Employees are not machines. They have emotions and life outside work. As an employer or boss, your employees will celebrate their birthday or wedding anniversary once a year.

Although no law mandates employers to gift their employees, it is a gesture that could motivate and invariably boost productivity.

As a worker, you might find it hard to decide on the perfect gift for your co-worker since you likely know nothing about them except for their job position and official name.

Whether you are an employer or worker that needs a corporate gift idea, there are more than enough options.

Types of corporate gifts

There are different gifts for various occasions in an organization. It is vital to understand the occasion to select the most appropriate gift. Meanwhile, personalized koozies are perfect for most events and occasions.

Celebration gifts

Celebration gifts are used to felicitate co-workers or employees for personal achievement. They are linked to an event in the personal life of the co-worker or the company itself.

This includes birthdays, housewarmings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduation, and wedding. A celebration gift idea can be presented in the office or at a party for the celebrant.

This category of corporate gift can be used to celebrate an employee's years of employment and professional milestone.

It can also be general to celebrate the company's anniversary or award.

Corporate celebration gift ideas

• Gift card

• Wine

• All-expense paid trip

• Company retreat

• Professional course sponsorship

Holiday gifts

Holidays are usually a time employees reunite with their families. It is an event they usually look forward to, especially if they are the type that works overtime.

Corporate holiday gifting from an employer to an employee shows that the company cares about them and considers them family.

You may also gift your co-workers that are far away from their families and would probably be alone during the holiday celebration.

Corporate holiday gift ideas

• Christmas gift hamper

• Chocolate gift box

• Books

• Family board games

• Noise-canceling earphones

Team or group gifts

A team or group gift can be amongst coworkers or from employers to employees. Group gifts can be used to mark the completion of a project, reward dedication among team members, or facilitate bonds.

During Valentine's celebrations, for instance, the team might roll up papers containing team members' names for everyone to pick and exchange gifts with the person they pick.

This activity can be used to improve team members' interpersonal skills. Ensure the gifts are delivered by hand, and make it a rule no one divulges who they pick until the day of the presentation.

It may also be a collective gift by a team to one of its members to celebrate them.

Corporate group gift ideas

• Self-care boxes

• Audio subscription

• Fresh baked goods

• Charging station

• Online course sponsorship

Welcome gift

Welcome gifts are incorporated into a new team member or hire's welcome package. It makes them feel like being part of the organization from day one.

The gift can be personalized to reflect the new employee's name and role to make it easier for others to relate with them.

It can also be a gift they will likely keep on their desk. This means similar gifts can be found on other employees' desks. This gives a feeling of belonging.

Corporate welcome gift ideas

• Sipper bottle

• Jacket

• Carry bag

• Backpack

• Highlighter and pen.

Personalized gifts

A personalized gift can be used in any corporate gift category. It is categorized separately because it requires careful thought and information about the receiver.

This gift category is designed to show the receiver that the gifter cares. They usually stand out among other gifts.

For birthdays, a personalized gift might have the name of the celebrant and the new age written on it instead of a generalized brand name.

Employers can also use it to communicate their appreciation of an employee's contribution to the company, such as gifting a pen with "best employee of the month" engraved on it.

Corporate personalized gift ideas

• Handmade products

• Personalized koozies

• Customized mug

• Phone covers

• Blankets

Promotional gifts

Promotional gifts serve two purposes, recognition/appreciation, and brand promotion. This gift category includes wearable items that carry a company's logo.

They remain a crucial marketing tool despite the popularity of digital marketing. Promotional gifts are distributed not only to employers but also clients and anyone. 

A t-shirt with your company's logo and website will increase its visibility. Personalized gifts can promote your brand beyond where typical adverts can reach.

Corporate promotional gift ideas

• Notebooks

• USB flash drives

• Mousepads

• Pens

• Bags