We love celebrating people’s hard work, personal achievements, and professional growth. It’s one of the best things about being a team leader. But the best way to show your appreciation and gratitude is with an excellent list of gift ideas for employees.
If you're shopping for specific appreciation gifts, check out our employee appreciation gift ideas guide, which breaks down 26 options by budget and occasion.
In this gift guide, we’ll share our top gift ideas for employees. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect holiday gift or need something to welcome a new team member, we’ve got you covered.
Hoppier platform data: across 2,090 gift programs run by 350 companies on Hoppier, the average gift card sent is $38 and redemption is highest in small, personal programs: 70% of recipients redeem in programs of 25 cards or fewer, versus 40% in programs of 500+. Team-sized gifting works. See the full numbers in our employee appreciation gifts data.
34 Fun and Unique Gift Ideas for Employees
Ready to build a shortlist of gift ideas for employees? Take a look at some of our best options for team members, coworkers, employees, and the people who make your organization run like clockwork.
1. Hoppier Virtual Gift Cards
One of the best gifts you can give is one of choice. Send your team members a Hoppier virtual credit card for the holidays, their birthday, or simply as a thank-you gift. With their Hoppier card, your coworker or client can choose to shop anywhere they like for the perfect gift. Here's how it works.
Create a Team Gift Idea Program
Set up a program specific to your gift budget so you can send your cards and track spending immediately. You can even brand Hoppier gift cards with your company logo and colors to reinforce your brand.
Set a Spending Limit
Hoppier gives you the option to select whatever spending limit you see fit, even if it's odd denominations that pertain to recipients, inside jokes, or milestone achievements. Next, set a start and end date to create a timeframe when your staff can spend their funds, or leave the card open-ended.
Remember, Hoppier refunds any money that goes unspent, ensuring no waste and a kickstart to your next round of gifting.
Choose Your Vendors
Hoppier gift cards are as good as cash, but the Hoppier platform also allows you to restrict the cards to specific vendors. For example, if you want your team to spend the money on online classes or courses, you can choose vendors that only offer those types of products. Or if you want to have a ragin' happy hour, throw in Uber Eats and Instacart to your list of approved vendors.
Send Invitations
Once you're happy with your gift card style, denominations, and vendors, send your gift cards to each recipient with ease. Upload a CSV file and use a Hoppier email template to let your entire staff know how to use their funds.
2. Candy Hamper
Candy is always a hit, so package some up into a mini hamper as a festive or birthday gift for a team member. Put together a mix of candy, dark chocolate, marshmallows, cupcakes, and more treats, and send them out to your staff members to satisfy their sweet tooth.
3. Succulents or Small Plants
You’d decorate your corporate office, so sending your team members a succulent or small plant is one of the best gift ideas for employees’ WFH space. Look for something that’s low maintenance and pair it with a quirky pot for one of the easiest gift ideas for employees.
4. Mini arcade game machine
Surprise your team members with a super fun gift idea in the form of a mini arcade game machine. Give them a new way to pass time between meetings or challenge each other to a match, while tuning into that love for all things vintage and retro.
5. Fresh Baked Goods
Getting some freshly baked goods in the mail is something any foodie will appreciate, making it an instant classic gift idea for employees. Treat your team to a delivery of something amazing from a local bakery or a national favorite. Brownies, cookies, and donuts are all great options here, and if you can get them personalized, even better.
6. Board Games
Employees spend up to 6.5 hours a day on their computer. When you think about all that screen time, things like board games become one of the more thoughtful gift ideas for employees. Send your employees a board game as a wonderful gift for the holidays, or as a themed gift to go alongside a virtual event.
7. Throw Blanket
If the weather’s a little cold where your employees are now, encourage them to get cozy and unwind with a lovely throw blanket. Choose a design that’s fun and bold, or have something custom printed with your brand colors for another way to bring your community together. It’s affordable for most budgets and keeps your employees warm and toasty all winter long
8. Audiobook Subscription
Whether it’s a good crime fiction story or a book all about marketing, most of us love to take time out to read something interesting. An audiobook subscription, like Amazon’s Audible, is an ideal gift idea for employees so they can enjoy something new on a long commute or when they’re away from work.
