30 Best Employee Recognition Gifts to Celebrate Team Members

Celebrating your team members with thoughtful employee recognition gifts isn't just a kind gesture—it's a powerful way to show appreciation, boost morale, and create a positive workplace culture. Employee appreciation gifts impact job satisfaction, productivity, and overall team camaraderie.

Why? Well, when employees feel valued, they are more engaged and invested in their work, leading to a happier and more successful organization. And that's not necessarily revolutionary, is it?

Still, many modern-day businesses miss the boat when it comes to recognizing and celebrating their workforce. That's because they see employee recognition as daunting, overwhelming, and expensive.

Fortunately for you, gifting employees doesn't have to be anything of those things.

Below, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about employee recognition gifts to find the rewards that showcase your gratitude and foster a stronger workplace culture.

What Is an Employee Recognition Gift?

An employee recognition gift is a tangible way to express gratitude and appreciation for your team members' hard work, dedication, and contributions. It goes beyond a simple "thank you" and provides a lasting reminder that their efforts are valued and recognized.

Gift giving comes in all shapes and sizes—from practical items like desk accessories to more personalized tokens like custom awards or handwritten notes. The most important (and difficult) part is finding something that resonates with the individual and shows that you’ve put thought into the gesture.

It’s about creating a moment of joy and pride, making your team members feel seen and appreciated for their unique contributions.

Research shows:

Increased Engagement: Employees who feel recognized at work are more than 2 times more likely to say that innovative thinking is embraced in their organization.
Boosted Morale: Approximately 79% of millennials stated that receiving more awards would make them more devoted to their employer.
Improved Retention: Organizations with effective recognition programs have 31% lower voluntary turnover.
Better Performance: Well-designed recognition and rewards programs can drive an 11.1% increase in average employee performance.

30 Best Employee Recognition Gifts

You can give employee appreciation gifts for a variety of reasons:

Not every employee recognition gift is going to be the right fit for your team member, and that's why we made a more exhaustive list—at least a handful of these great ideas should hit the mark.

1. Personalized Desk Accessories

A personalized desk accessory, such as a custom nameplate, mouse pad, or pen holder, adds a unique touch to an employee’s workspace. It’s both practical (bonus points) and thoughtful, showing that you’ve considered their personal style and needs.

2. Handwritten Notes

A heartfelt handwritten note can go a long way in making an employee feel appreciated. Take a few minutes to acknowledge their specific contributions and express genuine gratitude. This simple yet powerful gesture can make a lasting impact.

3. Gift Cards

Gift cards are flexible and allow employees to choose something they really want or need. Whether it’s for their favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or online store, a gift card shows appreciation while giving them the freedom to decide.

4. Custom Awards

Celebrate achievements with custom awards that reflect the specific accomplishments of your employees. Whether it’s a trophy, plaque, or framed certificate, personalized awards serve as a lasting reminder of their hard work and dedication.

5. Extra Time Off

Rewarding employees with extra time off, such as a half-day or a full day, can be incredibly motivating. It's a tried-and-true way to provide them with a well-deserved break and shows that you value their work-life balance.

6. Wellness Packages

Promote well-being by giving wellness packages that might include items like spa vouchers, fitness trackers, or subscriptions to meditation apps. This gift shows that you care about their overall health and happiness.

7. Office Gadgets

Useful and fun office gadgets (such as a high-quality phone stand, portable charger, or Bluetooth speaker) can improve an employee’s work experience. These tech-savvy gifts are both practical and appreciated.

8. Book Club Membership

If you have book-loving employees, a membership to book clubs or a subscription to an audiobook service can be a perfect gift. It encourages personal growth and provides a relaxing escape from work.

9. Team Lunch or Dinner

Organize a team lunch or dinner to celebrate achievements and foster camaraderie. Sharing a meal together helps strengthen team bonds and provides a relaxed setting for building personal connections.

