- \n
- Practical gifts like wireless headphones or tumblers are loved because they\u2019re useful and appreciated daily.<\/li>\n
- Personalized gifts, like adding names, initials or favorite colors, make employees feel special and seen.<\/li>\n
- 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.<\/li>\n
- Tying gift value to job performance is a surefire way to show employees that their contributions are truly valued.<\/li>\n
- Tech like Bluetooth speakers and snacks are the fan favorites for a reason \u2014 they\u2019re universally loved, practical and make for great gifts that everyone can enjoy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Need quick gift ideas? <\/div>\n\n\n Check out custom gifts for employees and customers. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Let\u2019s go!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1737935013\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/woman-holds-up-a-white-metal-branded-water-bottle\/woman-holds-up-a-white-metal-branded-water-bottle.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A day for gratitude<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Employee Appreciation Day isn\u2019t just another date on the calendar. It\u2019s an opportunity to hit pause and show your team that their hard work doesn\u2019t go unnoticed. Though again, while handy to have a specific day, this shouldn\u2019t be exclusive, you should be able to show appreciation all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right gift idea has the power to boost morale, build loyalty and make employees feel like they\u2019re an integral part of the bigger picture. And while a generic \u201cThanks for everything\u201d card is nice, this year\u2019s data shows that a little more effort can have a huge impact. Let\u2019s dive into the most memorable gifts employees have received, and the trends driving 2025\u2019s appreciation game.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Wrapped](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1737935224\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Wrapped-gifts\/Wrapped-gifts.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the most memorable gift you\u2019ve ever received from an employer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We asked 800 employees about the most memorable gifts they\u2019ve 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<\/a> that came up time and again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Gift cards and cash incentives:<\/strong> Many respondents appreciated gift cards (Amazon, restaurant, grocery) and cash bonuses, especially around the holidays or as incentives for milestones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Custom branded apparel and accessories:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experience-based gift ideas:<\/strong> Memorable experiences such as team outings, paid vacations or tickets to events resonated with employees surveyed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personalized and thoughtful gestures:<\/strong> Gifts with a personal touch, such as handwritten notes, flowers or items tailored to the recipient\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Custom merchandise with utility: <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Top 9 employee appreciation gift trends for 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s clear that employee preferences are evolving, so let\u2019s dive into the top gift idea trends from the survey data that will shape how we recognize and reward employees in the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"percentages](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1738844444\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/employees-receiving-a-gift-chart\/employees-receiving-a-gift-chart.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gifts at work don\u2019t go unnoticed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s 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\u2019re grateful for your contributions.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gifts are linked to recognition and value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the benefits of gifting don\u2019t 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\u2019t just about making someone\u2019s day, they\u2019re about fostering a deeper sense of engagement, motivation and loyalty in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employee favorites include tech & gadgets, apparel and food & snacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s a simple way to show appreciation that\u2019s universally loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"most](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1738844480\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/percentage-of-employees-who-like-tech-gifts\/percentage-of-employees-who-like-tech-gifts.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Job performance matters most for gift value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s clear that performance-based recognition is most valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"top](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1738844470\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/top-gift-preferences-business-size-chart\/top-gift-preferences-business-size-chart.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees at larger businesses show a stronger preference for tech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees value customization in gifts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"gift](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_569,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1738844455\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/younger-generation-gift-prefs-chart\/younger-generation-gift-prefs-chart.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generational preferences highlight diverse interests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the most interesting findings from the survey was the generational differences in gift preferences. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the top choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Millennials (Born 1981-1996): Millennials have a more even split between Tech & Gadgets (46%) and Apparel (45%), with Food & Snacks (38%) coming in third.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shift toward practical and functional gifts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Appreciation beyond work contributions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> and Christmas<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n
- Custom branded apparel and accessories:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gift cards and cash incentives:<\/strong> Many respondents appreciated gift cards (Amazon, restaurant, grocery) and cash bonuses, especially around the holidays or as incentives for milestones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Manager](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_682,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1737935101\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Manager-shakes-hand-and-congratulating-an-employee\/Manager-shakes-hand-and-congratulating-an-employee.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n