35 Gift Ideas for Employees That Will Make Them Forget About That Time You Forgot Their Names

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Ah, employee gifts. A tricky terrain to navigate. You want to show your appreciation, but you also don’t want to break the bank or accidentally offend someone with a poorly chosen present.

Fear not, my friend! We’ve compiled a list of 35 gift ideas for employees that are sure to make them forget about the time you forgot their names (we won’t tell if you don’t). So sit back, relax, and let’s get gifting!

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best gifts for employees

As a boss or manager, you know that your employees are the backbone of your organization. They work hard day in and day out to make your company a success, and it’s important to show them how much you appreciate all that they do.

One way to do that is by giving them thoughtful gifts. But let’s be honest: coming up with gift ideas can be a real pain in the neck. That’s where we come in.

In this post, we’ll offer some gift ideas that are both practical and fun, and we’ll do it all with a healthy dose of humor. So whether you’re looking to thank your employees for a job well done or just want to give them a little something to brighten their day, read on for some hilarious inspiration.

Practical gifts for employees

Let’s start with some practical gift ideas that your employees will actually use. These gifts may not be the most exciting, but they’ll definitely come in handy.

  1. Coffee Mugs – Let’s face it, most people need their morning caffeine fix to get through the day. A personalized coffee mug will not only help your employees get their daily dose of caffeine but will also make them feel special.

  2. Desk Organizers – Help your employees keep their workspace neat and tidy with a desk organizer. Not only will it help them stay organized, but it’ll also make them look like they have their life together (even if they don’t).

  3. Stress Balls – Sometimes work can be stressful, and employees need an outlet to release their frustration. Enter the stress ball. They’re perfect for those moments when your boss is driving you crazy, and you need to take a deep breath and squeeze something.

Sure, these gifts may not be the most thrilling, but they’ll definitely be appreciated when your employees need them the most. And who knows, maybe your employees will even start to enjoy organizing their desks or squeezing their stress balls a little too much!

Food gifts for employees

Let’s be honest, food is always a crowd-pleaser. Here are some food-related gift ideas that your employees will love.

  1. Chocolate – You can never go wrong with chocolate. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when your employees need a little boost during the day. Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate?

  2. Popcorn – Popcorn is another great snack to keep at the office. It’s easy to share and perfect for those long afternoons when your employees need a little distraction.

  3. Gourmet Snacks – If you really want to show your appreciation, consider giving your employees some gourmet snacks like fancy cheeses or cured meats. It’ll make them feel like they’re living the high life, even if they’re stuck in the office.

These gifts are sure to make your employees’ day, and they’ll definitely be appreciated when hunger strikes. Just be prepared for your employees to be constantly raiding the snack stash!

Technology gifts for employees

Let’s face it, we’re all a little too reliant on technology these days. But hey, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Here are some tech-related gift ideas for your employees.

  1. Wireless Earbuds – Whether your employees are on a conference call or just trying to block out their noisy co-workers, wireless earbuds are a game-changer. Plus, they’ll be the envy of all their non-wireless earbud-having colleagues.

  2. Smartwatch – Help your employees stay on top of their game with a smartwatch. They can track their steps, monitor their heart rate, and even receive notifications right on their wrist. It’s like having a personal assistant on your arm (but without the attitude).

  3. Portable Charger – Let’s face it, our phones are always dying when we need them the most. Help your employees stay connected with a portable charger. Plus, they’ll be able to charge their devices on-the-go, so they never have to worry about running out of battery during a busy workday.

These gifts will definitely make your employees’ lives easier, but they might also contribute to their technology addiction. Just be prepared for your employees to be even more glued to their screens than usual!

Personalized gifts for employees

Last but not least, let’s talk about personalized gifts. These gifts show that you really took the time to think about your employees and what they would like.

  1. Customized T-Shirts – Give your employees a sense of camaraderie with customized t-shirts that feature your company logo or inside jokes. They’ll feel like part of the team, and it’ll also make for a great conversation starter in the break room.

  2. Personalized Stationery – In today’s digital age, a handwritten note goes a long way. Give your employees some personalized stationery so they can send handwritten notes to clients, colleagues, or loved ones. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that will be appreciated for years to come.

  3. Nameplate or Desk Sign – Make your employees feel special with a personalized nameplate or desk sign. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in their workspace, and it’s also a great way to show off their job title or nickname.

