Inexpensive employee appreciation gifts

Employee appreciation is something that every company should be participating in – whether or not Barbara agrees. Because let’s face it, everyone wants to feel appreciated and everyone wants to feel recognized for their hard work and consistent effort. But especially the people who work so hard to keep your company running successfully.

Showing appreciation to employees can be done in various different ways. And every employer should take the time to show appreciation and recognition to employees because it has so many wonderful benefits. 

Employee Appreciation Benefits

Employee appreciation helps increase morale, engagement, productivity, retention, and overall employee happiness. So if you want to create a more positive work environment and keep your hard-working employees a part of your company for longer, make sure you show them some well-deserved appreciation. 

Employee appreciation gifts and swag ideas

One of the most effective and tangible ways to show your appreciation for your employees is through employee appreciation gifts. Employee appreciation gifts are a tangible symbol for your employees of how much you value all that they do for your company.

And when getting an employee appreciation gift for the team, you don’t have to break the bank. Affordable and inexpensive employee appreciation gifts can be just as powerful. Investing in affordable employee appreciation gifts in bulk can be an easy way to give your employees consistent recognition for their hard work. So while Barbara may not agree that employee appreciation is necessary – it very much is!

1. Personalized Desk Accessories: Consider gifts like engraved nameplates, custom mouse pads, or monogrammed desk organizers. Personalizing these items shows that you've put thought into the gift specifically for that employee.
2. Tech Gadgets: Items such as wireless chargers, high-quality earbuds, or tablet stands can be both practical and appreciated. You can also add the company logo to give them a touch of brand identity.
3. Professional Development Books: Invest in their growth by gifting them books that can help enhance their skills or mindset. Think of titles like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" or "Atomic Habits."
4. Wellness Packages: This can be a basket of organic teas, essential oils, a yoga mat, or even a subscription to a meditation app. It shows that you care about their well-being outside of work.
5. Company Merchandise: High-quality branded merchandise such as hoodies, T-shirts, or water bottles can make employees feel more connected to the organization. Ensure the items are of good quality and something they'd be proud to use or wear.
6. Gift Cards: While it may seem impersonal, many employees appreciate the flexibility of choosing their own gift. Consider gift cards to popular local restaurants, online retailers, or even for experiences like a spa day.
7. Plant Kits: A little greenery can liven up an office space. Consider gifting a small plant kit or succulent. It's a long-lasting gift that they can nurture and watch grow.
8. Work-from-Home Comfort Kits: Given the rise in remote working, consider assembling a kit with comfy slippers, a cozy blanket, a high-quality coffee or tea set, and perhaps some ergonomic desk items.
9. Experiential Rewards: Rather than tangible items, offer experiences. This could be tickets to a popular local event, a wine tasting session, a cooking class, or a day pass to a local amusement park or museum.
10. Personal Development Courses: Offer to cover the cost of an online course that aligns with their professional goals. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses across numerous disciplines.

Employee appreciation gifts under $5:

1. Custom Thank You Cards: Buy blank cards in bulk and write a personalized thank you note inside.
2. Desk Snack Packs: Assemble small snack bags with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, or chocolates.
3. Bookmark: Purchase or create a unique bookmark, which can be particularly valued by employees who enjoy reading.
4. Sticky Note Sets: Fun or uniquely designed post-it notes can be both useful and charming.
5. Tea or Coffee Sampler: Single-serving gourmet tea bags or coffee sachets can offer a delightful break.

Employee appreciation gifts under $10:

1. Mug with Company Logo: A decent-quality mug with the company logo or a fun quote can be a daily reminder of belonging.
2. Desk Plants: Mini succulents or cacti can be an eco-friendly and long-lasting gift.
3. Scented Candles: A small, calming, and nicely-scented candle for their desk or home.
4. Keychain or Badge: Custom-designed keychains or badges with fun motifs related to a project or the company.
5. Premium Chocolate Bar: A good quality chocolate bar or gourmet treat can be a sweet gesture of appreciation.

Employee appreciation gifts under $20:

1. Tumbler or Travel Mug: An insulated travel mug can be a great gift for coffee or tea lovers, keeping their drink warm.
2. Desk Organizer: A stylish organizer can help keep their workspace tidy.
3. Journal or Planner: A quality journal or planner can be both practical and personal.
4. Wireless Charging Pad: A basic model can help keep their devices charged without the hassle of cables.
5. Lunch Bag: A reusable, insulated lunch bag can be both eco-friendly and practical, encouraging them to bring home-cooked meals.

Not too long ago HR announced that there was going to be a new incentive program for employees. They decided that they would give out inexpensive employee appreciation gifts each day to an employee who has gone above and beyond that day.

These inexpensive staff appreciation gifts were to be used to boost morale and motivate employees. HR put in a bulk order of staff appreciation gifts under $5 so that there would be plenty of gifts to last for the entire month while kickstarting this incentive program.

