online games or video calls, to ensure they feel included in the celebrations.
9. Volunteer as a Team
Organizing a group volunteer day can be a meaningful way to give back to the community while cultivating team spirit. Choose local charities or organizations that resonate with your team’s values.
10. Send Daily Virtual Notes of Appreciation
In addition to physical cards, consider sending daily virtual notes leading up to Thanksgiving, recognizing different team members each day for their unique contributions.
11. Support Those Working Over Thanksgiving
Help in-office employees working over Thanksgiving feel comfortable. If possible, offer the option of working from home. If that’s not viable, have a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner catered for them.
Personalized Client Gifting Made Easy
For all your gifting needs this holiday season, Giftpack is here to help simplify the process and maximize the impact of every gift. Our client gifting service uses a custom AI algorithm to create highly personalized gifts for any recipient.
Try Giftpack's company branded swag today.
10 Ideal Thanksgiving Messages to Employees
1. Celebrating You This Holiday Season
The best part about this holiday season is that the company can honor one of its most important members: you. Thank you for putting your blood, sweat, and tears into this job. Notice and appreciate everything you bring to the table. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends, family, and loved ones!
2. Gratitude for Your Unwavering Support
It's that time of year again when we reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us. Your employees and the support they provided during our highs and lows are unquestionably at the top of our gratitude list. You are immensely thankful, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
3. Appreciating Your Generosity and Patience
Your generosity, willingness, and patience in assisting anyone in need have blessed your team. We appreciate having someone like you look out for us. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
4. Your Hard Work Sets the Standard
The devil works hard, but you work harder. You have set high standards for everyone in your company. We are so thankful that we get the chance to see you at work. I am sending you some positive vibes and warm Thanksgiving greetings along the way.
5. Thank You for Being Our Pillar of Strength
This Thanksgiving, we thank each of you for being a pillar of strength during our trying year. You've worked tirelessly to provide exceptional services to our customers and make this company reach new heights. Now that all is done and dusted, it is time to enjoy, relax, and have a great time. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
6. Grateful for Your Mentorship and Wisdom
Thank you for being the best mentor to new employees and, occasionally, to us. Your presence exudes joy, comfort, and wisdom. We are incredibly grateful to have someone with your experience level on our team. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
7. Overcoming Challenges Together
This time of year is a wonderful reminder of how we can overcome any challenge and achieve any goal, but only if we have the right people on our side. Every one of you is unquestionably a big part of why we've accomplished so much in the last year. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, blessings, and joy.
8. Recognizing Your Hard Work and Dedication
We want to express our appreciation for all the efforts, overtime, and hard work you put into your job. We are blessed to have a gem like you in our midst. Happy Thanksgiving!
9. Grateful for Choosing Us
Every Thanksgiving, we show our employees how much we value them. This Thanksgiving, too, we'd like to express our gratitude for your choice to work with us. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to help us achieve our dreams. This Thanksgiving, take the time to enjoy and relish the holiday with your friends, family, and loved ones.
10. Your Dedication Inspires Us All
Since joining, you have been the first person to arrive in the morning and the last person to leave. Such dedication is not only admirable but also serves as a reminder of how fortunate we are to have you on our team. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
27 Perfect Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees
Sure thing! Here’s the list of Thanksgiving gift ideas to get employees:
1. Personalized Mugs
A custom mug featuring their name, initials, or even a meaningful quote that resonates with them makes for a practical yet thoughtful gift. Whether for their morning coffee, tea, or water, a personalized mug can brighten their desk and remind them that you value them.
2. Gourmet Gift Baskets
These baskets can be curated with:
• High-end snacks
• Artisanal cheeses
• Chocolates
• Wine
• Other specialty foods
Gourmet gift baskets offer a luxurious treat that employees can share with family or enjoy during the holiday season, providing a delightful indulgence.
3. Ergonomic Desk Accessories
Consider ergonomic wrist rests, standing desk mats, or lumbar support cushions to enhance workplace comfort. These items can make a big difference in promoting proper posture and preventing aches and pains, showing your team that you care about their well-being.
4. Holiday Candles
Choose candles with warm, festive scents like:
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin spice
• Vanilla
To create a cozy atmosphere. Candles can help employees relax during the holiday season, making them a gift that brings warmth and comfort long after Thanksgiving.
