In today’s competitive landscape, fostering a vibrant workplace culture is key to keeping employees motivated, creative, and loyal. This is especially important for large companies where creating a sense of community and belonging can be challenging. Beyond the usual gift cards and branded swag, unconventional employee gifts can inspire employees to think creatively, collaborate, and even discover new passions. Here are some original employee gift ideas designed to cultivate a workplace culture of innovation and engagement.
1: The Creative Fuel Kit: Curated Inspiration Boxes
Why it works:
A Creative Fuel Kit goes beyond a simple gift box—it’s a curated experience designed to ignite creativity and inspire fresh ideas. Each kit can include items like motivational books, sketchpads, unique puzzles, or fun desk toys, encouraging employees to think outside the box.
How to personalize it:
Customize the contents based on team interests or individual hobbies—add a calligraphy set for art lovers or a mini brainstorming toolkit for problem-solvers. Including a personalized note explaining how each item fuels creativity makes the gift even more meaningful.
2. Inspiration Capsules: A Year-Long Surprise
Why it works:
A “Year of Inspiration” capsule is more than just a gift—it’s an ongoing experience. Each set includes 12 mini capsules, each containing a surprise inspiration prompt or fun challenge for the month. Pairing these prompts with small gifts like a creativity journal, mini puzzle, or desk plant keeps employees motivated and engaged all year long.
How to keep it exciting:
Add motivational quotes, mystery items, or even personal messages from top executives in each capsule. This creates anticipation, fosters connection, and brings a spark of joy every month.
3. Culture-Building Experience Vouchers
Why it works:
Culture-Building Experience Vouchers give employees the chance to immerse themselves in unique cultural activities, no matter where they’re located. These vouchers can be customized for experiences like virtual cooking classes that explore international cuisines, guided art sessions, or even interactive language workshops. By participating in these experiences, employees can connect with different cultures while building bonds with their team in an engaging, memorable way.
How to enhance the experience:
Encourage employees to use their vouchers during a monthly “Culture Day,” where teams can participate in similar experiences and share highlights afterward. This creates a sense of shared adventure and offers an enjoyable way for employees to bond and learn together.
4. Art for the Office: DIY Art Kits with a Twist
Why it works:
A DIY art kit that employees can work on individually or collaboratively adds an artistic element to the office. This can include kits for painting, clay modeling, or collage-making, and the finished artworks can be displayed around the office, creating a gallery of employee-created pieces.
How to make it unique:
Host a quarterly “Art Night” where employees can create new pieces for the office. Add a competitive twist by letting employees vote on their favorite artwork, with a small prize for the winning piece.
5. “Unplug & Recharge” Kits for Creative Renewal
Why it works:
A well-balanced workplace requires moments to unplug and recharge. Give employees self care kits that include Included are a 96-page book and 50 mindful-moment cards with tips and prompts that encourage mindful breaks from tech and allow them to come back refreshed and inspired.
This kit provides information on how to stop, take stock, and instill actions and habits that nurture ourselves. By attending to our needs, we can improve our mental and physical health, boost resilience and experience better relationships.
How to make it unique:
Include a timer for screen-free breaks, along with creative mindfulness exercises like mandala coloring books or tactile puzzles. This gift reminds employees of the importance of balance and well-being in the creative process.
