Employees are the backbone of any business. Keeping them happy and motivated is a crucial part of growing your company. One of the results from a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), indicated that 2017’s leading job satisfaction contributors include respectful treatment of all employees at all levels, compensation/pay, benefits, and job security. And one of the best ways to fulfill this need is through thoughtful gifts for the members of your staff.
Annual and regular provision for employee gifts checks off several factors that determine whether a team member stays with your company, maintains productivity, and builds a real relationship with the people and organization. Customized corporate gifts for employees shows that a company invests time and resources for its people. The workforce has become a very discerning group when it comes to a business’ management style which means your gifts have to be something that adds value to their work experience or even outside of the office. It could be as simple as a desktop accessory or something more premium like the latest Bluetooth device.
Company gifts can be classified into:
- Welcome kits and swag for new employees
- Employee Appreciation / Thank You Gifts / Retirement Gifts
- Incentives and Premiums / Bonus Gifts
- Holiday Gifts for the team and other celebrations
When thinking of personalized gifts for your team, think of unique ideas that still match their personalities and practical needs. You also need to take into consideration its appropriateness for the occasion. Always keep in mind that your gift has to be as equally valuable as the employee’s contribution to your company. If they’ve made a big sale, compensate accordingly. If it’s a mid-year surprise, make it functional to re-ignite productivity.
Here is our Top 20 Custom Gifts for Employees list to jumpstart your ideas for your next set of corporate gifts:
- Sonosphear Bluetooth Speaker – A premium gift is a well-appreciated gift. Give these to your top employees after closing a big deal or customize it and give as a retirement gift for a loyal team member. Imprint a full-color graphic on the fabric. It comes in a beautiful retail packaging, perfect for your holiday gifting needs. Speakers have been one of the top promotional products this year and we’re sure they’ll remain on that top tier of custom gifts over at least the next couple of years.
2. Shelf-Stable Wisconsin Favorites Cheese Gift Set – Edible gifts have also made our list of company gift ideas. The whole family of an employee can share this gift set while celebrating a milestone or you can also send these to your various departments during Christmas. Nothing bonds people together like good food for the whole team! This kit serves 4 to 7 people and includes a custom branded bamboo board, a 7 oz. block of shelf-stable of Mild Pepper Cheese (no refrigeration needed upon receipt), a 5 oz. stick of tangy Beef Summer Sausage. The knife is included too. You can view additional ideas for food and other edible gifts here.
3. 14 oz. Black Glossy Candle with LUX Box – A consistent best seller this year, this employee gift idea takes them to a more relaxed state after work hours. Candles are great options for non-office type gifts and they also work as holiday giveaways. This gorgeous, glossy black 14 oz. tumbler is decorated with your logo, then hand poured with scented soy-blend wax of your choice. Each candle contains an eco-friendly wooden wick, which makes a gentle crackling noise as it burns. Choose from the many scent options! View a list of additional customized candle ideas here.
4. Hydro-Soul Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 16 oz. – Keep employees hydrated while reducing the need for plastic bottles and paper cups. A reusable insulated bottle is one of the top-selling categories of drinkware in the promotional products industry. These bottles are double walled, spill-proof, and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. Click here to view additional water bottle ideas.
5. Wine Gift Set – This three-piece gift set comes with two 12 oz. vacuum-insulated double-wall Napa Stemless Wine Tumbler and 25 oz. vacuum insulated stainless steel double-wall Santa Fe Wine Growler. This handsome customized set can be used to take wine on the go or other favorite beverages. Employees will feel appreciated for their hard work with this beautiful gift set. You can also click the following link to check out addition ideas for wine accessories.
6. Woven Fabric Bluetooth Speaker – This is a portable, compact and trendy Bluetooth speaker. 2018 ushered in the fabric speaker trend and this speaker is right on trend this year. It’s also looks like a high end speaker, but the price point is lower than one would anticipate, thus making it an ideal gift for bulk purchase for employees for a business of any size. The speaker has a soft touch but packs a punch with a 5-watt speaker driver. The built-in music control and microphone allows you to control the music and conference call from any location without touching your phone. This employee appreciation gift is a lifestyle item that makes daily routines a lot easier. View additional Bluetooth speaker ideas here.
7. Proton™ Wireless Earbud Headset – Mobile accessories are also big trends for this year, both in retail and in the corporate gift world. You’ve seen them at trade shows and marketing events and they make a great addition to your tools in the workplace. Your team will absolutely love this earbud that lets you listen to audio files and make and receive calls without the fuss of tangled wires. It’s good to use at the gym or while working on reports! Want more earbud ideas? View more of our wired and wireless earbuds here.
