BY August 18, 2025

Employee Gifting That Boosts Morale: What Works and What to Avoid

A well-timed small gift can carry more weight than a dozen performance reviews. For companies large and small, gifting has slowly become a meaningful manner to boost morale, promote team identity and show thanks in an understated manner. It’s not the things themselves so much as the message that someone’s effort is being noticed. 

But then comes the question of what feels thoughtful and what feels forced. Some gifts are perfect, while others are forgotten by the time you have them unwrapped. So, how can you get it right? Let’s take a closer look.

The Right Stuff: Gifts That Really Do Raise Morale

Here’s the stuff that usually works in your office.

1. Practicality Wins

Workers appreciate gifts that can be used in their everyday lives. Choose products that blend utility with design.

  • Trendy lunch boxes and reusable water bottles are good and useful.
  • Tech accessories such as mousepads and phone holders also help organise workstations.

2. Personal Touches Matter

A little bit of personalisation in a gift shows you’ve had to think about it.

  • When you add a name or initials to a gift, you turn an ordinary present into something that will be cherished.
  • Handwritten notes or personalised packaging can assist in providing that extra bit of care.

3. Sustainable and Ethical Products

Today’s workforce is becoming more sensitive to environmental and ethical issues. Hampers that share and articulate such values create positive endorsement for your brand.

  • Bamboo or recycled products are a sign of responsibility.
  • Reusable products carry on the culture of workplace sustainability.

4. Wellness and Comfort-Oriented Gifts

Creating a sense of comfort shows you care beyond productivity.

  • Neck pillows, screen glare protectors, or desk plants enhance personal well-being.
  • Aromatherapy candles, stress balls, or even cosy blankets for WFH employees add warmth to your gesture.

Encouraging relaxation and mental health support can be a subtle yet powerful morale booster.

5. Timely Gifting

Don’t just wait for year-end parties. Timely gifting can be more impactful.

  • Celebrate work anniversaries, project completions or individual achievements.
  • A small welcome kit for new joiners can create an amazing first impression.

 

What to Avoid: Gifts That Miss the Mark

Not every corporate gift is a good idea. Some can backfire or leave employees feeling unappreciated. Here are a few common pitfalls.

1. Overly Branded or Promotional Gifts

Nobody wants a t-shirt that screams your company’s logo or a pen they’ll never use.
  • Avoid gifts that feel more like company promotion than appreciation.
  • Branding should be subtle and tasteful, not overpowering.

2. Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Items

Gifting the same thing to everyone, every time, makes the gesture feel impersonal.
  • Try to segment your gifting strategy if possible. Consider roles, interests or age groups.
  • Avoid bulk novelty items that will likely end up in a drawer or a dustbin.

3. Poor Quality Products

A gift should feel like a treat, not an afterthought.
  • If it breaks easily or looks cheap, it reflects poorly on your brand.
  • Prioritise quality over quantity. It’s better to gift fewer people something meaningful than give everyone something forgettable.

4. Tone-Deaf Gifting

Always be aware of what’s going on in your team or the world at large.
  • Avoid lavish gifts during layoffs or budget cuts.
  • Don’t send alcohol or food without checking dietary restrictions or preferences.

5. Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities

Be mindful of holidays, religious beliefs or cultural nuances.
  • Not all employees celebrate the same festivals.
  • Always do a quick sensitivity check before rolling out gifts in bulk.

Wrapp Up's Gifting Favourites: Thoughtful Picks That Make a Difference

If you’re looking to make your gifting truly memorable, Wrapp Up offers a carefully curated selection that blends functionality with elegance. Here are a few standout pieces:

Gaga

This 500ml double-wall stainless steel bottle is more than just a hydration tool. With a spill-proof twist-off lid and foldable handle, it combines style and utility. Whether at the office or outdoors, the insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, making it a thoughtful and versatile gift for daily use.

Evergreen

Crafted from recycled wheat straw and durable PP, this compact lunch box is topped with a bamboo lid. It includes a full cutlery set and is held securely with a brown elastic band. For employees who care about sustainable living, Evergreen makes a stylish, practical statement.

Fiji

Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, a 500 mAh case and bamboo trim, Fiji earbuds offer 3 hours of playback and come with call answering and mic functions. The engraved logo adds a classy touch, ensuring your brand is remembered without being intrusive.

Trionix

The Foldable Cork and PU Mousepad doubles as a phone and pen holder. Its sustainable design supports green goals while keeping desks tidy. A great option for remote or office-based teams alike.

Peili

This 20-in-1 cleaning kit includes everything from screen dusters to earbud nibs, helping employees keep their devices spotless. It shows you care about the little things that impact their work comfort.

Conclusion

Gifting employees is not just for checking a box on a corporate wish list. It’s an opportunity to bond, to say thanks, and to build a workplace where people matter. Pick well, give wisely, and make people who help build your brand every day feel valued.

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