17+ Easy Employee Appreciation Day Gifts That Mean the Most

Employee Appreciation Day always falls on the first Friday of March (March 6 for 2026), and if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering which employee gifts would make your team feel most valued, without having to invest a ton of time or resources into buying them. You want something meaningful, something they’ll actually use, and something that shows you put thought into it.

At Custom Ink, we’ve helped thousands of companies celebrate their teams with custom appreciation gifts, and we’ve learned a lot about what works and what gets tossed. This guide breaks down the gifts employees actually want (backed by survey data from over 1,000 workers), simple ways to make any gift feel personal, and how to pull it all together without any stress.

In This Article

• Why Employee Appreciation Day Matters More Than Ever
• What Employees Actually Want (According to Survey Data)
• Easy Gift Ideas by Budget
• How to Make Any Gift Feel More Meaningful
• Recognition Gifts for Remote and Hybrid Teams
• Planning Timeline: Get Your Order in on Time
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Employee Appreciation Day Matters More Than Ever

Employee engagement is at its lowest point in a decade. According to recent Gallup research, only 31% of U.S. workers feel engaged at their jobs. That’s a problem that shows up in productivity, turnover, and the overall energy of your workplace.

The good news is that recognition boosts morale and retention. Our 2025 Custom Ink Employee Holiday Gift Survey found that more than three-quarters of employees say receiving thoughtful gifts makes them more likely to stay with their company. When people feel appreciated, they show up differently. They’re more willing to go the extra mile, collaborate with teammates, and stick around when things get tough.

Employee Appreciation Day, celebrated on the first Friday of March, gives you a natural moment to pause and recognize your team’s contributions. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts. It’s about showing people they matter. And with a little planning, you can make that happen without adding stress to your already full plate.

“Our company had over 500 people attending a local AAA baseball game and the employees who work together to boost employee engagement (Engagement Champions) wanted to stand out at the event. What better way than with custom raglan style baseball shirts!”

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Featured Products from This Story

Bella + Canvas Jersey T-shirt

• 100% pre-shrunk combed ring spun cotton jersey
• Available in multiple color combinations
• Great for company outings and team building

Sport-Tek Raglan T-Shirt

• Classic raglan styling for team events
• Available in multiple color combinations
• Great for company outings and team building

What Employees Actually Want (According to Survey Data)

We surveyed over 1,000 employees and 350 employers to find out what appreciation gifts actually resonate. The results might surprise you, especially if you’ve been defaulting to the same gifts year after year.

Top Gift Categories Employees Love

Tech gifts like wireless chargers, noise-canceling headphones, and portable speakers consistently rank among employees’ favorites. These items show you’re paying attention to how your team actually works and lives, whether they’re powering through Zoom calls or crushing workouts after hours.

Apparel remains popular, but quality matters. According to our 2026 Swag Trends Survey, 25% of respondents said standard unisex cotton t-shirts feel “overdone.” If you’re going with apparel, upgrade the fabric or fit. Quarter-zips, hoodies, and jackets from recognized brands consistently perform well.

Drinkware continues to be a safe bet, particularly premium insulated options. Our survey found that 31% of buyers prioritize hydration upgrades like premium insulated mugs and branded water bottles from brands like Yeti and Stanley.

What Employee Gifts to Avoid

Our survey revealed some clear losers in the appreciation gift category – at least when it comes to holidays and other appreciation events. Stationery topped the list of least favorite gifts (39%), followed by office products (38%) and plants or greenery (35%). The pattern is clear: when it comes to appreciation and recognition, employees want gifts they can enjoy outside the office, not items that remind them they’re at work.

Subscription gifts also fell flat, with 23% of employees ranking them among their least favorites. Monthly deliveries can feel like another thing to manage rather than a treat.

“Employees at Bichsel Jewelry and friends joining together to participate in the 9th annual 5k/10k run/walk in Sedalia, MO. CustomInk made it so easy to put together a team jacket we all loved, especially with having the same design but different colors for both the men and women on the team!”

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Featured Products from This Story

Sport-Tek Performance Quarter Zip Pullover

• Moisture-wicking technology
• Professional appearance for any setting
• Available in men’s and women’s styles

Sport-Tek Women’s Performance Quarter Zip

• Flattering women’s fit
• Lightweight and breathable
• Perfect for layering year-round

Design Templates to Get You Started

Easy Gift Ideas by Budget

Our survey found that the average employer budgets about $64 per employee for appreciation gifts. But you don’t need to hit that number to make an impact. Thoughtful gifts at any price point can create genuine connection when you choose items that reflect what your team actually values.

