There’s always going to be employee turnover when you’re running a business, as people move to other jobs and other industries. But there are also always going to be those people who stick around for five, 10, or 15 years, loyally serving your company and adding more value with each passing year.
Loyal employees deserve major appreciation, and getting them a thoughtful gift on their work anniversary is a surefire way to show them that you value them (and hopefully get them to stick around for the next year).
It’s not just about making your employees feel good, either. There’s a strong economic case for investing in gifts for your most loyal team members. Employee turnover costs businesses 33% of an ex-employee's salary with every person leaving. This figure is largely due to the cost of bringing in new employees, including interviewing (including a recruiter’s cut), onboarding, training, and dealing with the lapse in productivity until the new employee meets expected standards.
Giving gifts to team members can increase employee engagement and morale, reducing the risk of losing a valued worker and starting the costly hiring process over. So today, we’re going to talk about gift ideas for your employee's work anniversary.
Here are some thoughtful gifts that bring the celebration and appreciation your employees deserve, whether for a one-year work anniversary gift or a ten-year gift.
Setting the Right Price Point
How do you choose the right price point for work anniversary gifts? The budget you set will vary depending on your industry, employee retention, and business practices.
In general, it’s important to remember three rules of thumb:
1. One-to-three-year anniversaries are typically far more common than more advanced work anniversaries.
2. Go bigger for five, ten, 15, and 20-year work anniversaries.
2. Gifts should generally increase in value with tenure.
It’s okay to go all-out for major milestones like five, ten, and 15-year anniversaries. But consider giving more generous gifts for employees’ eleven-year anniversaries than for their three-year anniversaries, for example. After all, you’ll have relatively fewer employees with tenures that long, and they’ll be extraordinarily valuable to your business.
But regardless of the price point you set, any work anniversary gift is better than doing nothing.
Year One Gift Ideas
As a rule, one-year anniversaries are the ones you’ll celebrate with the highest frequency. They can carry a lot of emotional significance for employees, making them realize they are truly part of the team. One-year anniversary gifts don’t need to break the bank, but they should make employees feel recognized and appreciated after a year of hard work.
1. 4 Pack of Cookies from Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery is one of the trendiest spots in NYC, with lines out the door of their NoHo shop on most weekends. Fortunately, Levain Bakery's luxuriously thick, chewy cookies ship well — no waiting on the New York city streets is required!
Your employee can choose between six beloved flavors, including oatmeal raisin, dark chocolate peanut butter, the signature cookie assortment, and more.
2. Baby Desert Box + Planter Set by Rooted
For the plant lover in the workplace or for somebody who could use a little brightness on their desk or in their office, this Baby Desert Box + Planter Set is a fantastic gift.
It comes with three randomly-selected succulents and three two-inch terracotta planters. These easy-to-care-for baby arid plants double as decor and a rewarding hobby.
3. White Unicorn Piñata by Piñatagram
Nothing says celebration like a piñata, and this White Unicorn Piñatagram is extra lovable because of its mini stature.
It comes pre-packed with Skittles, Double Bubble, Starburst, Laffy Taffy, Sweetarts, Airheads, and LifeSaver mints.
Even sweeter? It comes with a “thinking of you” card that you can personalize for the recipient.
Year Two to Three Gift Ideas
Like one-year anniversaries, two- and three-year work anniversaries are very common. (The median employee tenure in the private sector is about 3.7 years.) Still, you may want to set a slightly higher price point than one-year anniversaries.
4. The Softest Throw Blanket from UpWest
Office cubicles can get a bit chilly, and providing your team member with a warm, cuddly blanket can help them feel comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. This Throw Blanket from Upwest is super-soft, with a stylish fringe that looks just as good as a designer scarf.
One of the best features of these throws is that you don’t need to stress about which color you think your employees will like most. With Goody, giftees have full control over their choice of color, so they can personalize the gift to match their own style. With four color choices, including henna, cool lagoon, russet, and heather grey, they’ll have some amazing options.