9. Watercolor Set
Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from technology. For a thoughtful gift idea for employees, send your team a watercolor gift set. Whether they’re expert painters or total beginners, it’s a great way to take a break and do something different.
10. Self-Care Package
For a super sweet way to encourage your team members to really relax, send them a self-care gift box. Choose an off-the-shelf mailbox gift, or create your own bespoke version with things like face masks, aromatherapy candles, cozy socks, and a notebook to capture all their best ideas.
11. Charging Station
Make sure your team members never run out of juice with a desktop charging station for their home office. The time they’ll save looking for the right charger can be put to much better use, such as relaxing with an audiobook, or taking some extra time over a delicious lunch.
12. Indoor Gardening Kit
Growing your own plants and flowers is an unmatched, cathartic experience. Not everyone has lots of outdoor space, but an indoor gardening kit is an awesome team gift idea. Send your team a gift in the mail and encourage people to share snaps of their mini garden’s growth over time.
13. Online Class
For an employee gift that keeps delivering benefits, try an online class or course. A membership to an online learning site is an excellent gift idea for employees, and they can take what they learn to the office. You could even try taking one altogether as a team-building activity.
14. Themed Gift Basket
We love the idea of sending a themed gift. They work so well as a gift for birthdays or a welcome gift for new employees. Choose a theme based on their interests or the time of year, like a holiday gift basket or a movie night gift box. Select a gift basket, load it up with goodies, and have it shipped to your wonderful team member to enjoy.
15. Origami Kit
Taking some time away from the computer can be so refreshing. With that in mind, encourage your workers to enjoy a break and exercise a different part of their minds with an origami kit. This unique gift works so well for Secret Santa gift exchanges, or you could send one to everyone and then host an origami challenge.
16. Yoga Mat or Accessories
If employee wellness is high on your agenda, a yoga mat or yoga accessories are one of the most thoughtful gift ideas for employees. Host a virtual yoga class for everyone to join, or leave it up to your team members to find their own path.
17. Desktop Photo Frame
When you work from home, your desk space is often an extension of your personality and what you love most. Encourage people to personalize their space even further with a desktop photo frame. Whether you opt for a traditional or digital version, your coworkers can add their favorite snap and be reminded of what it’s all about.
18. Gratitude Journal
Get rid of the to-do lists that constantly remind your team of work!
Instead, let your coworkers discover what brings them joy by sending them a gratitude journal. Mail or message them with some gratitude journal prompts too, so they can get started right away.
19. Essential Oil Diffuser
Give your employees a new way to relax after a long day at work with a gifted essential oil diffuser. Choose a product that matches their aesthetic tastes, then send it along with some different essential oils for them to try out.
20. Jigsaw Puzzle
Problem-solving can be super rewarding, and so can putting that skill to use with a jigsaw puzzle. Find a super fun, quirky, contemporary design and send it to your team members. Run a challenge to see who can complete theirs the fastest, or make it a more relaxed gift.
21. Mini Desktop Fan
If it’s hot where your team member lives, there’s one must-have desk accessory: a desktop fan. Look for an adorable mini fan that they can keep on their desk and switch on when things get a little too warm for comfort.
22. Lunch Box
Surprise your team members with a high-quality, expertly-designed lunch box for their meals. This is a great gift for anyone, but especially so for a traveling sales rep or anyone who’s often out and about or on the road. They can travel in comfort, knowing their lunch is not only secure but packaged in a fun way.
23. Mini Waffle Maker
There’s something so sweet about mini waffle makers. Send one to your team members as a thoughtful employee appreciation gift, along with some recipe ideas, toppings, and serving accessories. It’s a lovely way to create a little moment alongside your gift.
24. Phone Stand
For most remote employees, your phone is never far away. Upgrade your coworkers’ desk space with a phone stand that’s not just functional but aesthetically pleasing, too. This is a great office gift for anyone who’s constantly checking their screen for notifications or wants somewhere to keep their phone safe nearby.
