Affordable Employee Appreciation Gifts Under $20 in 2025

Affordable employee appreciation gifts styled for impact — perfect for celebrating Employee Appreciation Day 2025.

Employee Appreciation Day 2025 is coming up, and here’s the truth: showing gratitude to your employees doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Even affordable employee appreciation gifts under $20 can have a huge impact on employee morale, productivity, and retention.

In fact, Gallup reports that employees who feel recognized are 23% more engaged, while SHRM shows organizations with strong recognition programs have 31% lower voluntary turnover. Whether it’s a quick token of appreciation or part of a larger corporate gifting strategy, these items become daily reminders of teamwork, culture, and loyalty.

And here’s the kicker, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), low-cost promotional products deliver thousands of brand impressions per dollar spent. That means your logo on a mug, blanket, or notebook is not just a gift—it’s an advertisement for your company culture.

To help you maximize your budget while celebrating employees, here’s a list of 20 corporate gift ideas under $20, all available at HighVolve.

20 Affordable Employee Appreciation Gifts Under $20

1. Classic Branded T-Shirts

Clothing is one of the most effective forms of advertising because employees actually wear it outside of work. Our custom T-shirts (cotton or tri-blend) are great for onboarding, team events, and even holiday gift baskets. They build brand awareness while promoting comfort and culture. Shop T-Shirts.

2. Lightweight Event Tees

For recruitment fairs, trade shows, or onboarding kits, event tees are perfect inexpensive staff appreciation gifts. At a low price point, they deliver quick ROI in brand visibility and employee pride. Shop T-Shirts.

3. Ceramic Coffee Mugs

Coffee is a daily ritual, making ceramic mugs an essential office supply. Add your logo and employees will think of your company with every sip of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Shop Drinkware.

4. Reusable Tumblers

Eco-friendly tote bags and drinkware are trending because they reduce waste and highlight sustainability. A branded tumbler is a corporate gift idea that feels useful and promotes environmentally friendly practices. Shop Drinkware.

5. Insulated Plastic Bottles

Affordable water bottles made from durable plastic are ideal for remote work setups, employee wellness kits, or holiday incentives. They’re lightweight, travel-ready, and available at a budget-friendly price. Shop Drinkware.

6. Everyday Water Bottles

Hydration ties directly to health and productivity. A simple branded bottle may look inexpensive, but it delivers big when employees use it daily. Shop Drinkware.

7. Travel-Friendly Cups

Perfect for commuters, these reusable cups cut down on waste while increasing brand loyalty. They’re also a great option for holiday gifting or Secret Santa events. Shop Drinkware.

8. Glass Drinkware

A sleek, modern option under $20, glass drinkware feels upscale without blowing the budget. It’s an excellent choice for client events, birthdays, or as a token of appreciation for employees. Shop Drinkware.

9. Stark 2 Bluetooth Speaker

Employees love tech. The Stark 2 Bluetooth Speaker is portable, stylish, and budget-friendly. With music streaming in the office or at home, it boosts morale and feels like a high-value incentive at a low cost.

10. Clear Crossbody Sport Pack

Practical, branded, and stadium-approved, the Clear Crossbody Sport Pack is perfect for concerts, sporting events, or travel. Affordable sport accessories like this highlight your brand message while being useful every day.

11. Branded Pens

A classic office supply, pens are inexpensive but powerful marketing tools. Branded pens put your logo directly in employees’ hands for meetings, notes, and quick ideas. Shop Office Accessories.

12. Notebooks & Journals

Every employee needs a place to jot down notes, ideas, or to-do lists. Branded notebooks encourage creativity, organization, and employee engagement. They’re affordable gifts that align with corporate gifting strategies. Shop Office Accessories.

13. Desk Accessories

Think of organizers, sticky notes, or even a stress ball—desk tools that employees actually use. These low-cost items build employee morale and promote daily productivity. Shop Office Accessories.

14. Mouse Pads

Branded mousepads are one of the cheapest ways to ensure constant brand visibility. Every time an employee uses their laptop, they see your logo. Shop Office Accessories.

15. Lanyards & ID Holders

Practical office supplies for workplaces and events, branded lanyards promote organization and brand awareness. Employees use them daily, making them cost-effective tokens of appreciation. Shop Office Accessories.

16. Baseball Caps

Headwear is always a hit. Branded hats give employees a sense of pride and community while extending your brand advertisement outside the office. Shop Headwear.

17. Knit Beanies

For cold weather or holiday gifts, branded beanies are thoughtful and practical. They’re a budget-friendly corporate gift idea that employees actually wear. Shop Headwear.

18. Scented Candles

Candles are thoughtful, affordable employee appreciation gifts that promote relaxation and mental health. Ideal for remote work setups or holiday gifting. Shop Home Accessories.

19. Kitchen Accessories

From utensils to cutting boards, branded kitchen tools integrate your logo into employees’ daily routines. They’re practical, unique, and perfect for budget-friendly corporate gifting. Shop Home Accessories.

20. Cozy Throw Blankets

A cozy blanket is always appreciated. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas gifting, these low-cost home items deliver comfort while reinforcing your brand culture. Shop Home Accessories.

Why Recognition Works—Even Under $20

Recognition is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve employee engagement, retention, and job satisfaction. Research shows that even cheap staff appreciation gifts like mugs, socks, or stress-relief tools can reduce employee turnover and foster stronger organizational culture.

When employees feel appreciated, they’re more likely to show loyalty, pride, and teamwork. Affordable tokens like mugs, candles, or notebooks can be just as effective as expensive gadgets in boosting morale and creating memorable experiences.

Employee Appreciation Final Thoughts

Employee Appreciation Day 2025 is the perfect opportunity to show gratitude without overspending. With HighVolve’s curated collection of affordable appreciation gifts under $20, you can celebrate employees with items they’ll actually use—without straining your budget.

Explore all of our budget-friendly corporate gifts today and make appreciation part of your company culture.