Top Cheap Employee Appreciation Gifts Under $20
Showing appreciation to your employees doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. In fact, sometimes, cheap employee appreciation gifts can be just as effective as grand gestures. It's about expressing gratitude and making employees feel valued. Finding those thoughtful, affordable tokens of appreciation leaves a lasting impact.
The Power of Employee Recognition
While cutting costs is tempting during challenging economic times, employee recognition should remain a priority. Employees may feel uneasy about job security and economic fluctuations. Recognizing their efforts becomes even more critical during these times. One study found that 99% of business leaders planned to cut company costs throughout 2023, so chances are, your employees could use a little boost. Showing that you see and value their hard work amidst these anxieties can be incredibly impactful.
Besides fostering positive sentiment, cheap employee appreciation gifts make good business sense. Studies show a direct correlation between employee recognition and company success. Positively engaged employees are 15% more productive, contributing to overall performance. Imagine a workplace where employees drag their feet, feeling unappreciated.
Boosting Engagement Through Recognition
Studies show only 25% of workers have received praise in any given week. Aiming for a higher rate of recognition, even something as simple as a "thank you," can work wonders. Imagine bumping that figure up to 60%.
Recognition from peers can be even more impactful than praise from higher-ups. This research highlights the significance of creating a culture of appreciation from all levels. Pairing positive feedback with a thoughtful gift card or gift set creates a positive impact.
Finding Affordable and Thoughtful Gifts
When choosing cheap employee appreciation gifts, strike a balance between affordability and thoughtfulness. Employees should feel like they took the time to find something meaningful, not a generic, last-minute item. It's time to ditch the generic and embrace creativity.
Personalization for Extra Impact
A little personalization turns an inexpensive gift into a treasured keepsake. Personalization adds a layer of thoughtfulness and meaning. Imagine gifting someone a laptop bag with their name or a design related to their hobbies. Simple but meaningful touches include adding an employee’s name to a mug, notebook, or pen.
That small touch makes a big difference and doesn’t need to be expensive. It shows that you care enough to make it feel personal.
Examples of Cheap Employee Appreciation Gifts:
| Gift Idea | Why It Works | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Journal | A stylish notebook encourages organization and creativity. Adding the employee's name or initials takes it up a notch. Consider pairing it with a nice set of writing instruments. | $5-$15 |
| Custom Water Bottle | A practical and sustainable choice. Encourages hydration and brand visibility. This is especially relevant for employees who travel frequently. | $3-$10 |
| Gift Card to Local Coffee Shop | A small treat that brightens their morning. Who doesn’t love caffeine? | $5-$15 |
| Homemade Thank You Cards | Authenticity goes a long way. It’s the heartfelt sentiment that matters. | Minimal cost |
| Desk Plant | A bit of nature to brighten up their workspace. Some offices provide screen cleaners and other office supplies as a small gesture of appreciation, too. | $5-$15 |
Recognizing Occasions and Milestones
Throughout the year, opportunities for appreciation arise. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is in September, for example, while Perioperative Nurses Week falls in November. These provide an opportunity to give themed gifts like bottle openers or key tags. Smaller, themed celebrations throughout the year add excitement. They can build a stronger sense of team unity and boost morale, too.
Engaging With Corporate Social Responsibility
Employees appreciate it when their company makes a positive impact. Incorporating a "giving back" aspect into a cheap employee appreciation gift strategy can be effective. Consider a charitable donation in their name, or perhaps offer employees a paid day off to volunteer. Research from the Society of Human Resource Management found that many employees value a company supporting causes aligned with their values. It's a gesture that resonates beyond a material gift.
Navigating The Legal Side of Gifting
As an employer, navigating tax regulations associated with employee gifts is essential. The IRS doesn’t always view workplace "freebies" generously. It’s important to stay compliant to avoid issues.
This means those small tokens of appreciation, like cheap employee appreciation gifts, might be taxable. Check with an accounting or HR team to stay compliant with IRS guidelines for gifting.
Encouraging Continuous Appreciation
Regular employee recognition shifts a company's atmosphere. When leaders call out good work, it builds momentum. Frequent appreciation doesn’t need to be elaborate, even a small thank you makes a huge difference.
Remember the impactful study about peer-to-peer recognition being more effective? Fostering a culture where everyone acknowledges good work leads to greater engagement and higher performance, based on research from Great Place to Work. Try an employee appreciation board or regular shout-out meetings.
Thinking Outside the (Gift) Box
When exploring creative cheap employee appreciation gifts, find options that resonate with the individual employee's interests. Generic is out. We need to think outside the box for truly unique gifts.
Examples of Experiential Cheap Employee Appreciation Gifts:
- NFL Logo 4 Ball Gift Set
- Movie Tickets
- Tickets to a Local Event (Museum, concert, art exhibit)
- Subscription to Streaming Service (music or movies)
- A Cooking or Art Class
Going The Extra Mile with Thoughtfulness
If your budget allows, bring in lunch or give an extended lunch break. Offering employees a day to volunteer provides a unique opportunity. They can give back while representing the company's values. Stress relievers, like a company-sponsored meditation app, are a great option, too.
Amplifying Appreciation Through Online Platforms
You could surprise employees with personalized video messages from their favorite athletes or actors on Cameo. What about a house cleaning service? Imagine sending a custom e-card with a handwritten message from colleagues.
Rewarding Effort with a Touch of Fun
How about a Great British Bake Off-inspired apron and ingredients for baking enthusiasts? Giving extra time off has positive impacts on well-being. An early dismissal on a sunny Friday could make their weekend. Don't forget about playfulness. Surprise them with a piñata from Piñata grams filled with small cheap employee appreciation gifts or snacks. This creates a positive buzz and reinforces a company culture that embraces lighter moments.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to convey gratitude. Sometimes all it takes are thoughtful and useful cheap employee appreciation gifts. These small gestures make a difference and build morale. A well-timed and thoughtfully selected gift shows employees their work matters. And you'll build an organization that truly honors everyone's dedication and hard work.
