Employee Appreciation Day is the perfect time to make your team feel truly valued (although you should be doing this year-round!).
Whether you’re thinking ahead or just like to be prepared, you’ll need to consider what kind of employee appreciation gifts that you want to give.
From personalized items that add a special touch to practical gifts that make everyday life a little easier, there’s no shortage of ways to say “thank you” to your hardworking employees.
So, let’s get started on finding the perfect way to celebrate your amazing crew on Employee Appreciation Day!
What is Employee Appreciation Day?
Employee Appreciation Day is a special day each year when you get to show your team just how much their hard work and dedication mean to you.
It’s a chance to step away from the daily grind and say, “You’re a vital part of this team, and we appreciate everything you do.” Celebrated on the first Friday of March, Employee Appreciation Day in 2025 lands on March 7th.
This day is all about showing gratitude in a way that resonates with your employees — whether it’s through thoughtful gifts, a fun office event, or simply taking the time to say a heartfelt “thank you.”
The goal is to make sure your team knows just how much they’re valued and how crucial they are to the success of the company. After all, a little recognition can go a long way in creating a motivated and positive work environment.
Read More: 7 Employee Appreciation Day Ideas to Boost Employee Engagement
The Importance of Showing Your Employees Appreciation
Showing appreciation to your employees isn’t just about being polite — it’s about building a motivated and loyal team.
When your employees feel genuinely recognized and valued, it sends positive vibes throughout the whole company. From boosting morale to making sure people actually enjoy coming to work, showing a little gratitude can make a huge difference.
Let’s dive into why giving your employees the recognition they deserve is a game-changer for your workplace.
Boosting Morale
When employees know their efforts are noticed and valued, their motivation gets a serious boost. It’s like giving them a shot of energy and enthusiasm.
Recognized employees tend to be more engaged, throwing themselves into their work with a positive attitude.
And that positivity? It spreads, making the entire workplace a more enjoyable place to be!
Reducing Turnover
Employees who feel valued are more likely to stick around for the long haul. When you show them appreciation, it’s like saying, “You belong here, and we want you to stay.”
This sense of belonging builds loyalty, reducing the chances of employees looking for greener pastures. In other words, a little appreciation can help keep your best people right where you want them: on your team.
Enhancing Job Satisfaction
When employees feel their work is acknowledged, job satisfaction goes through the roof.
They’re not just clocking in and out — they’re feeling fulfilled and proud of what they do. This sense of fulfillment contributes to overall well-being, making employees happier and more content at work.
Remember: Happy employees are the ones who are going to go the extra mile.
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Creating a culture of recognition means everyone knows their contributions matter. It creates a workplace where appreciation is the norm, not the exception.
This kind of environment not only boosts individual morale but also promotes team unity. When employees see their colleagues being recognized, it encourages a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, making the whole team stronger and more cohesive.
What Kinds of Gifts Work for Employee Appreciation?
When it comes to choosing the perfect gifts for Employee Appreciation Day, the key is to find something that resonates with your team and makes them feel genuinely valued.
The right gift can leave a lasting impression, showing your employees that you’ve put thought into recognizing their contributions.
Here’s what to look for.
Personalized Gifts
There’s something special about receiving a gift that’s been tailored just for you.
Personalized gifts show that you’ve taken the time to think about each employee as an individual. Whether it’s a custom-engraved pen, a monogrammed notebook, or a personalized mug, these gifts add a personal touch that makes employees feel truly valued.
It’s a thoughtful way to say, “You’re not just one of many — you’re unique, and we appreciate you.”
Quality Gifts
When you want to make a statement, quality gifts are the way to go.
High-quality items like luxury pens, branded apparel, or premium tech gadgets send a clear message: We value you!
These are the kinds of gifts that employees will use regularly, serving as a constant reminder of your appreciation.
Plus, they make a lasting impression, showing that your gratitude is both sincere and significant.
Useful Gifts
Practical gifts that employees can use in their daily lives are always a hit.
Think ergonomic office supplies that make work more comfortable, reusable water bottles that encourage hydration, or stylish tote bags that can be used both in and out of the office.
These types of gifts show that you’re thinking about your employees’ well-being and comfort.
12 Amazing Employee Appreciation Day Gifts
Ready to start selecting some incredible gifts?
Let’s make the process even easier for you — here are 12 of our favorite employee appreciation gifts separated by category!
Apparel
Apparel is always a safe bet for employee appreciation gifts, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t an interesting pick!
Here are a few options we know your employees will love.
