Sometimes it’s a hassle coming up with unique and affordable appreciation gifts for employees.
Gone are the days when employees used to get excited from the usual and monotonous presents like notebooks with a brand logo or candy bags.
To solve this problem, we have articulated a list of 14 unique motivational gift ideas for your employees, and that too on a pocket-friendly budget.
Let’s face the facts, whether you own a small or a big firm it’s necessary to remind everyone that they are important and appreciated at least once a year.
Whether it’s for Christmas, a small corporate event, or various activities, despite the occasion, presents help increase employee satisfaction.
In a survey on employee happiness, it was revealed that 45% of employees believed that appreciation gifts reflect how much the company values them.
Why does investing in employee motivation gifts fuel business success?
Strengthening team spirit through thoughtful gifts isn’t just an act of kindness – it’s a strategic move for developing your employees and shaping the future of your company. Appreciating employees through motivational gifts reminds them that their efforts and commitment are recognized. When employees feel valued, they tend to be more engaged, attentive, and committed, creating a more productive and positive working environment.
Building stronger connections
Giving employee motivation gifts helps strengthen the bond between you and your team. It’s a simple yet effective way to show you care about their contributions. Small gifts – whether personalized, practical, or surprising – help foster a culture of appreciation. This recognition motivates employees to give their best at work, increasing both productivity and job satisfaction.
Boosting retention and team loyalty
The benefits don’t stop there. Recognizing good work through gifts also strengthens cohesion and reduces turnover. Employees who feel their hard work is appreciated are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, lowering turnover costs and creating a more committed, reliable workforce.
Encouraging creativity and teamwork
Motivational gifts don’t just improve individual morale – they inspire the whole team. Thoughtful gestures encourage collaboration, innovation, and creative problem-solving. Hosting corporate events in inspiring locations, like a warehouse venue in London, can amplify this effect by providing an environment that sparks new ideas.
Creating lasting impact
Giving gifts that boost morale isn’t just about the moment – it sets the stage for a happier, more motivated, and productive future. No gift is too small when it comes to motivating and engaging your team, and employees will notice the effort, responding with greater dedication and performance.
By investing in thoughtful employee recognition, you’re not only rewarding individuals – you’re building a stronger, more motivated team ready to achieve shared goals.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Small gift ideas for employees
Small gifts for employees do not have to be overly expensive and are a great way to show your appreciation. They are practical gifts that not only say thank you but also help to create a pleasant and motivating atmosphere in the workplace. They can be given on special occasions or even just to make someone’s day. Small, personalized gifts are really helpful and appreciated in many ways. Here are some wonderful ideas for employee gifts and how to make them more personal:
Power banks
In comparison to the simple week-long phones we had just a few years ago, modern smartphones barely last a day. Power banks are portable devices that allow you to be flexible and travel around with business errands without worrying about your device burning out.
Make it unique by adding the company logo or an inspirational quote to make it even more special. Give these gifts at the right time, either on the employee’s anniversary or after the employee has traveled on a business trip so that the employee does not feel taken for granted.
What could be a better employee motivational gifts than this now?
Canvas Prints
Struggling to find a meaningful yet affordable gift to boost employee morale? Look no further than canvas prints! Online platforms like Wallpics offer beautiful, stickable Canvas Prints that you can present to your employees. Plus, you can design the Canvas with a motivational quote or a picture of your team celebrating a win – a constant reminder of their hard work and value. These personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to show appreciation, and employees can proudly display them at home or personalize their workspace for an extra motivational touch!
Table plants
Did you know that plants might help you be more productive and let your creative ideas flow? A desk plant on each of your employees’ tables sounds appealing and a kind of great employee appreciation gifts. Plants that increase productivity include Sansevieria, Ficus Benjamina, Aglaonema, and Peace Lily. Bringing freshly prepared meals to your employees during office hours can also reflect how much the company values them. Providing healthy and convenient lunch options ensures that employees are always energized and ready to perform their best throughout the day.
You can make this gift even more special by choosing plants that match each employee’s taste or adding a small tag with their name. Give them out on Earth Day or during employee appreciation week for a truly memorable treat.
Portable lunch boxes
Portable lunch boxes can make messy salads and soups, which appear impossible to travel with easily packed up. It’s the ideal size and design for employees who prefer to work from anywhere. Name better motivational gifts for employees. We’ll wait.
Air Humidifier
Good air speaks for good health and better productivity levels! Besides, what are better appreciation gifts than thinking of your employees’ good health? The use of a humidifier aids in the removal of dust particles from the air. Dust in the air is captured and filtered by the small water droplets. The enhanced air contains less dust, which can decrease the transmission of airborne infections irritating your employees’ respiratory systems.
