Gift-Giving in the Workplace

Recognition matters. When employees feel appreciated, they’re more engaged and motivated. According to our survey, the majority of respondents received at least one or two gifts from their employer this year. While it may seem like a small gesture, these tokens of appreciation can play a big role in fostering a sense of belonging and value.

Organizational Pro Tip: If you’re aiming to leave a lasting impression, the quality of the gift is just as important as the frequency. Gifts that are functional, personalized, or unique stand out with employees.

Our survey revealed that employers often gave workplace gifts to celebrate holidays and show gratitude to employees. Other occasions like promotions, anniversaries and events were used as opportunities by employers to give gifts to show appreciation and strengthen connections with employees.

Timing Matters: Thoughtful gifts tied to meaningful occasions help employees feel valued and help boost morale and engagement across the organization.

Practicality is important when it comes to workplace gifting. Our survey showed that essential home items and drinkware are the most common gifts employees receive from employers. Versatile and functional gifts like these can make life easier and serve as constant reminders of appreciation.

Office items, gift cards, and even bonuses also ranked highly as common gifts. Food gifts, clothing and jewelry rounded out the list, showing there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to making employees feel valued.

Key Takeaway: While go-to gifts like drinkware and home essentials are a hit, consider tailoring gifts to your team’s preferences. Personalized or branded items that align with your company’s identity can add an extra touch of thoughtfulness and meaning.

While premium gifts can make a strong impression, even everyday items like drinkware or office supplies can leave a lasting impact when they’re well-timed and meaningful. Thoughtful gifting is about the message it sends as much as the gift itself.

Gifting can have an effect how your employees feel about your organization. Our survey showed that nearly three-fourths of respondents said they felt more loyal to their employer after receiving a gift.

Food for Thought: Gift-giving promotes positivity and shows you care about your employees as individuals and appreciate them. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to have increased feelings of loyalty to your organization.

When it comes to receiving client gifts, most respondents said they typically receive one or two. While this might seem modest, even small gestures can make a lasting impression and leave a positive, lasting memory.

More Than a Gesture: When thoughtfully chosen, a well-timed gift can have the power to foster stronger relationships.

Gifts aren’t just tokens—they’re messages. Most recipients say their gifts symbolize a heartfelt “thank you” or appreciation for a referral. Other times, no occasion was needed for a thoughtful gift.

Relationships Matter: Whether it’s a simple gesture or a grand acknowledgment, these moments of gratitude build trust and emphasize the value of partnership.

Like gifts from employers to employees, practicality plays a key role in client gifting. According to our survey, clients most often received home goods and office items. These versatile and functional gifts not only add value to their daily lives but also serve as lasting reminders of gratitude and partnership.

Don’t Forget: Technology and drinkware items are also great options. Tickets to events, cash and gift cards are also on the table where client gifting is concerned.

While technology and sports-related gifts often held the highest value, items for the office and home still proved to be popular with their functionality and reusability. Again, any gift can make a strong impression when delivered with the right message and at the right time.