30 Meaningful Thanksgiving Gift Ideas For Employees

November 14, 2023
9 mins

The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and the turkeys are getting a tad nervous – it can mean only one thing: Thanksgiving is just around the corner! While we all eagerly await the grand feast, Thanksgiving is about more than just stuffing ourselves (although, let's be honest, that's a highlight.) 

Thanksgiving is the finest time to show your employees how much you appreciate them with the perfect gift of appreciation. But what can be the best Thanksgiving gifts for employees?

Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 30 meaningful Thanksgiving gift ideas for employees that are sure to please, even the most finicky ones.

Read on!

Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees Who Travel Frequently

For employees whose bags are practically permanent extensions of themselves, finding the perfect Thanksgiving gift can be a creative conundrum. Fear not, for we've curated a list of unique Thanksgiving gifts for employees whose wanderlust knows no bounds.

  1. Personalized Travel Journal:

An exquisite, handcrafted travel journal that becomes a trusted companion for wanderlust souls. Its pages are an open canvas, ready to capture the vivid tapestry of their journey, making it a cherished keepsake of travel adventures and memories."

  1. Portable Espresso Maker:

For die-hard coffee lovers, this portable espresso maker is the ultimate travel companion. Compact and efficient, it ensures that no matter where they roam, a perfect cup of their favorite brew is always within reach.

  1. Hydration Backpack:

Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, this hydration backpack quenches their thirst for adventure. With a built-in water reservoir, it keeps them refreshed and energized during their hiking, biking, or exploration journeys.

  1. Portable Laundry Kit:

Introducing the on-the-go laundry hero! This compact kit provides a quick and effective solution for keeping their travel wardrobe fresh and pristine, ensuring they always look their best on the road.

  1. Compact Travel Charger:

Never let a drained device spoil your travel experience. This versatile charger is a lifeline for all their electronic companions, ensuring they stay connected, share memories, and capture the beauty of their journey without interruption.

Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees With Families

In the spirit of giving thanks and celebrating togetherness, it's time to spread the love to those employees whose hearts are as full as their dining tables. We've gathered a collection of creative Thanksgiving gifts for employees that not only honor their dedication but also extend warmth to their beloved families. These unusual Thanksgiving gifts for employees are designed to make family moments extra special.

  1. Family Game Night Set:

An assembly of classic and contemporary board games and card games that promise laughter, bonding, and epic family game nights. This set is a gateway to creating cherished memories and friendly rivalries.

  1. Movie Night Gift Basket:

A delightful gift basket filled with buttery popcorn, scrumptious candy treats, and an assortment of family-friendly DVDs. It's the perfect recipe for cozy movie nights, creating a cinematic haven right at home.

  1. Family Movie Theater Night:

Transform your living room into a family movie theater with a gift card or subscription to a movie streaming service. Get ready for endless family movie nights filled with laughter, tears, and endless popcorn.

  1. Family Scrapbook Kit:

A comprehensive kit designed to chronicle the journey of a family. From photos to memorabilia, this treasure trove equips families to create a cherished scrapbook, encapsulating beautiful moments and shared history.

  1. Customized Family Pajama Sets:

Matching pajama sets for the entire family to embark on cozy evenings together. Uniting comfort and style, these pajamas are a symbol of togetherness and warmth during family nights.

Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees Who Are New To The Company

As leaves change and the air fills with the aroma of holiday feasts, it's the perfect time to extend a heartfelt welcome to the newcomers in your workplace. Express your gratitude for their choice to be a part of your team with unique Thanksgiving gifts for employees who are as special as they are.

  1. Custom Company Swag: 

Immerse employees in a sense of belonging with personalized company swag. Branded apparel and accessories unite the team, fostering company pride and camaraderie.

  1. Desk Organizer Set: 

Bring elegance and order to their workspace with a desk organizer set. This set transforms their desk into a model of efficiency, creating a serene environment for productivity.

  1. Plant in a Personalized Pot: 

A touch of nature in the office can make all the difference. A potted plant, nestled in a one-of-a-kind, custom-engraved pot, infuses fresh energy into their workspace, brightening their day.

  1. Motivational Wall Art: 

Elevate their office ambiance with motivational wall art. Every glance offers inspiration, turning the workspace into a haven of positivity and drive, where they can conquer any challenge.

  1. Desk Nameplate: 

Make their workspace uniquely theirs with a personalized desk nameplate. It's more than just an accessory; it's a symbol of their presence, marking their territory in the world of work.

Thanksgiving Gifts For Remote Employees

It's the season of thanks, and we can't forget to express our gratitude to those who might be miles away from the office. This Thanksgiving, let's bridge the distance with unique Thanksgiving gifts for employees that bring warmth and connection, even from afar.

  1. Digital Audiobook Subscription: 

Offer the gift of knowledge and relaxation with a digital audiobook subscription. During breaks, employees can dive into captivating stories and enrich their minds, creating refreshing pauses in their workday.

  1. Virtual Escape Room Experience: 

Transform team building into an adventure with a virtual escape room experience. It's not just about fun; it's about collaboration, problem-solving, and creating lasting memories.

  1. Personalized Mousepad: 

A personalized mousepad goes beyond functionality; it's a daily source of inspiration. With their name or a motivational message, it adds a personal touch to their workspace and encourages productivity.

