Employee Appreciation Day 2024: 5 gifts your team would love to receive

Employee Appreciation Day is fast approaching, and it's essential to let your employees know that you value their work. This reassurance can go a long way toward motivating employees and bringing out their best.

One great way to show your gratitude is through thoughtful gift giving. If you are wondering what to give your employees, here are five gifts that can truly make their day:

• Home office goodies

A well-designed workspace can improve our overall focus and efficiency. Whether your employees are entirely remote or following a hybrid work model, a gift that spices up their home office could work wonders. For instance, if your employees attend several meetings each day, you may choose to gift them high-quality webcams or headsets. You could also elevate their at-home comfort with plush footrests, trigger point massage tools, soft light lamps, temperature control mugs, and similar amenities. Beautiful plants, useful stationeries, and desk organizers are also great options to consider.

• Wellness gifts

You can help your employees improve their well-being and manage stress with self-care gifts. For instance, gym memberships, fitness trackers, and nutrition sessions could support employees in boosting their physical health. You could also gift stress-relievers that help them unwind. For example, you might send them a curated stress-relief kit or provide memberships to regular yoga and meditation sessions. You could even surprise your employees with a day off!  

• Experiential gifts

Who wouldn't want to have a lavish dinner with their family at a five-star hotel or scuba dive in a beautiful setting? By gifting experiences, you allow employees to make memories that they can cherish for a lifetime. We recommend selecting experiential gifts based on your budget. If you have the resources, you could sponsor a weekend retreat for your employees and their families. If not, go for something more simple like restaurant reservations or spa services.

• Awards and recognition

For some employees, tangible awards can be particularly motivating. If you choose this option, we recommend selecting unique award items and titles that reflect employee accomplishments. For instance, if an employee often comes up with creative ideas, you could design an "Out-of-the-Box Thinker" award that looks like an open box with a bulb symbol. You may also choose to engrave employee achievements and names on useful items, such as table lamps, coffee mugs, or water bottles. To take it one step further, you could organize a fun in-person or virtual award ceremony.

• Office outings

Many employees are craving some social time with colleagues, and therefore, well-organized outings could mean the world to your employees. We suggest providing clear options regarding the company budget so that you can take suggestions for potential activities. During the outing, you could even coordinate a short appreciation session, where employees and managers share their gratitude face-to-face. This will go a long way toward improving team relationships.

Wrapping up

Employee Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to recognize your employees' dedication and thank them for going above and beyond for your organization. Gifting is a surefire way to let your employees know you care. 

Also Read: 6 simple ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day virtually