Why Go With Boring Lanyards And Mugs For Corporate Gifting When Showing Appreciation Is Easier Than Ever With These Company Gift Ideas For Employees That Will Actually Be Appreciated?
If there’s one challenging thing about corporate life aside from the usual day-to-day, it’s definitely gift shopping for the whole company. I mean, it’s already a challenge to find the best gift for one person, let alone a team or several departments!
Most will tell you that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all gift when it comes to corporate gifts. But that’s not entirely true…unless you’re looking solely at decorative gifts because taste is truly subjective.
I usually use two points to guide my gift giving decision and it has certainly helped during my corporate and startup stints. It’s something I learnt from one of the best leaders I’ve worked with; just ask yourself - “is this gift something that will make the recipient’s life easier, and how?”.
Nothing makes employees feel valued than a practical gift that keeps giving. What I mean by “keeps giving” is how a well thought-out gift brings returns that add up while leaving a lasting impression. Think of a stylish jacket with your company logo on it that your employees actually like using - that brings brand awareness up a notch which ultimately trickles down to your future customers. ;)
Sure you’ve got a budget to work with, but it certainly helps to narrow down a list of the best corporate gift ideas to make an already challenging task that much easier. Because finding the right gift to start with is definitely the hardest part.
Which is why we’ve done the hard part for you by compiling a list of the most thoughtful and useful corporate gifts that your employees will actually use and appreciate, be it for the holiday season or as part of a well thought out corporate gifting strategy.
Top 17 Thoughtful And Useful Corporate Gift Ideas That Your Employees Will Actually Appreciate
1. Digital Gift Cards
One of the most perfect gifts to give when you’re simply unsure is definitely the gift of choice, and in this case? Digital gift cards. Your employees can use them to purchase something they genuinely want or need, from their monthly Spotify or Apple Music subscription upkeep to essentials like groceries, or even a shopping spree on Shopee.
It’s a thoughtful gift because it respects your team’s personal preferences, and for the fact that no one else knows better than they do when it comes to deciding what will be helpful for them. And the plus side? It’s convenient for you too! You won’t have to jump through hoops to place a bulk order for these, nor do you have to head out. ;)
Some of the best digital gift cards I’d recommend that you won’t go wrong with include those from Grab, NTUC Fairprice, Sheng Siong, Shopee, Spotify, and CapitaLand.
2. Packable Eco-Friendly Tote Bags With Your Company Logo
Singapore’s mandatory charge on disposable carrier bags (or as most of us call it, plastic bags) may have left most of us scrambling for a reusable shopping bag. But let’s be real - we definitely know of some who still opt to grab disposable plastic bags from the supermarket’s fruits and vegetables aisle, and how some reusable shopping bags simply aren’t practical to carry around.
Which is why packable eco-friendly tote bags are one of the most practical and meaningful corporate gifts. It serves as a reminder that supports them in making environmentally conscious choices, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may be. What’s more, it makes it easier than ever for them to carry it around!
3. Weekend Getaway Team Retreat
Gifts don’t always have to come in the form of an item, it could even be a holiday gift! Organising a weekend getaway for your team as a gift can be one of the best employee appreciation gifts ever. Especially since Singapore’s highly competitive, fast-paced work environment easily wears down even the best of us. A weekend retreat on the company can be truly rejuvenating while showing them that you see their hard work and want them to take a breather.
The reason why team retreats work fantastically when done right, even though it’s one of the most premium gifts, is because it doesn’t only serve as a gift. It can be a memorable experience that allows your employees to unwind, bond with one another, and return to work refreshed (well-rested employees tend to be the most creative and productive ones!).
And did we also mention it’s one of the best ways to boost morale, strengthen team relationships, and make them feel valued? Just make sure to get them to turn off work completely and keep laptops away during the retreat or it will defeat the very purpose of this unique corporate gift!
4. Aromatherapy Self-Care Corporate Gifts
It can be tough for employees to carve out time for self-care when the very act of doing so involves making more decisions on what to actually do. Help them out here by gifting them a bespoke aromatherapy self-care kit, a great gift idea that promotes relaxation and well-being.
