Our Most Popular Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas by Industry

According to Harvard Business Review, an employee gift can actually motivate workers better than cash bonuses. To effectively engage your workforce, however, it helps to choose products that are relevant to their fields or industries. Here are some gift ideas for employees working in some of America's top industries.

Automotive Industry

Thermos Travel Tumblers: Available in a wide array of colors and styles, insulated travel tumblers keep hot beverages hot and cold beverage cold. Whether they're filled with coffee, water or soda, these mobile beverage holders appeal to just about anyone, whether they drive for a living or make a short daily commute.

Highway emergency sets: These comprehensive roadside kits can be lifesavers, when unexpected car trouble leaves your employees stranded on the side of the road. Designed to provide safety and peace of mind, each kit includes 200-amp jumper cables, a gas siphon, warning triangle, two bungee cords, a Mylar blanket for staying warm, two glow sticks, a flashlight, tire gauge, a pair of gloves with rubber grips, and a sturdy carrying case with pockets for securing all 12 pieces.

Deluxe Windshield Shade: Comprised of light, reflective material, these foldable shades keep automobile interiors cool, while protecting dashboards from UV damage. They also easily pop open and collapse through a unique spring-like action that allows them to conveniently slide into a small round polyurethane case.

Real Estate Industry

Flashlights: In the best of circumstances, vacant properties will have working electricity. Many times, however, real estate professionals must organize showings without the benefit of artificial light. A high intensity flashlight can be a godsend, especially when a bit of staging is required.

Plastic Power Bank, Wall Charger & Car Charger Kit: A lack of power can also complicate communication, since there's no way for agents to charge their smartphones. This all-in-one power bank and car charger kit ensures that their phones will always be on for emergencies and important calls.

Tool Bag: A thriving real estate company has the resources to hire professionals to make even the smallest repairs. In many instances, however, agents are forced to make repairs themselves. Whether they need to swap out fixtures, change switch plates, measure a room or tighten the occasional screw, this comprehensive tool bag gives real estate professionals everything they need to prep a home for a timely showing.

Home & Garden/Home Decor

Picture Frames: Virtually everyone adorns their homes with family photos. By offering attractive frames to your employees, you can connect on an emotional level, while making your brand a fixture in their homes.

Garden Tool Pack: Packed with gardening essentials, this attractive tote is a great gift for employees who are caught up in the booming gardening hobby-trend.

Rosewood Wine Glass Set: An ideal gift for wine enthusiasts, this lovely set includes a wood box with a handsome rosewood finish. Inside, your valued employee will find two sparkling wine glasses nestled safely in die-cut foam, along with a tool drawer that holds a silver plastic foil cutter, fold-out knife, decanting pourer, stopper and corkscrew.

Construction Industry

Sport Jugs: When they are working long hours on the job site, construction crews consume massive quantities of water and sports drinks. This insulated sports jug makes sure your crew will never go thirsty, thanks to an insulated, 384-ounce reservoir that keeps beverages cool all day long.

Tool Rolls: Cumbersome tool boxes are heavy and difficulty to organize. When your workers need tools for a timely task, they'll appreciate this convenient tool roll that includes 18 pockets for varying sizes for tools. Easy to handle and haul, this worksite essential can boost productivity and enhance employee goodwill.

Retractable Flashlight: This retractable flashlight extends to illuminate hard-to-reach places. It also includes a magnet on end that can pick up items just out of reach. Whether they dropped a tool in a bad spot or need to pick up loose nails at the end of the day, this innovative tool can make things whole a lot easier on your crew.

Travel & Hospitality Industry

Luggage: A perfect gift for valued employees and invaluable clients, custom luggage helps to cultivate goodwill. At the same time, it can also increase brand awareness, as your staffer or client travels through airports. From hard-sided carry-on bags and lightweight duffels to computer cases and high-end luggage, there are plenty of options for any situation.

Aero-Snooze Travel Kit: For frequent travelers, it's not always easy to get enough shut-eye. Help take the red out of "redeye" flights with this three-piece set that includes a handy TSA-compliant carrying pouch with foam earplugs and a soft nylon eye mask.

Tech Travel Kit: Power will never be in short supply with this handy employee travel gift. Ideal for road trips, the convenient molded carrying case includes a 5V/1A AC adapter and 5V/1A car charger that can charge phones in the car and in a hotel room.

Getting Optimal ROI for Your Gift

A thoughtful employee gift can make workers feel more appreciated. At the same time, it can also help improve morale, drive productivity and reduce turnover. To get optimal benefits, however, it pays to choose gifts that are relevant to your workers' lives. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, try to get to know each employee and think of ways you can connect by offering a more personalized gift.