Do some of your employees have many years of seniority? Celebrate their work anniversaries with personalized gifts!
It’s often said that employees tend to change jobs more frequently than they used to. So, when an employee chooses to spend 5, 10, 15 or even 25 years at your company, the milestone is worth highlighting.
But careful. For the gift to be appreciated, you’ll have to meet two criteria. First, the gift should be just one part of a series of actions put in place to recognize the work of your employees. In other words, it should not come out of left field.
And second, the gift needs to be personalized, because there’s no one-size-fits-all gift. Of course, the bigger the company, the more difficult it will be to really personalize gifts. Yet with a little creativity, it can be done.
Get inspired by our 18 gift ideas to celebrate your employees’ work anniversaries!
Physical gifts
1. Wines and spirits
A good bottle of wine or spirits makes for a simple and enjoyable gift. It lends itself particularly well to more common work anniversaries. For example, you could gift a bottle of wine to highlight an employee’s first year on the job. There are also many great alcohol-free products  to choose from.
Don’t hesitate to ask your employees what their preferences are and note down their answers so you can buy the right bottle when the time is right!
2. Electronic devices
There’s usually at least one gadget-lover on every work team. Consider gifting electronic devices such as wireless headphones, smartwatches, or high-end speakers as a token of appreciation for your employees’ loyalty.
These little gadgets will be useful in their everyday lives. Be sure to buy quality devices, otherwise your gift may end up in a drawer.
3. Kitchen items
A kitchen item is a useful gift for any employee. Go for a quality product that aligns with your company’s values.
The possibilities are endless, from cocktail glasses and coffee cups to chef’s knives, cutting boards, and so much more.
4. Culinary products
Foodies in particular will love receiving culinary products they can discover and try out. A culinary product can be both a physical gift and a unique gastronomical experience.
Take the opportunity to offer a local or artisanal product!
5. Decorative items
You can also make more personal decorative gifts, such as framed posters. Work with an artist to personalize each poster to the employee’s liking.
There are also plenty of other more generic gift ideas such as an essential oil diffuser, candles, decorative bowls, vases, etc.
6. Books
Gifting books to your employees is a great opportunity to share your own all-time favourite books or help them discover something new. Whether it’s a novel, comic book, biography or self-help book, you’re sure to find something meaningful to give.
Ask your local bookstore for advice if you’re unsure of what to pick.
7. Plants
A plant is a gift that your employees will keep for a long time, provided they have a green thumb, of course. This is a great choice if you want to be a little greener and cut down on your consumerism.
8. Sports accessories
If you’re looking to encourage healthy lifestyles and thrill your employees, sports accessories are a fantastic gift option. Need help choosing the right accessory? Ask your employees about their favorite sports.
You can also opt for more generic items such as water bottles, caps, or sports bags.
9. Board games
A board game is a great gift for acknowledging your employees’ hard work. You can even throw in some snacks to liven up their evening! Board games are a fun and easy option.
10. Jewelry
Jewelry is a much more conventional work anniversary gift. Many companies gift their long-time employees watches, for example.
Do keep in mind, however, that taste in jewelry can vary greatly from one employee to another. Give them the opportunity to choose their preferred model.
Experiences
11. Extra days off
Who doesn’t love the sound of more days off?
Giving your employees extra days off will delight them, communicate that they deserve some rest, as well as deliver benefits for you, the employer. Your employees will be better rested and productive after a few extra days off.
12. Paid day at the spa
Give your employees the gift of relaxation with a day at the spa. It’s a great opportunity for them to relax and recharge their batteries. Why not allow them to go during the week without loss of pay?
13. Paid lunch
Take your employees out to lunch at a nice restaurant to say thank you. In addition to offering them a gourmet experience, you’ll be able to spend quality time with them.
If several employees’ work anniversaries coincide, you could also take them all out to dinner in a more festive atmosphere.
14. App subscription
As a token of appreciation, consider offering a yearly subscription to an app. Whether it’s Headspace, Spotify Premium, or even Netflix, your employees will be able to enjoy the app’s services for as long as they work at your company, without having to pay a dime.
This could also be an opportunity for them to subscribe to something they never tried before.
15. Gift card to a restaurant or café
If you don’t know what to give your employees, you can simply buy them a gift card to a café or restaurant. This way, they can enjoy the gift at their convenience.
Although less personal, gift cards are sure to be appreciated by your employees.
16. Hotel stay
Offer an overnight stay at a hotel so your employees can rest and get a good night’s sleep. For many people, this small luxury is something they will greatly appreciate.
17. Tickets to a show
If you know what kinds of shows your employees enjoy, buy them tickets to their favourite artist or comedian. They will be able to share them with the person of their choosing and are sure to spend a wonderful evening.
However, if you’re unsure of their taste, you’re better off letting the employee choose so that you don’t buy them tickets to something they don’t like.
18. Travel
Do you have a good budget and want to spoil your employees a bit? Offer them an all-paid trip. This idea isn’t for everyone, I admit. But it can be very interesting and unusual. There’s little doubt that your employees will be thrilled!
Giving employees gifts they’ll truly love
An employee anniversary gift should always be accompanied by a personalized note. Take a few minutes to write one to thank your employee for their loyalty. This small gesture will make a big difference with your employees.
Beyond gifts, employees also long for daily recognition. So take the time to thank them and recognize their work on a regular basis!
