A thoughtful gift can make employees feel appreciated and boost morale.
Not only do employee appreciation gifts make staff feel good, but employers benefit too. 40% of employed Americans say they’d put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often. In addition, doubling the employee recognition rate results in improved work quality, absenteeism, and inventory shrinkage.
So it’s not a question of if you should give gifts. The question is what to give them?
How much to spend per employee on gifts?
There’s no set amount. Start with a per-person budget, then pick gifts that fit it. We’ve included ideas at a range of price points, including some inexpensive options for tighter budgets.
Top 23 staff appreciation gift ideas
- Gift card
- Company Swag
- Wireless noise-canceling headphones
- Gift certificate to a local eatery
- Custom branded backpack
- Gift certificate to a local coffee shop
- Grocery delivery membership
- Amazon Fire Tablet
- Desk organizer/charging station
- Branded premium jacket
- Company trip to a local amusement
- Office chair seat cushion
- Branded thermos, mug, and tumbler set
- Digital photo frame
- Membership to an online learning platform
- Portable Power Bank
- Lumbar Support Pillow
- Laptop stand or lap desk
- Ergonomic under-desk footrest
- Premium lunch box
- Tile Bluetooth Tracker/Locator
- Book club membership
- Spa treatment with a day off
We’ve put together 23 ideas that work whether you’re buying a gift for one person or the entire team.
1. Gift card
The undisputed champ of favorite staff appreciation gifts is the humble gift card, and it has been for years. Probably because it’s the next best thing to cash; people can choose to spend it on whatever they want or need. For the buyer they’re great, too, taking the guesswork out of gift-giving, easy to buy, and cheap to ship. And hey, no present to wrap.
Almost every major retailer and restaurant offers gift cards, but we recommend the most open-ended gift cards possible, so the receiver has the fewest limitations.
Here are our top 3 picks:
- Visa, Mastercard, or American Express: Cardholders can buy from just about anywhere that accepts credit cards through their networks, which makes these gift cards the most flexible. They can also encourage people to shop local at mom-and-pop stores rather than big retailers. Some providers let you add your company logo or a custom photo.
- Amazon: Gift cards to this retail behemoth are the most popular for the same reasons the company is so popular: massive selection, great deals, easy to navigate, guaranteed delivery (and free delivery if you have Prime). The one limitation is that the card only works on Amazon. They also run occasional promotions that add a bonus credit when you buy an Amazon gift card.
- Target: Target stores are everywhere and have a wide selection of great products, so we’re including this for those who want to give a little bit of the excitement of a shopping spree. There’s still something fun about browsing the aisles with money in your pocket that needs to be spent. If you buy gift cards from Target, they also offer the credit card kind and have discounts for bulk orders (10 or more).
Gift card tip: Make sure to get gift cards, and not pre-paid debit cards. Although prepaid cards may seem to have more options (such as withdrawing from ATMs), they often charge various fees, including activation, monthly, and transaction.
2. Custom branded apparel: T-shirt, hoodie & cap combo
Company-branded swag is a favorite staff appreciation gift, and custom t-shirts, hats, and hoodies are some of the most affordable employee appreciation gifts.
What's also great about custom apparel is your company gains credibility out of the deal, along with some free advertising. Meanwhile, your employees feel appreciated and part of a team. And they look good too. It's a win-win.
A T-shirt, hoodie, and baseball cap combo with a simple printed or embroidered logo keeps the cost per person low, and larger quantities bring bigger price breaks.
Browse our catalog to choose your items and then upload your logo. We handle the rest. Here are three of our most popular items that would make a great gift in combination:
RushOrderTees Classic Tee
- +71 colors
Always in stock, because we match your order to quality tees from brands like Hanes, Port & Company, and Gildan, so reorders for new hires stay simple. Print with no minimum.
3,233 reviews
RushOrderTees Standard Hoodie
- +46 colors
A preshrunk 50/50 blend with a double-lined hood and roomy front pocket, matched to Gildan or Hanes stock so it’s always available. Embroider starting at six, or print with no minimum.
