Top Employee Appreciation Gifts for 2026

Acknowledge your employees with personalized staff appreciation day gift ideas, or give them fun motivational gifts that recognize their hard work.

Get ready for Employee Appreciation Day by browsing our selection of hundreds of employee appreciation gifts now. Check back regularly to see the newest gifts for employees that we have available.

Why is Employee Appreciation Important?

Recognizing your team with staff appreciation gifts is more than just gift-giving; it's a key part of building a thriving workplace. Our gift ideas come from a genuine desire to recognize and celebrate your team's contributions.

When you show appreciation, employees feel more engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles. Thoughtful appreciation gifts for employees, whether tokens of appreciation or premium corporate thank you gifts for coworkers, help foster loyalty and boost morale. A well-planned staff appreciation gift strengthens relationships, enhances job satisfaction, and reinforces each employee's value to the company.

Here are some of the many benefits of giving out employee appreciation gifts.

Higher Employee Retention

Retaining top talent starts with making employees feel valued. By recognizing hard work with gifts, you show your team that their contributions matter. Investing in company appreciation gifts helps boost employee morale, foster loyalty, and create a workplace where people want to stay.

Better Performance

Employees who feel valued are more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. Some great ideas include personalized awards or more practical appreciation rewards. By showing your appreciation with meaningful associate appreciation gifts, you create a culture that motivates employees to perform at their best.

Company Culture

Employee appreciation gifts make employees feel appreciated and valued. Those feelings help build a better company culture. Employee gifts help reinforce a sense of belonging and pride. Providing employee appreciation gifts fosters stronger relationships, promotes teamwork, and cultivates a positive, collaborative work environment.

23 Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

What makes a good employee appreciation gift for your team members? The best gifts express gratitude while celebrating achievement. Want to give great gifts to your coworkers this year? Check out these ideas to get inspired.

1. Desk Accessories

Desk accessories are practical and meaningful employee recognition gifts because they help you recognize each person's contributions. They add a personal touch to workspaces and highlight the value of every team member. From grow kits and plants to paperweights, these gifts will be constant reminders of your thanks.

2. Bags & Totes

Tote bags and company gift bags are great employee appreciation gifts that demonstrate your gratitude and can be used every day. They're practical, make employees feel valued, and you can customize them so they feature your company's logo.

3. Drinkware & Bottles

Tell your employees that you're thankful for everything they do whenever they take a sip of coffee or a drink of water with ceramic coffee mugs or stainless steel bottles. Add in a gift card to their favorite coffee shop to make this a great employee gift.

4. Stress Relievers & Games

In a modern office, stress relievers make the perfect gifts, helping reduce stress and increase creativity. Our exclusive fun, motivational gifts include games, toys, and many other items that will help them destress and have more fun while they're working.

5. Gift Sets

A gift box allows you to create a unique employee gift with multiple items from this list. Whether you want to include desk accessories, company swag, or anything else, these gift baskets can be tailored to the employee's interests.

6. Personalized Gifts

Personalized employee appreciation gifts are a great way to connect with your staff. From engraved keepsakes to vases and clocks, make your gift personal by engraving names, dates, and even your company logo on these items.

7. Tech Accessories

Tech accessories make practical and thoughtful gifts that enhance productivity. These accessories help employees stay connected while tackling their work. A tech accessory is a great gift for remote employees because it can help bridge the gap between home and office.

8. Pens & Pen Sets

Functional and fun, pens are some of the best employee appreciation gifts and make great additions to the office! If you can't decide on the perfect gift, you can be sure that many employees will appreciate a good pen.

9. Journals & Notebooks

A great way to keep your appreciation in their hands, our journals and notebooks are extremely practical items that are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles. Some of them even feature designs that highlight your appreciation for their work. They can also be customized to create a one-of-a-kind personalized employee gift.

10. Eco-Friendly Gifts

Great gift ideas for employee appreciation don't need to add to your carbon footprint. Businesses can embrace eco-friendly gifts, including items made from recycled materials or gifts that eliminate single-use items. This shows your team that you care about them and the environment.

11. Remote Employee Gift Boxes

Curated gift boxes are a creative way to show appreciation for remote employees, turning the challenge of distance into an opportunity for connection. These thoughtfully assembled packages bring a personal touch to their home office. By surprising your team with these fun and engaging corporate appreciation gifts, you demonstrate that their efforts are valued, no matter where they're working.

12. Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are a stylish and meaningful way to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. These small but impactful tokens are fun keepsakes that recognize individual achievements and milestones. Whether customized with company branding or tailored to specific accomplishments, you can't go wrong with a lapel pin.

13. Year End and Holiday Gifts

Employee appreciation is an ongoing effort, and year-end holiday gifts provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate a year of hard work and success. Thoughtful corporate gifts spread holiday cheer and express gratitude to your team.