These gifts may be small, but they’ll make a big impact on your employees. And who knows, maybe your employees will be so thrilled with their personalized gifts that they’ll start to forget about that time you made them work on a Saturday.

Gift ideas for employees on a budget

Gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly gift ideas that will show your employees you care without draining your wallet.

  1. Company Swag – If your company has any branded items like t-shirts, water bottles, or pens, consider giving them as gifts to your employees. Not only will it show your appreciation, but it’ll also help promote your brand.

  2. Homemade Treats – Who doesn’t love homemade goodies? Consider baking some cookies or brownies to share with your employees. It’s a thoughtful and inexpensive way to show your appreciation.

  3. Personalized Note – Sometimes the most meaningful gifts don’t cost a thing. Write a personalized note to each of your employees, expressing your gratitude and appreciation for all that they do. It’s a simple gesture that will go a long way.

These budget-friendly gift ideas will show your employees that you value them without putting a dent in your budget. Just be prepared for your employees to ask for more cookies next year!

Christmas gift ideas for employees

The holidays are a time to spread joy and cheer, and what better way to do that than with some thoughtful gifts for your employees? Here are some Christmas gift ideas that will make your employees feel appreciated and valued.

  1. Gift Cards – When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a gift card. Consider getting gift cards to popular coffee shops or restaurants, or even to online retailers like Amazon. It’s a practical gift that your employees will definitely use.

  2. Cozy Accessories – ‘Tis the season to be cozy! Consider giving your employees some cozy accessories like a blanket, scarf, or pair of fuzzy socks. It’ll keep them warm during those chilly winter days, and it’s a gift they can enjoy outside of work too.

  3. Personalized Ornaments – Help your employees decorate their Christmas tree with some personalized ornaments. You can get ornaments with your company logo or even their name on it. It’s a thoughtful gift that will make their Christmas tree feel extra special.

These Christmas gift ideas will spread holiday cheer and show your employees that you care. Just be prepared for your employees to ask for a snow day when they use their cozy blanket at work.

Thanksgiving gift ideas for employees

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and show gratitude, and what better way to do that than with some thoughtful gifts for your employees? Here are some Thanksgiving gift ideas that will make your employees feel appreciated and valued.

  1. Gourmet Food Basket – Treat your employees to a delicious Thanksgiving feast with a gourmet food basket. It can include items like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s a gift that will show your appreciation and also make their Thanksgiving meal extra special.

  2. Personalized Gratitude Journal – Encourage your employees to reflect on what they’re thankful for with a personalized gratitude journal. You can add your company logo or a personalized message on the cover. It’s a gift that will keep on giving, as your employees can use it to cultivate a sense of gratitude throughout the year.

  3. Thank You Cards – Sometimes the simplest gifts are the most meaningful. Consider giving your employees thank you cards that express your appreciation for all that they do. It’s a thoughtful gesture that will make your employees feel valued and appreciated.

These Thanksgiving gift ideas will spread gratitude and show your employees that you care. Just be prepared for your employees to ask for a second helping of pumpkin pie.

Virtual gift ideas for employees

With many people working remotely or in a hybrid work environment, it’s important to consider virtual gift options for your employees. Here are some virtual gift ideas that will show your appreciation and make your employees feel valued, even from a distance.

  1. Virtual Coffee Break – Treat your employees to a virtual coffee break by sending them a gift card for their favorite coffee shop. You can schedule a virtual meeting and encourage your employees to use the gift card to order their favorite beverage. It’s a simple gesture that will give your employees a much-needed break and show your appreciation.

  2. Online Courses or Training – Invest in your employees’ professional development by offering them access to online courses or training programs. It’s a gift that will not only show your appreciation but also help them develop new skills that can benefit the company.

  3. Virtual Team Building Activities – Engage your employees in fun and interactive virtual team-building activities. You can organize activities like virtual escape rooms, game nights, or even a virtual happy hour. It’s a gift that will boost morale and help your employees feel connected, even when working remotely.

These virtual gift ideas will show your employees that you value them and appreciate all their hard work, even from a distance. Just be prepared for your employees to ask for more virtual coffee breaks in the future!