5. Snack Subscription Boxes
These monthly subscription boxes deliver curated snacks, ranging from healthy options like nuts and granola bars to indulgent treats like chocolates. A snack subscription offers a constant reminder of appreciation with every delivery, giving employees something to look forward to.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones
A premium pair of noise-canceling headphones is a fantastic gift for employees who work in noisy environments or from home. They’ll appreciate the ability to focus and block out distractions, whether listening to music, participating in virtual meetings, or simply relaxing.
7. Massage Gift Certificates
Treat your employees to a well-deserved break with a gift certificate for a professional massage. This thoughtful gift encourages relaxation and self-care, showing them that their well-being is a priority for the company.
8. Thanksgiving Meal Kit
Provide your employees with a meal kit with all the ingredients needed for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. This gift takes the hassle out of holiday meal planning, allowing them to focus on enjoying the time with loved ones without worrying about the grocery shopping.
9. Experience Gifts
Give employees the gift of an experience, such as tickets to a local event, a cooking class, or even an online course they’re passionate about. Experience gifts create lasting memories and offer something beyond a material item, making them a meaningful and unique choice.
10. Tech Accessories
Useful gadgets like wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers, or a versatile USB hub can improve both their work and personal life. These tech gifts are practical, and when you select high-quality items, they’ll last for years and be something they use daily.
11. Coffee Subscription
For caffeine-loving employees, a coffee subscription delivers premium, freshly roasted coffee beans or ground coffee to their doorstep. With new flavors and roasts each month, it’s a gift that keeps giving and fuels their productivity at work.
12. Customized Tote Bags
A high-quality tote bag is both stylish and practical. Customize it with the company logo, a meaningful quote, or a unique design. Employees can use it as a work bag, grocery carrier, or weekend tote, making it a versatile and thoughtful gift.
13. E-Readers or Books
An e-reader like a Kindle opens up a world of knowledge and entertainment. Gifting a popular or work-related book can be a thoughtful gesture for book lovers, offering relaxation and professional growth.
14. Fitness Trackers
A fitness tracker like Fitbit encourages employees to stay active and monitor their health. It’s a great way to promote well-being, and employees can use it to track steps, monitor sleep, or even challenge themselves to meet fitness goals.
15. Home Office Upgrades
Help your employees improve their home office setup with practical items like an adjustable laptop stand, quality desk lamp, or even an ergonomic office chair. These gifts can significantly boost comfort and productivity, especially for remote workers.
16. Personalized Holiday Ornaments
A custom ornament featuring their name, the company logo, or a significant date will be a special keepsake they can hang on their tree for years. This gift adds a personal and festive touch to their holiday season.
17. Cooking Gadgets
For employees who love to cook, items like air fryers, immersion blenders, or high-quality kitchen utensils will be appreciated. These gifts make mealtime more enjoyable and convenient, and employees can use them for years to come.
18. Self-Care Kits
Create a custom self-care package with bath bombs, lotions, candles, and herbal teas. This thoughtful gift encourages relaxation and offers employees a well-deserved chance to unwind after a busy workday.
19. Charitable Donations in Their Name
Employees passionate about giving back should consider donating to a charity in their name. It’s a meaningful way to show appreciation while supporting a cause close to your heart.
20. Personalized Leather Goods
High-quality leather gifts, such as wallets, cardholders, or notebook covers, can be monogrammed with their initials. These durable, stylish items are functional and luxurious, making them an impressive gift.
21. Streaming Service Subscriptions
A subscription to Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, or another streaming service gives employees the gift of entertainment. Whether they love movies, music, or documentaries, this gift lets them enjoy their favorite content during downtime.
22. Portable Projectors
A mini projector allows employees to enjoy movies, presentations, or video calls in a larger format from home. It’s a unique gift that provides both fun and practical use.
23. Healthy Meal Delivery Services
For busy employees, a gift card for a healthy meal delivery service like HelloFresh or Blue Apron takes the stress out of meal planning and preparation. It’s a convenient gift that helps them eat well, even on their busiest days.
24. Digital Gift Cards
Whether for Amazon, their favorite coffee shop, or a local restaurant, digital gift cards are a flexible option that allows employees to choose something they truly want or need.
25. Pet Accessories
For employees with pets, gifting items like pet toys, custom pet portraits, or gourmet treats will be a big hit. It shows you care about their furry companions and gives them something special to share with their pets.
26. Virtual Reality Headsets
A VR headset can offer immersive experiences, from gaming to virtual travel, for tech-savvy employees. This gift will provide hours of entertainment and innovative ways to engage with technology.
