Employee Appreciation Gifts Guide for 2025

No company can ever function without its employees. They are the heartbeat of every business because they always show up, give their best, and help keep everything moving forward even on the tough days. So, how do you show them that their hard work truly matters? By gifting them. It could be on the Employee Appreciation Day, Christmas, or summer holidays. For a great start, read through this guide on thoughtful employee appreciation gifts that will make your team feel valued. Let's dive in.

15 Best Employee Appreciation Gifts That Make Your Team Feel Valued in 2025

The best employee gifts are the ones that make your team feel seen, valued, and motivated. And it doesn't have to be complicated at all. It could be something as simple as a day off or a handwritten note. But let's go more in-depth and unravel other gift options worth exploring.

1. MasterClass Subscription

Let your team know that you care more about their daily work output. You're also invested in their career. With a MasterClass subscription, they can take lessons from icons like Serena Williams and Neil Gaiman, depending on their interests. This is such a powerful employee appreciation gift for personal development and inspiration.

2. An Extra Day Off

Time is a luxury. So, offering a bonus PTO day shows you trust your employees and care about their mental health. It's a meaningful employee appreciation day gift that costs almost nothing and often increases your team's morale and retention.

3. Power Banks

Great for employees on the move, power banks ensure devices stay powered anywhere.

The Anker 737 Power Bank delivers 140W fast charging with 24,000mAh capacity, enough to power a laptop and tablet.

The slim Anker MagGo Power Bank (0.58 inches) offers 15W Qi2 wireless charging, taking an iPhone 15 Pro to 50% in 51 minutes, plus a 30W USB-C port for other gadgets.

4. Subscription Box

These personalized employee gift ideas are such an ongoing delight that your team will love. You pay attention to their interests, which could be snacks, books, food, perfume, games - whatever it is, then pay for a subscription that allows them to take in that experience.

5. Grocery Gift Cards

Handing your team an employee Christmas gift card shows you understand real-life expenses. At least, it makes holiday shopping or meal prep easier for employees with families.

6. Fan Their Fandom

Think of giving personalized gifts based on their interests. It shows you see them as individuals, not just workers. These kinds of employee recognition gifts are fun and meaningful.

7. Handwritten Notes

This is one of the employee gifts under $50. In fact, it costs nothing to send out genuine words of appreciation to your workers. And the more personalized it is, the more impactful. It shows you're aware of what a gift they are to the organization.

8. Wired or Wireless Chargers

High-quality chargers are another employee appreciation gift idea worth exploring, especially if your employees work remotely.

The Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe powers an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at once, is foldable, pocket-sized, and delivers 15W ultra-fast MagSafe charging.

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station tilts to 45° or switches to landscape for StandBy mode, letting employees work while their phone charges.

Anker also offers corporate bulk discounts, making these gifts even more cost-effective.

9. State Candles

Tapping into the sensory side of memory is unique and personal. It makes a great employee anniversary gift that ties back to company culture or location, as it adds local flavor or nostalgia.

10. Piñata

Your employees wouldn't see this gift coming and would probably have a huge smile on their faces for the rest of the day. In fact, they can turn a regular workday into a celebration. It also makes for the perfect employee birthday gift ideas, especially for remote workers who miss the playful office vibe.

11. Fidget Toys

These are perfect for focus and stress relief. They are especially appreciated by neurodivergent team members or anyone surviving long meetings. It's quite a thoughtful option for new employee welcome gifts.

12. Fuji Polaroid Camera

This gift encourages memory-making outside of work. It says, "We value your life beyond the office." An employee already leaving the organization will find it memorable.

13. At-Home Crafts

You'll be supporting creativity and mindfulness with this gift, especially if your workers are DIY lovers or those needing screen-free relaxation

14. Airbnb Experiences

An experience is also a gift. These are perfect gifts for employees leaving. It's a way to create lasting memories.

15. Headshots

You can support your team's professional growth by giving them headshots. It's especially valuable for new employees and can also serve as milestone recognitions for career development.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up, your employees deserve as much appreciation, especially if they keep going the extra mile to get the work done. And sometimes, the best employee appreciation gifts speak louder than another Zoom shoutout. There are a lot of options to explore, from giving them a day off to getting them tech accessories like chargers and power banks. It's not just to aid their work but their personal engagements too. Thankfully, Anker allows for discounted rates if you're making a bulk order. At the end of the day, all that matters is that your team feels seen, valued, and appreciated.

FAQs

What are good employee recognition gifts?

Good employee gifts thoughtfully show appreciation. Letting employees choose their reward, like with gift cards or experiences, is always a win. You can also surprise them with a spa day at work, a bonus day off, or fun desk accessories. Even small gestures like handwritten notes or fidget toys can make a big impact.

Are gift cards too impersonal for employee appreciation?

Gift cards can actually feel very personal, but only when done right. They give employees the freedom to choose something they truly want, which adds value to the gesture. Pairing a gift card with a thoughtful note or knowing their favorite store makes it feel more meaningful. It's all about the way you give it.

When should companies give employee appreciation gifts?

There's no bad time to show appreciation to your employees, but some key moments stand out. Birthdays, holidays, and work anniversaries are great times to give gifts. You can also give them after major achievements, promotions, or to celebrate project milestones. A thoughtful gift during these moments can go a long way.