25. Fitness Tracker
Wellness is a top priority for lots of us these days. If there’s room in your budget, splash out on a fitness tracker for your employees. Not only does this help them keep track of their fitness goals, but it’s a fun way to introduce some friendly competition to the team if they want to challenge each other.
26. Scented Candles
Like the essential oil diffuser, scented candles can be a helpful tool for anyone looking to relax and unwind at work or over the weekend. Send a collection of your favorite scents out to people, or handpick a candle to give as part of a hamper or gift box.
27. Personalized Tumbler or Water Bottle
Whether it’s tea, coffee, or water, most of us have a drink on the go all day long. Make things super simple for your team members by sending them a personalized coffee mug, stainless steel tumbler, or water bottle. Ask them for their favorite color or style, then have one sent right out to them as a thoughtful personalized gift.
28. Headphones
For a really kind employee appreciation or birthday gift, add high-quality headphones to your list. While headphones might be a little more expensive than some other team gift ideas, it’s worthwhile as they’ll enjoy a better audio experience not just in meetings but when listening to music too.
29. DIY Craft Kit
If you have some artistic coworkers, a motivational craft kit is a lovely way to appreciate their hobby while encouraging them to take some time out to relax. Craft kits make excellent holiday gifts, but they’re also a fun thing to send alongside an invite for a themed virtual event.
30. Mini Seasonal Hamper
Package up a bright Christmas gift box or cozy fall hamper and send them on their way to your employees to say thank you for their hard work. Handpick a collection of your favorite brands and products, or work with a hamper company to create something bespoke just for you.
31. Charity Donation
It’s always great to give your employees the option of swapping their team gift for a charity donation instead. While we love the ideas in this gift guide, some of your team members might decide they’d prefer your budget to go towards a cause close to their heart instead.
32. Mini Speaker
Celebrate the good times and send your team members a high-quality Bluetooth speaker so they can play their favorite tunes all day and night long. It’s a fun way to liven up their workspace or give them a better way to listen to their focus playlists while they work.
33. Fun Stationery
Stationery is always a great birthday gift idea, and it’s also fun for Secret Santa gifts too. Look for office supplies in your brand colors or that you know your recipient would love. Magnets, art prints, postcards, pens, pencils, and desk accessories are all great options.
34. Cocktail-Making Kit
Encourage your staff members to get creative and try something new with a cocktail-making kit. We love the idea of sending out such kits as a gift and scheduling a virtual happy hour or Zoom meeting so everyone can join in, make drinks, and relax together.
Make Corporate Gifting Easy With Hoppier
Looking for the perfect gift for someone can feel like an impossible task at times. Simplify things by choosing your favorite idea from this list or with the ultimate gift of choice - a virtual gift card.
With Hoppier, your gift recipient can spend their balance on anything they like. They can shop for the sweater they’ve been lusting after, or spend the balance on a new houseplant for their home office. The choices are endless. It’s easy to get started with Hoppier. Set up a program, then customize your card with your company logo and colors. Next, set your spending balance and when the card can be used. You can also specify certain vendors, which is perfect if you want to include your Hoppier card as part of a themed virtual gift box or alongside a virtual event.
It’s easy to get started with Hoppier. Set up a program, then customize your card with your company logo and colors. Next, set your spending balance and when the card can be used. You can also specify certain vendors, which is perfect if you want to include your Hoppier card as part of a themed virtual gift box or alongside a virtual event.
Hoppier makes it simple for you to give your employees exactly what they want, plus it simplifies the whole process for you too. No more browsing online stores looking for the right gift - instead, set up a program with Hoppier and have your virtual gifts ready in moments.
Narrow Down the Perfect Team Gift
Pick the occasion, budget, and their interests - our free Gift Idea Generator builds a shortlist for your team in seconds. No signup.