There was just one problem…

For some reason, Barbara volunteered to be in charge of the employee appreciation gift inventory. No one knew why. Barbara literally despises all things employee appreciation. On Employee Appreciation Day, someone saw her roll her eyes while reading her card and leave her employee appreciation chocolate box on the “community” table in the break room for anyone to eat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that she’s a grump in the office, she just really dislikes all things employee appreciation. Something about “the only appreciation I need is my paycheck each week.” But hey – she’s a hard worker and a great asset to the company. 

Back to the story, to Barbara's dismay, the employee appreciation gifts just kept coming. The enthusiastic CEO decided that the incentive program was going so well, that more inexpensive employee appreciation gifts should be ordered so that the program could be extended for a few more months. Barbara begrudgingly organized the next round of affordable employee appreciation gifts into another spreadsheet. Because, in her eyes, the whole incentive program would be chaos without a spreadsheet. 

And then the enthusiastic CEO decided that the incentive program should be expanded to reward two employees each day. So once again, another massive order of small appreciation gifts showed up on Barbara’s desk. And once again, Barbara had to rework her spreadsheets. 

Here are some cost-effective ideas for employee appreciation gifts:

1. Handwritten Notes: A personal note expressing your gratitude can mean more than any physical gift. Take a few minutes to write a sincere note of thanks.
2. Baked Goods: Bring in homemade or store-bought pastries, cookies, or cakes. A sweet treat can be a delightful way to show appreciation.
3. Desk Plants: Mini succulents or other small plants can be a lovely touch for an employee's desk and are often reasonably priced.
4. Coffee or Tea: Gift a special blend of coffee or tea. Even a single fancy coffee from a local café can make an employee's morning.
5. Lunch On You: While treating the whole team to a restaurant might be expensive, you could order in pizzas or other affordable takeout options.
6. Group Card: Have the entire team write messages on a card for each employee. It's a great way to make everyone feel valued by their peers.
7. Flexible Hours: Offering a late start or early finish as a token of appreciation can be invaluable for many employees and costs nothing.
8. Custom Badges or Pins: These can be designed for a particular project or just as a fun accessory to add to their work lanyard or badge.
9. DIY Craft Gifts: Depending on your craft skills, you could make something personalized. This could be anything from knitted items to handcrafted bookmarks.
10. Shared Experience: Organize a low-cost team-building activity. This could be a picnic in a local park, a movie afternoon in the office, or a group game session.
11. Recognition in Team Meetings: Publicly acknowledging an employee's efforts during a team meeting or in a newsletter can provide them with a boost of confidence and recognition.
12. Personal Coupons: Create redeemable coupons for things like "Take an extra 15-minute break" or "Leave an hour early on a day of your choice."
13. Wall of Fame: Dedicate a space in the office where you spotlight an "Employee of the Month." Accompany this with a small token, like a certificate or a $5 gift card.
14. Office Supplies: Fun or unique office supplies, like quirky notepads, fancy pens, or unique post-it notes, can be both practical and enjoyable.
15. DIY Gift Baskets: Buy some small, affordable items that you know the employee will enjoy, and put them in a basket or a reusable tote. This could include snacks, a budget book, some tea or coffee sachets, and maybe a keychain.
    

Each time the CEO requested more employee gifts, Barbara less than enthusiastically ordered more gifts at last minute, even if it meant that her spreadsheet would forever be messed up and disorganized.

And then the CEO had another bright idea. We had a whole team of remote employees across the country. They weren’t a part of this incentive program because they were remote, but the CEO figured that remote employee appreciation gifts would help boost morale among the team of remote employees as well. So Barbara once again had to create a whole new spreadsheet with the gift ideas for remote employees.

1. Personalized Thank-You Cards: A heartfelt note can convey your gratitude effectively. Investing time in writing a personal message can mean a lot.
2. Desk Calendars: Simple but useful, desk calendars can be decorated with motivational quotes or company-related images.
3. Badge Reels or Lanyards: Useful for employees who need to display ID badges. Customize them with the company's colors or logos.
4. Stickers or Decals: These can be fun and are especially effective for companies with a younger demographic. Design them around company culture, mottos, or inside jokes.
5. Pens with Company Logo: Always handy, a nice pen branded with the company logo can be a constant reminder of belonging.
6. Magnet Sets: These can be used on fridges or cabinets, customized with company events, logos, or even employee names.
7. Printed Tote Bags: Eco-friendly and practical, tote bags can be used for multiple purposes and can be easily customized.
8. Coffee Coasters: Useful for both office and remote employees, these can be themed around the company's industry or culture.
9. Keychains: Simple and customizable, consider integrating a useful feature like a bottle opener or a small flashlight.
10. Digital Recognition: Use company intranets or communication tools to highlight an "Employee of the Week" or "Employee of the Month". This costs virtually nothing but can mean a lot to the recognized individual.
11. Desk Toys: Think of fidget spinners, stress balls, or small puzzles. These can serve as both a distraction and a relaxation tool during hectic days.
12. Bulk Snacks: Buying in bulk can be cost-effective. Offer a small pack of snacks as a token of appreciation.
13. Balloons: A simple balloon with a "Thank You" or "Well Done" can be an inexpensive yet festive way to recognize an employee's efforts.
14. Custom Certificates: Design and print recognition certificates. While they might not have monetary value, they can serve as a testament to an employee's achievements.
15. DIY Craft Gifts: Depending on your craft skills, a small, homemade item can be meaningful due to the effort and thought put into it.

