According to Packed With Purpose’s Gift Giving Report, “68% of people say having received a ‘memorable’ business gift strengthened their relationship with the business that gave it.” I recommend the Gift Tower from Broadway Basketeers with its variety of snacks and grand presentation. It makes anyone feel special and remembered, but there are many options out there.
Top Gift Baskets & Boxes for Employees
Broadway Basketeers Gourmet Gift Tower
The Broadway Basketeers Gourmet Gift Tower comes with a variety of edible snacks ranging from salty caramel popcorn to sweet brownie brittle. It stands over a foot tall with three tiers of snack boxes to pick from. Some have complained about the taste of the food being bland, however, the snacks available are not really meant to be spicy or sour.
The gift tower comes fully in-tact and ready to gift. It is Kosher certified and available to almost everyone. It can even be personalized to send a special message to your best employee. Due to the pandemic and availability, they are not accepting orders outside of the U.S. at this time.
Perishable gifts can be tricky when you’re on a deadline, but they are also perhaps the most practical of gifts. They can be used up and won’t take up space in the home forever. And with such nice presentation and good food, it’s impossible to forget the gift or the giver.
UnBoxMe Care Package For Men
The UnBoxMe Care Package For Men is full of gifts for a rainy day or the winter season in general. With peppermint tea, thick socks, and candied almonds, it has all the necessities for a relaxed day away from work. The soap provided is vegan and cold-pressed. The tea is handmade in South Carolina and many have said it tastes quite good. I recommend this box for the employee who needs to relax and get away from the stress of a modern office.
This gift box has both perishable items and practical. While some gift boxes may include fun items, they are not always practical and can’t be used in everyday life. Everything in this box is usable and enjoyable.
Gluten-Free Gift Basket
This Gluten Free Gift Basket is a great way to show your appreciation to employees who may have dietary restrictions.
This box comes with six different kinds of sweets including Jelly Bellies, Cocomels, and Biscotti.
ECREAMERY Ice Cream Gift Box
The ECREAMERY Ice Cream Gift Box is a set of four gourmet ice creams i9ncluding Mint Chip, Cookies and Cream, and Sea Salt Caramel. Each pint contains a thank you message, perfect for the employee that does it all.
They are shipped within the U.S. and can be delivered to every state. They’re frozen in Styrofoam and kept on dry ice to ensure they arrive in perfect shape. This is something that can be eaten up and won’t take up much space.
Cheersville Plant Desk Accessory
The Cheersville Plant Desk Accessory is a beautiful gift for those employees who have a green thumb. This is their chance to grow a plant and keep something green on their desk.
The plant is thyme and the message is of course a pun. It is quite affordable, and can be bought in bulk. They have six different thank you messages available to choose from. It’s not exactly usable, but it is a thoughtful gift.
Oh! Nuts Store Dried Fruit Gift Basket
The Oh! Nuts Store Dried Fruit Gift Basket is a great gift for those with certain food restrictions. It is gluten-free, vegan, and has no added sugars.
The dried fruit is easily edible, however, it is not nut allergy-free. Those with nut allergies should stay away, because this basket comes with nuts and is made in a factory where nuts are packaged and placed. It is good for those with gluten intolerances, but not so much nut intolerances.
The tray itself is unique and is shaped like an apple. It tilts up in the middle and is easily reusable as a fruit basket or perhaps some other kind.
Baudville Engraved Paperweight
The Baudville Engraved Paperweight is a fair size at roughly 3″ by 3″ and weighs a full pound. It can be personalized, up to three lines of text, and comes in its own felted gift box. It comes at a reasonable price for its level of sophistication. Other personalized paperweights can be twice that amount and not look as good.
Of course, for a business dealing with a lot of papers, filing, computer work, note-taking and more this is a very practical gift. It could be used at the office or at home. The paperweight is a good gift for the executive worker always on the clock.
Many have praised it as the perfect gift, however, I recommend something more perishable and usable. A paperweight may last forever, but it isn’t something one needs forever.
DOERDO Gifts Basket for Women
The DOERDO Gifts Basket for Women is surprisingly affordable given the contents. It comes with 11 items, including hand creams, bath salts, soap, scrunchies, and a wine tumbler. Each of these items is usable and rather expensive on its own. However, this gift box comes out to just under $30.