A personalized air humidifier could be branded with a company logo or an inspiring quote to help brighten up a workspace. A great time to gift air humidifiers is during flu season or at the start of the new year. It’s a great way to promote wellness in the workplace.
Motivational journals
It’s always a good idea to pen down your ideas, thoughts, hourly plans, or anything you wish for in a journal. What’s a better way than giving your employees the freedom to write their thoughts – that too in a motivational journal. To make things even better, you can make a photo book from scratch with some of the most important career moments for each employee and attach it to the journal. This one is our favorite employee motivational gift.
Soy candles
You can even create a personalized message for a specific employee or a single quote that is relevant to your company’s model to stick on the candle jars. In either case, it will be regarded as a thoughtful appreciation gift for employees that is hopeful to be greatly loved. It’s always a great idea to give scented candles as a present!
Tumbler
For every employee, a tumbler is a must-have item. They can use it to hydrate themselves or drink their morning beverage. In comparison to steel bottles, it is much more convenient and light to carry. You can make it even more special by personalizing it with their names or quotes such as “You can do it”. Every day, the tumbler will push them to do more and better. This should prove to be great employee motivational gifts.
Motivational table frames
This is a great way to send motivational quotes and messages to your employees to put up. It’s an easy drive booster and also looks good aesthetically on walls and tables. Simple quotes like “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations” can act as an appreciation and motivational catalyst for your employees.
Add a personal touch by picking a quote that fits with the employee’s role or achievements. These are great to give as gifts on special occasions like promotions, project completions, or quarterly reviews.
Adult coloring books
Adult coloring books are a great way to help employees unwind and tap into their artistic side. You can make the book your own by adding illustrations that are relevant to your workplace or by adding drawings or a company quote that inspires your team. You could also give a set of colored pencils or markers to go with the book. They’re great for celebrating stress-free days, mental health initiatives, or as part of an employee appreciation gift.
Event tickets
Recreation is important at work! Going to different events can also make great memories. Tickets to a game night, a concert or even a renowned conference taking place in the city can change the mood of employees and help enhance their morale. This can also serve as a great employee appreciation gift!
Make it special by thinking about what each employee likes when you choose the event. They’re ideal for team-building events or special celebrations like wrapping up a tricky project.
Inspirational keychains
If you are looking for a simple yet significant gesture that won’t break the bank – but will still motivate your employees then make a statement with a motivational keychain! This is a great business gift idea that you can buy in bulk too! It can also be used as a small add-on to the main gifts.
Fun coasters
Coasters can be both functional and decorative. You can personalize each coaster with a company message that inspires or a fun design related to the employee’s role, like a coffee cup icon or a positive affirmation. They’re ideal for recognition gifts or small tokens of appreciation during team-building events, holidays, or as a surprise for hard-working employees.
Inspirational T-shirts
Custom t-shirts with a slogan or your company branding are a great way to motivate your team. You can personalize each shirt with the name of each employee or a quote that reflects what they do or how they contribute to the team. For example, you could use something like “Teamwork makes the dream work” or a phrase that fits with your company culture. They’re great for team-building events, casual Fridays, employee anniversaries, or just to show your appreciation for a job well done.
Laptop sticker
Even if you don’t want to smear your laptop’s valuable surface, a sticker can be applied to a car, a planner, a helmet, or a fridge. Stickers are a great, affordable way to spruce up any employee’s workspace with a personalized touch. Let your employees choose from a range of designs that reflect their personality, hobbies, or role on the team, or create a company-specific design that they can be proud to display. They make great recognition gifts or can be included in a welcome kit for new team members.
Wrapping up
At the end of the day, giving motivational gifts is a way of showing genuine appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of your employees. It doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes the simplest things have the biggest impact. For example, you could choose a motivational book, a customized tumbler, a desk organizer, or even a cozy blanket for those late workdays. You don’t have to spend a fortune on employee motivation gifts to make a real difference.
The key is to focus on boost morale gifts that make employees feel recognized and valued. Small gestures – like a personalized notebook, a custom mug, or a set of inspirational sticky notes – can brighten the office and spread positivity. For larger teams or special occasions, consider thoughtful employee appreciation gifts like gift cards, team lunches, or experience-based rewards that create lasting memories.
Just remember, it’s the intention behind the gift that matters most. From a cheerful and inexpensive item like a coaster to a more significant motivational gift for the whole team, these thoughtful gestures keep employees engaged, focused, and enthusiastic about their work. Gifts and incentives that encourage positivity reinforce a supportive workplace culture and show your team they are valued.
So, next time you’re searching for the perfect small gift for your team, don’t stress – the gesture counts more than the price tag. Inspirational business gifts, whether simple or elaborate, will demonstrate that your employees are appreciated, boost morale, and inspire them to tackle the next challenge with energy and confidence.
