National Volunteer Day is on April 20th and is a way to show appreciation to those who freely give their time and energy to the causes they hold dear. Recognizing these individuals honors their contributions and reinforces the spirit of giving in the community. Let’s dive into some heartfelt and practical ways to show appreciation with gift cards as well as look into recognition tips that will make any volunteer feel truly valued.

Gift Card Ideas

Local Restaurants

Celebrate all the different tastes that your volunteers prefer with gift cards from local restaurants. This not only provides them with an amazing dining experience but also helps support local businesses.

Give gift cards from Applebee’s, Darden, The Cheesecake Factory, and more.

Book Lovers Dream

For your bookworm volunteers, a gift card to a bookstore or an online store where they can buy books is a thoughtful gesture for their hobbies and interests, offering them an escape or a new source of inspiration.

Booklovers love Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Target, and Walmart gift cards to get their next book fix.

Wellness and Relaxation

Show that you notice their hard work with gift cards, focusing on relaxation and wellness. It’s a great way to say thank you and “take some time for yourself!”

Nothing says relaxation more than a SpaFinder gift card.

Custom Gift Cards

A personalized gift card goes a long way. This thoughtful option shows how much of an impact they have made and furthers the organization's mission.

Customize our Visa Reward Cards with your logo or message or fully customize our Shell Gift Cards with your image.

Fueling Their Lives

Giving a gift card for essentials like fuel is always a popular choice. When your volunteers need to fuel up to serve your mission, there is no better way for them to do so than with a Shell gift card.

From physical to digital Shell Gift Cards, there are options for everyone!

Recognition Tips

Personalized Thank You Notes

Pair any gift card with a personalized thank-you note! Highlight specific achievements that showcase the impact that they have made, making the recognition personal and meaningful.

Public Recognition

During volunteer gatherings or on social media, take the opportunity to shout out exceptional volunteers. Public acknowledgment not only makes them feel special but also encourages a culture of appreciation.

Award Ceremonies

Organize an annual or semi-annual event dedicated to recognizing volunteers. Formal award ceremonies can make volunteers feel like the star of the show and significantly boost morale. These can even be held virtually.

Create Growth Opportunities

Show appreciation by offering volunteers ways to grow professionally and personally. This can be in the form of leadership roles within projects, educational workshops, or exclusive networking events.

Incorporating these gift card ideas and recognition tips into National Volunteer Day celebrations not only honors the contributions of your volunteers but also reinforces a culture of gratitude and community within your organization.