Two of the most thoughtful employee gifts

As you strive to build a strong and engaged team, showing appreciation to your employees is crucial. When it comes to corporate gifts, it can be challenging to find something that truly resonates with each person.

While branded items with the company logo might seem like a safe bet, they can come across as impersonal and uninspired. How many pens, stress balls, coffee mugs, and t-shirts can one person have? Your employees deserve gifts that show they are valued as individuals.

Two great options are handwritten notes of appreciation and motivational word art.

Handwritten note of appreciation

After I started this business and before my Mom retired from her 40-year career, she used to ask me to make special cards for the managers on her team. Each year I would come up with a new card or print that she could write a thoughtful and personalized note on to make each leader feel valued.

A handwritten note may seem simple, but it can have a powerful impact. Taking the time to write a personal message of thanks to your team members shows that you value their specific contributions and hard work. It's a tangible reminder that their efforts are noticed and appreciated, and it's something that can be proudly displayed or kept and reread for many years to come.

Check out my shop for some thoughtful business and leadership sentiments.

Word of the year or motivational word print

I've received my fair share of corporate swag and while it's nice to have some branded merchandise, it always left me feeling like the gifts were more about promoting the company than recognizing my contributions.

That’s why I like to recommend a "word of the year" or motivational word print. This is a personalized piece of art that features a word chosen specifically by or for each employee. The word represents a goal or intention for the year ahead and serves as a daily reminder to stay focused and motivated. It's a unique and thoughtful gift that shows you understand and support your employees' personal growth and development.

Recently, the CEO of a company in New Hampshire received one of my “resilient” prints as a gift and was really touched. He then asked all of his employees for their words of the year. They chose words like balance, focus, patience, reflection, and teamwork.

After sending all of the prints to the company, I received this message back from the CEO, “They were so well received! One of my team members picked the word optimism. He had a stroke a few days later at a very young age. I went to see him in the hospital and gave him the print. He cried! You never know what one word can mean to someone.”

For more word of the year ideas (it's never too late to pick one!), read my blog post, “Choose a word of the year instead of a resolution.”

One of the other popular print/cards in my shop is “badass” which is the perfect sentiment for any of your awe-inspiring employees.

If you're tired of giving the same old gifts, consider switching things up. A handwritten note or motivational word print may not have your company logo on it, but it will have a much greater impact on your team's morale.

Have you received a meaningful gift from your boss or company? Let me know in the comments below or send me a message on social media!

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

Shop: alisonrosevintage.com