381 reviews
Richardson Adjustable Snapback Trucker Cap
- +110 colors
A structured, mid-profile trucker with a cotton-poly front built for embroidery, a breathable mesh back, and an adjustable snapback. Embroider starting at six, or print with no minimum.
50 reviews
Custom branded apparel buying tip: Get each person’s size before placing your order. If you’re ordering blind, see our guide to ordering the right size breakdown for groups.
3. Wireless noise-canceling headphones
Music helps focus the mind and fuels productivity, along with boosting mood. So what better gift for employees than a brand-new pair of headphones? It's also one of the rare gifts that people still get excited about, even if they already have some. Headphones tend to get lost, damaged, or stolen, so a new set is always welcome.
Plus, technology is always advancing and prices keep dropping, so the latest models sound amazing, do a great job at canceling noise, hold a charge for longer, and won’t break the bank. Here are two affordable picks:
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones: Active noise-canceling over-ear headphones with wireless Bluetooth, 40 hours of playtime, BassUp technology, and memory foam ear cups. They come in black, blue, and silver.
TOZO NC9 Hybrid in-Ear Headphones: Active noise canceling and a snug fit, with features usually found on pricier pairs: one-step Bluetooth pairing, transparent mode, a wireless charging case, and a waterproof design. They come in black, blue, and silver.
Headphones buying tip: Skip the cheapest headphones you can find. According to reviews, they tend to be cheaply made, and the sound quality is lacking.
4. Gift certificate to a local eatery
Encourage bonding and camaraderie between employees as they see each other at a great local restaurant on their lunch break or go together after work for happy hour.
While chain restaurants are dependable, we encourage you to support independent mom-and-pop places. Even a modest gift certificate can cover a few lunches or a dinner out.
Local eatery gift certificate tip: Use Yelp to find the best place in the vicinity of your area. Look for not just the highest-ranking, but look for features such as lunch specials and indoor dining, and read a few of the reviews as well. Or ask around the office and find out which places are already employees’ favorites and why.
5. Custom-branded backpack
A backpack is one staff gift idea that blends promotion with functionality. Branded with a logo, it can be used daily and increase company awareness. We offer a range of backpacks that are high-quality and have all the features people look for. They can fit a laptop, notebooks, a change of clothes, and more.
Nike Brasilia Medium Backpack
A padded sleeve fits most 15-inch laptops, a plush-lined pocket protects headphones, and the body is 100% recycled polyester. Embroider starting at six, or print with no minimum.
Custom branded backpack buying tip: Choose embroidery as your print method of choice for a classy, professional look that lasts, and simplify your logo or design and reduce the size (price increases with colors and complexity).
6. Gift certificate to a local coffee shop
A gift certificate to a local coffee shop is one idea the staff will appreciate. Of course, coffee is a favorite, but employees will appreciate the ability to get tea, energy drinks, kombucha, or whatever they prefer. It’s an easy gift to get right.
Even a small gift certificate covers a lot of mornings. It’s a perk, in more ways than one.
Coffee shop gift certificate tip: Starbucks is the easy go-to as they’re everywhere, but look for an independent coffee shop first. Help support small, local businesses. Use Yelp to find the best place in the vicinity of your area, or ask around the office and find out which places are already employees’ favorites and why.
7. Grocery delivery membership
Grocery delivery has quickly grown into a big industry. Still, many people haven’t yet experienced the convenience and joy of skipping a trip to the supermarket by having someone else do it for you and deliver it right to your door.
A limited membership to one of these services makes a great staff appreciation gift. If your employees like the service, they can renew it. Each one of our picks offers gift cards:
Instacart: One of the biggest and fastest-growing services out there, Instacart leverages the gig economy to bring their customers groceries from any of their favorite stores. It recently streamlined its service, putting them at the top of the pack. They offer bulk gift card deals, and you can choose from various designs.
