With Employee Appreciation Day approaching, businesses are asking themselves how they can make their employees feel genuinely valued. Though this shouldn’t just apply to one day, employee appreciation gifts should be a year round occurrence.
To better understand, we surveyed 800 U.S. workers and identified 9 top employee gift trends to help show you the best way you can show your employees some love.
- Practical gifts like wireless headphones or tumblers are loved because they’re useful and appreciated daily.
- Personalized gifts, like adding names, initials or favorite colors, make employees feel special and seen.
- Gift ideas that celebrate personal milestones (like buying a house or having a baby) are a great way to show you recognize and appreciate them as individuals.
- Tying gift value to job performance is a surefire way to show employees that their contributions are truly valued.
- Tech like Bluetooth speakers and snacks are the fan favorites for a reason — they’re universally loved, practical and make for great gifts that everyone can enjoy.
Source: VistaPrint
A day for gratitude
Employee Appreciation Day isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to hit pause and show your team that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Though again, while handy to have a specific day, this shouldn’t be exclusive, you should be able to show appreciation all year round.
The right gift idea has the power to boost morale, build loyalty and make employees feel like they’re an integral part of the bigger picture. And while a generic “Thanks for everything” card is nice, this year’s data shows that a little more effort can have a huge impact. Let’s dive into the most memorable gifts employees have received, and the trends driving 2025’s appreciation game.
Source: VistaPrint
What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received from an employer?
We asked 800 employees about the most memorable gifts they’ve received, and the results were eye-opening. Some gifts stood out for their thoughtfulness, others for their practicality and many because they made employees feel seen as individuals. Here are some of the top gift ideas that came up time and again:
- Gift cards and cash incentives: Many respondents appreciated gift cards (Amazon, restaurant, grocery) and cash bonuses, especially around the holidays or as incentives for milestones.
- Custom branded apparel and accessories: Items like company-branded jackets, sweaters and mugs were frequently mentioned, particularly when these items were high-quality and thoughtfully presented. This includes branded gifts like insulated mugs, personalized notebooks or jackets.
- Experience-based gift ideas: Memorable experiences such as team outings, paid vacations or tickets to events resonated with employees surveyed.
- Personalized and thoughtful gestures: Gifts with a personal touch, such as handwritten notes, flowers or items tailored to the recipient’s interests (e.g. a spa day or a specific piece of jewelry) were highly memorable. Personalized items like engraved plaques or tailored tokens (like a leather-bound notebook with their name) also left lasting impressions, showing that the employer took extra care in their choice.
- Custom merchandise with utility: Items with utility, such as fleece jackets, tech gadgets (like wireless headphones or a smartwatch) and high-quality stationery, were frequently praised. Employees value gifts they can use daily, making branded, practical items an appealing choice for lasting appreciation.
Top 9 employee appreciation gift trends for 2025
It’s clear that employee preferences are evolving, so let’s dive into the top gift idea trends from the survey data that will shape how we recognize and reward employees in the year ahead.
Gifts at work don’t go unnoticed
It’s no surprise that employees notice when they receive a gift from their employer. In fact, 88% of employees say receiving a gift makes them feel more appreciated. This sentiment cuts across all demographic lines: men (89%), women (86%) and employees from various generations, including 92% of millennials and 90% of Gen Z. Whether your team is remote, onsite, large or small, the impact of a gift is universally recognized.
It’s important to remember that these gifts are not just a fun tradition, they are a symbol of recognition. By taking the time to choose a meaningful gift, employers send a powerful message to their employees: “We see you, we appreciate you and we’re grateful for your contributions.”
Gifts are linked to recognition and value
Receiving a gift is one of the most tangible forms of recognition employees can experience. For 67% of employees, gifts make them feel recognized for their efforts, while another 67% feel more valued as part of the team.
But the benefits of gifting don’t stop there. 37% of employees report that receiving a gift motivates them to perform better, and 36% feel more loyal to their company as a result. The takeaway is clear, employee gifts aren’t just about making someone’s day, they’re about fostering a deeper sense of engagement, motivation and loyalty in the workplace.
Employee favorites include tech & gadgets, apparel and food & snacks
When it comes to gift preferences, employees tend to lean toward items that are both practical and enjoyable. Our survey found that 41% of employees preferred technology & gadgets, think wireless charging pads, Bluetooth speakers and noise-canceling headphones. These gifts are especially popular among younger employees, who value tech that can enhance their work-life balance.
Following close behind, 39% of employees cited apparel as their top choice. Hoodies, T-shirts and other comfy clothing items are not only practical but also promote a sense of unity within the company. Employees love showing off their workplace pride with custom company-branded apparel.
Finally, 36% of employees picked food & snacks as their favorite gift. This category can include anything from snack baskets to gourmet chocolates or even gift cards for lunch or coffee. It’s a simple way to show appreciation that’s universally loved.
Job performance matters most for gift value
65% of employees believe job performance should play a significant role in determining the value of a gift. When employees see their performance being recognized, they feel a stronger sense of connection and loyalty to the company. While length of tenure or role within the company might factor in, it’s clear that performance-based recognition is most valued.
Employees at larger businesses show a stronger preference for tech
Employee preferences vary depending on the size of the company. Employees at larger businesses (more than 500 employees) favored technology & gadgets (46%), which is likely due to the resources available to larger companies for purchasing such items. However, employees at small businesses (under 100 employees) preferred Apparel (38%), a cost-effective yet thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Interestingly, preferences between remote and onsite employees showed little difference. Both groups favored apparel and tech & gadgets, indicating that no matter where employees work, they appreciate practical, high-quality items that serve a purpose.
