If you’ve ever had a really great employee, you know how much they mean to your business. They’re not just employees – they’re family. And when they do something amazing, like figure out a way to save your company money on supplies, it’s only right that you show them how much you appreciate them. That’s where awarding them the employee of the month can come as a unique way to appreciate them for their hard work.
But that should come with an employee appreciation gift they would love. If you’re looking for ideas for employee appreciation gifts, you’ve come to the right place. Below is our curated list of employee of the month gift ideas, perfect for anyone looking for a work-appropriate reward.
But What Is a Good Employee Appreciation Gift?
The best employee appreciation gift is one that shows you care. It’s the kind of gift that makes your recipient feel special and appreciated, and it has to be something that they’ll actually use in their day-to-day lives.
So, what does this mean for your gift? Well, you need to think about what the person likes or needs most from their job. Does she love her office space? Great! A new plant could brighten up her desk and make her feel more relaxed while she works.
Is there something missing from his office? Maybe a nice picture frame would be perfect! You get the idea: take some time to think about what kind of gift will help this person succeed at work because success is valuable to everyone involved in an organization (especially when it comes with bonuses!).
11 Unique Employee of the Month Gift Ideas Your Employees Would Love
#1: Offer Company-Branded Swag
This is an excellent way to thank your employees for staying true to their work throughout the month. Gifting them company-branded swag can brighten their day. Give them branded t-shirts, mugs, or baseball caps that display the company logo.
This can be a great gift for employees who work remotely or travel frequently. It will remind them of their home teams while they’re away from the office!
#2: Offer Catered Lunch
Lunch is a great way to show your appreciation for your employees. It’s also one of the best ways to improve morale at work. It’s important to choose a lunch that is healthy and tasty but also suitable for your company culture.
Some companies may have strict policies around food consumption in the office, so make sure you check those before ordering anything too decadent. In addition, ensure that you are looking after your budget when choosing catered lunch options – some can get very pricey!
#3: Surprise with a Handmade Flower Bouquet
Surprise them with a beautiful, handmade flower bouquet. Flowers are the perfect way to say thank you to employees whose work and dedication have been invaluable to your company. They can be delivered right to their office or home, and they’re also great for thanking an employee at work who has gone above and beyond in your absence.
#4: Gift a Massage
Massages are great for a lot of reasons. For example, they can help you relax, reduce stress, manage pain and sleep quality, and increase blood circulation and muscle recovery. But one of the best things about massages is that they can be given by someone you love or care about. If you are thinking of that special gift to give your employee of the month, you might want to consider something as special as a massage!
#5: Make a Charitable Donation
If you want to give a gift that’s both meaningful and charitable, consider making a donation in your employee’s honor. Your donation can be directed towards an organization or cause that is of particular significance to your employee.
For example, if they’ve told you about their love of animals, consider donating to the Humane Society or ASPCA. If they’re passionate about education in their community, consider donating to one of the many local schools or libraries there that could benefit from some financial support.
#6: Offer Extra Vacation Time
The most important thing to remember when you give extra vacation time is that it must be paid time off. If an employee doesn’t have the option of taking their vacation days at all, or if they’re not given proper compensation for those days, then it’s not really a gift. It’s just a burden that employers place on their employees.
You want your employees to feel like they can take advantage of this gift whenever they want and however they want. This means giving them options. They can receive all of the days at once or in chunks over time, depending on how often their schedules allow them off work without impacting productivity too much. If travel is involved (like flights), you’ll need to make sure you cover those costs as well.
It’s also important that you let your employees know about this benefit before anyone else does – preferably during onboarding! That way, when someone asks what sort of benefits are available at your company, they won’t be surprised by the answer.
#7: Gift Employees’ Desk Plants
Desk plants are a great way to get your employees feeling more at home in their workplace. Studies have shown that plants can have a calming effect on people, which can help them focus and be more productive. They also tend to make the office look better, which is always a plus!
If you’re not sure what type of plant would work best for your employees, we recommend succulents. They’re easy to care for, so they won’t require too much effort on behalf of your employees. And they come in such an array of colors, shapes, and sizes that there’s sure to be something that will appeal to everyone!
#8: Offer Gym Membership
If you’re looking for a gift for an employee who loves to stay active, consider getting them a gym membership. If you know where they like to work out, it’s even better! Maybe they’re always talking about how much they love their local gym or how much they miss their old one.
If you don’t know where your employee goes for a workout but want to give them the gift of exercise, look into offering them some kind of membership that will allow them to pick from multiple locations and classes. That way, you can make sure they’re always able to get their exercise in.
#9: Gift Them a Self-Care Kit
This gift is great for your favorite employee of the month because it combines two things they love: taking care of themselves and making sure you’re not in trouble.
The best part is that you can’t go wrong with a self-care kit. You can find one at any drugstore or online, and they tend to be pretty affordable. You can even make your own! Just grab a few small items that are essentials for your employee’s personal self-care habits and wrap them up in some nice tissue paper. It’ll show that you care about their well-being – and their job security!
#10: Offer Lunch with Senior Leadership
A gift that’s sure to impress, the lunch with senior leadership is the perfect gift for employees who have worked hard and shown themselves to be the best. It’s a great way to show appreciation for their dedication, and it also helps foster an environment where your team feels valued and supported.
This is also a great opportunity for employees to connect with their managers on a personal level. It’s also a great way to give them an inside look at what’s going on in the company
#11: Offer Gift Cards
Employee gift cards are one of the best ways to show your appreciation for the hard work that your employees do. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of things, including food, clothing, and entertainment. If your company is struggling with how to make an employee feel appreciated while keeping costs low, consider giving out gift cards!
Final Note on the Best Employee of the Month Gift Ideas
While you may be tempted to give something kind of small, like a gift card or a plant, think about your employees’ needs and what they might really want. If you really want to make an impact with your appreciation gift, consider offering the chance for them to have lunch with senior leadership or take some extra time off. The possibilities are endless!