Under $15: Small But Mighty

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean forgettable.

• Custom pens and can coolers were among the highest-volume items we shipped in 2025, proving that simple, useful items still resonate.
• Custom lip balm, sunscreen, and hand sanitizers also performed well, reflecting a growing interest in wellness-focused swag.

Pro tip: Pair a small item with a handwritten note. The combination often creates more impact than a pricier gift given without personal context.

$15-$30: The Sweet Spot

This range opens up solid options that employees will actually use, like…

• Quality t-shirts with upgraded fabrics,
• Custom hats,
• Mid-range tumblers,
• Branded notebooks

…all fall here. If you choose t-shirts, consider moving beyond basic cotton to tri-blends or performance fabrics that feel more premium.

$30-$50: Premium Without Excess

At this budget range consider the following gift categories;

• Hoodies
• Quarter-zips
• Premium insulated tumblers
• Wireless chargers

Our 2026 survey showed quarter-zips as the fastest-growing outerwear category because they strike the perfect balance between polished and comfortable.

$50+: Make It Memorable

For milestone celebrations or key team members, premium gifts create lasting impressions. Consider the following:

• Quality outerwear
• Headphones
• Speakers
• Items from recognized brands like Nike, The North Face, or Yeti

Gifts like these all signal that you’ve invested thought into the gift. Our survey found that 91% of employees feel more valued receiving recognized retail brands versus generic items.

“Members of the Jackson Hole Land Trust staff volunteered for the Salvation Army and sported our new CustomInk hats while bell ringing to raise money for a great cause. The hats kept us warm and toasty and arrived just in time for the event! We had a great experience working with the CustomInk team and will definitely use them again in the future!”

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Featured Products from This Story

Sportsman Pom Pom Beanie

• Cozy winter warmth
• Fun pom pom detail
• Perfect for cold-weather events

Port Authority Cuff Beanie

• Classic cuffed style
• Embroidery-ready
• One size fits most

Design Templates for Team Appreciation

How to Make Any Gift Feel More Meaningful

The difference between a forgettable gift and one that creates genuine connection often comes down to personalization and presentation. Our survey found that 81% of employees value a gift more when it includes their name, a message, or another personal touch.

Personalization Tips

Adding individual names to gifts transforms mass appreciation into personal recognition. Our names and numbers feature makes it easy to add unique text to each item in your order, whether that’s names on the front of jackets or personalized messages on the back of t-shirts.

Consider adding inside jokes, team mantras, or references to shared experiences. One Custom Ink customer success manager noted that gifts with company-specific sayings create a sense of belonging: “Something that you’re within the company, you know it. And it just makes you feel like not only am I a part of this team, but I’ve been a part of this team long enough that I know what that means.”

Subtle Branding Works Better

Here’s something that might surprise you: only 23% of employees said they’d want large, prominent corporate branding on their appreciation gifts. Subtle, tasteful logo placement allows people to proudly wear their gear outside of work without feeling like a walking billboard. Think small chest logos, tonal embroidery, or sleeve details rather than giant back prints.

Premium Decoration Methods

Over 53% of buyers in our 2026 trends survey expressed strong interest in premium decoration methods like embroidery, leather patches, or laser engraving. These techniques add texture and perceived value to any item, transforming a standard hoodie into something that feels special. Our Design Lab lets you preview how different decoration methods will look on your chosen products before you order.

“The shirts are for my team at AgBiome, called XDS. We are a close-knit group of scientists working in an extraordinarily collaborative fashion that is an inspiration for the rest of the company. We also like to style nicely with awesome Custom Ink-made clothes!”

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Design Templates for Workplace Recognition

Recognition Gifts for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Distributed teams present unique challenges for appreciation gifting. You can’t just leave something on someone’s desk when their desk is in a different state. But remote work also creates opportunities to surprise people at home, where a thoughtful package can brighten an otherwise ordinary workday.

Drop Shipping Solutions

Our drop shipping service lets you send appreciation gifts directly to individual team members, wherever they are. You provide the addresses, choose your designs, and we handle the rest. No more collecting packages at the office and manually reshipping them to remote employees.