14. Trophies or Plaques

Customize trophies and plaques with the recipient's name and a description of their accomplishment to add a personal touch. Whether displayed at work or at home, these keepsakes serve as enduring reminders of your coworkers' hard-earned success.

15. Logo Swag and Branded Apparel:

Logo swag and branded apparel are popular options for employee appreciation gifts. Personalized items, such as clothing in company colors embroidered with your logo and the employee's name, can foster a sense of belonging and pride. Custom merchandise like tote bags, caps, or water bottles can also be practical and stylish additions to everyday life.

16. Gift Cards

Gift cards are a versatile and highly appreciated way to recognize employees' hard work. By choosing options from popular retailers or local favorites, you allow team members the flexibility to pick something they truly enjoy.

17. Wellness Packages

Wellness packages are a thoughtful way to support your employees' health and relaxation. Gift certificates to local spas, massage therapists, or wellness services lets your team members unwind and recharge. These gifts show that you value their well-being.

18. Personalized Clocks and Timepieces

Stylish clocks and timepieces make elegant and lasting gifts. Whether it's a sleek desk clock, a modern wall piece, or a classic wristwatch, these items are both functional and symbolic. Add engraving with the employee's name or a meaningful message to turn a timepiece into a cherished keepsake.

19. Online Subscription Services

Whether it's a music streaming service, an audiobook or e-book platform, access to online courses for professional development, or a video streaming subscription for relaxation, these gifts provide value beyond the workplace. Subscriptions cater to a wide variety of interests and give people the freedom to choose what will best enhance their lives.

20. Gourmet Food Baskets

Gourmet food baskets are a delightful way to treat your employees. Carefully assembled with high-quality treats, these baskets offer a tasty experience that employees can enjoy with family or friends. Personalizing the contents to suit different tastes makes the gift feel special and thoughtful.

21. Ergonomic Office Equipment

Ergonomic office equipment improves comfort and productivity. Items like adjustable chairs, standing desks, ergonomic keyboards, and supportive footrests can improve posture and reduce physical strain, helping employees stay comfortable during long work hours. By providing these tools, you show that you care about their well-being and want to create a work environment that supports their health, leading to happier, more productive team members.

22. Fitness Trackers or Gym Memberships

Fitness trackers and gym memberships are excellent gifts for promoting health and wellness. A fitness tracker can motivate people to stay active and monitor their progress, while a gym membership offers access to local fitness centers or wellness programs.

23. Donation to a Charity

Making a donation to a charity in an employee's name is a deeply meaningful way to show appreciation while giving back to the community. By supporting a cause that is important to the employee, you demonstrate that you value their personal passions and values.

How to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day is a time when your business can come together to commemorate the exemplary effort your team has shown and use employee appreciation gift ideas to recognize achievements. This is a company-wide event that goes beyond birthdays and work anniversaries.

Hosting a special event and giving staff appreciation gifts creates long-lasting results that improve morale, keep employees motivated, and strengthen relationships among coworkers. Whether big or small, appreciation gifts for employees recognize their efforts and can create meaningful moments that inspire your staff.

Here are some ideas for making your next Employee Appreciation Day special:

Hold a Luncheon

The best company appreciation gifts don't have to be physical objects. Besides keeping stomachs fueled and happy, a company lunch offers ample opportunities for socializing and gratitude. Company leaders can mingle with staff and express thanks for a job well done, while everyone enjoys a well-deserved break in the day.

Throw a Party

A social get-together at the office or after work gives employees the chance to bond with each other and have some fun.

Party theme ideas include an office Olympics, a luau, or a casino night. Create games for the party that promote teamwork, and offer rewards that emphasize making a difference or playing an essential part to complement the goal of employee appreciation.

Give Gifts

Besides reducing turnover rates, thoughtful Employee Appreciation Day gift ideas can serve as constant reminders of your thanks while also being practical. Items like mouse pads or pens are gifts your employees will love using and that will continue to bring smiles to their faces long after they've received them.

Make It Unique

Gifts for employees that are truly special will be cherished. A custom photo gift or plaque can spotlight an exciting moment from the employee's career, or you can add the receiver's name to a precious item like a personalized clock.

7 Employee Appreciation Event Ideas

In addition to thoughtful gift ideas for Employee Appreciation Day, simple acts of recognition are a fantastic way to celebrate and honor your team's hard work. Here are some creative ideas to commemorate your team's dedication and create lasting memories.

1. Bring a Box of Doughnuts or Snacks for Employees

Offer a sweet surprise to show your appreciation, and consider pairing it with a "Donut I'd Do Without You" punny note.

2. Buy Your Employees a Cup of Coffee

Along with the coffee, hand out customized mugs to make it even more special.

3. Give Out a Handwritten Thank-You Notes

For an added touch, include thoughtful desk accessories to show your appreciation.

4. Give a Speech and Say "Thank You" to Your Employees

After your speech, present each employee with a thank-you gift to commemorate the moment.