Shipt: One of the newer services (owned by Target), Shipt focuses on great service and is similar to rideshare apps: they post your request to the app, and one of their fleet of shoppers takes the order. It also includes a rating system. The app ensures accountability, and shoppers honor the smallest requests. Shipt also offers gift memberships.
HungryRoot: This unique service combines grocery delivery and meal plans, focusing on healthy eating and sustainability. New members take a quiz to create a taste and preference profile. Items are curated, but people can choose their own. Gift cards cover groceries and meals.
Grocery delivery membership gift tip: Read the fine print for any service you’re thinking about. Some plans have membership fees, delivery fees, rush fees, or other fees, so look out for that.
8. Amazon Fire Tablet
Amazon Fire tablets are surprisingly affordable and a popular staff gift idea for those that enjoy reading.
Amazon Fire 8: A solid budget tablet with an 8″ screen for basic apps, gaming, and ebook reading. It features 32 GB of storage, up to 12 hours of battery life, and Alexa. It’s hard to beat at this price.
Amazon Fire 10: With twice the RAM, twice the storage, and a processor twice as fast, this one handles most apps, along with HD streaming. It’s a great backup tablet, even for people with an iPad.
9. Desk organizer/charging station
This gift helps tidy up the desktop and keep personal items in place while charging devices all day. Pens, notebooks, post-it notes, and more have a home with these neat and compact charging stations. Say goodbye to clutter, lost items, and dead phones.
Teslyar Wood Phone Docking Station/Desk Organizer: Elegantly designed, made of handsome solid wood, and fully adjustable. The cords are tucked neatly away underneath, and the acrylic pieces allow for custom configurations. The phone charger is removable.
EasyAcc Wireless Charger/Desk Organizer: Slim black leather with stitching, multiple compartments, and two slots for notebooks, papers, or tablets. The wireless charging base works on any Qi-enabled device (most phones), and extra USB ports sit on the side.
FutureCharger Desk Organizer w/ Charging Station: Large black faux leather with stitching and plenty of compartments, including a pen holder, card slots, and a valet tray for keys and watches. The wireless charging base works on any Qi-enabled device (most phones).
10. Branded premium jacket
Our premium jackets make outstanding employee gifts, and jackets tend to be worn more than a custom T-shirt or hoodie, so your company logo is seen more often. Here are three picks: a classic bomber, plus a matching men’s and women’s fleece.
AS Colour College Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets never go out of style. This one pairs a midweight 4.4 oz recycled polyester outer with a quilted padded lining for warmth without the bulk, finished with a classic ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem.
AS Colour College Bomber Jacket
A YKK snap front, two side pockets, an internal patch pocket, and a hidden lining zip that gives easy access for embroidery. Print or embroider starting at 10.
The North Face Skyline Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
The North Face is a premium name your team will recognize. This stretch fleece is 96% recycled polyester and 4% elastane with a soft, brushed interior, so it moves easily and stays warm without weighing you down.
The North Face Skyline Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
A Vislon center zipper, zippered chest and hand pockets, and contrast binding on the hem, collar, and pockets give it a finished look. Embroider starting at six, or print with no minimum.
The North Face Ladies Skyline Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
The matching women’s version of the jacket above, with the same recycled stretch fleece and brushed interior. Order both styles to give the whole team the same look.
The North Face Ladies Skyline Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
Zippered hand pockets, a Vislon center zipper, and micro-elastic binding at the hem keep the fit clean through a full workday. Embroider starting at six, or print with no minimum.
2 reviews
Branded jacket tip: Ordering in bulk lowers the cost per item, and a few other choices can help, too. See our tips for saving money on custom apparel.
11. Company trip to a local amusement
Hosting a company outing is an excellent way to demonstrate your appreciation for your entire staff. Getting the whole team together is an awesome way to build cohesion and bonding.
Many places have group discounts on tickets and special deals for teams, like your own reserved area or food and drink specials. Holding a group event is a favorite team gift idea for meeting a goal. Popular venues include:
- Topgolf: If you haven’t been to Topgolf yet, you’re missing out. You don’t need to know how to play to have fun. It has multiple levels with a nice view, a variety of games for every skill level, great food and drinks, and it lights up at night.