Online Stores for Employee Choice

If you want to give employees options, consider setting up an online company store. Each person can choose their own size, style, and shipping address. This approach works especially well when your team has diverse preferences or when you want to offer a range of items at different price points.

Group Orders with Individual Addresses

Our group order feature lets you collect sizes and shipping addresses from team members, then place one order that ships to multiple locations. It’s the simplest way to coordinate appreciation gifts for distributed teams without drowning in logistics.

“We gathered a team of engineers and employees around our region to run the Across the Bay 10k that traverses the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. We had 18 participants who all looked wonderful in our Custom Ink team shirts! The experience having the shirts made was wonderful. The Custom Ink team was responsive and quick, which was especially helpful when we had a last minute team addition after our shirts had been ordered!”

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Planning Timeline: Get Your Order in on Time

Employee Appreciation Day is March 6, 2026. Here’s how to make sure your gifts arrive on time without last-minute panic.

Standard Shipping (Free)

Orders typically arrive within two weeks with free standard shipping. To be safe for Employee Appreciation Day, place your order by mid-February. This gives you buffer time for unexpected delays and allows you to review proofs without rushing.

Rush Options Available

If you’re reading this closer to the deadline, don’t panic. We offer rush shipping options that can get your order to you in as little as 7 days for an additional charge. Check our delivery calculator for specific timelines based on your location and order details.

How to Order

1. Browse products. Start with our employee appreciation gift collection or explore categories that match your budget and team preferences.
2. Design in the Design Lab. Upload your logo or use our employee appreciation design templates to create something custom. Our design tools are free to use, and you can save your work to revisit later.
3. Review your proof. Before production, you’ll see exactly how your design will look on your chosen products. Take time to check spelling, sizing, and placement.
4. Place your order. Choose your shipping speed and delivery addresses. If you need help, our team of Inkers is available seven days a week via chat, phone, or email.

Need design help? Our design experts can help you create the perfect appreciation gift. They’ve seen it all and can offer suggestions based on what’s worked for other teams like yours.

Start Designing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I order employee appreciation gifts?

Orders arrive at your door within 2 weeks with free standard shipping. For Employee Appreciation Day on March 6, we recommend ordering by mid-February to allow buffer time. Rush options are available for an additional charge if you’re working with a tighter timeline.

Q: Can I order just one employee appreciation gift?

Many of our products have low or no minimums. Just check the product details or filter by “no minimum” when browsing. This is especially helpful if you’re ordering for individual milestone celebrations like work anniversaries.

Q: Are bulk discounts available for employee appreciation gifts?

Yes, we offer volume discounts on most products. Pricing adjusts automatically as you increase your order quantity in the Design Lab. The more you order, the more you save per item.

Q: Can employees pay for their own appreciation gifts through a group order?

You can set up a group order that enables each person to pay separately and specify their own sizing and shipping address. This works well for optional add-on items or when you’re offering a range of gift options at different price points.

Q: Can I get help designing employee appreciation gifts?

Absolutely! Our design experts are available to help you create the perfect design. You can also use our Design Lab templates and clipart to build something custom. Reach out anytime for personalized assistance.

Q: What’s the best employee appreciation gift for remote teams?

Items that create connection work well for distributed teams: matching apparel everyone can wear on video calls, premium drinkware they’ll use daily, or comfortable loungewear that makes working from home feel special. Our drop shipping service delivers directly to individual addresses.

Q: How do I add individual names to employee appreciation gifts?

Use our names and numbers feature in the Design Lab. You can upload a spreadsheet with names and we’ll apply them to individual items in your order. It’s an easy way to personalize gifts for your entire team.

Q: What brands do employees prefer for appreciation gifts?

Our survey found the top brands employees mentioned include Nike, Sony, The North Face, Bose, JBL, Yeti, Stanley, Carhartt, Coleman, and Patagonia. Browse our featured brands collection to see what’s available.

Q: Should employee appreciation gifts have large company logos?

Our survey found that only 23% of employees want large, prominent corporate branding on appreciation gifts. Subtle, tasteful logo placement, like a small chest logo or sleeve detail, lets employees proudly wear their gear outside of work without feeling like walking advertisements.

Q: When is Employee Appreciation Day 2026?

Employee Appreciation Day 2026 is Friday, March 6. It’s celebrated on the first Friday of March each year. Mark your calendar and start planning a few weeks ahead to ensure your gifts arrive on time.