Quality Gifts for Quality Work

Normally businesses will reserve high end gifts for company executives and partners only. However, that can make a clear division of appreciation in your company. A higher percieved value in company gifts screams "I value your work more."

Which is why I suggest splurging on employees once in a while. Not often, I understand how difficult the economy is right now. But as a once-every-five-years type gift, a high end item is a great way to keep employees around. For example, a company watch is a great way to show employees appreciation. Also, I love the idea of giving high quality pens to lower tier staff. In an office, the price of a man's pen is an indication of power. A great pen in a leather case is a good way to even the playing field and make workers feel more empowered.

Imprinted Gifts for Individuals

Whenever giving employee rewards, it's always difficult to come up with the perfect gift for each person's varied interests. Which is why it's better to invest a little time and give a customized gift to each individual, rather than having only one general present. Especially for senior employees, throw out the idea of generic gifts. Otherwise run the risk of seeming insincere in your appreciation, as if you hardly know your employee at all.

Which is why I love these specialized gifts for very unique personalities:







Buy a Tree- The Seed the Future gift card allows recipients to go online and redeem the gift for a tree. Each tree is planted in areas that are currently being reforested. These are great for eco-fanatics or volutneers!







Poker Book- For any Poker player, this book breaks down the philosphy of life through a Poker-playing lens. It's a great read and will show you take an interest in an employee's life outside of work.







Free Fitness Day- These cards allow recipients to download and print detailed work out guides for use at home or at the gym. They are great for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to get in better shape.

Work Environment is the Number One Motivator

If you're stitting at work right now trying to find a way to motivate your staff, you can probably relate to this. Sometimes, it's hard to get employees to hunker down and finish the tasks for the day.

But in all seriousness, how do you manage this?

Most human resource experts say that the key to motivation is not a few motivational posters hanging around or even yearly awards; it's a positive work environment throughout every day.

Think about it- what do you like in a workplace? Do you feel a micro-management environment complete with hourly checkups is conducive to hard work? Are small tasks or major projects more important? Do you like constant criticism on the entire work process or do you prefer receiving criticism once you have a project coming together?

Use your own experiences to help motivate your employees. After all, happy workers are usually good workers. Give them a little flexibility. It's the deadlines that matter- rarely the process. Make sure the work is quality- not the work path. People don't work the same and once employers recognize that it'll help encourage employees to be most productive. Allow them to find their own way and encourage individuality. Even allowing for a staggered schedule (coming in between 9 and 11, leaving between 5 and 7) could boost productivity immeasurably. Not everyone works well at 9 am. It's not you, it's them.

So work with your employees, not against them and watch productivity rise.

The Gift that Makes Everything Better

Nothing says "Good Job" like a customized bottle of champagne (or, really, any champagne!). Next time employees go above and beyond consider the world's favorite reward- alcohol.

Promotional wine gifts are great because they can compliment a small office party in honor of a recent success, or be given directly to employees as recognition gifts. Unfortunately if you're living in Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland or Utah you're out of luck. Those states prohibit the shipment of alcohol by law, but if that's the case you can snatch up some non-filled, customized wine bottles and fill them with your own favorites!

I'm personally a fan of red wines, so if you're stuck for an idea check out this guide to buying red wines.

Bobbling Rewards

Want to reward the best of the best in your company? Instead of a typical plaque do something that will be remembered for office parties to come.

Bobble heads are a fun way to do just that. Now you can make custom figures for your highest performer, employer or top client.

I think these are a great reward because it encourages a fun work environment where people start opening up to one another on a friendly level.

So if you're going the route of awards, think of making them a little more jiggly this year.

Reward Creativity with More Creativity

Are you looking to boost creativity in the office? Need some fresh ideas?

These puzzles help encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Either give them as gifts to encourage new thoughts, or give them out as rewards for unique contributions. Either way, it should get the mental processes cranking.


The Ball of Whacks-
A brain teaser/creativity tool made of 30 magnetic pieces. It comes with a 96 page manual with challenges for every level of player.


Mind Trap Block Puzzle-
This block puzzle is made of wooden pieces. Instructions are printed right on the carrying sack, so you always have suggestions near by.


Corporate Ladder Game-
A series of metal rungs that fold up into a nice little tin- it may look silly, but it has a habit of boggling minds. Try to get each rung off the chain to get your brain juices moving.

Books for Gifts

Rarely do people consider books for rewards. However, a personalized travel book or Dr. Seuss book can mean the world to someone. Have the recipients name and your company logo printed inside the front cover for a truly personal touch

Try Oh the Places You'll Go to recognize dedication. It's a fun gift that shows just the right amount of thought.

On the other hand, if you're congratulating someone on an international account, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die may be a good option. It has a list of 1,000 places for any traveler to see.