5. Sweet Thanks Box by Knack
This Sweet Thanks Box from Knack includes everything your employees need to feel loved: a box of chocolates, a hand-poured soy wax candle, and a set of matches. The chocolate bars are from jcoco and include dark chocolate favorites like 60% Dark Chocolate Orange Blossom Espresso and 72% Dark Chocolate Black Fig Pistachio.
That’s not the only gift box that Knack has to offer. Other boxes from Goody include moisturizers, distinctive thank you cards, and shea butter cream. That means you can have the freedom to choose a Knack Box that best suits the personality of the person you’re gifting for.
6. Monogrammed Charger by Courant
If you want to get your long-time employee a more personalized gift, the Catch:1 Essentials from Courant is it. This wireless charger can charge multiple devices at once. It also comes in quality Italian linen (in four soothing colors) and can even be monogrammed with your employee’s initials.
Year Four Gift Ideas
The four-year mark is where you’ll want to consider bumping up the price point. There’s something about four years — realizing you’ve passed as much time at a company as you did in high school or college — that feels meaningful. Since many employees move on after the 3.7-year mark, anyone who sticks around four years is likely an employee you’re invested in retaining.
7. Premium Branded Crewneck
If your workers have been with you this long, they’re loyal fans of your business from the inside out. Not only is a personalized clothing accessory a great way to show your appreciation, but it’s also the perfect gift for your co-workers to show off when they’re outside the office.
You can customize this Branded Crewneck by putting your company logo on the front or the back.
This crewneck features double-dry technology to keep your employee extra warm and toasty without overheating. The fabric is made with recycled polyester from plastic bottles, making this eco-friendly shirt even better.
If your employee loves rocking your company logo and wearing the crewneck out and about, that’s free marketing for your business. It’s thoughtful and practical, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
8. BlendJet 2 Blender by BlendJet
Smoothies are one of the joys of life. They’re always there for you, except, of course, when you’re away from your blender. But with the BlendJet 2, that problem is no more.
BlendJet2 is a blender that goes with you anywhere. It’s portable, USB-rechargeable, and BPA-free. Goody offers the Blendjet 2 in stunning color choices — hot pink, mint, lavender, and black — so your giftee can choose what’s best for them.
9. 3 Wick Candle by APOTHEKE
Most candles burn between 45 to 100 hours, but APOTHEKE is here to reinvent your home aromatherapy toolkit. The 3 Wick Candle is a 2-ounce candle that comes in three captivating scents and lasts up to 120 hours. The burn isn’t just long: this candle also burns cleanly.
Your employee can choose between charcoal, canvas, and white vetiver.
Year Five Gift Ideas
If you gift at around the same price point for years one through four, few employees would take issue. Year five is when you might want to consider something more elaborate. You’ll have fewer employees hitting the five-year mark, so you can spend a bit more celebrating employees who have reached this momentous milestone.
10. Six Ounce Cup by Ember
If your office space is anything like the millions of workspaces across the globe, your company probably runs on caffeine. There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee to get you through those afternoon work meetings. However, there’s perhaps nothing more irritating than when that coffee goes cold.
This Ember Cup does a lot more than keep your coffee hot — this six-ounce cup uses smart technology to keep your beverage at your ideal drinking temperature. This means you can enjoy your hot drink from the first sip to the last drop without worrying about it getting cold.
You can even pair this gift with your favorite coffee to kick-start their caffeine journey and provide a personalized element to this gift.
11. Stone Diffuser by Vitruvi
Not only do essential oils smell lovely, but many of them can help reduce stress and keep your brain calm throughout the day. The Stone Diffuser from Vitruvi is the perfect way to get those oils into your system.
It’s a thoughtful gift that sits neatly on their desk or side table, showing some appreciation for their employee loyalty.
12. Wave Roller by Therabody
If you’re looking for a unique work anniversary gift idea, the Wave Roller from Therabody is an excellent option. Sitting at a desk all day can be surprisingly hard on your back, so this roller will give your employee a sabbatical from back pain.
