25 Employee Appreciation Gifts That Actually Get Used

Employee appreciation is more than a feel-good gesture—it’s a strategic investment in your culture, retention, and brand loyalty. According to Gallup, companies with engaged employees are 21% more profitable than those without. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to strengthen that engagement is by giving employees thoughtful gifts they’ll actually use.

The problem? Too many companies hand out cheap swag that ends up shoved in a desk drawer. At HighVolve, we believe employee appreciation gifts should be practical, stylish, and long-lasting—items that build positive associations with your brand every single day.

Below are 25 employee appreciation gift ideas—each one a specific product you can find on HighVolve.com, or through trusted partners like PCNA and HPG Brands.

1. Nash Wheat Straw Ballpoint Pen: The Eco-Friendly Classic

Pens are one of the most requested promotional products worldwide. But instead of plastic throwaways, opt for an eco-conscious upgrade.

The Nash Wheat Straw Ballpoint Pen is crafted from renewable wheat straw, offering both smooth writing and a sustainable story. Pair it with branded notebooks for an onboarding kit employees will actually keep.

2. 95% Organic Lip Balm: Small But Memorable

Not all appreciation gifts need to be big-ticket items. Sometimes, the small everyday essentials make the biggest impact.

This organic lip balm is practical year-round, especially in dry office environments. It’s budget-friendly, customizable with your logo, and easy to distribute at scale.

3. Clip-N-Go Hand Sanitizer with Carabiner: Practical Wellness

Post-pandemic, hand sanitizers remain a desk and travel essential. The Clip-N-Go 1 oz Hand Sanitizer attaches easily to bags or keychains, giving employees a handy health essential.

Pair it with a wellness kit that includes lip balm, reusable masks, and snacks.

4. Mini Grip COB Flashlight: Bright Idea for Safety

Safety meets utility with the Magnetic COB Flashlight. Whether kept in a car, desk drawer, or backpack, this compact flashlight is something employees will actually be grateful to have when needed.

5. Springbox Basil Grow Kit: A Gift That Grows

Desk plants are proven to boost mood and productivity. The Basil Grow Kit takes it one step further—employees get the joy of watching something grow, with your brand attached to the process.

6. Zili Silicone Food Storage Bag: Lunch Upgrade

With hybrid work here to stay, eco-friendly food storage is an underrated employee gift. The Zili Silicone Bag is reusable, durable, and aligns with sustainability goals.

7. Bamboo Cutting Board with Grip: Kitchen Essential

Home-focused gifts are rising in popularity, especially when employees spend more time cooking. This bamboo cutting board is sleek, functional, and a high-perceived-value item.

8. OXO Steel Barware Set: At-Home Celebrations

Employees love gifts that feel more like retail products than swag. This 6-piece OXO barware set is the perfect way to celebrate milestones or reward a high-performing team.

9. 3-Piece Disc Golf Set: Fun and Unexpected

Sometimes, appreciation should be fun. A Disc Golf Set is trendy, outdoorsy, and appeals to active employees. It’s perfect for company picnics or team-building events.

10. Pickleball Paddle & Ball Set: Trending Swag

Pickleball is exploding in popularity, making this paddle and ball set one of the trendiest employee appreciation ideas. Your logo is front and center while employees get a gift that’s both social and active.

11. Recycled Folding Umbrella: Eco + Practical

Few gifts are as practical as a sturdy umbrella. The 46″ Recycled Umbrella is eco-friendly and perfect for commuters—ensuring long-lasting daily use.

12. Aluminum Bottle Opener: Everyday Utility

An aluminum bottle opener may be simple, but it’s something employees use often. Compact, durable, and always appreciated—it’s also a cost-effective add-on.

13. ThermoSphere Telescopic Straw: Portable Sustainability

Reusable straws have gone mainstream, but most are bulky. The Telescopic Stainless Straw comes in a portable case, making it an employee favorite for everyday use.

14. Bellroy Classic Pouch: Sleek and Stylish

Bellroy is a premium retail brand known for its modern design. The Classic Pouch is a gift employees will actually be proud to use, doubling as a travel or desk organizer. Sustainable corporate gift ideas can elevate the appeal of such items.

15. CamelBak RPET Sling: On-the-Go Convenience

CamelBak is a trusted outdoor brand, and the Pivot Belt Sling is both eco-made and highly functional. Perfect for employees who commute, hike, or travel.

16. Thule Stravan Backpack: Premium Work Gear

Tech-savvy professionals need a reliable laptop bag. The Thule Stravan Backpack is high-quality, versatile, and instantly elevates your company’s appreciation gift program.

17. FEED Organic Cotton Pouch: Social Impact

When you give a FEED branded pouch, you’re not just gifting employees—you’re supporting hunger relief programs. This dual impact strengthens employee pride and brand purpose.

18. Recycled Cotton Tote Bag: Everyday Carry

Tote bags remain a top promotional product because they’re used everywhere. This recycled cotton option is eco-friendly and makes your brand part of grocery trips, commutes, and errands.

19. Richardson Trucker Cap: Classic Headwear

Hats have universal appeal, and the Richardson 112R Trucker is one of the most popular styles nationwide. Employees will wear it on weekends, giving your brand visibility outside the office.

20. Richardson Waffle Beanie: Cozy Seasonal Gift

Perfect for colder months, the Richardson Waffle Beanie is a practical, stylish appreciation gift employees actually want to wear.

21. Stanley Quencher Tumbler

The viral Stanley Quencher is more than a water bottle—it’s a lifestyle item. Employees love its durability, and your logo rides along every day.

22. Samsonite Foldable Backpack

Employees love versatile gear, and the Samsonite Foldable Backpack is both practical and travel-friendly. It packs down small for easy storage yet expands into a durable bag for daily use, making it a thoughtful appreciation gift that doesn’t take up space until it’s needed.

23. CamelBak Eddy+ 25oz Bottle

Hydration meets convenience with the CamelBak Eddy+. Employees love its flip-top straw and durable build, making it one of the most-used daily drinkware items. With your logo, it’s a walking billboard that reinforces your brand every time they take a sip.

24. Mophie® 10,000 mAh Wireless Power Bank

Tech gear is always a hit, and the Mophie 10,000 mAh Power Bank delivers. Compact, portable, and powerful, it’s perfect for remote workers or frequent travelers. Employees will thank you every time they recharge on the go.

25. Bellroy Via Work Bag

For employees who need both function and style, the Bellroy Via Work Bag is a premium option that feels more like retail than swag. With its modern design and organized compartments, it’s a long-lasting appreciation gift that elevates your brand perception.

Why Thoughtful Employee Appreciation Gifts Matter

The best appreciation gifts aren’t about the price tag—they’re about usability, sustainability, and emotional impact. By investing in high-quality branded merchandise, you:

• Boost employee retention and loyalty

• Reinforce company culture and values

• Increase brand awareness inside and outside the office

• Improve return on investment by giving items that last

At HighVolve, we specialize in curating employee appreciation gifts that don’t get tossed.

Ready to level up your employee appreciation program? Explore our curated collection of corporate gifts and promotional products at HighVolve.com/shop or connect with our team to create a custom appreciation strategy.