The wine tumbler is made of stainless steel and completely insulated, keeping hot for three hours, and cool for nine hours. The hand creams are fresh and claim to make your hands soft. Coming from a gift box that may have sat in a warehouse for hours, I recommend checking the hand creams on arrival.
Other products included:
- Two bars of handmade soap, lemon, and rose
- A bath ball with roses
- A straw and brush for the wine tumbler
- Satin hair scrunchies
- A best wishes card
This is a nice product for a reasonable price and overall should satisfy everyone’s needs.
Crush It! Squishy Stress Relief Toys
The Crush It! Squishy Stress Relief Toys are a fun gift for an employee stuck in a stressful or busy workplace. With its affordability, it makes a great corporate gift for a mass amount of employees. Squishy, light, and easy to carry around, these stress relief toys can really show how much a company cares about its employees.
While the stress toys are good for a busy work environment, this seller also offers You Rock! Paperweights and Shine On! Blank Journals. These may be better options given your workplace or type of employee.
Stress toys such as these also have a tendency to not last that long. They can easily be torn apart or tear just from overuse. If you’re looking for something more substantial, but still affordable, I would recommend the other options available.
Popcornopolis Popcorn Pack
The Popcornopolis Popcorn Pack is a great gift for those who enjoy saltier foods. It comes with 12 packs of popcorn and 4 flavors.
Flavors included are
- Zebra Popcorn
- Caramel Corn Popcorn
- Kettle Corn Popcorn
- Cheddar Cheese Popcorn
They are made with gluten-free ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup. They are made from non-GMO kernels that were grown in America. It does include or has been subjected to milk, tree nuts, soy, and dairy. This is something to keep in mind for those employees with dietary restrictions.
This gift pack is affordable and suitable for any occasion, such as thank you gifts, first days, last days, or company anniversaries. I recommend this pack over other food options because it tastes good and comes in snackable portions.
Cheersville Gift Set
The Cheersville Gift Set is a great gift for an employee who is just starting their work with you. It comes with a card, a pen, a notebook, and a coffee mug. It’s a great starter kit for any employee joining a fast-paced team.
The card is motivational and matches the colors of the gift box. It comes with a ball-point pen and ceramic mug. The designs should not wear off. Each item coordinates with the theme colors of the box which comes ready to gift as is.
This pack has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s a great gift for a new employee or a remote employee who may not feel like a part of the company.
Barnett’s Chocolate Gift Basket
Barnett’s Chocolate Gift Basket is meant for any employee with a sweet tooth. It features 12 chocolate-covered cookie sandwiches that are bite-sized and delicious.
Each one has been dipped in dark chocolate and covered with different toppings.
Toppings include:
- Sprinkles
- Peppermint
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruit
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts
- Chocolate drizzle
They are Kosher certified and dairy-free. I recommend it as a gift for someone who is lactose intolerant or has dairy allergies. It’s not easy to come by a box of chocolates that they are able to have. This would show real dedication and thoughtfulness.
Natural Succulents Gift Box
The Natural Succulents Gift Box is one of the more expensive options on the list, but may be worth it depending on your employee. This gift box comes with a succulent, a candle, some matches, and a personalized card.
I recommend this gift for anyone who has a green thumb or lives by the aesthetic of life. While it may not be a great gift to give someone a living thing to take care of, it may just show how much you trust and care about them.
The candle is 3oz and comes with its own set of matches, while the succulent comes in a ceramic pot. I believe that this is a good fit for a very specific type of employee. If you need something more generic I recommend an UnBoxMe Gift Box.
Only Good Vibes Inspiration Jar
The Only Good Vibes Inspiration Jar is motivational and full of heartfelt messages for your employee. I recommend this over a simple card. A card will tell you once that you’re amazing, while a jar full of affirmations will tell you every day.
This is a gift that could be made at home for cheaper than what it sells for, but it would take a lot of time and effort. Most customers are satisfied, although there have been some reports that it does not travel through the mail that well.
The papers are high quality and full of quotes and affirmations. It is easy to regift if necessary or needed and doesn’t take up much room. While I usually recommend perishable, usable items, I do recommend this Inspiration Jar because it will last a long time and is the gift that keeps on giving.
Employee Mugs
These Employee Mugs are funny, witty, and are just good for a laugh. After living in a pandemic for over a year any employee could use some encouragement and a laugh.
