Female employee holding bouquet of pink flowers

11 Fun & Affordable Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

Small business owners know the value of staff recognition. Employee appreciation and recognition keep your team happy and motivated.

But finding affordable ways to show appreciation can be a challenge. Keep reading to learn 11 fun, creative and affordable employee appreciation gift ideas.

1. Personalized Coffee Mugs

Using a personalized coffee mug for your morning drink feels special. It can add a touch of uniqueness to your team routine.

Consider giving your staff customized coffee mugs. Include their names or fun quotes that show off your team spirit.

You can get plain mugs at a budget-friendly price, then add your own personal touch using DIY paint or markers. Your team will love using their mug every day.

2. Customized Nameplates

Personalized desk decorations add individuality to workspaces. They show you've recognized each employee's uniqueness.

Customizing your team nameplates can be a cost-effective staff recognition idea. They make your employees feel appreciated and valued.

3. DIY Candy Bouquets

Who doesn't love a tasty treat? Make colorful candy bouquets with various candies and chocolates. Buy low-cost candy in bulk for this project and arrange them into a bouquet using skewers.

You can also use decorative paper to enhance the presentation. It's a sweet surprise guaranteed to brighten up your team's day.

4. Mini Desk Plants

Introduce a bit of nature into the office with mini desk plants. They're aesthetically pleasing and can help reduce stress. Opt for low-maintenance succulents or herbs because they thrive in a typical office environment.

Don’t forget to include care instructions in case some of your employees aren’t the green thumb type.

5. Relaxation Kits

Help your employees unwind with relaxation kits equipped with essential items. These kits may contain soothing candles and calming teas.

You can also include a variety of candies for their desktop candy bowl. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates your genuine appreciation to your team and your commitment to their mental health and wellbeing.

6. Personalized Thank-You Notes

Invest time in crafting personalized thank-you notes for your employees. Recognize their unique contributions and efforts individually.

A heartfelt message can significantly boost feelings of value. It's a simple and meaningful way to show staff appreciation.

7. Personalized Notebooks

Inspire your team's creativity and productivity with customized notebooks. Personalize plain notebooks with each employee's name or initials.

Those small personal touches can make your employees feel valued. Another option is to include motivational quotes or your company logo.

Customized notebooks encourage and reinforce company culture. Plus, they’re practical and can be used for brainstorming sessions and note taking.

8. Inspirational Desk Quotes

Boost employee morale and motivation with framed inspirational quotes. Daily positivity fosters a supportive work environment.

It uplifts spirits and enhances productivity levels. You can personalize the quotes for each employee, or change them up every month with different quotes centered around a particular theme.

9. Movie Night Kit

Offer your team a relaxing movie night kit. Include popcorn, candy and a gift card to your local cinema. Alternatively, suggest a list of films you think they would enjoy.

This can help your staff to unwind outside of work. It is also a fun way to encourage your team to take time off for themselves.

10. DIY Spa Kits

Help your team relax and de-stress with DIY spa kits. Fill the kits with bath bombs, face masks and candles so they can create a soothing spa experience at home.

Include instructions for easy pampering sessions and empower your team to relax whenever they desire. This is a thoughtful way to promote self-care.

11. Office Snack Packs

Who doesn't love a good snack? Show your appreciation with office snack packs. Include delicious treats, such as candies from Deskgoodies.

It's a tasty way to express appreciation, and it can help keep your team energized and motivated all day. A win-win!

Show Your Employees Some Love with Deskgoodies Candy

Let your employees know how much you appreciate them with a Deskgoodies candy subscription.

This convenient, competitively-priced service delivers a variety of candy right to your door every month, and it even comes with its own decorative candy bowl.

Browse our selection of premium candies and chocolates and create your own customized order, or choose one of our carefully curated packages, such as Candy Craze or Chocolate Bliss.

Sign up for a candy subscription service plan and say thank you with delightful Deskgoodies candy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some unconventional employee appreciation gift ideas?

How about a personalized playlist to help employees power through their workday? Other fun, unique options are virtual cooking classes or handwritten poems expressing your gratitude.

Can I incorporate team-building into employee appreciation gifts?

You can host a DIY workshop for team building. Alternatively, consider organizing a group outing. Another option is to create custom team challenges.

Are there eco-friendly options for employee appreciation gifts?

Yes! Choose sustainable gifts for eco-conscious giving. These include reusable water bottles and plantable seed cards. Or, consider organic snack packs for environmentally friendly options.

Can employees help choose appreciation gifts?

Absolutely! Conduct surveys to gather input from employees. You can hold brainstorming sessions. Another option is to set up suggestion boxes for collaborative idea-sharing.

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