5. Create a Certificate of Appreciation for Everyone in the Office

Pair certificates with frames so your team can proudly display their achievement.

6. Offer Extra Time for Lunch or to Leave Work Early

Enhance this perk with a stress reliever gift to encourage a well-deserved break.

7. Bring in Pizza or Host a Potluck

Make the event memorable with branded tableware for a festive touch.

Appreciating employees shouldn't be limited to a single day each year. Use these ideas year-round whenever you want to reward employees or show your appreciation.

How to Create a Successful Employee Appreciation Day

Organizing an Employee Appreciation Day that truly resonates with your team is easier than you might think. By following a few simple steps, you can design an event that not only shows gratitude but also strengthens bonds and boosts morale. From selecting the right activities to personalizing your approach, here's how to create a memorable and meaningful Employee Appreciation Day that your team will love:

Set Aside Money in Your Budget.

When you plan your company budget at the start of the year, set aside money for staff appreciation gift ideas. You don't want to have to skip gifts because you don't have the funds due to poor planning. Without employee recognition, your company is at risk of seeing a loss in engagement and productivity. Give staff a reason other than a paycheck to work hard. Have money ready to invest in events like an Employee Appreciation Day party. Select employee gifts under $10 or expand your budget to gifts under $25.

Send Out Sufficient Notice

In an email or company announcement, inform staff of the date and time of the event so you can encourage participation. This will allow them to plan ahead, whether it means leaving that hour open or planning to come into the office that day if they work remotely.

Leverage Vendor loyalty

A lot of companies have a local restaurant they turn to for lunch meetings and company events. Using the same establishment for catered functions is a good idea since many restaurants offer discounts for loyal customers. You can also rest easy knowing that the food is delicious and the service is friendly.

Choose an All-Inclusive Menu

If you're serving food to employees, consider all types of diets and food preferences when hiring a caterer or booking a restaurant. Send out an email a few days before the event and ask if anyone has any food allergies. Have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other options to accommodate all tastes and dietary needs.

Employee Appreciation Speech Ideas

As a business leader, thanking and motivating employees personally through a quick speech at a company lunch or event can benefit morale.

Write Your Speech Early

Chances are good that you have a few specific points you want to get across during your speech. These may include briefly summarizing the company's goals and noting certain benchmarks your team has met and how they've helped the business. Highlight these beforehand so you don't end up forgetting to mention something important. This will also help you to keep your speech short and sweet.

Emphasize Success Through Real Stories

Research shows employees are more likely to be engaged with their work when their leaders are. A passionate and engaged leader will talk about both individual successes and those made by the company as a whole. Show your enthusiasm and engagement by mentioning two or three specific stories where your team excelled, and call out the staff members who made individual achievements.

Make Goals Personal and Specific

Talking about the potential you see in your company is a key point to make in your speech. However, it's not going to hit home for your audience unless you make it personal. Tell them that you're excited about how specific products or projects are going to drive the company's success. Show your staff the trust and faith you have in them. Explain that you have high expectations because you know you have a team that is talented enough to exceed your goals.

Research shows employees are likely to leave a company because of poor leadership. As a manager or business owner, you are the one your employees look to for direction and motivation. After you've expressed clear goals for your team and recognized key players in the company's success, it helps to note how proud you are of your staff as a whole, the confidence you have in them and their abilities, and how excited you are to continue leading them.

Convey Gratitude With Employee Appreciation Day Gifts

You've learned why it's important to have an Employee Appreciation Day and how to make it effective for the management team and employees. However you choose to celebrate, giving out employee appreciation gifts is a way for employees to have a real token of your gratitude. Start planning for your next Employee Appreciation Day by checking out the gift ideas Successories offers.

Employee Appreciation Day FAQ

What is Employee Appreciation Day?

Employee Appreciation Day is an annual event where employers recognize and thank their employees for their hard work and dedication.

When is Employee Appreciation Day?

Employee Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in March. It is a day dedicated to recognizing and thanking employees for their hard work.

Why is Employee Appreciation Day important?

Employee Appreciation Day is important because it boosts morale, increases engagement, and shows employees that their efforts are valued, which can lead to higher productivity and retention rates.

How can I celebrate Employee Appreciation Day?

You can celebrate Employee Appreciation Day by organizing a special event, giving personalized gifts, writing thank-you notes, or offering extra time off. Browse our employee appreciation gifts for more ideas.

What are some unique gift ideas for Employee Appreciation Day?

Some unique gift ideas include personalized awards, custom mugs, branded office supplies, and relaxation gift sets. Check out our unique employee gifts or more inspiration.

How can I make Employee Appreciation Day more meaningful?

To make Employee Appreciation Day more meaningful, personalize your recognition efforts by acknowledging individual achievements, involving the entire team in celebrations, and providing thoughtful and customized gifts. Explore our personalized recognition products to add a special touch.