Top 50 Gifts for Employees Under $25, $50, $75 and Beyond

A thoughtful gift is one of the easiest ways to show your employees you appreciate them. When people feel recognized, they’re more engaged, motivated, and satisfied at work.

But, finding the right gift can feel tricky. Everyone has different tastes, and the last thing you want is to give something that ends up forgotten in a drawer or collecting dust on a shelf.

Whether you’re looking for a small token of appreciation or a standout corporate gift, this guide breaks down the best office gift ideas by budget to help you recognize your team in a way that’s both effortless and meaningful.

Why Employee Appreciation Matters

Before diving into staff gift ideas, it’s first important to understand why recognition matters.

Employees don’t just want appreciation — they crave it. Recognition is a fundamental human need, and when employees feel valued, they are more engaged, productive and committed to their work. On the other hand, when appreciation is lacking at work, employees may feel disconnected and unmotivated, which can lead to them not giving their best at work or even looking for opportunities elsewhere.

And the numbers back it up:

• Companies with a strong recognition culture are 12x more likely to have strong business outcomes. (Bersin by Deloitte)
• Recognized employees are almost 6x more likely to stay at their jobs. (Zippia)
• Companies with high employee engagement experience 21% higher profitability. (Gallup)

Having a strong employee recognition strategy in place helps create an people-first culture where employees feel valued and motivated. When recognition is consistent and authentic — whether through words, experiences or gifts — it builds a workplace that employees want to be part of, leading to better engagement, retention and long-term success.

Want to learn more about the power of recognition and how to build a strong recognition strategy? Explore this guide.

The Best Office Gift Ideas for Employees by Budget

As the numbers show, employees want to know that their efforts are seen and valued at work, and what better way to say “thank you” or “great job” than with a meaningful gift that fits their interests? A thoughtful gift — whether practical, personalized or just plain fun — can serve as a tangible reminder that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

From practical office accessories to tech gadgets to wellness gifts, here are some of the best employee gifts to celebrate your team's hard work and achievements, broken down by price.

Gifts for Staff Under $25

1. Portable Neck and Shoulder Massager
2. Candle
3. Aromatherapy Essential Oils & Diffuser
4. Customized Coffee Mug
5. Restaurant Gift Card like Chipotle or Starbucks
6. Desk Pad for Wrist Support
7. Charging Cables & Wireless Phone Stand
8. Insulated Water Bottle
9. Notebook and Pen Set
10. EarPods or Headphones

Gifts for Staff Under $50

1. Luxury Water Bottle
2. AirTag
3. Tea or Coffee Set
4. Snack Gift Basket
5. Electric Lunch Box for On-the-Go Meals
6. Desk Lamp
7. Indoor Plant for Desk Décor
8. Personalized Nameplate or Office Sign
9. Cozy Blanket for the Office or Home
10. Multi-Device Charging Station

Gifts for Staff Under $75

1. Air Fryer for Quick Meals
2. Waffle Maker
3. High-Quality Blender
4. Smart Sunrise Alarm Clock
5. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
6. Handheld Vacuum
7. Compact Indoor/Outdoor Camera
8. High-Quality Humidifier
9. Mini Projector for Home or Office Use
10. Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Gifts for Staff Under $100

1. Amazon Fire Tablet
2. Small Espresso Maker for Coffee Lovers
3. Ergonomic Office Chair
4. High-End Noise-Canceling Headphones
5. Mini Fridge for the Office
6. Personalized Leather Portfolio
7. Smokeless Indoor Grill
8. Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set
9. Video Doorbell for Security & Convenience
10. Fitness Tracker or Fitbit

Gifts for Staff Under $200

1. Stylish and Functional Luggage Set
2. Power Tools Set
3. Apple Pencil
4. Amazon Echo Smart Speaker
5. Gaming Keyboard or Accessories
6. Video Doorbell for Security & Convenience
7. High-Quality Chef’s Knife Set
8. Kindle
9. Patio Fire Pit
10. High-Quality Watch or Jewelry 

Looking for more ideas? Check out these 35 motivational employee gifts.

Best Practices for Employee Gifts

Choosing the right gifts for your staff is about more than just checking a box. A generic gift can feel impersonal and have little impact, while a thoughtful one can make employees feel truly valued. To ensure your gifts are meaningful and well-received, keep these best practices in mind:

• Let Them Choose Their Gift: Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all gifts. Giving employees the option to choose their reward ensures they receive something truly valuable and appreciated.
• Timing Matters: Give your employees their gifts at the right moment, whether it’s for a milestone, holiday, work anniversary, achievement or simply recognizing someone for going above and beyond. Waiting too long can lessen the impact and make it not feel as special.
• Match the Occasion: A holiday gift should differ from a work anniversary present. Tailor gifts based on the occasion to make them more relevant and special.
• Personalization Goes a Long Way: Choose gifts that align with employees' interests, hobbies or workplace needs to make the gesture more thoughtful and memorable.
• Accompany Gifts with a Thoughtful Message: A gift becomes even more meaningful when paired with a genuine message of appreciation. 

A thoughtful gift, given at the right moment, creates a lasting impression — reminding employees they are seen, valued and appreciated.

Simplify Employee Gifting with Inspirus

Want to ensure your employees receive a reward they’ll truly love? Give them the power to choose!

Employee gifts don’t have to be one-size-fits-all. With Inspirus Connects, you can empower your employees to select a gift they’ll truly appreciate from over 2,500 top brands in our global rewards marketplace.

No shopping. No last-minute scrambling. No more guesswork.

Let Inspirus Connects save you time and the stress of finding the “right” gift. Connect with an Inspirus specialist today to discover how our platform can help you create an effortless, impactful and truly rewarding recognition experience.