You want to show appreciation for a fantastic employee, but those ‘Thank you for your hard work’ emails just don't cut it anymore…and can verge on the side of cheesy and predictable. Well, fret not! I have got the lowdown on choosing the perfect employee appreciation gift that is super heartfelt. I have even thrown in some gift ideas for good measure. Let's dive in and make our colleagues's day a little brighter! Because if the roles were reversed, I would love a little gift – who wouldn’t?

Let’s Get Started…
The key to any great appreciation gift is sincerity. Take a moment to think about why you are appreciating this particular employee. What did they do that made a real impact? Did they save the day with their problem-solving skills? Or maybe they just always have a contagious positive attitude.

Be specific, and let your gratitude shine through. Remember that although personalisation is key (generic gifts are boring and a massive no-no), keeping it professional is still important. Mention something personal about the employee, like their knack for juggling tasks or their uncanny ability to make Mondays feel like Fridays. But steer clear of TMI (too much information). We're not writing love letters here; we're expressing gratitude. Oversharing can often end with a tumbleweed moment and a red face…trust me when I say I talk from experience. While professionalism is important, don't be afraid to show some personality in your appreciation gift.

Giving a gift is your opportunity to brag about your employee's accomplishments. Shout whatever they have done from the rooftops! Celebrate their achievements, and let everyone know how they've made a difference. The key to keeping good staff is making them feel appreciated and creating an enjoyable work atmosphere. Make it clear that the appreciation isn't just coming from you as the boss; mention that the entire team is grateful for their contribution. This adds weight to your words and shows that it is a collective sentiment. If you are a colleague and not the boss, you can still make a significant impact. Leave a thoughtful comment in your colleague's card, sharing your own experiences working with them or offering congratulations. A little extra love goes a long way!

Time to Cut to The Chase: Gift Ideas

Now, let's talk about the icing on the cake – gifts! While appreciation messages are lovely, adding a thoughtful gift can take things up a notch. They don’t have to be expensive or flashy; it’s not about that. It’s about finding something that brings a smile to their face and ticks the box that says ‘show them they are a valued member of the team’. Here are some of my ideas;

Customised Desk Swag: Personalised pens, notebooks, or desk organisers with their name or motivational quote can be a fantastic touch. I mean, who doesn’t like stationary? I am unsure if it is an age thing, but I am beyond excited when I buy or receive a new notepad. If anyone else dares to touch it, I get very annoyed…partners and children, back off!

Gift Card: You can never go wrong with a gift card to a popular restaurant, coffee shop, or online store. It's the gift that keeps on giving. So many people nowadays don’t get enough self-care because they lack time or money. This gives them the excuse they need to be spoilt. They can also choose to go with a friend or just take a couple of hours out for themselves - total bliss.

Wellness Gifts: Show your concern for their well-being with a spa gift certificate, a yoga class pass, or even a cosy sofa blanket. As I mentioned previously, we should all focus on our wellbeing more. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or extravagant; just a long soak in the bath is a fantastic form of self-care. Budget allowing, though, I am pretty confident that a day at a health spa would not be
sniffed at. A bit of luxury never hurt anyone…

Plants: A low-maintenance office plant can brighten up their workspace and provide a little green therapy. They are also inexpensive, not too over-the-top, and evidence shows that plants can be a huge mood booster. What is there not to like? But if your employee accidentally kills this hypothetical plant (we aren’t all green-fingered), just pretend not to notice.

Gift Box: Ok, you knew this one was coming! And yes, I am biased. But let me tell you why a gift box is the perfect employee gift…well, a perfect gift for anyone. A gift box isn’t one size fits all because everyone has different personalities and interests. But that’s the point. A gift box can be filled with absolutely anything; it is a gift of goodies to fit any specification. My website offers many different
kinds, but I have also created a section focused purely on employee gifts that I think might be worth browsing. Sometimes, so much choice can be overwhelming, so by pointing you in the right direction, I have taken all the stress away…simple. My recommendation is the Thank you Gift Box. It
is under £20 and crammed full of chocolate, candles and face masks. Head over and take a look; trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Click HERE

Remember…It Is All About Them!
This gift is about your employee, not you. Avoid the temptation to make it a platform for your own accomplishments or to tout the company's success. Focus on the person of the hour and their contributions. Why not encourage your other employees to engage with the gift or card; it creates a positive atmosphere within the team, which is always a win-win!

There you have it, the recipe for the perfect employee appreciation gift. If you are the boss or a colleague, remember that appreciating your coworkers isn't just about boosting morale; it's about creating a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive. Next time you want to say ‘thank You’ to that standout employee, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and watch as your appreciation gift becomes a beacon of positivity in the workplace…well, that is the aim.

Cheers to celebrating the incredible people who make our workdays a little brighter!