27. Thanksgiving-Themed Care Package
Put together a cozy care package with fall-themed treats like pumpkin spice-flavored goodies, hot cocoa, cozy socks, and a heartfelt note. This gift creates a warm, festive vibe and is perfect for showing appreciation during Thanksgiving.
Related Reading
• Best Gift Cards For Employees • Team Christmas Gifts • Holiday Party Ideas For Work • Thanksgiving Corporate Gifts • Office Christmas Party Food Ideas • Christmas Theme Ideas For Work • Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees • What To Get Employees For Christmas • New Year Gifts For Employees • Gift Cards For Employees Taxable • Christmas Party Gift Ideas For Employees • New Year Corporate Gifts
What Makes for a Thoughtful Thanksgiving Gift?
Keeping It Professional
When picking a Thanksgiving gift, think about the work vibe, stay respectful, and don't cross any lines. Keep gifts equal to avoid jealousy. Fairness boosts team spirit and keeps the mood light.
Adding a Personal Touch
A personal touch makes a gift special. Know a bit about what your team likes. Ask HR for help or use a quick survey. Even simple info, like coffee or tea preference, helps tailor gifts.
Creating a Positive Experience
Gifts should make your team feel good. Aim for happiness and connection, whether a shared outing or something personal. Think about gifts that make the workplace positive and memorable.
Personalized Client Gifting Made Easy
For all your gifting needs this holiday season, Giftpack is here to help simplify the process and maximize the impact of every gift. Our client gifting service uses a custom AI algorithm to create highly personalized gifts for any recipient.
Try Giftpack's company branded swag today.
How to Get Better at Consistent Employee Appreciation
Employee appreciation must be consistent and not just on special holidays like Thanksgiving. Taking seconds to appreciate your employees regularly goes a long way toward boosting employee morale and confidence.
Scheduling Consistent Appreciation: Make It Routine
Appreciating your team shouldn’t be a once-in-a-blue-moon event. Set aside time daily or weekly to recognize your employees. Maybe it’s your first task in the morning or a dedicated hour each week. Make it as routine as your morning coffee. This way, it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of your busy day.
Tracking Your Recognition: Stay Organized
When juggling a large or remote team, it’s easy to overlook someone’s hard work. Keep a record of who you’ve appreciated and how you did it. A simple checklist can help you ensure no one slips through the cracks. This habit will help you spread the love evenly across your team.
Team Involvement: Peer Recognition
You don’t have to be the only one handing out kudos. Encourage your team to recognize each other’s efforts. This promotes a culture where everyone looks out for each other’s achievements. Let recognition flow from different directions, not just from the top down.
Mixing It Up: Vary Your Recognition Methods
Variety is the spice of life, and it applies to appreciation too. Email is quick and easy, but handwritten notes, video messages, or even casual “thank you” chats can make your recognition stand out. The more personal and varied the method, the more memorable it is.
Quick Appreciation: Add It to Your Emails
A simple “thank you,” “great job,” or “I appreciate your time” can go a long way. Include these phrases in your daily emails and messages. It’s a quick and easy way to offer consistent recognition, even on your busiest days.
Feedback on Appreciation: Make It Meaningful
Not everyone likes to be appreciated in the same way. Ask your team how they prefer to be recognized. Some might love a public shoutout, while others prefer a quiet “thank you.” Show that you’re open to feedback and committed to meaningful recognition.
Related Reading
• Holiday Swag Ideas • New Year Team Building Activities • Holiday Bonuses • Holiday Party Gift Ideas For Employees • Account Based Marketing Gifts • Office Holiday Party Gift Ideas • Holiday Gifts For Remote Employees • Gift Giving At Work Guidelines • Holiday Staff Appreciation Ideas
Build a Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service
Is your company tired of the generic coffee mug or a branded pen? Giftpack takes gifting to another level. Our AI-driven platform uses a custom algorithm to craft personalized gifts based on a person's basic demographics, preferences, social media activity, and digital footprint. We're talking about thoughtful holiday gifts that hit the mark, whether the recipient is an employee, customer, VIP client, friend, or family member.
With over 3.5 million products sourced worldwide, your options are endless. Our goal is to simplify the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift.
Global Delivery Made Easy
There is no need to stress about shipping. Giftpack offers global delivery, making it easy to send gifts to your team members no matter where they are in the world. Our user-friendly platform allows companies to send gifts to their team members effortlessly. We carefully select company branded swag gifts from a wide range of locally and globally sourced options to ensure that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale.
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.
