Employee Appreciation Day may be on March 7th, but you can show them gratitude all month long! In any line of work, focusing on employee appreciation can significantly boost morale and productivity. Retain your employees for longer and build deeper connections that go beyond sending emails and teams messages. Discover the best appreciation gifts to express your gratitude (without breaking the budget!).

Five Memorable Gifts for Employee Appreciation Day

#1 Experience-Based Gifts

 If you're looking to create a lasting impression, go with experience-based gifts. This is particularly beneficial for newer teams looking for team bonding experiences. There's nothing like bonding with newfound friends like enjoying live music, struggling in an escape room, or enjoying a weekend getaway somewhere new. Need some ideas to get started? Start with this chart for inspiration.

#2 Gift Card Brands for Everyone

It's time to work smarter and that starts with gift cards. This gift is perfect for those who want to reward throughout the year without having to plan or think too much. Gift cards make the who, what, when, and where easy to figure out without logistical nightmares. Some brands to consider include:

• Amazon.com for fast delivery, wide variety, and online shopping.
• Walmart for families of all ages, indoor and outdoor activities, and shopping flexibility.
• Shell Gift Cards for gasoline, snacks, and car washes.
• Dunkin Donuts for morning fuel, sweet treats, and drive thru access.

#3 Wellness Gifts for a Healthier, Happier Team

Do you know that there are at least eight dimensions of wellness? The focus on health is only increasing with new generations and online trends. Wellness looks different with each individual, but any kind of gift in this area will leave lasting benefits. These gifts also thrive in a Health and Wellness Incentive Program where employees accumulate points in exchange for prizes. Here are some ideas to consider for your next wellness gift:

• Gym or studio subscriptions to encourage activity outside the office
• Food subscription to help with meal planning
• Offer a catalog of fitness equipment like yoga mats, weights, bands, supplements, etc.
• Athletic clothing and accessories to set them up for success
• Free upgrade to a premium health account to gain more features and benefits
• Budget friendly gifts like a rotating prize item that embodies health or title such as "Runner of the Week"

#4 Personalized Gifts that Speak Volumes

Here's an opportunity to make a big impact, without breaking the bank. Smaller companies have the ability to individualize each employees gifting experience. A handwritten note, a shoutout of appreciation, or a special customized gift tailored to their interests makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things. If you have someone who is crafty, create handmade gifts to give to your MVPs throughout the year. Time and creativity can go a long way while saving you money.

Larger companies typically don't have the resources and time to individualize every employee the same way. However, you can relate your gifts back to the company. One solution is to utilize custom gift cards to mass reward while also including your company logo, message, or a fully customized image! With new technology, you can also customize the digital delivery to add fun micro animations and graphics to make the experience more unique than a regular email. Another fun way to personalize the employee experience is to throw them a party that has individualized nuances. Include printed wall of photos, standout awards, digital slideshow, and fun names for the food/drinks, 

#5 Professional Development Opportunities as Gifts

At the core of every human is the need to grow, learn, and achieve. Not all companies offer gifts and opportunities for professional development. You can stand out by furthering their education, paying for online courses, certifications, or attending industry conferences. Another unique gift is offering a mentorship program that focuses on one-on-one coaching. Employees need to feel like they're growing with you, else they might leave the company behind!

And That's All For Now!

No matter what your budget is, your employees deserve recognition for all the work they do year-round. We would love to hear from you about which gift options resonate most with your company culture and employee preferences!  Get in touch with us to get started on your gifting journey with gift cards.