Employee Appreciation Gifts

Feb 1, 2024


Recognition is intangible — even if it’s just a pat on the back or a compliment paid to a deserving employee during the virtual staff meeting. But when a verbal “thank you” doesn’t seem sufficient, a gift for your employee is a great way to show your appreciation for a job well done.

We offer several gift ideas to show your appreciation for employees throughout the year.

Edible Gifts

If you want your employee appreciation gift to say a simple “thank you,” treat them to a gift basket featuring their favorite indulgence. Choose a high-end Ghirardelli assortment for chocolate connoisseurs. Gift serious coffee lovers with various Starbucks coffee flavors with mugs and cookies. 


Executive Tokens

When the president of the United States signs a bill, a designee hands them a writing instrument. While the employee you want to recognize probably doesn’t have a designated pen holder, a fine writing instrument could be the ideal gift for an up-and-coming manager or company executive. The Waterman line of writing instruments includes polished, elegant pens to grace the desk of your organization’s rising star.


Versatile Gifts

If you’re stumped about what to give a particular staff member, a gift card can be a winning and flexible choice. You can buy gift cards to be delivered via email within minutes or choose a future delivery date. Choose from multiple designs or personalize with your own photos. With this gift for your employee, your staffer can shop for electronics, business essentials, and other items that appeal to their lifestyle and preferences.



Shop All Gift Cards


Employee Gifts to Show Off

Help your employees fill empty wall space or desk space in their home office or at work with a custom plaque commending them for loyalty and dedication, tenure, or superior service. Give yourself ample time to personalize the plaques with your employees’ names, titles, and commendations. Trophies also make impressive appreciation gifts and can be appropriate for recognizing a team’s collective work.


Gifts for employees upon completion of a big project, during the holidays, on National Employee Appreciation Day (first Friday in March), or “just because” can go a long way to show gratitude.

About the Author 

Ruth Mayhew has over two decades of experience in human resources management and consulting for various industries, including technology, health care, and federal government services. Her work appears in various top professional human resources and consulting publications.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.