8. Silhouette Candle in Wooden Box – What makes this candle such a premium holiday corporate gift is its gorgeous debossed leather wrap and the laser etched wooden box. It’s rustic, unique, and very chic. Perfect for VIPs, top employees, and even your customers. Customized Soy candles have been a huge hit as
Bags and backpacks have also made it to the top trending custom gifts for employees. These promotional products are super functional, hard-working, and premium. For companies who need their employees to be on the move and on the field, bags and computer backpacks should make the process easier for your people. Top trending employee gifts under this category are computer bags and totes.
9. Newport 2.0 – 4-in-1 Laptop, Tablet & Accessories Sleeve – Customize this computer sleeve and hand it out to new employees. It’s a fabulous welcome gift for noobies as well as premium giveaways at job fairs and trade shows. Laptop sleeves make it easy for them to organize their things and keep company property safe from scratches and bumps.
10. Jumbo Insulated Cooler Tote – The large main zippered compartment of this 600D polyester bag provides enough space to feed a whole crew! The bag folds flat and secures with a zipper closure when not in use. Large front pocket. Ideal for picnics, tailgate parties, potlucks, catering events and much more. Consider adding insulated bags to your next set of corporate gifts for employees.
11. Okapi Knit Jacket – In line with premium gifts, giving employees custom jackets and apparel also earns you brownie points as a boss. It’s functional and long-lasting, two descriptions of a good promotional gift. This 100% polyester jersey knit jacket has a brushed back detail and is equipped with mesh pocket bags. The Okapi’s versatility and 4 color options make it a great choice for university and team jackets or everyday wear that’s also available in ladies’ styles and sizes. And the price point is budget-friendly for a stylish, quality jacket. Click to view additional ideas for corporate jackets here.
12. Tranzip Tall 15″ Computer Tote – Help employees navigate through the city with style. This stylization is universal, it could be used by a man or woman. Use this tote as you commute to work, or wear as a cross body bag for everyday use as a man tote. Messengers bags are fashion trends not just with casual wear but also with an employees uniform.
Here are other employee gift ideas that have made it to our top 20 list. These promotional items can also double as fabulous holiday gifts that are appropriate for business.
13. Unisex Socks – These unisex socks are a comfy crowd pleaser everyone will love. Polyester soft flat knit sock features a comfortable feel! Add your logo and create a bold full-color imprint to instantly spice up a simple, timeless favorite. Socks were a surprise hit this year and brands quickly caught up with the trend. You should too!
14. Cling Auto Cell Phone Holder – Automotive accessories also made waves this year. With the stricter law on driving safety and cell phone use, this car phone holder makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift for all your employees. Since it’s nice and cheap, it makes a budget-friendly surprise any time of the year, not just during special occasions.
15. Leeman Heather Knot Scarf – It’s a premium wearable gift ideal for the holidays or as a thoughtful gesture for a hard-working team. The faux-leather patch is a nice personal touch to the scarf. Check out our other scarf options and give them away during your next employee program.
16. Custom Mid Size Woven Throw Blanket – deal for corporate promotions, schools, and resorts. Logos can be woven into the throw using two to an unlimited number of colors in full, mid and mini sizes. Edge to edge weaving. Made of 100% cotton dyed yarn. Blankets send a thoughtful and personal message to your employees–a nice touch for any corporate event.
17. 20 oz. Solid Copper Mug – Our 20 oz. classic Moscow Mule, single wall mug is made from handcrafted solid copper. Originally created in a Hollywood bar in 1941, the Moscow Mule mug and recipe has stood the test of time and is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity all across the country today. Giveaway at parties or Christmas parties in the office. Get a load of our mugs and steins to get your idea juices going.
18. Super Bright Light Beanie – It’s a very unique corporate gift that’s functional in two ways. It keeps your head warm and it can be used at night while you do yard work or vehicle repairs. It’s a nice holiday gift that’ll delight any recipient. Beanies, caps, and hats also make good giveaways at trade shows and sporting events. The possibilities are endless.
19. 13 oz. Signal Tapered Tumbler – Coffee tumblers have become must-haves when it comes to promotional employee gifts. It’s an eco-friendly item and a daily essential for the hard-working staffer. Innovations with drinkware have made it possible for anyone to enjoy almost any type of beverage anywhere, anytime.
20. 40 Oz. Invigorate Stainless Steel Bottle With Custom Box – Take this stainless steel bottle during hikes or picnics. If you have a company gym membership program, a reusable water bottle with your logo would make a practical add-on gift to your employees. These also come with their own box which will save you the trouble of getting separate packaging for your holiday gifts. You’ll find that sports bottles will continue to trend in the promotional products industry in the next couple of years.
Need help with ideas for your own customized employee gifts? Click here to visit our website and view thousand of additional promotional product ideas or get in touch with us today and let us help you with ideas for your next giveaway project!
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