While it seems everyone already has a coffee mug, another one is always a good choice. These mugs come in packs of two and are easily distributable. They hold 11oz and are perfect for everyone. While it is not perishable, it is usable.
These mugs are sarcastic, and may not appeal to everyone. It is important to think of your employees before buying. Is a sarcastic mug really how you’d like to say thank you?
UnBoxMe Gift Box
The UnBoxMe Gift Box is a very generic gift basket that can be used for any workplace. It comes with hot cocoa mixes, a mug, cookies and sweets, and a card. They have several cards available to find the right personalization for your employee.
This gift box includes
- Three hot cocoa mixes of different varieties
- A mug accompanied with a golden spoon
- Gourmet cookies
- Vanilla bean marshmallows
- A card
This gift box is better than the UnBoxMe Care Package for Men and the DOERDO Gift Basket for Women in the fact that it is ungendered and cannot offend anyone. This also makes a good gift for remote employees who may not always be able to join in the fun at the office.
ABIsedrin Personalized Pens
The ABIsedrin Personalized Pens are good for the business that is constantly losing their pens, which is in fact, any business to be sure. They’re cheap and come in several colors. They’re made out of metal, not cheap plastic, and are customizable.
It comes with
- Color options
- Clickable ballpoint pen
- Free engraving
- Works on paper, tablets, smartphones, and touchscreen devices
It is a good gift for office life and a good way to show your appreciation. Just be sure to check your spelling before checking out.
Lime And Co Personalized Water Bottle
The Lime And Co Personalized Water Bottle is a stainless steel tumbler that comes with a push lid and straw. It is BPA-free and double-walled for good insulation. There should be no condensation or sweating.
It is personalizable and comes in several colors. You can even choose the font that you’d like the wording to be in. It is 3.5″ wide and 11″ tall.
The lettering is known to peel off so it does have to be treated carefully, but overall is a decent gift to give to an employee that just needs some recognition.
Yorktend Gift Box
The Yorktend Gift Box is a pretty pink gift box full of feel-good items. The box includes a wine tumbler, socks, wine bottle stopper, and key bottle opener, reusable straw, and a coaster. It’s a great gift for those employees who like the finer things in life and enjoy wine from time to time.
The tumbler is vacuum-sealed within its walls and double insulated to keep your drinks hot for up to 3 hours and cold for up to 9 hours. It won’t sweat and is perfectly travel-sized. Their lid is BPA-free and leakproof. It holds 12oz of liquids.
The coaster is styled like white marble and is absorbent. The reusable straw is stainless steel and comes with a brush. The gift box comes in a rose gold theme or blue mint.
CraveBox Care Package
The CraveBox care package comes with 60 snacks, from salty to sweet to sour. It has brands such as Motts, Chex mix, Oreos, and Cheez-its.
It comes with
- Cookies
- Candy
- Chips
- Crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Popcorn
- Granola bars
Snacks at the office are always appreciated. IIt’s not a sentimental gift, but a practical one that can be eaten up and enjoyed over time.
HOLLP Gift Mug
The HOLLP Gift Mug is a better gift for those who need to be encouraged by their bosses and just reminded that they are a good part of the team.
Once again, mugs are a usable, useful gift that never really gets old. Coffee and tea is what keeps a business running beside of course energy drinks. These mugs are professionally printed and the wording will not peel or rub off. It is completely dishwasher safe.
It comes wrapped in Styrofoam and is kept in a nice box. It’s a gift that is protected from damage and has a 60 day return time, and money-back guarantee. It’s a suitable gift for someone who can’t spend a lot of money, but wants to show their employee some appreciation.
Burt’s Bees Gift Set
The Burt’s Bees Gift Set comes with several spa items, including
- Honey and Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream
- Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
- Coconut Foot Cream
- Almond and Milk Hand Cream
- Hand Salve
- Pomegranate Lip Balm
This is the perfect gift for those who care about their hands, feet, and nails. Burt’s Bees is a highly trusted and rated store that sells top-notch products. I recommend this over any other gift box that comes with hand creams.
Each of these products is travel-sized and is manufactured in America. They are well scented and good for a job that may make your employee’s hands rough and sore.
Pure Origin Store Stress Toys
The Pure Origin Store Stress Toys are colorful, squishy, and good to relieve stress that the modern office produces. They’re relatively cheap, completely recyclable, and non-toxic.