The Wave Roller has BlueTooth-enabled vibration and an innovative wave pattern that can provide rolling relief anywhere on the body. It’s like getting a professional massage that you can take on the go, thanks to the carrying bag.
13. Ciccetti Cheese Board by Boarderie
What better way to celebrate than with a beautiful tray of charcuterie? Give them a tray of high-quality meats and cheeses to take home and relax after a long workday.
The Ciccetti Cheese Board from Boarderie is a fantastic care package that serves three to four people. Whether your employee uses it for a night with loved ones, shares it with the office, or enjoys it themselves, it’s a great gift to give as a service award. The acacia board is reusable, so it can last far past when the cheese and snacks are gone.
Year Six to Nine Gift Ideas
Long-haulers making it six or more years deserve extra recognition, though you don’t necessarily need to increase the price point each year. They’ve devoted a huge amount of their lives to your business, and they probably identify strongly with your company on a personal level.
These three gifts are sure to strengthen that bond:
14. Home Town Maps Blanket by Well Told
Every office has somebody who’s always chilly, and one outstanding service award for your cold-blooded team members is this Home Town Maps Blanket. This blanket is not only luxuriously soft, but it’s customizable with a map of any city in the US.
Your recipient can choose their favorite city and have that map printed on their new favorite blanket. The neutral color palette will integrate seamlessly with any home decor.
15. Presidio 13" Monogram Laptop Sleeve by Parker Clay
Few successful business can be run without a computer, and your workers most likely use their laptops all day long. These things hold tons of valuable information, so keeping them safe is a must. Help your team do that in style with this gorgeous Monogram Laptop Sleeve from Parker Clay.
Designed with the entrepreneur in mind, this sleeve protects your computer with soft-lined leather to keep electronics safe without sacrificing a professional appearance. Plus, your employees can choose their favorite color to match their personal preferences.
If you really want to impress with this one, get a matching satchel or backpack to go along with the laptop case so they’ll have a carrying bag to throw everything inside.
16. 25-Count Macaron Gift Box by Dana's Bakery
Nothing says employee recognition quite like the best dessert on the planet: macarons. It’s hard to imagine a better employee appreciation gift than a 25 Count Macaron Gift Box.
This box is an incredible work anniversary idea: Employees can choose from three different flavor assortments, like champagne & strawberries, all of which are gluten-free.
Year Ten Gift Ideas
We don’t need to explain why a ten-year work anniversary gift is huge! Now is the time to go big.
17. Gift Card to Airbnb
If someone has been working at your company for ten years, it might be time for them to take a vacation. An Airbnb gift card can help them get away without needing to worry about finding a hotel room.
Airbnb is available across the globe, so you can pay for their stay no matter where they decide to go. You can even pair this with a set of plane tickets for those employees who have really done a great job serving your company for as long as they have.
To add a creative element to this gift, pair it with a travel pillow or a destination postcard to give this thoughtful gift an extra kick.
18. Studio3 Wireless Headphones by Beats By Dre
If your workspace requires your team to edit video or music, or if you have team members who love to listen to their Spotify playlists, this is a must-have. Beats by Dre headphones are some of the most popular headsets on the market for good reason. These wireless headphones boast impressive audio quality while looking stylish on your head.
These also have noise-canceling technology, so these can be worn during busy workdays to shut out the background noise and focus on work. The headphones seamlessly connect to Apple devices and have an exceptional battery life, so iPhone users will be able to listen for hours.
19. 60-Minute Session With Flytographer
Flytographer helps you book a local photographer anywhere in the world, letting your team capture their destination vacation. With a 60-minute session with Flytographer, they will get 30 photos at one to two locations, so they’ll never forget the memories they make, no matter where they go.
Gift Ideas for Years Eleven and Beyond
If someone has been working for you for over eleven years, it’s time to treat them to something special. Let’s discuss a few options.
