Employee appreciation gifts are the secret sauce to a happy and motivated workforce. They're a tangy blend of recognition, gratitude and a dash of generosity - all served up in a neatly wrapped package! They come in all shapes and sizes, from a simple "thank you" note to an all-expense paid vacation. These gifts not only bring a smile to employees' faces, but also create a positive work culture that is sure to keep employees coming back for more. We know that employees are the backbone of any organisation's success so to keep the backbone steady and healthy it is important to recognize employees for their efforts and appreciate them from time to time. But we understand the hustle to choose the right employee appreciation gifts. That's why we have compiled the top 10 tips to choose the right employee appreciation gift. From unique ideas to out-of-this-world experiences, we've got something for everyone. It's our secret recipe for keeping employees motivated, engaged and oh-so-appreciated. So sit back, relax and get ready to be inspired by our top-notch employee appreciation gifts ideas. What are Employee Appreciation Gifts? Employee appreciation gifts are like the spice of business relationships. Because let's face it, who doesn't love a good gift? Whether it's a small token of appreciation or a grand gesture, employee gifting is the perfect way to show your clients, employees and partners to show gratitude and that you truly value their contributions and care about strengthening the bond. Employee appreciation is the practice of giving gifts to clients, employees, and other business partners to show gratitude and strengthen relationships. It can be a simple gesture of thank you or a way to celebrate milestones and achievements. The gifts can be anything from a small token of appreciation, such as a personalised pen or a branded tote bag, to a more luxurious gift, such as a splendid watch or a trip. Employee gifts are not just about the gift itself, but also about the thought and effort that goes into choosing the perfect gift for the recipient. It's a way to express gratitude that you value and appreciate the relationship, and it can help build stronger, more meaningful connections with clients, employees, and partners. What Makes a Good Employee Appreciation Gift? It's a question as old as time, and the answer is as unique as a fingerprint. But here are a few options that are a hit with the masses: Time off to recharge their batteries Bonuses to boost their bank accounts Professional growth opportunities to level up their careers A pat on the back and recognizing employees for their hard work Wellness perks to keep them healthy and happy Team-building fun to strengthen bonds and memories Practical gifts to simplify their daily lives Opportunities to give back and make a difference No matter what the gift is, it's the thought that counts and shows that the appreciation is genuine. How to Choose the Right Employee Appreciation Gifts? Employee appreciation gifts are like a pat on the back, but better and more heartfelt. Choosing the right one can be tricky, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In today's world, where sustainability and corporate social responsibility are becoming increasingly important, choosing gifts that align with these values is crucial. According to Survey done by KPMG: 8 out of 10 individuals want to buy environmentally-friendly gifts that send a positive message. (KPMG) ‘’Companies are switching to zero-waste or low-waste gifting options like plants to ensure sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). A KPMG survey revealed that nearly eight out of ten people prefer to purchase items from businesses that give back to the community, with over 90% willing to pay a premium for the same.’’ By opting for sustainable corporate gifts, not only are you showing your clients and employees that you care about their well-being, but you are also making a positive impact on the environment. Employee appreciation gifts are a great way to show your employees that you value and appreciate their hard work and dedication. So, let's raise the bar on corporate gifting and make a statement by choosing sustainable options that are both thoughtful and memorable. . . However, choosing the right one can be a bit tricky, but don't sweat it, we've got your back with an ultimate guide to employee appreciation gifts ideas to help you make the perfect pick that will make your employees feel valued and appreciated. Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Employee Appreciation Gifts 1. From Thoughtful to Heartfelt - Create an Emotional Connection with Corporate Gifting Building an emotional connection with an employee appreciation gift involves taking the time to understand the recipient's interests, preferences, and needs. This means going beyond just giving a generic gift and instead taking the time to personalise the gift to the individual need to make them feel appreciated which helps in creating a great gift. Employee appreciation gifts are crucial to maintaining a healthy workplace environment and can help to boost employee morale and productivity. One way to do this is to gather information about the recipient's interests and preferences before choosing a gift. This can be done through conversations, surveys, or even social media research. Once you have this information, you can choose the best employee appreciation gift that aligns with their interests and preferences. 2. Shining a Light to Your Brand - Show Off Your Brand (But Not Too Much) While Being Thoughtful When it comes to employee gifting, it's important to remember that the gifts you give are not just about the physical item, but also about the message and image they convey. By carefully selecting gifts that align with your brand's values and aesthetics, and by including your brand name and company logo on the gift and packaging, you can create a strong association between your brand and the gift in the mind of the recipient. But don't overdo it! because remember sometimes less is more. One way to do this is to create a custom gift collection that is unique to your brand. This can be done by incorporating your brand's colours, brand’s slogan (and it gives you the chance to be creatively witty), or even product lines into the gifts. 