For the best corporate gifts for employees, check out our top picks for custom apparel, tech, games, home goods and more!
When it comes to making your employees feel appreciated, corporate gift ideas should have a place in your quarterly budget. While it makes sense that companies devote time and effort into the best corporate swag gifts for customer loyalty, retention and marketing, don't forget about the hard working teams that make your company shine.
Why Celebrating Your Employees Matters
Your employees are the face of your company. A well thought out mission statement, fair wages, and inclusive environments are important for every company. However, without making employees feel appreciated, your hard working teams can struggle with burn out. Keeping employees excited and engaged is part of creating a positive corporate culture.
Employee turnover is a costly endeavor. From the time it takes managers to interview potential candidates, to onboarding and training, retaining your top talent is vital to companies that thrive.
Your employees can be a strong ambassador for your company. Whether you have a dedicated Employee Ambassador Program or not, your employees can positively influence the perception of your company. And, it goes without saying, happy employees are more likely to speak highly of their employer and be a valuable resource for promoting potential customers whether in person and even on social media.
Providing personal feedback, offering employee recognition among their peers, and giving custom corporate gifts are some of the ways you can express your gratitude.
Occasions for investing in employee custom corporate gifts
Remember, when it comes to the best corporate thank you gifts, they don’t have to be lavish. A unique, thoughtful gift is perfect for showing your appreciation.
1. Holiday Gifting. For many companies, the holidays are a busy time. From high-end corporate gifts to inexpensive holiday snack bags, acknowledging your team’s hard work at the end of the year is important.
2. Years of Service. Just as employee turnover is costly, an employee’s year- or years-of-service milestone should be celebrated.
3. Promotions. Promotions in and of themselves are a great reward for going above and beyond. Make the occasion even more memorable with the best corporate thank you gifts.
4. Job well done. This could be after an annual event, a product launch, or marketing initiative where your employees worked hard to ensure its success.
5. Just because. Just like in life, we don’t always need a reason to give someone a gift to let them know they are special. The same can be true for your teams who help make your company the best it can be.
The Best Corporate Branded Gifts for your Employees
From inexpensive swag to high end corporate gifts, here are our best corporate gifts for employees!
1. Custom Popsocket
Want something for your employees of all ages? Popsockets make great corporate gifting ideas since they’re universally loved and ideal for customizing!
2. Public Supply Notebook
That everyday essential that’s easy to brand and appreciated on and off the clock! Plus, there’s a reason branded notebooks are still a top swag pick for companies.
3. Stanley Tumbler
The tumbler that took over Instagram and never looked back. For the best corporate gifts for employees give them something they’ll continue to talk about and use in the months to come.
4. Custom Set of Sharpies
When it comes to office supplies, nothing beats the power or should we say permanency of a Sharpie! Talk to your Gemnote rep about customization and packaging options.
5. Custom Socks
When it comes to great custom corporate gifts, socks are often overlooked. However, they’re the wardrobe essential everyone wears and an inexpensive option for gifting!
6. Corduroy Cap
Whether you’re trying to keep your company top of mind or just want to show off your logo, a custom hat is a year favorite and fashion staple.
7. Patagonia Better Jacket
Looking for high end corporate gifts that offer style and long-lasting quality? Talk to your Gemnote rep about customizable products from Patagonia, like this stylish go-anywhere jacket.
8. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For the best corporate swag gifts, why not bring the party to them! With a custom bluetooth speaker, like this one from Supersonic, your employees can keep the music pumping long after they open their gift.
9. Carhartt Vest
Another name brand favorite, Carhartt is the hardworking brand that’s known for its durable workwear and quality outwear, like this customizable vest!
10. Kinto Amber Bottle
Sleek, modern, sustainable… if you haven’t found your best corporate gifts under $50, talk to your Gemnote rep about customizing a Kinto tumbler. And, to make it even better, add in a custom carabiner so they can clip it to their tote or backpack and take it everywhere they go!
11. Custom TShirt
One of the best corporate gifts under $50 you can invest in for your employees (and clients, suppliers, and basically anyone else) is a branded tee! Your employees appreciate adding it to their collection. Even better, it’s the gift that also offers marketing power since your logo will be seen every time they wear it.
12. Custom Enamel Keychain
Looking to send a small token of appreciation? These fun and functional accessories foster the spirit of gift giving without blowing your budget.
13. Bluetooth Headphones
Not only do these Bang + Olufsen headphones offer a sleek design and superb sound, they’re also noise canceling. Perfect for commuters, remote workers, and holiday gifts for employees too!