Try the Gift Idea Generator →Quick-Reference: All 34 Team Gift Ideas at a Glance
| # | Gift | Cost (team of 50) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoppier Virtual Gift Cards | $1,250 – $5,000 | Any occasion |
| 2 | Candy Hamper | $2,000 – $5,000 | Holidays, milestones, project completion |
| 3 | Succulents or Small Plants | $500 – $2,500 | Remote teams |
| 4 | Mini arcade game machine | $1,000 to $5,000 | Keeping in-house and remote-team camaraderie |
| 5 | Fresh Baked Goods | $2,000 – $3,500 | Foodies |
| 6 | Board Games | $500 – $2,500 | Teams locked to their computer screens, team-bonding |
| 7 | Throw Blanket | $500 – $1,000 | Winter time, holiday gifts |
| 8 | Audiobook Subscription | $500 – $750 | In-house teams that commute |
| 9 | Watercolor Set | $500 – $1,000 | Adding a creative element to your team to encourage team bonding |
| 10 | Self-Care Package | $1,250 – $2,500 | Stressed-out teams, jump-starting an employee wellness program |
| 11 | Charging Station | $250 – $1,000 | Teams glued to their home office or desk |
| 12 | Indoor Gardening Kit | $800 – $1,500 | Remote teams |
| 13 | Online Class | Free – $1,000 | High-performing teams, milestones |
| 14 | Themed Gift Basket | $2,000 – $5,000 | Special occasions, birthdays, holidays |
| 15 | Origami Kit | $750 – $1,250 | Getting employees away from the computer; indulging creativity |
| 16 | Yoga Mat or Accessories | $1,250 – $2,000 | Kickstarting wellness programs |
| 17 | Desktop Photo Frame | $300 – $2,500 (depending on whether it’s digital or not) | WFH employees |
| 18 | Gratitude Journal | $500 – $1,000 | Getting your team away from the desk, encouraging exchanges of gratitude |
| 19 | Essential Oil Diffuser | $500 – $1,500, depending on whether you send oils along with the diffuser | Relaxation after long hours or a difficult project |
| 20 | Jigsaw Puzzle | $500 – $1,250 | Getting away from the desk |
| 21 | Mini Desktop Fan | $750 – $1,500 | Summer gifts, team members who live in hot climates |
| 22 | Lunch Box | $1,000 – $1,500 | Traveling employees, encouraging employees to save money and eat healthy by bringing their own meals |
| 23 | Mini Waffle Maker | $500 – $1,000 | Indulging your team’s sweet tooth |
| 24 | Phone Stand | $250 – $1,000 | Remote employees, those who constantly use their phone for work |
| 25 | Fitness Tracker | $2,000 – $7,000 | Getting your team into a healthy and fit state of mind |
| 26 | Scented Candles | $500 – $1,000 | Stressed-out employees, holidays, birthdays, work anniversaries |
| 27 | Personalized Tumbler or Water Bottle | $500 – $2,500 | Teams on the go, encouraging your teams to hydrate |
| 28 | Headphones | $500 – $10,000 | Coworking spaces, digital nomads, cubicle life |
| 29 | DIY Craft Kit | $500 – $2,500 | Jump-starting creativity, team-building, camaraderie |
| 30 | Mini Seasonal Hamper | $1,250 – $5,000 | Holidays, fighting the seasonal blues |
| 31 | Charity Donation | $250 – $5,000 | Work anniversaries, milestones, holidays |
| 32 | Mini Speaker | $1,000 – $5,000 | Audiophiles, team-bonding, remote employees |
| 33 | Fun Stationery | $250 – $1,250 | Milestones, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays |
| 34 | Cocktail-Making Kit | $1,250 – $3,750 | Unwinding after a long project, holiday gifts |
Show Your Employees You Care With Amazing Team Gifts
Team gifts are perfect for any occasion - whether you’re celebrating a successful year, someone’s birthday, or welcoming a new person to your close-knit team. Take inspiration from this gift guide to avoid last-minute hassles and find gift ideas that your team will love.
If you’re sending gifts to team members ahead of a virtual event tie-in, check out our webinar on how to create memorable and engaging virtual events. It’s packed with ideas and tips from event experts on how to make the most of the moment.
Looking for ideas specifically for Employee Appreciation Day? Check out our dedicated guide. And for food-based appreciation, see our employee appreciation food ideas.
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