- Six Flags: When you want a big amusement park day, head to your nearest Six Flags. There are locations around the country, each filled with thrill rides and entertainment. Go early and make a day of it.
- Axe throwing: These places are popping up everywhere. While axe throwing sounds like an accident waiting to happen, they prioritize safety by enforcing rules and giving free instruction. Most offer food, drinks, and group deals.
- Bowling: The classic game is still alive and kicking, with bowling alleys going high-tech (glow in the dark, sound effects, and animated digital score displays) and adding full bars and food menus. Most places have arcades and other games, too, so the whole group stays entertained.
Tip for company trips: Consider the food and drink situation, and if you want to cover that expense as part of the trip. Otherwise, let people know that will be separate.
12. Office chair seat cushion
Sitting in the same chair all day in the same position can take its toll. Give the gift of comfort with these ergonomically-designed seat cushions that will relieve pain and pressure and improve blood flow, happiness, and productivity every day.
Everlasting Comfort Office Chair Seat Cushion Pillow: Designed for back, coccyx, and tailbone pain relief. Made with pure memory foam, it conforms to shape and fits any chair. A breathable cover allows air to circulate. Comes in a variety of colors.
ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion: Also designed for back, coccyx, and tailbone pain relief, as well as sciatica, this cushion combines orthopedic gel and memory foam with a non-slip rubber bottom, in black and gray.
Everlasting Comfort Gel Infused Memory Foam Seat Cushion: Similar to the first one but at a lower price point, this one is made with gel-infused memory foam and has ventilation holes to control temperature. Comes in black only.
13. Branded thermos, mug, and tumbler set
A set of company-branded drinkware featuring your logo is the perfect staff gift idea. These items provide a useful service all day, whether it’s keeping coffee hot or soft drinks cold, plus a mug with the company logo to take home.
Larger orders get bigger price breaks, so ordering the set for the whole team keeps the cost per person down.
- Rover 14oz Vacuum Insulated Camp Mug: Durable, double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction keeps drinks hot for five hours or cold for 15 and prevents condensation on the outside. It has a matte finish, and the press-on lid has a slide closure.
- Hydro Flask® All Around™ Tumbler 20oz: Ready for smoothies or your favorite tea, this tumbler keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6. The closeable press-in lid tames splashes and works with a straw.
- Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler 22oz: Copper vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 6, without condensation on the outside. It has a durable powder coating, a push-on lid, and a reusable Tritan straw, and it fits most car cup holders.
14 oz. Rover Vacuum Insulated Camp Mug
At 14 oz and under five inches tall, it’s sized for a morning coffee and fits on a crowded desk. Hand wash to keep the matte finish new. Printed orders start at 12.
Hydro Flask 20 oz. All Around Tumbler
- +2 colors
A tapered shape that fits most cupholders, a Color Last powder coat that stays sweat-free, and 18/8 stainless steel with no flavor transfer. Printed orders start at 12.
22 oz. Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
At 22 oz and nearly 8 inches tall, it’s the biggest of the three, and the wide opening makes it easy to fill with ice. Printed orders start at 24.
14. Digital photo frame
Make your employees feel at home with a digital photo frame they can load up with images of their family, friends, and memories. Maybe even a picture of you. The technology for digital photo frames has come a long way, and most have lots of great features, including the best one: reducing clutter.
LOVCUBE 8-Inch Digital Photo Frame: Features an HD display, motion sensor, photo auto-rotate, USB and SD card slots, and a remote control. It also has a clock and calendar and supports video and MP3s.
BSIMB 9-Inch Digital Picture Frame: Features an HD display, USB and SD card slots, and a remote control. It also has a clock and calendar, supports video and MP3s, and can be wall-mounted.
Aluratek 8-Inch LCD Digital Photo Frame: Features an HD display, USB and SD card slots, a calendar, and an auto-slideshow. This one has a wood frame and can also be wall-mounted.
