10 Gift Ideas for Direct Reports

Gift-giving at work can sometimes be a little confusing. As a boss, you may wonder what you should be buying gifts for direct reports. And if so, what’s appropriate?

In this guide, we’ve taken a closer look at the what, the why and the when, plus provided some fun gift ideas for direct reports as inspiration.

Whether it’s for a birthday, to show appreciation or to celebrate their length of service, learn more about what gifts to give your team members to improve employee satisfaction and morale.

Gifts for Direct Reports: Key Takeaways for HR & Managers

Whatever the occasion, presenting team members with a gift can help to strengthen relationships when times are good or repair morale when the pressure is on.

While it can be a simple act, there’s plenty to consider when buying a gift for a direct report.

• Gifts are a great way of recognizing hard work, boosting morale and improving employee satisfaction, resulting in better results and a happier team.
• You’ll need to carefully consider what to buy‌ for each team member, look into any limitations, and ensure you’re being fair to everyone on the team.
• Recognition isn’t always about receiving a gift. You can also look into other ways of rewarding and recognizing hard work.

Why Buy Gifts for Direct Reports?

Getting a thoughtful gifts for direct reports can be a great way to show your people you care about them and to recognize how they’ve impacted the business. Here are examples of important milestone or occasions you can celebrate:

• A work anniversary or significant years of service
• Their birthday
• A reward for winning an internal nomination or team award
• A milestone in their life, e.g., a new baby, moving home, getting engaged, or a wedding
• If they’re dealing with illness or going through a difficult time
• A national day such as Employee Appreciation Day
• National holidays, such as the New Year, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween

Your business can also benefit from rewarding team members with gifts and saying thank you with a small token of appreciation. It’s something tangible that employees can enjoy as recognition for their hard work,‌ boosting satisfaction in their role.

Guidance on Gifting to Employees

If you want to buy gifts for your direct reports, you’ll need to avoid these missteps:

• Don’t single out certain individuals. If you’re giving gifts, then make sure that everyone gets something and it’s of the same value. Try to avoid coming across like you might have favorites in the workplace.
• Be sure to explain why you’re giving a gift. Whether it’s a reward for hard work, a way to show appreciation, a gift for a birthday or holiday, make it clear why your direct reports are receiving a gift to reduce the chance of confusion.
• Prioritize personal preferences. Some might be embarrassed to receive a gift from their boss, especially if they’re a private person and keep things like their birthdays or anniversaries to themselves. Make sure you understand how best to present a gift to different team members, so those gifts are well received.

10 Gift Ideas for Direct Reports

Need some inspiration for gifts that your employees will appreciate? Here are a few ideas we’ve rounded up:

1. A gift card for a coffee: We all need a little caffeine to get through the workday, and free coffee often tastes even better.
2. A candy bar or box of chocolates: Just a little something to pick them up in the afternoon. Who knows, they may even share a few with the team.
3. A gift card for their favorite store: Check with their colleagues to find out where they love to shop, just to make it extra special.
4. Stationery: Practical and fun—you can pick up stationery in a design that features something they love. Notebooks, agendas, and pens are great examples.
5. A personalized mug: You can add a personal touch by getting their name on the mug, so no one else picks it up in the communal kitchen (or at home, if they’re remote).
6. A craft kit or coloring book: Help them unwind after a busy day at work.
7. A gift card for a meal out: Treat them to dinner for their hard work. If you’re stumped, ask the team for restaurant recommendations.
8. Lunch on you: Treat them to lunch from the office cafeteria or their favorite place nearby.
9. A gift box: Select a gift box featuring things you know the recipient will love—from pamper boxes to candy and snacks selections. These can be personalized with branded packaging, if you want to keep things completely professional.
10. A bonus day PTO: You’ll need to get this cleared with your HR team, but if you can, people won’t say no to an extra day off of their choosing.

Drawbacks to Getting Gifts for Direct Reports

Of course, there may be some downsides to gift giving in a professional setting.

You’ll Need to Include Your Remote Employees

If your go-to gift is something in person, like taking your employees out to lunch, you’ll need to adapt for your remote employees. First, you’ll help them feel integrated and included in the team, and these days, it doesn’t take that much more effort to send a gift than to give one in person.

Beyond the obvious gift card, here are some ideas for giving gifts to remote employees:

• Home office upgrades: High-quality webcam or headphones, laptop stand, ergonomic keyboard, comfortable desk chair, standing desk converter
• Self-care kits: Spa day at home (e.g., bath bombs, face masks, scented candles), gourmet tea or coffee assortment, food subscription boxes
• Online experiences: Virtual cooking classes, online wine tasting, meditation apps (e.g., Headspace, Calm)

You May Have to Cover the Cost

If your business won’t cover the cost of purchasing gifts for your direct reports, then you may have to cover the cost yourself. If you have a large team, this could quickly add up.

Here are ways to make an impact without spending a lot of money:

• Organize a group gift where several people can share the cost, whether among team members or with other managers.
• Organize free or low-cost virtual events, like a team game night using a free online platform, a virtual happy hour or coffee break, or a group call to celebrate important events.
• Create non-monetary awards to recognize employees’ hard work, like Employee of the Month awards, certificates of achievement, or hout-outs during team meetings or in company newsletters.

You’ll Need to Track Important Milestones

Gift-giving to direct reports requires a little more admin. If you’ve given a gift for someone’s birthday once, you may be expected to do it again. Plus, other team members will expect something for their birthdays, too.

The Gift May Not Be Received in the Intended Way

It happens to the best of us—we give a well-intentioned gift that the person just doesn’t quite appreciate in the same way. As long as you haven’t purchased anything outrightly inappropriate, quickly move on and plan for the next time.

To avoid this awkward situation, consider sending an anonymous survey beforehand to understand your employees’ opinions on gifts.

Consider Possible Lifestyle Restrictions

Sending a gift to a vegan team member? You’ll need to carefully check that nothing has animal products in it. The same goes for people who don’t drink due to their religion or for health reasons.

It’s important to understand any limitations and cultural differences rather than giving a gift that could offend.

Give the Gift of a Supportive Workplace

What’s even more foundational is finding ways to foster a supportive workplace.
Gifts are great, but gifts don’t always need to be wrapped to be valuable. Many employees simply want recognition for their hard work.

Put processes in place to help recognize those who go above and beyond. It could be shout-outs at a weekly meeting or a kudos board that allows team members to say thank you in a public forum. It may just be finding time in your busy schedule to offer feedback and tell your people they matter.