20. 50G Caviar Set from ROE Caviar
If you’re looking for something unique, this ROE Caviar 50G Gift Set is the epitome of something different.
The tin includes a custom wooden presentation box with a mother-of-pearl caviar spoon, 12 bite-size potato pancakes, and Bellwether Farms creme fraiche for serving. The box even opens with a key, making this gift feel even more fancy.
We love this gift because no one would ever see it coming. Sometimes, the most thoughtful presents are the most memorable ones, and giving one of your valued team members a caviar set will not be soon forgotten.
21. “Mama Mia!" Gourmet Box by Tasty Ribbon
The Mama Mia bundle from Tasty Ribbon evokes the warm colors of fall. If you know someone who loves to travel and cook (even if they can never find the time!), they will savor this brightly colored, luxurious selection of Italian treats. It is almost like they can travel to Italy without using any of their time off.
This box has something for everyone. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the bar of dark chocolate with rose petals crafted by amore and the tin of classic truffles from Lovebites. The extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, pair perfectly with the pasta and pasta sauce. Orange cookies and a white chocolate bar complete the luxurious box.
22. Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant by Bloomscape
Helping your team decorate their spaces is a thoughtful way to show them you care. This Fiddle Leaf Fig has distinct foliage that will add grandeur to any room.
This tall plant is slender enough that your recipient doesn’t need too much space. They can choose the pot and saucer colors to make sure that this beautiful addition is the ultimate accompaniment to any living space.
You might consider pairing this gift with a fancy watering can so they can care for the plant in style, or maybe a flora and fauna booklet to help them get started on their journey toward a plant-filled home.
Gift Ideas for 15+ years
Chances are, you don’t have too many 15+ year veterans at your firm, but the ones you do have are worth their weight in gold. Below are some ideas for milestone years like 15, 20, and beyond.
23. Custom 14K Gold Diamond Initial Necklace by Alexis Jae
If you’ve had someone working at your company for over 15 years, you’ve probably known them for longer than most married couples have known each other. Show these workers how much you care and value them with a thoughtful, gorgeous Diamond Initial Necklace from Alexis Jae.
Made with 14k gold, you can personalize this gift by allowing the recipient to choose their own initials for the piece.
24. Air Purifier by Molekule Air
Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts are ones that are practical. This Molekule Air Purifier can allow your team member to breathe easier in their home or office space. This contraption replaces the air in a 600-square-foot room, letting your employee be free of bacteria, mold, viruses, pet hair, dust, allergens, and other pollutants.
Molekule Air’s air purifier is powered by the latest technology. It features two filters — the Pre-Filter and PECO-Filter — for an unparalleled clean.
Automate Your Anniversary Gifts With Goody
Creating a great company culture starts with action from the top level Making sure employees have the day off on their birthday or incorporating recognition programs that honor their years of service makes people happy to come to work every day — and stay there for the years to come.
Corporate gifts can be a bit of a challenge, especially when scrolling through dozens of blah items like flimsy motivational pens and stress balls that seem to produce the opposite effect.
But with Goody, gift-giving to your employees is easier than you can imagine. You can easily integrate work anniversary gifting into your existing HR stack, which means you can fully automate employee anniversary gifts for your team. We offer 30+ HR integrations to help you build a culture of appreciation at your company without burning out your HR team.
Whether you use sage, Gusto, Workday, or another similar HR platform, you can automatically send gift links straight to your employees’ inboxes. You don’t need their addresses. Only a phone number or email is required.
Then comes the unique gift-opening experience (and the opportunity to swap gifts if they choose — which 50% of Goody recipients do). The recipient enters their address, and the next thing they know, the box arrives. From inbox to mailbox, all in a click. To start automating work anniversary gifts at your company, book a demo with our team.
Sources:
The Cost Of Turnover Can Kill Your Business And Make Things Less Fun | Forbes
To Retain Employees, Give Them a Sense of Purpose and Community | HBR
It’s True, Scent Really Does Have Power over Memory | The Brink | Boston University
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