Looking for corporate gifts for employees? From custom backpacks to executive accessories, we explore the best options for this year.
Most corporate gifts range in price from $25 to $75, considering personalization and even branding. This depends on the reason for the gift, the type of relationship the giver has with the recipient, and the occasion for the gift. The best corporate gifts for new employees merge practicality with personalization, and also fit into the company's budget.
Situations for giving gifts to employees
There are several reasons that a company might present an employee with a gift, apart from holidays. These include: showing appreciation; building relationships; enhancing the company's brand awareness; and boosting morale among employees.
Most common ideas for corporate gifts
Ideas for gifts for new employees cut across the different types of reasons and occasions. Many employees prefer gifts that can be utilized in some way. Popular gift items seen in 2025 are things like technology, branded merchandise, or special treats like gourmet coffee.
Some other ideas for corporate gifts for new employees include gourmet snack boxes, such as a Yum Box, tea sets and wine or champagne. In terms of technology, portable power banks, Bluetooth speakers or earbuds, and reusable notebooks.
Gifts include self-care items and experiences
Popular self-care gifts seen this year are scented candles, mini spa kits and aromatherapy diffusers. Rather than actual physical items, there has been a recent surge in experiential gifts like online classes, vouchers for spas, and things like passes for cooking, painting, or ceramics classes.
Companies are also looking to give health and wellness items like subscriptions to meal delivery services, ergonomic chairs and other work devices, and even fitness equipment or passes to a local gym.
Best corporate gifts are branded
Branded merchandise ideas include apparel, caps and hats and customized tote bags. As far as bags, options include drawstring, backpack, crossbody and duffle bags. Satchels are also popular this year. Custom backpacks, custom totes and other custom bags are also popular and practical for 2025.
Other customizable gifts include wine glasses or water bottles with logos or initials, tech gadgets with company colors, and stationery, notebooks, planners, and desk organizers with logos added.
Keeping gift-giving financially manageable
One way that a company can present high-quality gifts without breaking the budget include: trying to find a gift that specific recipients would enjoy and utilize; and using bulk gift options, especially branded items.
It is important for a company to lean toward the standards within its industry. Food companies might opt for things like meal subscriptions or cooking classes, while tech companies might offer gifts like mini gadgets or gift cards to technology stores.
Another way to ensure employees are getting meaningful yet practical gifts is by letting them choose their own present. Some ideas for this type of corporate gift are cookware, watches, Polaroid-type cameras, mini drones, vinyl record players, video games, autographed sports memorabilia, luggage, slippers, reusable lunch boxes, and restaurant or take out gift cards.
Employees can even choose what they would like to receive with personalized gift boxes, aprons and mugs.