Marine Layer Men’s Afternoon Hoodie
The Marine Layer Men’s Afternoon Hoodie is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and sustainability. This hoodie is also available in a women’s fit/cut.
Made from a soft, sustainable blend of Supima Cotton and Micromodal, this lightweight hoodie is cozy enough for year-round wear. It can be personalized with screen printing or embroidery, making it an ideal gift for employee appreciation.
Plus, by choosing Marine Layer, you’re supporting a brand that gives back to numerous community causes and is committed to sustainability. It’s a gift that’s sure to be appreciated on multiple levels!
The North Face Unisex Everyday Insulated Jacket
Not many brands can leave a lasting impression as good as The North Face! This jacket is also available in a women’s fit/cut.
The North Face Unisex Everyday Insulated Jacket is built for both mountain adventures and city life, offering warmth and protection against the elements.
With a durable water-repellent finish and 150 g Heatseeker™ insulation, this jacket keeps you cozy and dry in cold, wet conditions. Its stylish baffles and colorblocking make it perfect for everyday wear.
This jacket is designed for versatility — it can be personalized with embroidery on the right chest, back, or sleeves, making it an excellent choice for a branded employee gift.
This jacket is not just a thoughtful gift but also a step towards a more sustainable future.
You Might Also Like: Employee Appreciation Day Everyday: Company Employee Recognition Ideas
Drinkware
Staying hydrated is important — and staying caffeinated might be even more important!
Here are some drinkware gifts that are sure to be a hit.
Everyone can use a go-to water bottle!
The Swag 17 Oz. Water Bottle is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it an ideal gift for employee appreciation.
Crafted from double-wall 18/8 stainless steel with copper vacuum insulation, this bottle keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. Its sleek design features a threaded stainless steel lid and base, adding a touch of modern elegance.
This BPA-free bottle is not just practical but also highly customizable. You can add your logo or design via screen printing on the front, back, wrap, or even on the lid. Packaged in a gift box, it’s a polished and thoughtful gift that your employees will appreciate every day, whether at work or on the go.
Plus, with its durable construction, this water bottle is built to last — just like your appreciation for your team!
Coffee on the go is the perfect gift to your coffee-loving employees!
The S’well 18 Oz. Tumbler is designed to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature while offering a sleek, stylish solution for everyday hydration. Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this tumbler keeps beverages cold for up to 12 hours and hot for up to 4 hours.
Plus, with its condensation-free exterior, you won’t have to worry about it sweating on your table or countertop—no coaster needed!
Available for digital printing or laser engraving, this tumbler can be customized with your company’s logo, making it a fantastic gift for employee appreciation.
Tech
Tech gifts are always appreciated.
Whether it’s a great pair of earbuds or a wireless charger, your employees will love it.
Check out some of our favorites.
The JBL Go 4 Speaker is proof that great things come in small packages.
This ultra-portable speaker fits in the palm of your hand, yet it delivers powerful JBL Pro Sound with punchy bass that will impress even the most discerning listeners.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading out for a beach day, the JBL Go 4 is your perfect companion, offering up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an additional 2 hours available through the Playtime Boost feature.
What sets this speaker apart is its durability — it’s both waterproof and dustproof, boasting an IP67 rating, so you can take it just about anywhere without worrying about the elements.
Available for customization with your logo via digital print, the JBL Go 4 makes a fantastic gift for employees who love their music on the go.
The Nimble Lite Portable Charger is a small but mighty powerhouse that combines eco-friendly design with top-notch performance.
With a 5,200 mAh battery, this ultra-compact charger can provide up to three full phone charges, making it perfect for employees on the go. It’s not just powerful, but also fast, thanks to its 15W USB-C port that delivers charging speeds twice as fast as standard chargers.
Made with 72.5% post-consumer recycled plastic, the Nimble Lite is as sustainable as it is functional. It can charge two devices simultaneously, making it versatile for use with iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and more.
This portable charger is also part of Nimble’s commitment to sustainability, reflected in their B Corp certification and carbon-neutral manufacturing process.
Pump up the jams!
The Urbanista Lisbon Earbuds are the perfect blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, making them an ideal gift for employees who love to stay connected.
These true wireless earbuds are the most compact in the Urbanista lineup, so light and comfortable that you might forget you’re even wearing them. But don’t let their size fool you — these earbuds deliver a powerful audio experience with up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge, and a total of 27 hours with the charging case.
Whether your employees are using them for calls, music, or podcasts, these earbuds provide high-quality sound in a sleek, minimalist design.