15. Membership to an online learning platform
Knowledge is one staff appreciation gift that employees will value. Not only does it demonstrate your concern for their personal growth, but it also improves employee skills to strengthen your business.
Having the whole team take the same course can be fun. Some platforms offer starter memberships you can give as gifts, and others let you buy individual courses.
Here are the top 4 that stand out:
- Skillshare: A massive library of courses covering just about any interest. Team plans are flexible and have custom pricing.
- MasterClass: Successful professionals, academics, celebrities, and influencers share what they know, and you can give a membership as a gift.
- Coursera: Real courses from real universities and companies, covering a wide range of useful skills and trades. This can truly count as an investment. Contact sales for team options.
- Udemy: The most affordable of the bunch, since you can buy courses one at a time. Choose from a huge library of video courses with new additions every month, including many business and trade skill courses.
16. Portable Power Bank
Phones, tablets, and earbuds all need a charge, and what’s better for portable devices than portable power? Extra power is always a welcome addition, and the kinds you can buy at a department store tend to be overpriced and run out fast.
Anker PowerCore 20 Ultra High Capacity Power Bank: This sleek, lightweight power bank packs a punch, with fast charging and the capacity to fully charge a phone multiple times over. It includes multiple ins and outs, plus a travel case and a micro USB cable.
Baseus Power Bank: This one holds more charge for a lower price and can charge up to 3 devices at once. It’s also capable of pass-through charging, meaning you can recharge it while it charges your devices.
Minrise Solar Power Bank: Built heavy-duty with plenty of capacity, this one can go anywhere and charge in the sun when needed (or through a wall outlet). Dual outputs charge two devices at the same time, and a safety feature regulates current.
17. Lumbar Support Pillow
An ergonomic back pillow is one staff gift idea that demonstrates your concern for staff well-being and acknowledges that office chairs are uncomfortable for some.
Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow: Made with memory foam, dual adjustable straps, and a machine-washable cover with breathable mesh for temperature control. Comes in multiple colors.
Niceday Lumbar Support Pillow: Also made with memory foam, dual adjustable straps, and a washable, breathable mesh cover. This one has more of a full-back ergonomic design and can be used in a car or wheelchair. It features a built-in zipper and a side pocket.
18. Laptop stand or lap desk
Combining usefulness and affordability, this one is an outstanding gift for those who work from home, either full-time or part-time (which is a lot of people these days). Who wants to sit at a boring desk at home? Give them the gift of being productive from the couch, the bed, the floor, and more.
Rossie Home Premium Acacia Lap Desk: This spacious lap desk fits laptops up to 15.6″ and features a wrist rest, leatherette mouse pad, phone holder, and natural acacia wood surface. The cushion underneath is a blended cotton fabric that contours to your lap.
Amoskey Lap Desk and Tray Table: This highly adjustable (5 leg heights plus a custom table angle) folding desk works on the sofa, the floor, the bed, or a tabletop. It features a wood surface, storage drawer, wrist rest, and phone holder.
19. Ergonomic under-desk footrest
If your team works at desks all day, they’ll welcome the extra comfort. An under-desk footrest provides exactly that and can boost productivity in the process. Properly positioning your feet can benefit your spine and your legs, reducing aches and fatigue. So show you care and make some feet happy.
ErgoFoam Footrest: It features “velvet-soft” memory foam, a large surface area, a detachable cover, and adjustable height for all-day desk comfort.
PaceEarth Footrest and Balance Board: Made of poplar wood, this sturdy footrest will outlast plastic or foam ones. Its rocking action supports blood flow and posture, and it doubles as a balance board for standing desks. It has a non-slip grip surface and supports 400 lbs.
Mind Reader Footrest: Fully adjustable, with an angled structure and textured surface so you can massage your feet while you work. A swivel action lets you dance in your seat, and it’s built from sturdy resin plastic.