They are not foam, but rather feel like a bag filled with flour. That may not be the best choice for everyone given their preferences. They are not easy to break, but can after solid use. Some have complained that the wording comes off too easily. It is a cheap product that is good for bulk buying.
FBK Candles Gift Set
The FBK Candles Gift Set is great for those who love candles, aromatherapy, and just love to relax. It’s certainly not something to be used in the modern office, but it can most certainly be used at home.
It is a set of 4 candles each with a different scent. Scents included are
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mediterranean Fig
- Fresh Spring
It is a good idea to check in with people before giving this gift as they may have allergies to certain scents. Each candle is 4.4oz and will last roughly 30 hours.
The candle tins are cute and reusable. The wick is made of cotton and will last longer than other wicks. It is vegan and made with no extra dyes. They are quite small but are a fun gift for those who need to unwind.
Retired Out of Business Cards
The Retired Out of Business Cards is a great gag gift for employees ready to retire. After working for a long time with a company it’s important to show appreciation. These funny business cards come in a pack of fifty, and a magnetic case to hold them in.
While this gift may not be practical it can be a good practical joke. If this employee has been especially hardworking and dedicated this gift may not be the best. It lacks sincerity and thoughtfulness. I recommend an UnBoxMe gift box or the Broadway Basketeers gift tower.
Overall, this may be a good start to the gift-giving, but certainly should not be the whole package.
Cheersville 10 Year Employee Pin
The Cheersville 10 Year Employee Pin celebrates the anniversary of ten years an employee has worked at the company. It’s a simple gift that means a lot to both the recipient and the giver.
It is gold-plated metal and has 10 Years engraved into it in black. It comes in a velvet box and has military clutch backing. It is quite small but holds a lot of significance.
Momocici Tumbler Mug
The Momocici Tumbler Mug is great for a light-hearted workspace. It holds 20oz of liquids and is completely stainless steel. It is cool and heat resistance. It is well insulated and will keep your drink cold or your soup hot.
It won’t sweat and has a BPA free lid. It is hand wash only. The letters are meant to stay on and never peel. I recommend this mug over any other mugs on this list that is durable, usable, and easy to take care of.
It is healthy and safe to use for people of all ages.
Youngever Motivational Cards
The Youngever Motivational Cards are good for companies who want to show appreciation to their employees but don’t have a lot of money to spend.
The pack comes with 300 cards with 100 different designs, meaning that there are 3 cards for each design. The cards are measured at 2″ x 3.5″. They were designed in the U.S. and are blank on one side so that a more personal note can be written.
They are printed on heavy, high-quality stock paper. They are easy to buy in bulk and are a cheap way to show your appreciation.
MomentsAglow Inspirational Candle
The MomentsAglow Inspirational Candle is soothing, relaxing, and motivational. It has a sweet sentiment and a sweeter aroma. The scent is chocolate truffle, perfect for any chocoholics.
It is a completely natural soy wax candle. It is vegan and eco-friendly. It will burn about 90 hours before completion. It is made with no extra dyes or toxins. It is completely cruelty-free.
The jar it comes in is recycled and so is the lid. It is not only good for your employee, it is good for the Earth as well.
Paper Junkie Notebooks
Paper Junkie Notebooks come in a pack of 24 with 6 different designs. Each book has 80 lined pages. They ship worldwide and are 4 x 5.75 in.
Each design is a cheerful saying that is motivating and inspirational. It’s a practical gift that I recommend for those who work in a place with lots of note-taking, writing, and brainstorming.
Baudville Custom Engraved Crystal Star Trophy
The Baudville Custom Engraved Crystal Star Trophy is much like the paperweight. It can be a nice gift to memorialize a certain employee but is not very practical. However, if it is an award to be presented that the company is after this is the perfect gift.
The crystal star can be personalized and comes with its own gift box. This may be a good gift to celebrate important business milestones for the company and its employees.
However, it is still a crystal trophy that will sit on a desk for a while with no real purpose or use. It lacks functionality, which may be perfect given the situation. But as a thank you gift I recommend something more filling and practical.
Buying Criteria for Employee Gift Boxes
Gift Boxes for Remote Employees
While looking for gift boxes, I took into account the possibility that employees might be working remotely, and what they would consider a good gift. Remote employees may be working from home or in places that aren’t always pleasant, so it’s better to get a gift that reflects how much you care and appreciate them.