Home & Wellness
Home and wellness gifts can be unique gems that you can personalize for employees that would appreciate them.
We have a couple great examples here!
The Theragun Mini Massager is the ultimate portable solution for deep muscle treatment on the go.
Despite its compact size, this powerful device delivers the same high-quality massage therapy that Theragun is known for, making it an ideal gift for employees who could use a little relief from the stresses of the day.
Weighing just 1.8 pounds and small enough to fit in a bag, the Theragun Mini offers unparalleled portability without sacrificing performance. It comes with a soft case, a Standard Ball attachment, and a power adapter, making it ready to use whenever and wherever relief is needed.
With up to 150 minutes of run time and three adjustable speeds, this mini massager is designed to provide customized therapeutic benefits!
The Serene House Glass Diffuser is a perfect blend of style and relaxation, making it an ideal gift for creating a calming atmosphere at home or in the office.
With its sculpted frosted glass cover, this diffuser adds a modern, elegant touch to any room while filling the space with the soothing scents of your choice.
With a built-in timer and 7 LED lights that can rotate or stay fixed on one color, it’s easy to customize your aromatherapy experience. Simply add water and your favorite essential oil, and let the cool mist work its magic to relax and recharge you.
The Serene House Glass Diffuser comes in a gift box and can be customized with a pad print on the wood base, making it a thoughtful and elegant gift that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who loves a peaceful, aromatic environment.
Eco-Friendly
If you really want to make a difference, why not choose eco-friendly gifts?
For those with employees who care about preserving the environment, these are a great option to show that you know them and their preferences.
The North Face Laptop Backpack
The North Face Laptop Backpack is the ultimate all-utility pack, designed to keep everything you need organized and protected.
With a spacious 28-liter capacity, this backpack features a large main compartment with a floating, padded laptop sleeve that securely holds your device.
Built for both comfort and functionality, the backpack boasts The North Face’s FlexVent suspension system, which includes custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded mesh back panel with a spine channel for maximum support and ventilation. The reflective details throughout the bag ensure you stay visible, while the two mesh water bottle pockets and comfortable padded top haul handle add to its practicality.
The North Face is committed to sustainability, working towards eliminating single-use plastic packaging by 2025 and ensuring their paper products are made from recycled materials.
Durable, functional, and eco-conscious, this backpack is a gift that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who values quality and convenience.
The Marine Layer Corbet Blanket is a cozy and stylish addition to any home or office, making it a thoughtful and versatile gift for employee appreciation.
This blanket features a unique design with two different colored sides—navy heather and charcoal—giving it a modern, reversible look. Made from a soft and durable cotton/rayon blend, the blanket is jacquard quilted and filled with vegan-friendly poly, ensuring both comfort and ethical production.
Beyond its comfort and style, the Corbet Blanket is part of Marine Layer’s commitment to sustainability and community support.
By choosing this blanket, you’re not only giving a high-quality, functional gift but also supporting a company that’s deeply involved in environmental and social causes.
With Marine Layer’s goal of becoming a B Corporation by 2024 and ensuring that at least 50% of their products are made with sustainable materials, this blanket is a gift that aligns with values of sustainability and responsible production.
Known Supply Unisex Pocket Crew Sweatshirt
The Known Supply Unisex Pocket Crew Sweatshirt is where comfort meets conscientious design.
Crafted from 100% organic French Terry cotton, this sweatshirt offers a soft, cozy feel with a nod to classic style through its washed-down tones. What sets this sweatshirt apart are the two functional front pockets, adding both utility and a unique design element that enhances everyday comfort.
What makes this sweatshirt even more special is its commitment to ethical production.
Known Supply is a brand dedicated to fair trade, ensuring that every item is made using sustainable materials and is traceable back to the individual maker.
By choosing this sweatshirt, you’re not just giving a comfortable and stylish gift — you’re supporting fair trade practices and sustainable fashion, making a positive impact on both the people who make the products and the planet.
Find the Best Employee Appreciation Day Gifts From Swag.com
Looking for more great Employee Appreciation Day gifts?
Wow your employees with all the classics: apparel, drinkware, tech, and much more.
No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got it — shop our Employee Appreciation Day gifts today!
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Still not sure what gifts to get your employees for Appreciation Day (and let’s face it, every day should be Employee Appreciation Day)? If you’d like to speak with one of our swag experts to find the perfect gifts for your employees, fill out the form below and you’ll hear from us as soon as possible.