  1. Custom Company Playlist: 

Elevate the remote work experience with a custom company playlist. Filled with uplifting tunes, it's more than a soundtrack—it's a morale booster, infusing energy and a sense of unity into the virtual workspace

  1. Ergonomic Home Office Chair Accessories: 

For remote employees, comfort is key. Ergonomic chair accessories like lumbar cushions and footrests transform their home office into an oasis of relaxation, ensuring they can work in comfort and style.

Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees Who Are Retiring

As the autumn leaves gently fall, it's a season not just for giving thanks but also for bidding farewell to those esteemed employees who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to your company. Show your gratitude with these unusual Thanksgiving gifts for employees.

  1. Customized Retirement Plaque: 

A personalized retirement plaque is more than a token; it's a tribute. It's a tangible reminder of years of dedication and achievements, an emblem of their enduring legacy within the organization.

  1. Engraved Pocket Watch: 

An engraved pocket watch is a timeless symbol of their commitment over the years. It's not just a keepsake; it's a testament to the enduring value of their service.

  1. Retirement Photo Book: 

Capture their career journey and well wishes from colleagues in a beautifully crafted photo book. It's a treasure trove of memories, a visual narrative of their professional story.

  1. Relaxation Gift Basket: 

Retirement is all about unwinding, and a relaxation gift basket paves the way for tranquility. It's a compilation of spa vouchers, scented candles, and cozy blankets—a gateway to peaceful retirement days.

  1. Outdoor Adventure Gear: 

For retirees with a zest for adventure, outdoor gear opens the door to new horizons. It's the passport to thrilling experiences and a fulfilling retirement packed with unforgettable journeys.

Thanksgiving Gifts For Employees Who Are Going Through A Difficult Time

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and show appreciation, but it's also a time to extend our hearts and support to those who may be facing challenging circumstances. In the spirit of gratitude and compassion, let's explore creative Thanksgiving gifts for employees who are going through a tough period in their lives.

  1. Wellness Gift Basket: 

A wellness gift basket is a treasure chest of self-care. Filled with scented candles, herbal tea, and soothing bath salts, it's a daily dose of relaxation and rejuvenation to nurture their well-being.

  1. Digital Streaming Subscription: 

A digital streaming subscription opens the door to an endless world of entertainment during their downtime. It's a passport to relaxation, offering a delightful escape into the realm of movies, series, and more.

  1. Online Counseling Session: 

Arrange a lifeline of emotional support with an online counseling session. It's a confidential space where retirees can explore their feelings and experiences, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement.

  1. Personalized Care Package: 

Tailored to their unique needs, a personalized care package encompasses everything they require for a comfortable retirement. From books to snacks and relaxation aids, it's a thoughtful collection of essentials.

  1. Handwritten Letters from Colleagues: 

Heartfelt letters from colleagues are emotional treasures. These personalized messages of support and encouragement are like a warm embrace, assuring retirees that their impact will be cherished forever.

Lastly, 

As we wrap up our search for the perfect Thanksgiving gifts, we're excited to introduce a fresh approach to showing appreciation – gift cards and point-based rewards through our digital recognition platform, Spotlight

Gift Cards:

Gift cards offer your employees the delightful freedom to pick their very own rewards. It's like giving them a golden ticket to a world of personalized recognition.

1. Boost Employee Satisfaction: Gift cards provide employees the freedom to choose rewards that genuinely matter to them, resulting in higher satisfaction and appreciation for their employer's recognition efforts.

2. Streamlined Recognition: Gift cards are a hassle-free and straightforward way to recognize and reward employees, saving time and effort for HR and management teams.

3. Global Versatility: Gift cards are universally accepted, making them an ideal choice for employers with a diverse, global workforce, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated.

4. Tailored for Individual Preferences: By offering gift cards, employers demonstrate that they understand and respect their employees' unique tastes and needs, contributing to a personalized recognition experience.

5. Quick and Convenient: Employers can effortlessly distribute digital gift cards, making it a convenient and efficient way to recognize and reward employees, even in a remote or distributed work environment.

Point-Based Rewards:

Point-based rewards are the high fliers of recognition. They add a playful twist to appreciation, letting employees earn points throughout the year and choose tailored rewards that put the 'fun' back in 'recognition'!

1. Enhanced Engagement: Point-based rewards promote active participation and engagement among employees as they work towards accumulating points and achieving meaningful rewards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

2. Personalized Recognition: The rewards stores in our recognition platform, Spotlight allow employees to choose from a wide array of rewards, enabling them to personalize their recognition experience and select rewards that align with their individual preferences and aspirations.

3. Global Inclusivity: Point-based rewards can be customized to reflect the preferences and cultural nuances of a global workforce, making it easier for employers to recognize and motivate a diverse team.

4. Gamify Recognition: Point-based rewards can introduce an element of gamification to the recognition process, adding an exciting and competitive dimension that can motivate employees to perform at their best.

5. Effortless Administration: Employers can seamlessly manage point-based recognition programs with the help of Spotlight, reducing administrative burden and ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective recognition process.

Let's join hands and celebrate this Thanksgiving by cultivating a culture of gratitude, kindness, and recognition. Embrace Spotlight and make your employees' journeys even more fulfilling and significant.

Bigfish Editorial Team

If you have any questions, reach out to editor@bigfishbenefits.com

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