14. Custom Long Sleeve
Like the idea of a custom tee but want to kick it up a notch? You have plenty of options! From fabrications that offer protection from the sun or wicking away sweat to pockets and other features, the best part is adding your branding. That’s one reason long sleeve tees are a great choice, since they offer even more room for customization.
15. Hasami Ceramic Mug
Sometimes it’s about the extra details that make gifts worth giving! Kind of like the sleek and modern silhouette of the Hasami Ceramic Mug! Perfect for those team members that go the extra mile.
16. Custom Cotton Towel
Towels aren’t all created equal. So when it comes to oversized, reversible branded options like this one from Baggu, you can make a branded statement with a custom corporate gift your employees are sure to love!
17. Chambray Shirt
Whether you are just looking to show your employees your company’s appreciation or hope to inspire them with customized apparel they can wear on and off the job, an AS Cololour chambray shirt is a great choice! Plus, it offers a professional style that can even be used for your company hosted events and conferences.
19. Crewneck Sweatshirt
Another apparel favorite is the crewneck sweatshirt. Whether it’s cold days or chilly conference rooms, your recipients will love having a soft sweatshirt to keep them warm.
20. Branded Briefcase
For gifts they can use in and out of the office, look no farther than the Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase. It’s also ideal for branding with embroidery, patches and more.
21. Custom Blanket
A great branded blanket isn’t limited to just winter. Your employees will love using them for tailgating, picnics, and of course cozying up to after the workday is through.
22. Nalgene Bottle
Some of the best water bottles on the market are Nalgene! A favorite among many companies, Nalgene bottles are BPA-Free, easy to customize and the wide mouth style is perfect for adding ice!
23. Carhartt Backpack
Looking to partner with a brand known for making quality products that stand the test of time? A Carhartt backpack is perfect for branding and offers all the bells and whistles they’ll love, like pockets and a space for their water bottle.
24. Apple Airpods
Another luxe gift, Apple AirPods are a breeze to set up, charge, and rock out too. Plus, with comfort fit design, noise canceling and stellar sound, they’re a quality gift your employee will remember.
25. Power Bank Charger
Looking for tech-loving gifts that aren’t out of your budget? A branded battery charger will help them keep their favorite devices ready and powered for even the toughest days.
26. Polaroid Instant Camera
Can’t seem to find unique and thoughtful corporate gifting ideas? With a Polaroid camera, they can capture the moment and keep the memories coming!
27. Canvas Tote
What makes a tote bag one of the best corporate swag gifts around? Not only is it great for customizing, but it’s versatile for work, office and running errands!
28. Bento Box
Perfect for office lunches and snacks on the go! Bento boxes are a sustainable gift that you can customize and your recipient can use everyday.
29. Topo Backpack
Your recipients don’t have to be outdoorsy to appreciate the Rover pack from Topo Designs. Although, if they happen to be they’ll love it even even more!
30. A Great Diner Mug
Whether they keep their mug on their desk or at home, a branded mug is brilliant for greeting them each morning and always Zoom-ready!
31. Custom Puzzle
Work isn’t usually fun and games, but when it comes to thanking your employees for their overall awesome-ness, well it should be! With a customizable puzzle, your branding always takes center stage!
32. Custom Tennis Balls
Tennis anyone? When it comes to custom sports products- including branded tennis balls like these, that ace swag gifts, talk to your Gemnote rep for all the best gear!
33. Reversible Tote
Anyway you look at it, this reversible tote is a custom favorite! Plus, with pockets that work inside or out, it’s the perfect bag for helping your employee keep their stuff organized.
33. Coach's Jacket
When you think of custom workwear attire, a lightweight jacket always comes to mind. There’s so many options for features, styles, and branding that creating your unique design is easy.
34. Reusable Tote
With so many states joining the ban on plastic bags, a branded tote offers plenty of room for groceries or gear. Plus, standard Baggu reusable bags, like this one, can hold up to 50 pounds!
35. Customized Backpack
One of the best corporate gifts under $50 are backpacks! Not only do they offer hands-free convenience, but they’re also a sustainable option for keeping your gear protected.
Still on the hunt for the best corporate gifts for employees? This list is just the beginning. When it comes to quality products by stand up brands that are perfect for customizing, checkout the Gemnote Look Book, start a project with us, or reach out to a Gemnote rep. They can help you find the corporate gift ideas for employees that will make your brand shine while working in your budget!