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New year gift ideas for employees

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to kick off the year than with some thoughtful gifts for your employees? Here are some New Year gift ideas that will make your employees feel motivated and appreciated.

  1. Personalized Desk Calendars – Help your employees stay organized and motivated with personalized desk calendars. You can add motivational quotes or messages on each page, or even add pictures of the team. It’s a gift that will keep on giving throughout the year.

  2. Wellness Packages – Encourage your employees to start the year off on a healthy note by giving them wellness packages. You can include items like workout gear, healthy snacks, and even a fitness tracker. It’s a gift that will show your appreciation for their well-being and encourage healthy habits.

  3. Time Off – Let your employees start the year off on the right foot by giving them an extra day or two off. It’s a gift that will allow them to recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.

These New Year gift ideas will show your employees that you value them and want them to start the year off on a positive note. Just be prepared for your employees to ask for more time off throughout the year!

Summer gift ideas for employees

Summer is a time for fun in the sun and relaxation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show your appreciation for your hard-working employees. Here are some summer gift ideas that will make your employees feel appreciated and ready to soak up some sun.

  1. Beach Bags – Give your employees the perfect accessory for their summer beach trips with a personalized beach bag. You can add your company logo or a fun message on the bag. It’s a gift that’s practical and stylish.

  2. Outdoor Games – Keep your employees entertained during their summer gatherings with outdoor games like cornhole, ladder toss, or even a giant Jenga set. It’s a gift that will encourage team-building and friendly competition.

  3. Ice Cream Treats – Nothing says summer like a refreshing ice cream treat. Treat your employees to a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. It’s a gift that will show your appreciation and cool them down during those hot summer days.

These summer gift ideas will make your employees feel appreciated and ready to enjoy the summer. Just be prepared for your employees to challenge you to a game of cornhole at the next company picnic.

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Fun gift ideas for employees

Work can be serious business, but that doesn’t mean your gifts have to be. Inject some fun into your gift-giving with these fun gift ideas that will put a smile on your employees’ faces.

  1. Funny Mugs – Start your employees’ day off right with a funny mug that will make them laugh. You can find mugs with funny sayings, jokes, or even memes. It’s a gift that’s practical and amusing.

  2. Desk Toys – Give your employees a little distraction during their workday with desk toys like a miniature basketball hoop, a fidget spinner, or even a mini Zen garden. It’s a gift that will keep them entertained and relieve stress.

  3. Personalized Bobbleheads – Give your employees a gift they’ll never forget with personalized bobbleheads. You can have them made to look like each employee, or even create a set of bobbleheads that represent the team. It’s a gift that’s unique and amusing.

These fun gift ideas will show your employees that you don’t take everything too seriously and appreciate a good laugh. Just be prepared for your employees to challenge you to a game of mini basketball during your next meeting.

Motivational gift ideas for employees

Motivation is key to a successful team, and what better way to motivate your employees than with some thoughtful gifts? Here are some motivational gift ideas that will inspire your employees to reach for the stars.

  1. Inspirational Books – Help your employees stay motivated and inspired with books that offer advice and wisdom. You can find books on leadership, success, and even personal development. It’s a gift that will encourage growth and development.

  2. Customized Notebooks – Encourage your employees to jot down their goals and aspirations with customized notebooks. You can add motivational quotes or messages on the cover to remind them of their potential. It’s a gift that’s practical and inspiring.

  3. Gift Cards for Professional Development – Give your employees the gift of learning with gift cards for professional development courses or seminars. It’s a gift that will show your commitment to their growth and development.

These motivational gift ideas will show your employees that you value their personal and professional growth. Just be prepared for your employees to start bringing their customized notebooks to meetings and quoting inspirational books during brainstorming sessions.

Final words

Showing appreciation and gratitude towards your employees through gifts is an excellent way to boost team morale and productivity.

Whether you opt for practical gifts, food gifts, technology gifts, or personalized gifts, the key is to show your employees that you value their contributions to the team.

Don’t forget to have fun with your gift-giving and consider adding some humor to the mix with fun gift ideas.

Motivational gifts can also go a long way in showing your commitment to your employees’ growth and development. So, get creative and choose gifts that are thoughtful, unique, and show your employees that you truly care.

By doing so, you’ll be creating a positive work culture where employees feel appreciated, motivated, and ready to take on new challenges.

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