For remote employees, I recommend an UnBoxMe, DOERDO, or Broadway Basketeers gift box. Each one comes with several feel-good items that can be used over and over again, as well as perishables that can be eaten and enjoyed.
Corporate Gifts for Employees
Corporate gifts are a bit trickier to pick out. It has to be something that fits everyone and should also remain relatively cost-efficient. Stress toys or paperweights may be more effective and can be mass-produced quickly.
I recommend the Crush It! stress toys or even the Natural Succulents Gift Box. They don’t need to be personalized, but they can still send a clear message that someone is thinking of their employees.
Criteria for the Best Gift Boxes
The best gift boxes should include some of the following
- Food, sweets, treats, savory, or salty
- A card, personalized or not
- Usable items such as a mug, soap, candles, or hand creams
- General thoughtfulness
Things to Avoid When Gifting a Gift Box
A gift box should be thoughtful about the person.
- Be cautious and aware of a person’s dietary needs when gifting food.
- Make sure they won’t be allergic to any candles, or hand creams.
- Think about their interests, especially if this is a personal gift. Candles may not be the best gift for a person who works in fire hazards and safety.
- Show your appreciation with at least a card of some kind. A simple card can go a long way, more so than spending an absurd amount of money.
FAQs About Employee Gift Boxes
How much does the average gift box cost?
On average, expect to pay a pretty penny. They don’t come cheap, especially if you’d like to buy in bulk. Give the internet a strong look before coming to your final decision. Maybe going with an item less than a gift box would be better for your company to save money. Think cards, pens, or cookies. Perhaps even something homemade.
Should they get a gift box with food?
Food is a common gift and never goes unappreciated. It may be perishable, but it is usable and doesn’t take up space. While you may not be able to cater to everyone’s tastes, it’s still a solid plan to go with a food item in the gift basket. Just be sure about your employee’s dietary restrictions or needs before buying food. Buying a bag of gourmet nuts would go wasted on an employee who is allergic to nuts.
Are gender-neutral gift boxes available?
The answer is yes and no. While many gift boxes are ungendered they often lack quality and personalization. While there are gift boxes labeled for women or for men, it doesn’t really matter who it goes to. Choose based on the type of person you are gifting to, not the labels assigned to the gift box.
Besides gift boxes, what other options are there?
There are several options for gifts for your employees, ranging from gift boxes to paperweights. Cheaper options such as pens, mugs, and even cards are good gifts too. They are easier to buy in bulk and are far more affordable than an entire gift basket.
What typically comes in a gift box?
A typical gift box may contain food, a mug, cocoa mixes, creams, socks, and other feel-good items. A practical box will be filled with things that can be used whether at home or at the office. Sometimes these boxes are gendered, but it really doesn’t matter as long as you know who you’re giving the gift box to.
What would be a good gift for a new employee?
A new employee will likely not have a lot of stuff to bring in for their desk, locker, etc. They may be feeling overwhelmed. Gifts of food are nice, but something more practical may be needed. Pens, notebooks, mugs, and a nice card will definitely show your appreciation and excitement of having a new member on the team. If they’re entering a stressful environment provide them with stress balls and toys, scented hand creams, or candles. Things that will be calming and keep them as stress-free as possible.
What would be a good gift for a retiring employee?
After what could possibly be years of working at a company, a person retiring most likely won’t need something office-related. A pen or a paperweight won’t cut it. Food is a good idea, as are socks, wine tumblers, and travel mugs. A gift that they can keep on using after they’re retired is better than something that will just sit around their house.
Tips for building your own gift box…
Always think about your employees when gifting to them. What would they appreciate? Would it fit their restrictions? Is it thoughtful enough? A company may buy a bunch of pens that say well done, but it may not mean anything because it wasn’t thought through.
Pick out items that can be used up or used over and over again. Perishable items are nice because they can be eaten up. It doesn’t take up any extra space for too long. A thoughtful boss will take care of their employees and meet their needs and wants in a gift box.
I also recommend making something like an Inspiration Jar if you’ve got the time and creativity. A handmade gift is far more thoughtful than anything storebought. It could be a full inspiration jar or maybe a simple card with a well-written message. It could even be something edible, like homemade cookies or sweets.