7 Times a Year to Give Employee Appreciation Gifts

Do you remember what it felt like as a kid to find presents waiting for you on a holiday morning? As a business owner or manager, it’s in your power to give that feeling to your employees. A simple employee appreciation gift can make them feel loved, valued, and cared for—and you don’t have to wait until the next holiday season to do it.

Why Give Year-Round Employee Appreciation Gifts?

According to a 2023 survey, nearly 75% of Americans think employee retention would be higher “if employers celebrated personal milestones such as birthdays.” More than 80% also think that it would boost morale.

To brighten the mood at your office and reap the other benefits of gift-giving, consider giving Christmas gift baskets and scheduling employee appreciation gifts at these seven times throughout the year.

7 Prime Times for Gift-Giving

1. Birthdays.

   More than 90% of Americans report that they feel “valued and loved” when they get birthday gifts. However, most want their employers to acknowledge their birthdays quietly. About 67% of workers would prefer a “private acknowledgment such as sharing a personal message, card, or gift, versus a company-wide announcement or celebration.”

   Consider quietly slipping a gift basket like our Fruit Lovers Gift onto their desk or sending it to their home.

2. Marriages

   When surveyors asked workers when they’d like to receive employee appreciation gifts, birthdays ranked No. 1 and weddings ranked No. 2. This milestone is worth celebrating to make your team feel seen and appreciated on a personal level. Consider timing a fun care package like our Snack Lovers Gift to arrive at home when they return from their honeymoon.

3. Births & Adoptions

   After birthdays and marriages, celebrating the birth or adoption of a child ranked No. 3 on employees’ gift occasion lists. Baby blankets, books, and edible gifts for new parents are all popular options.

   Consider sending our Fruit & Snacks Gift to a new parent who could use easy, healthy snacks to keep their energy up.

4. Employee of the Month Awards

   Recognize employees of the month with thoughtful employee appreciation gifts. Splurging a bit on a physical gift (especially one filled with products from mission-minded brands) will show your high-performing employees that they’re truly valued.

5. Promotions & Project Completions

   Giving a gift at the successful conclusion of a project or to recognize a promotion can make an employee’s success feel even more special. It will also provide the recognition they crave.

   You can gift something understated like our Fruit Lovers Gift to accompany a raise or promotion. To celebrate the leaders of successful team projects, consider a larger gift basket that they can share.

6. Work Anniversaries

   If a team member stays with your company for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, that streak is worth celebrating! Use the knowledge of their likes and dislikes that you’ve built over time to choose the perfect gift basket for them. And don’t forget, work anniversary gifts may be tax deductible.

7. First Days/Return-to-Office Days

   Whether you’re celebrating a longtime team member’s post-pandemic return to the office or welcoming someone new, they’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a gift box waiting on their desk to welcome them.

   

You can give employee appreciation gifts on all seven of these occasions, or choose a few that feel most meaningful to you and your company. Whenever you choose to celebrate them, your team members will appreciate the time and effort you put into making them feel special.

This blog was originally published on Jan. 2, 2024, by Lex Flamm. It was updated by Lex Flamm on April 12, 2024.