3. Wow your Employees with High-Quality Gifts By selecting a few high-quality gifts that align with the brand's values and messaging, rather than a large quantity of lower-quality gifts, a brand can demonstrate that it values the recipients' experience and is willing to invest in creating a positive impression. When we are talking about quality, sustainability goes hand in hand because a product that is sustainably produced often offers a better user experience is more durable and is more likely to be appreciated by the recipients. Additionally, giving a few high-quality gifts can also make a more lasting impact. Benefits of giving high-quality gifts: Quality gifts are more likely to be used and appreciated, which can increase the chances of recipients remembering the brand and associating it with positive experiences. And it also shows that the company is not just doing it for the sake of doing it but they are putting thought and effort into their actions. Gifting high-quality items also adds a touch of class and elegance to the brand, showing that the company has a high standard and is willing to invest in making a lasting impression on the recipients which makes your gifts great employee appreciation gifts. 4. Add a Dash of Excitement during an Unboxing Experience Presentation is an important aspect of corporate gifting, as it can significantly impact the recipients' perception of the gift and the brand. You can make your employee gifting stand out and also at the same time you can make Mother Earth smile. A well-presented gift can convey thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating a positive experience. Here are several ways to add a "wow" moment during the unboxing experience of a corporate gift: Packaging: Make the unboxing experience special by using high-quality, attractive gift baskets. This could include a luxurious gift box or a unique wrapping paper that sets the tone for the gift inside done by using layers of tissue paper, or by enclosing smaller gifts inside a larger box. Incorporating sustainability into the presentation of corporate gifts can add an additional layer of value and communicate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Not only will you make a lasting impression on your recipients, but you'll also show that your brand is committed to making the world a better place, one gift at a time Add-ons: Include small surprises or add-ons with the gift to create a "wow" moment. For example, a handwritten note, a small token or a special packaging that makes the unboxing experience more unique. Themed unboxing: Creating a themed unboxing experience can add an element of surprise and make it more memorable. For example, using a theme that reflects the recipient's interests or the occasion for which the gift is given. 5. Stand Out from the Crowd - Add Uniqueness While Giving Out Employee Appreciation Gifts Imagine giving gifts like a coffee mug, a pen, or a notebook. Sounds boring right? But what about a notebook made from stone or a pen made from grass or a no-plastic mobile cover? YES, you read it right. At agood company, you can find these unique products that will make your recipients feel unique and at the same time, you are showing mother earth that you care for her as well (after all we only have one). By incorporating uniqueness into corporate gifting, companies can make a lasting impression on the recipients and help to build stronger relationships. It also helps the company to stand out and create a memorable brand experience. 6. Shake It up by Giving Gifts at an Unexpected Time - Surprising Employee Gifts Giving gifts early can make your brand stand out from the rest of the competitors. Don’t just give the gifts at the expected time of the year like Christmas or the Holidays. By doing this you will be able to add a dash of excitement to your corporate gifting and express appreciation properly. Surprise your clients and employees by giving them gifts in the off-season of the year. This will help you in getting their undivided attention and make it a core memory for them that they will cherish for a long time. With a little bit of planning, you'll be able to knock the socks off your customers and partners and leave a lasting impression. And remember, a little bit of surprise can go a long way in creating positive memories and associations with your brand. How about a Surprise self-care kit? 7. Give Gifts That Keep on Giving - Source Your Gifts Ethically for Corporate Gifting If you want to take your corporate gifting game to the next level then it is important to source your gifts ethically. From fair trade to organic to B Corps, there are plenty of options to ensure that your gifts are not only thoughtful but also ethically and sustainably sourced. With a little bit of research and creativity, you'll be able to give gifts that not only delight your recipients but also make a positive impact on the world. But you don’t have to wear your detective hat as we have already solved that mystery for you. Agood company is a B-Corp certified company, that specializes in sourcing one-of-a-kind treasures for your clients and employees. From unique items to exclusive experiences, we go above and beyond to find gifts that are not just good for business, but also high-quality, sustainable, and tailored to the recipient's interests and preferences. We are like detectives on a mission, tracking down the best gifts the world has to offer. We won't rest until we find the perfect gift that shows your appreciation, values, and commitment to quality. So why settle for ordinary when you can give extraordinary? Trust us, your clients and employees will be wowed. 