The most basic aromatherapy self-care kits at its core usually consist of essential oils, a diffuser, some soothing scented soy wax candles, a linen spray, or sleep balm. It’s the kind of gift that will invite your employees to truly pause and take a moment for themselves, without having to expend what little energy they have to venture out in search of a spa centre.
5. Personalised Water Bottle
Did you know that employees are more likely to be prone to dehydration in the office as a result of the office’s air conditioning and being hyper-focused on work? So much so that it’s no surprise if you find your employees forgetting to stay hydrated at work!
A personalised water bottle is one of the most practical yet unique corporate gifts you could give to your employees. It’s something everyone uses (and should use) daily, so having it personalised adds a special charm to it that they’ll be proud to carry around while acting as a daily reminder that their well-being is important to you. After all, you know you won’t drink from something you don’t like!
6. Reusable Coffee Cup
I’m sure we can agree that most employees look forward to their daily caffeine fix to jumpstart the day. Which is why a reusable coffee cup is quite simply the perfect corporate gift that thoughtfully helps them reduce waste, while saving money with “bring your own cup” coffee programs found in most cafes!
It’s such a convenient gift that allows them to comfortably hold their coffee as they commute to work or take their lunch break. And not to mention how most cafes offer discounts when you bring your own coffee cups, which makes a reusable coffee cup the perfect gift that keeps giving.
Bonus points if you get them a reusable stainless steel coffee cup like the Montigo Sense Coffee Cup which keeps their coffee hot or cold for hours, while keeping their hands safe from heat and condensation! (P.s. it's also customisable, which makes it one of the most unique corporate gift ideas out there!)
7. Customised Journal
Personalized gifts like a customised journal is what I’d call old, but gold. It’s traditionally one of the best corporate gifts simply because of its incredible versatility. Employees can use it to jot down new ideas, reflect, keep track of tasks, or even use it as a personal space for creative expression!
Having it customised with motivational quotes or with pages featuring a format that assists employees to organise their thoughts makes it all the more thoughtful as it tells them that you’ve put thought into making their lives easier, AND that you value their thoughts and ideas.
8. Virtual Team Building Activities
This one is for the remote teams out there! Working remotely is truly not for everyone as remote employees often find themselves working in solitude. Which is why investing in virtual team building activities is a great corporate gift to your team to boost employee morale, encourage engagement amongst employees while bringing in a strong element of fun to break the monotony of virtual meetings.
Some of the most exciting ones include virtual cooking classes, group virtual exercises with a trained instructor leading the class, virtual scavenger hunts, and the classic game of charades!
9. Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Out of the gifts in the list and where budget permits (and depending on your company culture), noise-cancelling earphones definitely takes the trophy as one of the best corporate gifts. If not the best corporate gift.
It’s incredibly helpful in dynamic and bustling work environments where there are plenty of distractions. Whether it’s at home, in a co-working space, or even the company’s dedicated office, noise-cancelling earphones or headphones can help your employees focus better on their tasks without side-eyeing that colleague who types like a drill hammer.
10. Ergonomic Laptop Stand
Almost everyone working a desk job experiences one thing consistently - poor posture. Of course, poor posture comes with a whole different can of worms like back pain, neck aches, tensed shoulders, and the list goes on.
One effective way you can remedy that and make a significant positive difference in your employee’s work experience is by gifting them an ergonomic laptop stand. Though simple, an ergonomic laptop stand is a game-changer in creating a more comfortable and healthy workspace, reducing their discomfort and chances of injury over time.
Not only does it show that you’re thinking of them, it basically tells them that you’ve got their back (literally!). It’s definitely a gift that speaks volumes while being incredibly underrated.
11. Breathable Anti-UV Hoodie
Singaporeans are no stranger to lengthy walks under the hot sun during their commute to work or simply by walking from one place to another. Which is why a breathable anti-UV hoodie is an amazingly versatile gift that protects them from the sun’s harmful rays while being comfortable to wear amidst Singapore’s humidity.