Employees value customization in gifts
Customization is key. Employees are more likely to appreciate gifts that feel personal. In fact, 83% of employees value gifts that can be customized to their preferences, whether it’s the design, color or size. 57% even prefer gifts that feature their name or initials. By offering employees customized gifts, you show that you took the time to think about their unique preferences, which goes a long way in making them feel appreciated.
Generational preferences highlight diverse interests
One of the most interesting findings from the survey was the generational differences in gift preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the top choices:
- Gen Z (Born after 1997): Gen Z employees are more likely to choose Food & Snacks (53%), followed by Apparel (38%) and Tech & Gadgets (35%). They also prefer Drinkware (28%) more than older generations.
- Millennials (Born 1981-1996): Millennials have a more even split between Tech & Gadgets (46%) and Apparel (45%), with Food & Snacks (38%) coming in third.
This suggests that while younger generations appreciate fun and novelty items like snacks, they also have a strong interest in tech gadgets and practical apparel. Understanding these preferences allows businesses to cater to diverse interests and needs across the workforce.
Shift toward practical and functional gifts
For employees overall, a shift toward practical gift ideas is clear in the data. 36% of employees report that they now prefer gifts they can use on a daily basis, such as wireless headphones, hoodies or tumblers. In contrast to more traditional or novelty gifts, employees are looking for items that will serve them in their day-to-day lives, making them feel like the gift has lasting value.
Appreciation beyond work contributions
A massive 76% of employees would love to receive gifts that recognize personal milestones, such as getting married, buying a house or having a baby. This also extends of course to birthdays and Christmas. This desire for personal recognition is especially strong among Gen Z (87%) and millennials (84%). Employers who go beyond recognizing only work-related accomplishments can show employees that they are seen as individuals with lives outside of the office.
Source: Photo by fizkes via Depositphotos.
Most popular gift ideas across categories
Let’s take a deeper dive into the top-ranked gifts across various categories:
- Comfort & leisure: Blankets came out on top with 65% of employees selecting them as their favorite comfort item. A cozy blanket is an excellent gift because it combines both practicality and comfort, offering something employees can enjoy at home.
- Tech gifts: Wireless headphones were the most popular tech gift, with 58% of employees choosing them. In a world where employees often work remotely or in open-office environments, noise-canceling headphones are both practical and appreciated.
- Apparel: 46% of employees favored hoodies as their top apparel choice. Not only are they comfortable, but they also help employees feel connected to the company, especially when they’re emblazoned with the company’s logo or a clever slogan.
- Drinkware: Tumblers and travel thermoses emerged as the top drinkware items, with 54% of employees selecting them. A tumbler isn’t just a gift, it’s a daily-use item that keeps employees hydrated while they go about their day, making it a thoughtful and practical choice.
Tips for employee appreciation in 2025
In summary, the key to great employee appreciation gift ideas is understanding what resonates with your team. Based on our survey data, employees appreciate practical, functional gifts, with a strong preference for tech gadgets, apparel and food & snacks. Customization and personalization are key to making gifts feel special, and job performance should play a significant role in determining the value of the gift.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Focus on practical gifts that employees will actually use.
- Don’t forget to customize gifts to make them feel more personal.
- Consider gifts that recognize personal milestones as well as professional achievements.
- Ensure that the value of the gift aligns with the employee’s performance.
FAQ
What are good gifts to give employees?
Great question! The best gifts are those that combine thoughtfulness and practicality. Consider tech gadgets like wireless headphones or portable chargers, comfy apparel like hoodies or blankets and even fun food & snack boxes. A gift that’s useful or enjoyable is always a winner. And don’t forget the power of personalization! Adding a name, initials or a personal touch to a gift will make it feel extra special.
What do you get for staff appreciation?
When employers invest in staff appreciation, they get more than just smiles, they cultivate a happier, more motivated workforce. Employees who feel recognized are more likely to stay loyal, perform better and contribute positively to the company culture. It’s a win-win: thoughtful gestures build goodwill and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and engaged.
What is a small token of appreciation for employees?
If you’re looking for a smaller gesture that still packs a punch, think of gift cards or snack packs. A coffee gift card or a selection of gourmet snacks can be perfect for those smaller tokens of appreciation. It doesn’t have to break the bank to make someone’s day. A thoughtful note along with a little something can have a big impact.
What is a good thank you gift for a colleague?
For colleagues, consider something personalized and useful. A custom water bottle or personalized notebook could be a perfect fit. If you know their hobbies, you could get something related to those interests. A great thank you gift shows that you value them as a person, not just a coworker.
How can I make my employee appreciation gifts stand out?
Making your gifts stand out starts with personalization! Customize gifts with their names, favorite colors or even their favorite quotes. Thoughtfulness is key, think about their interests, hobbies or something they’ve mentioned in passing. A well-thought-out gift will be remembered long after the occasion.
Methodology
This survey was conducted online between October 30 and November 6, 2024, with a representative sample of 800 employees located in the U.S.
Age filters:
- 18-27 (Gen Z)
- 28-43 (Millennial)
- 44-59 (Gen X)
- 60-78 (Boomers)
- 79-85 (Post-War)
