16 Unique Employee Gifts – Make Them Memorable!

In the world of employee appreciation, a thoughtful and unique gift can go a long way in showing your team that you value their hard work and dedication.

While traditional gifts like gift cards and company swag have their place, there’s something truly special about surprising your employees with something out of the ordinary.

The secret to finding great gift ideas for coworkers and colleagues is  the appropriate blend of thoughtfulness and professionalism.

We won’t lie—this can sometimes be difficult. Still, if you follow our guidelines, we’re sure you’ll find a perfect present that will make all of your employees feel appreciated.

Gifting your employees can be challenging because it can be very easy to cross the line between professional and personal. The finest gifts are thoughtful but not overly personal, which is a balance that’s sometimes hard to hit. And even when you’ve found a perfect present, you still need to keep a few things in mind when presenting it.

For example, if you are the boss and you are giving presents to your staff, be careful not to leave anyone out. Or, if you’re doing a gift exchange, make sure it’s always voluntary.   But let’s cut to the chase.  Before you get to gift-giving, you first need to choose the right gift.  Continue reading, and you’ll find our gift ideas that are suitable for all of your employees.

1. An Award
   Trophies make lovely gifts for every type of employee, and they are particularly enticing if you’re a manager looking to show your employees that they’re doing a good job. You can also get a plaque that you can personalize with four lines of text, including the employee’s name and title.  Or even just awards printed out on your computer can go a long way towards showing your appreciation.Of course, if you know your employees well, you can always go the extra mile and think of witty awards for your employees. For example, “The Office Rockstar” for a colleague that’s in a band.
2. A Plant for their desk or office
   Bring a touch of nature to your employees’ workspaces with a plant for their desk, office, or even to take home.  Choose  low-maintenance plants which  not only add aesthetic charm but also improve air quality and promote a sense of well-being. Customize the pot with the employee’s name or an inspiring message to make it truly special.
3. Professional Development Subscription
   Invest in your employees’ growth by gifting them a subscription to a professional development platform or online course. Whether it’s a platform for learning new skills or a membership to an industry-specific resource, this gift shows that you believe in their potential and career advancement.
4. Customized Portraits or Photos
   Consider commissioning custom portraits of your employees. These can be a whimsical, artistic interpretation or a more traditional portrait. It’s a unique and meaningful way to capture their individuality and create a lasting memento of their time with the company.
   When I was a Realtor, my broker sent each of us sales people to a photography studio for a professional headshot.  He then posted these near the front of the office underneath a header that said, “Realtors That Get Results.”
5. Food and Beverage Subscription
   Surprise your team with a subscription to a gourmet food or beverage club. Whether it’s a monthly delivery of specialty coffee, artisanal chocolates, or unique snacks from around the world, this gift adds a delightful touch to their breaks and elevates their daily routines.
6. Wellness Retreat or Spa Day
   Treat your employees to a day of relaxation and self-care with a wellness retreat or spa day. This unique gift helps them recharge and destress, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
7.  Tech Gadgets
   Technology enthusiasts on your team will appreciate unique tech gadgets. Whether it’s a smart home device, a high-quality webcam for remote work, or an innovative gadget that simplifies daily tasks, these items can make their work and personal life more convenient.
8.  Outdoor Adventure Experience
   For the nature lovers on your team, consider gifting an outdoor adventure experience. This could be a guided hiking trip, a hot air balloon ride, or even a weekend camping retreat. It’s a unique way to help them disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.
9. Coffee mugs
   Coffee cups make excellent gifts, and they are super popular in offices everywhere. However, don’t settle for a plain white mug but make sure to personalize it.  Don’t forget to add your company’s logo, too.
10. Paid time off
    Staff may see company-wide presents as an expression of thanks for their efforts, which may help bring employees together. Paid time off for all employees communicates the impression that they worked hard all year and are being rewarded with some extra rest. Also, this will emphasize your company’s commitment to work-life balance.
11. Home office essentials kit
    In case your employees work from home, an excellent way to surprise them is to send a custom home office essentials kit. They’ll surely appreciate having everything they need to jump-start their work. In fact, these kits are useful to have as welcome gifts for your new employees.
12. Sweets, sweets, and more sweets
    You can’t go wrong with sweets! Whether it’s a box of finest chocolate or a gift basket filled with delicious treats, every employee in your office will surely be thrilled. If you have employees who don’t eat sweets for whatever reason, choose one of the meat and cheese gift baskets.
13. Travel mugs
    Travel mugs are popular employee gifts. That’s because they allow them to keep their beverages warm wherever they go. A travel mug can make a commute to work that much nicer! Your employees can keep their coffee warm at work or sip out of it when on a business trip. They will appreciate multi-purpose mugs as gifts, especially if they require convenience during work hours.
14. Books
    You can also give books that reflect your staff’s hobbies. For example, if your marketing coordinator enjoys history, you may offer them a book about the Civil War. You can also offer a cookbook to a sales manager who enjoys culinary shows. A thought-provoking book based on an employee’s passion can boost their view of the firm and demonstrate how much it values its workers.
15. Spa Gift Boxes
    You can’t go wrong with spa and pamper gift baskets. This present may inspire employees to unwind during their time off.   This is a gift that you need to be careful with however.  If you are a male boss, you wouldn’t want to give a spa gift box or basket to a female employee unless you are giving one to every female employee.
16. Gift baskets
    Gift baskets filled with gourmet  or even snack foods are welcome gifts.  If you have employees with special dietary needs, there are options for them as well.  Another great idea is to gift your employees gift baskets tailored to their interests such as a sports themed gift basket.

In conclusion, when it comes to employee appreciation, unique gifts can make a lasting impact. They show that you’ve put thought into the gesture, and they resonate with the individuality of each team member.