5 great ideas for employee gifts
Most teams have seen it: the leftover merch box in the office. The fit is off, the quality misses, and it turns into clutter. That’s exactly why we’re picky about what makes the cut as great employee gifts - and why these employee appreciation gifts are chosen to be useful, high-quality, and genuinely appreciated.
Show your appreciation through custom employee gifts
Employees are the backbone of any business. When people feel seen and valued, they’re more motivated, more engaged, and more likely to stay.
That’s why employee gifts are such a smart addition to your recognition efforts. The right employee appreciation gifts don’t have to be complicated, they simply need to feel thoughtful, useful, and personal.
And it’s worth taking seriously: losing a great employee can be expensive. Depending on role and seniority, the cost of churn can range from 30% to 200% of an employee’s annual salary. That makes appreciation more than a “nice-to-have” - it’s part of building a healthy workplace.
Below you’ll find five practical staff appreciation ideas that work for many teams and occasions, and that can be customized to reflect your company’s brand.
One of the most practical employee gifts is something people use every day. That’s why skincare products, like shampoo, hand soap, body wash, and sunscreen, make excellent employee appreciation gifts.
To make it feel even more meaningful, choose products that can be customized with your company branding. A great example is our Custom Eco Sunscreen: a mineral-based SPF 30 sunscreen made from organic materials and certified by Ecocert. Both the tube and the box can be customized, turning a simple product into a memorable gift.
This is also one of the most seasonal staff appreciation ideas: sunscreen is ideal to give before summer holidays, when employees are about to unplug and recharge. It’s a simple way to say thank you and enjoy your time off.
A quality crewneck is one of those employee gifts almost everyone can appreciate. It’s casual, comfortable, and still polished enough for a modern workplace, especially when paired with simple branding.
With a customized crewneck you can reinforce your culture while giving a piece people will actually wear. Our Heavy Crewneck is made from 100% organic cotton, designed for long-lasting comfort and durability, and it’s unisex, making it a strong choice for diverse teams.
If sustainability matters in your company, this is one of the most reliable employee appreciation gifts: it’s certified by GOTS, Oeko-Tex 100, and PETA-Approved Vegan.
Stanley Stella
If you want employee gifts that feel premium and highly useful, a quality backpack is hard to beat - especially for commuters, hybrid workers, and anyone who brings a laptop to and from the office.
A custom Osprey Daylite backpack is a modern option that combines function and style. It has a great everyday size and fits 14” laptops, making it a strong choice for work use as well as weekends.
Osprey is also known for durability and responsible materials. The bag is made from bluesign® approved recycled fabrics and GRS-certified recycled polyester. For customization, you can choose printing or embroidery on the front - your logo is a classic choice, but you can also add a team name or campaign message. This is one of those employee appreciation gifts people keep for years.
Osprey
For office and hybrid teams, a computer sleeve is one of the most universally useful staff appreciation ideas. It protects an employee’s laptop, upgrades their daily routine, and works as a subtle long-term reminder that they’re valued.
A durable sleeve matters here: it should feel sturdy, padded, and built for everyday use. Our computer sleeve features inside padding and reinforcing piping for protection and durability. The materials are 100% organic Fairtrade cotton, marked with Neutral and Fairtrade labels on the inside.
It’s certified with the EU Ecolabel, Fairtrade, and Oeko-Tex 100, helping you choose employee gifts that align with ethical and environmental standards. It also comes in 13” and 15” sizes, fitting most standard work laptops.
Rains
If you’re looking for employee appreciation gifts that feel celebratory, pre-mixed drinks are a fun and modern choice. They work especially well for milestones, project launches, team wins, seasonal celebrations, onboarding bundles, or end-of-quarter thank-yous.
On the Sugarcoat website, we offer pre-mixed drinks that can be included as a stand-alone gift or combined into a curated appreciation box. It’s one of those staff appreciation ideas that encourages employees to relax and enjoy the moment, whether that’s at a team event or at home after a long week. Add a short thank-you card and you’ve got a simple, memorable gesture that feels genuinely rewarding.
Employee Appreciation Day: What is it and why is it important?
Employee Appreciation Day is a yearly reminder to pause and recognize the people who keep your business moving, your employees.
It was founded by Dr. Bob Nelson, a leading voice in employee recognition and the author of more than 30 books on motivation, engagement, and management.
Today, it’s marked on the first Friday in March and gives companies an easy reason to show genuine gratitude - strengthening morale, culture, and everyday motivation.
A simple way to choose the right gift
If you’re deciding between options, here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Everyday utility: skincare, computer sleeves
- Culture + team identity: crewnecks
- Premium + long-term use: backpacks
- Celebration + moments: pre-mixed drinks
If you need more inspiration, take a look at our Inspiration page to see how other teams approach thoughtful employee gifts. And if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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