Footrest gift tip: Skip the cheapest footrests. According to customer reviews, they tend to be cheaply made and don’t last long. Although they seem like a low-impact item, feet resting on something all day can cause a good amount of wear and tear.
20. Premium lunch box
An insulated cooler is a perfect employee gift for team members who bring lunch to work. They keep food fresh and encourage healthier eating habits.
HSG Thermal Lunch Box Tote: Insulated, leakproof, large, and durable, this tactical cooler has mesh side pockets, an adjustable padded strap, a front compartment, and YKK zippers. It holds 12 cans or 2 to 3 meal preps. Veteran-owned company.
Lille Home Lunch Box Set: This handy kit includes bento-style, BPA-free food containers, a lunch bag, and a portable cutlery set. The vacuum-sealed, insulated lunch box keeps food warm for 4 to 6 hours. This set comes in blue, green, or pink.
FineDine 8-Piece Lunch Box Set: This streamlined lunch cooler has two compartments and 3 glass food containers with leakproof locking lids. It also has an adjustable strap, mesh side pockets, and an ice pack, and the waterproof nylon lining washes easily.
Lunch box gift tip: Include name tags if you’re buying the same lunch box for the whole team.
21. Tile Bluetooth Tracker/Locator
A Bluetooth tracker is a great gift for the coworker who’s always misplacing keys or hunting for their phone. Bluetooth trackers are not the same as GPS trackers (global, require subscriptions, and have limited battery life). They work in short range only, and the batteries can last up to a year. Although they can’t track an object out of range, they can tell you the last place it was in range.
Tile Starter Pack: Includes one Mate (for the keychain) and one Slim tracker (for the wallet). Both work up to 200 ft. The Mate has a 1-year replaceable battery and is water-resistant, and the Slim has a 3-year battery and is waterproof.
Tile Pro: Great for attaching to a keychain, bag, or other portable valuables. It works up to 400 ft, has a 1-year replaceable battery, and is water-resistant. You can even use it to find your phone when it’s on silent mode.
22. Book club membership
Books are one of the best appreciation gifts to give because they come with adventure, love, mystery, comedy, knowledge, inspiration, and much more (depending on the book). The trick has always been picking the right ones.
Book club memberships solve this problem by delivering great reads right to people’s doors, either curated by discerning experts or chosen based on each subscriber’s tastes and preferences.
People rave about the joy they feel getting a new book in the mail, and membership is the literal definition of the gift that keeps on giving. Even non-readers can become avid readers, and that is life-changing. Here are two of the best we found:
TBR (Tailored Book Recommendations): Launched by Book Riot, TBR is one of the newer book clubs on the scene and is tailored to each reader’s taste by its resident “bibliologists.” They offer gift packages in several lengths, including a full year.
Book of the Month Club: The original book club is still going strong (since 1926!). It also happens to be one of the most affordable and easy-to-use memberships. They have three tiers to give as gifts: 3-month, 6-month, and full-year plans.
Book club tip: When choosing a book club, make sure members will have some say in which book they receive, rather than random picks, even if they are picked by book experts. The better plans let members fill out a detailed survey about their interests.
23. Spa treatment with a day off
Our final staff gift idea would probably rank highly in any survey: a day off with a spa treatment. This gift is out of the ordinary, but if you want to be the coolest boss and show appreciation, this will do it.
The price will vary from place to place (Omaha vs. Beverly Hills), along with what’s included. This is a big-ticket item combined with the cost of giving people a full day off. So you may want to reserve it for extra special occasions. Or extra-special employees.
Alternatively, you can go with just the spa treatment alone. That’s affordable enough to give to your whole workforce (and they can schedule the treatment on their own time). We just wanted to end the list with a bang.
Show employees your appreciation with a thoughtful gift
Whatever you choose, a thoughtful gift is the best kind. We hope these employee appreciation gift ideas have given you some options to show your staff how much you value their contribution.
About the Author
A graduate of the Multimedia program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Imri Merritt is an industry veteran with over 20 years of graphic design and color separations experience in the screen printing industry.