Your employees can wear it during their lunch break, pop it on when it’s colder than usual in the office, and wear it while commuting to stay protected from the sun. Plus points if it’s a sporty hoodie they can wear during outdoor team-building events or during casual meet ups with friends!
Bonus Tip: You can even add your company logo to it and have your proud employees showcase the company’s brand while they’re out and about, making this hoodie one of the more popular corporate gifts for companies to give their employees!
12. Tech Organiser Bag
If there’s an item that everyone knows would be helpful but is less likely to spend money on, it’ll definitely be a tech organiser bag. A tech organiser bag is a handy corporate gift for employees who are regularly on the go and offices that practise a hybrid work arrangement. Think of it as a small bag they can have on them that keeps cables, chargers, USB drives, power banks, and more neatly organised.
This gift is all about convenience and organisation as it helps prevent your employees from getting frustrated by tangled cables or misplaced chargers. Whether they’re working from a cafe, travelling for business, or simply alternating between the home and office, this is one gift that will simplify their essential tech setup as opposed to random yet quirky desk accessories.
13. Reusable Food Storage Container
Not keen on tote bags but you’re still on the hunt for practical eco-friendly corporate gifts? Then you won’t want to skip out on a classic - reusable food storage containers. While it seems odd to give something food related (especially if you’re not in the food business), it’s actually a perfect gift that your employees can use daily for various purposes.
For one, it would be handy for the employee who regularly brings lunch or a meal prep to work and to store leftovers at home. It also helps to reduce waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bags and containers while looking aesthetically pleasing, and it promotes a more sustainable lifestyle overall.
Ideally you’ll want to check out glass or microwave safe and BPA-free containers like the Montigo Meals-To-Go collection to make it an even more thoughtful gift. And if you feel that a reusable food storage container may be too bare of a gift, don’t hesitate to pair it with gift vouchers from Cold Storage or NTUC to make it a truly complete practical gift box!
14. Themed Gift Boxes
Move over, traditional gift baskets! Because themed gift boxes are perhaps one of the most affordable yet exciting ways to create unique gifts for your employees. Think snack boxes, movie night themed gift boxes, a box themed after a particular country (e.g. Korean snack pack!), a wellness kit, or even a gift box themed after special occasions to ring in the holiday cheer with the right holiday gifts!
Gift recipients of themed gift boxes are usually in for a surprise before no one knows what’s going to be inside until they go through the unboxing experience, which almost everyone loves. It can serve as a delightful corporate gift that they can look forward to unboxing during break time at work or in the comfort of their home.
15. Spa Vouchers
Spa vouchers are a luxurious gift that offers your corporate gift recipients a rare chance to relax and unwind without them having to pay a dime (ideally!). It could be in any form of spa treatments, from massages to facials or nourishing soaks, all of which are aimed to provide your employees with a much-needed break from the stresses of work.
It’s a gift that promotes well-being and self-care, which also encourages your team members to take time out for themselves and come back refreshed and rejuvenated. The whole act of giving them spa vouchers also shows that you recognise the importance of work-life balance and want your team to look after their mental and physical health, making them feel cared for and appreciated.
16. Fitness Membership
Fitness memberships have come a long way in the age of the internet. Instead of being limited to gyms, pilates and yoga studios, or sports arenas, companies now have a choice to opt in to an online fitness platform that every employee can benefit from. It’s a truly thoughtful and useful gift that tells your employees about the company's commitment to their physical well-being.
Think about it, due to rising costs and the uncomfortable humidity outdoors, some employees have a tough time committing to a workout routine. A company-wide fitness membership offers them a convenient way to stay active and relieve stress so that they can bring their best selves to work. After all, regular exercise is known to boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall health!
17. Travel-Sized Bluetooth Speaker
A travel-sized Bluetooth speaker is a fun and versatile gift that doubles as that allows employees to enjoy their favourite music, podcasts, or audiobooks wherever they go, be it on their travels or even at home! It’s compact, easy to carry, and it simply makes sense to have one in their day to day lives.
This thoughtful and useful gift enhances their personal time by adding a little extra joy to their day. It’s portability makes it fantastic for various activities and it can even be used during team gatherings, team retreats, or small events!