10. Professional Development Opportunities

Invest in your employees’ growth by offering professional development opportunities, such as online courses, workshops, or conference tickets. This gift shows appreciation and supports their career advancement.

11. Personalized Mugs

A personalized mug with the employee's name or a motivational quote can make their daily coffee or tea break special. It's a simple yet thoughtful way to show appreciation.

12. Experience Vouchers

Give your employees a memorable experience, such as tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or a weekend getaway. Experience vouchers create lasting memories and show that you value their personal interests.

13. Office Plants

A small office plant can brighten up an employee’s workspace and improve air quality. Choose a low-maintenance plant like a succulent or a small potted herb to add a touch of nature to their desk.

14. Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes tailored to your employees' interests (such as gourmet snacks, beauty products, or hobby kits) provide a recurring reminder of your appreciation. It's a gift that keeps on giving—and it's a fun surprise every time it shows up at the doorstep.

15. Fitness Trackers

Encourage a healthy lifestyle by gifting fitness trackers. These devices can help employees monitor their activity levels, set fitness goals, and stay motivated to maintain a healthy routine.

16. Personalized Notebooks

A high-quality, personalized notebook can be a great gift for employees who love to jot down ideas, make lists, or keep journals. Add their name or a motivational message to make it unique.

17. Team Building Activities

Organize fun team-building activities, such as escape rooms, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures. These experiences reward employees and strengthen team bonds and collaboration.

18. Charitable Donations

Make a donation to a charity of the employee’s choice in their name. This gesture shows that you care about what matters to them and support causes they are passionate about.

19. Custom Apparel

Branded apparel, such as jackets, hoodies, or T-shirts with the company logo and the employee's name, can be practical and a great way to build team spirit. Choose high-quality items that your employees will enjoy wearing.

20. Desk Organizers

Help employees keep their workspace tidy with stylish desk organizers. Choose from a variety of options like drawer organizers, cable management solutions, or desktop file holders.

21. Personalized Water Bottles

A personalized water bottle with the employee's name or a motivational quote encourages hydration and shows that you care about their well-being. Choose high-quality, reusable bottles to promote sustainability.

22. Meal Delivery Service

A subscription to a meal delivery service can be a lifesaver for busy employees. It shows you value their time and want to make their lives a little easier. This gift can also promote healthy eating habits.

23. Virtual Reality Headsets

For tech-savvy employees, a virtual reality headset can be an exciting and innovative gift. It offers endless entertainment and learning opportunities, from virtual tours to immersive games.

24. Cozy Blankets

A cozy, personalized blanket can provide comfort and warmth, whether at home or in the office. It’s a thoughtful gift that employees can use during long workdays or to relax at home.

25. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for employees who need to focus in a noisy environment or enjoy listening to music while working. They can improve productivity and provide a more pleasant work experience.

26. Digital Photo Frames

A digital photo frame allows employees to display a rotating selection of their favorite photos. It adds a personal touch to their workspace and can bring smiles throughout the day.

27. Personalized Keychains

A personalized keychain is a small but meaningful gift that can serve as a daily reminder of appreciation. Choose designs that reflect the employee's interests or incorporate the company logo.

28. Coffee or Tea Subscription

For employees who love their caffeine, a coffee or tea subscription can be a tasty treat. They’ll receive regular deliveries of high-quality blends to enjoy, making every workday a little brighter.

29. Ergonomic Office Chairs

Investing in ergonomic office chairs shows that you care about your employees' comfort and health. A good chair can improve posture, reduce discomfort, and improve productivity.

30. DIY Craft Kits

DIY craft kits can be a fun and relaxing way for employees to unwind. Choose kits that match their interests, such as painting, knitting, or building model kits, providing a creative outlet and a break from work.

Better Recognize Your Employees with Terryberry

There's no one-size-fits-all kind of employee recognition gifts—it's up to you to learn about your employees, explore your options, and find the best gifts to celebrate the occasion. And we can help.

Schedule a demo with our team to learn how we can help transform your employee engagement.