8. Make Your Gifting Experience a Story to Remember for Your Employees An appreciation gift is not just an object, but a tale waiting to be told. Show your commitment to building deeper connections with your clients, employees, and partners by sourcing gifts that not only reflect your brand's values and aesthetic but also tell a unique and meaningful story. By choosing gifts that align with sustainable and ethical values, you can make the gift more personal, memorable and impactful. For example, by including a story or message that explains the sustainable aspect of the gift, you can create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the gift, and your brand's commitment to sustainability. Another way to incorporate sustainability and storytelling into corporate gifting is to share the stories behind the sustainable sourcing, production and packaging of the gifts and products. This can help to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of your brand's values, commitment and impact on the environment and society. 9. Personalise your Employee Gifts While giving out gifts, it's easy to fall into the trap of sending out generic, impersonal gifts to your clients and employees. But why settle for ordinary when you can make a lasting impression and make your employees feel appreciated with something truly unique and personal? Add a personal touch with a personalised message or a short note in your gift box to appreciate their efforts and create a personal memory with your employees and client At agood company, we understand the importance of making your recipients feel special and valued. That's why we go the extra mile to curate thoughtful, personalised gifts that are tailored to their interests and preferences. From handcrafted artisanal items to exclusive experiences, we've got you covered. Our gifts speak louder than words, they convey your appreciation and leave a lasting impression on the recipient. So, take your corporate gifting to the next level and give your recipients something truly special. Trust us, you won't regret it and they will be ecstatic. 10. Try Online Appreciation Gifts: Gift Cards Online gifting is like a genie in a lamp. It grants your wish in choosing the right employee appreciation gifts with ease and efficiency. It allows you to reach a wider range of recipients with the click of a button and personalise gifts based on their preferences. Corporate gifting can involve both physical gifts, such as products or services, and digital gifts, such as gift cards or vouchers. Online gifting can be a great way for companies to make a big impact, without breaking the bank. Examples of online gifts that can be used for corporate gifting include: Gift cards for popular retailers or online marketplaces, like a magical shopping spree E-vouchers for experiences or services, like an adventure in a virtual world Digital subscriptions or memberships, like a VIP pass to exclusive content Online courses or certifications, like a brain boost potion By incorporating online gifting into their corporate gifting strategy, companies can take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of digital gifts, while still showing appreciation and promoting their brand. Like a magic trick, it's all about making the impossible possible. Pro Tip:Throw a Party Add Inclusivity to Your Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas and Make Everyone Feel Included Corporate gifting is like a party, and everyone should be invited. Inclusivity while appreciating your employees means making sure that everyone feels included and valued, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, and identities. It's like making sure there's something for everyone on the menu, whether they are vegetarian, gluten-free or have a nut allergy. It boosts employee morale for all the team members and gives them a good employee appreciation experience. One way to do this is by organising events that are always fun to attend because it gives participants a chance to chat, meet new people, and celebrate achievements. So why not have an employee appreciation day? Or better yet – organise an event that the whole department can attend so everyone feels included and recognized and your wish to honour employees' appreciation gifts can help employees keep their gratitude in their hands and be remembered. Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect reason for managers of all levels to show their gratitude for their employees with great employee appreciation gift ideas. This could be for achieving a goal, completing a project, qualifying for an award, or just because they did something good for the organisation. It’s up to you to pick the date and time, but we recommend doing it during non-work hours so no one has to take off from work. Agood Company has a wide variety of exclusive, high-quality personalised gifts for your employee appreciation program that we know your team members will love. From green stationaries to recycled bottles, there's something for everyone on your team. Conclusion In conclusion, customising corporate gifts is all about finding the right balance between thoughtfulness, creativity, and responsibility. Here are key findings to make your corporate gifting a smash: To make your corporate gifting a success, it's important to prioritise eco-friendly and sustainable options such as using sustainable materials and reusable gifts, plan ahead and incorporate the surprise factor by timing the gift giving, personalising the gifts, getting creative with delivery and following up with the recipients. Additionally, it's important to choose high-quality gifts that align with your brand's values and messaging, and support ethical and sustainable suppliers, like B Corps, that are committed to using their business as a force for good. By following these tips, you'll be able to give gifts that will make your recipients smile and the planet happy, while also building stronger relationships with customers and partners, reinforcing the brand's identity, and promoting sustainable living. Remember, corporate gifting is not just about giving gifts, but also about communicating your brand's values and showing your commitment to being socially and environmentally responsible. So, go forth and give gifts that not only show that your brand is thoughtful, but also responsible and innovative. And if you like our tips, you can check out eco friendly gifting ideas that can make your employee appreciation gifting journey sustainable as well as phenomenal. And if you have your own ideas of corporate gifting products we would love to hear from you. Happy gifting!!