What do employees like as gifts from their employers?

Are you unsure what gifts will truly show your employees you appreciate them? A bad gift can feel impersonal and a wasted opportunity to build morale.

Employees like gifts that are thoughtful, personal, and useful. The best gifts are often experiences, health and wellness items¹, or opportunities for professional growth. These gifts go beyond a simple thank you and show that the company truly values the employee as a person, not just a worker.

I've seen many companies miss the mark when it comes to employee gifts. They often choose something generic or cheap, and it ends up feeling like an obligation. The goal of a gift is to make a person feel seen and appreciated. A great gift can build a deeper connection and strengthen loyalty. Let's look at what really works when it comes to showing appreciation to your team.

What to get staff as a thank you?

You want to show your staff you appreciate their hard work. You are looking for a gift that feels genuine and personal.

To thank your staff, give them gifts that are personalized and practical. Consider gifts that reflect their hobbies or interests. You can also give them experiences like a team-building outing² or a gift voucher for a class. These gifts show you have taken the time to know them as individuals.

I once worked with a small company that had a big heart. Instead of giving everyone the same gift card, the manager took the time to learn what each employee liked. One employee loved hiking, so he got a high-quality water bottle and a gift card to an outdoor store. Another employee loved coffee, so he got a premium coffee bean set and a branded mug. The employees were so happy. They felt seen and appreciated. The gifts were not expensive, but they were thoughtful. A personalized gift says, "I see you and I value who you are outside of work." This kind of gift builds a strong and positive work culture. It’s a great way to boost morale.

What are some ideas for personalized and practical gifts for employees?

A marketing manager like Jacky, who needs to find gifts that strengthen brand awareness, can use these gifts to show his team that the company cares. He can choose gifts that are both practical and align with his company’s values. This makes the gift feel genuine and meaningful.

What is a nice gift to show appreciation?

You want to give a gift that truly shows appreciation. You are looking for something that is both special and meaningful.

A nice gift to show appreciation is one that invests in the employee’s well-being or professional growth. Gifts like a wellness kit, a gym membership, or a course to learn a new skill are great choices. These gifts show that you care about their health and their future, not just their work today.

I've noticed a big shift in what employees value. It's no longer just about the money. They want to feel supported and cared for. A wellness gift is a perfect way to do this. A gift basket with a nice candle, a quality tea set, and a soft blanket shows you want them to relax. A course on a new software or a ticket to an industry conference shows you are invested in their career. These gifts are powerful because they are not just items. They are investments in the person. I had a client once who gave all his employees a subscription to a learning platform. The employees were so happy. They felt that the company saw their potential. This kind of gift builds loyalty that is hard to get with a simple gift card.

What are some great gifts that focus on wellness and professional growth?

For a marketing manager like Jacky, giving gifts that support professional development is a win-win. It helps his team grow their skills, which in turn helps the company. It also shows the team that he is a manager who cares about their future. This kind of thoughtful gift strengthens the bond between the manager and the team.

What is a gift of gratitude?

You want to give a gift that expresses deep gratitude. You are looking for a gift that goes beyond a simple thank you.

A gift of gratitude is a gift that is a symbol of a deeper connection. It is not about the cost, but the meaning behind it. A gift of gratitude is a personalized item, a shared experience³, or a gift of time. It is a gift that says, "I am grateful for you and your unique contributions."

I've learned that the best gifts of gratitude are those that are personal. I had a client who wanted to thank his team for a very successful year. He could have given them a big bonus, but he wanted to do something more. He wrote a personal letter to each employee, thanking them for a specific thing they did. With the letter, he gave them a nice quality notebook and a pen. He told them to use the notebook to write down their future goals. The gift was a symbol of his gratitude for their past work and his hope for their future success. The employees loved it. The personal letter and the thoughtful gift made a lasting impact. This is a gift of gratitude. It’s a gift that creates a lasting memory and a strong bond.

How do you create a gift of gratitude for employees?

A marketing manager like Jacky can use a gift of gratitude to build a strong team. By combining a personalized item with a heartfelt message, he can show his team that he is not just their manager but a mentor and a supporter. This kind of gift builds trust and loyalty, which are key to a successful team.

Conclusion

The best gifts for employees are thoughtful and personal. They go beyond a simple thank you to show genuine appreciation, strengthening team loyalty and building a positive work culture.