Barbara knew that if she wanted to keep all of these unique gifts under $5 organized, she’d have to start a completely new spreadsheet system. All of these clever employee appreciation gifts that the CEO had requested were beginning to make the spreadsheets way too unorganized.

So, she created multiple different spreadsheets, each one with a different category of gifts. There was one spreadsheet for personalized employee appreciation gifts, one spreadsheet for snack gifts, one spreadsheet for company swag, and so on. And then on top of all of those spreadsheets, she had another spreadsheet to keep track of the rest of the spreadsheets. Confusing, I know, but it’s a system that worked for Barbara. 

1. Personalized Mugs: Order mugs with the employee's name or a particular in-joke or quote that relates to them. Buying in bulk or from local suppliers can reduce costs.
2. Engraved Keychains: These are practical and can be personalized with the employee's initials, name, or a special date related to their time with the company.
3. Custom Desk Name Plates: A nameplate for their workspace, possibly in a unique design or with a personal touch, can make them feel valued and recognized.
4. Customized Notepads or Journals: Source plain notepads or journals and customize the cover with the employee's name or a motivational quote that resonates with their role or personality.
5. Personalized Tote Bags: An eco-friendly option, tote bags can be customized with the employee's name or a design that represents something unique about them. They're both functional and personal.

The spreadsheets were starting to get out of hand. Especially when the CEO put in an order for staff and client appreciation gifts bulk. Barbara was forced to put in a huge order for bulk gifts under $5 and her spreadsheets could barely keep up. Jerry walked by Barbara’s desk one afternoon and noticed she’d bought an extra monitor just to manage the spreadsheets. We couldn’t believe how carried away this whole spreadsheet for inexpensive employee appreciation gifts had gotten. 

One day, while she was obsessively working on her spreadsheets, Barbara noticed that way more staff appreciation gift inventory was coming in than being given out. For every employee thank you gift bulk order of 100 gifts that came in each week, only about 15 gifts were being given out. Barbara knew she had to do something about the excessive employee appreciation gift inventory if she wanted to keep her spreadsheets neat and organized. 

That’s when she started handing out the gifts. Barbara threw caution to the wind and began handing out the employee appreciation gifts that she’d been put in charge of left and right. There was one day when I went home with 12 employee appreciation gifts from Barbara. 

1. Custom T-shirts or Hats: Collaborate with a local printer to create T-shirts or hats featuring a company logo, motto, or a design that encapsulates a recent achievement or company milestone. Buying in large quantities often reduces the cost per unit.
2. Reusable Water Bottles: Eco-friendly and practical, water bottles with the company logo can be sourced in bulk. They promote hydration and reduce single-use plastic consumption.
3. Tote Bags: Sturdy canvas tote bags with the company logo or a motivational quote are versatile and can be used for various purposes, from grocery shopping to carrying daily essentials.
4. Desk Calendars: Create a desk calendar highlighting company events, employee birthdays, or featuring photos from company outings or achievements. When ordered in large quantities, calendars can be quite cost-effective.
5. Coffee Mugs: A staple in many offices, coffee mugs with the company logo, motto, or even individual employee names can be ordered in bulk. They're a functional gift that employees can use daily.

Once all of the employee appreciation gifts were dispersed, Barbara realized that giving away all of the employee appreciation swag was a blessing in disguise. Her spreadsheet was finally empty. After that, the CEO decided to automate the employee appreciation gifts so that the employee appreciation gifts would get shipped directly to the recipient's home. Barbara and her spreadsheets were no longer needed.

However, for Barbara, this was an eye-opener. She couldn’t believe how time-consuming all of those spreadsheets had been. Once she was finally able to ditch the spreadsheets, she realized that she had so much more time on her hands. Some might say that it even gave her a whole new perspective on life… because less than two weeks after saying goodbye to her spreadsheets, Barbara quit her job to travel the world. Her last Facebook update showed her exploring the pyramids in Egypt. Although, we joke that she probably uses a spreadsheet to plan where she’ll travel next. 

1. Handmade Thank-You Cards:
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2. Personalized Recipe Jar:
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3. DIY Desk Plant Pot:
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4. Customized Photo Frames:
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5. Handcrafted Bath Salts or Scrubs:
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