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10 Best Employee Gifts Under $5 [Updated 2024]

|Update on November 5, 2024

10 Best Employee Gifts Under $5 [Updated 2024]

As a manager or HR professional, it's important to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Sending employees memorable and useful corporate gifts they’ll love -and that won’t break the bank - is a great way to do just that.

A recent study found that 78% of employees reported increased job satisfaction after receiving a thoughtful gift from their employer/manager — highlighting the positive impact that employee appreciation gifts can have on workplace morale.

However, finding inexpensive gifts for employees that still feel special can be a challenge, especially when you have a big team.

To spark your inspiration, here’s a curated list of the best employee gifts under $5. Each item was thoughtfully selected based on industry trends, product quality, cost considerations, and insights gathered from our customers' orders. 

Best Gifts for Employees

1. Atlas Belt Bag

Atlas-Belt-BagMade with versatility in mind, this bag can effortlessly transform into a cross-body, shoulder pack, fanny pack, or waist pack, depending on your coworker’s mood and needs. It’s made from durable Polyester material, making it perfect for everyday use at work or on the go. Plus, its multiple color options make it a practical corporate gift idea for both men and women.

2. Inspire Spiral Notebook

Inspire-Spiral-NotebookCustom branded notebooks have a broad appeal and can be ordered in bulk at a relatively low cost per unit, making them a great option for larger companies with budgetary restrictions. 

This 80-page lined notebook will empower your employees to capture ideas, track tasks, and move projects forward. With sticky notes, neon-colored sticky flags, and a matching pen included, your employees will appreciate the convenience.  

3. Custom Playing Cards

Custom-Playing-CardsSometimes, the best gift is a simple gift. Custom playing cards are timeless and inexpensive gifts for employees that you can brand to add a fresh spin. Printed in full color on casino-grade card stock, these cards will vibrantly showcase your logo every time coworkers open them for game night.  

4. Pantone Matched Sunglasses

Pantone-Matched-Sunglasses

Elevate your company swag and give your employees something stylish they’ll actually wear with these Pantone-matched sunglasses. They’re extremely customizable, with full-color printing available on the frames and lenses for maximum brand visibility. 

5. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover

Tide-to-Go-Instant Stain-RemoverThis stain remover with your logo imprinted on the packaging will help keep work uniforms clean and professional at all times. It’s a small gesture that will make a big impact on your coworkers– especially those prone to the occasional coffee spill. 

6. Wizzard Executive Stylus Pen

Wizzard-Executive-Stylus- PenDon’t give your hardworking employees a basic pen. Instead, give them this elegant metal stylus pen with a fun fidget spinner on top. It’s a great stress reliever and stylish accessory for any desk.

7. Laminated Fashion Tote

Laminated-Fashion-ToteThis mini-sized tote offers a large imprint area for your logo and is perfect for carrying work essentials or personal items. Its laminated material also makes it durable and easy to clean.

8. Custom Vegan Leather Rectangle Keychain

Vegan-Leather-Rectangle-KeychainAn affordable employee gift that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, this custom keychain is made from vegan leather and can be imprinted with your company logo or creative messaging. It’s a practical and stylish token of appreciation that will be used every day.

9. iFold Phone Stand

iFold-Phone-StandThis versatile folding phone and tablet stand has six adjustable positions, perfect for office desks and home offices. It’s a small item that can easily slip into a pocket, purse, briefcase, or backpack, making it the perfect travel companion for employees on the go. 

10. FlexCharge Duo USB-C & Lightning Cable

USB-C &-Lightning-CableA low-cost, high-quality tech item, this 2-1 charging cable is perfect for coworkers with on-the-go-lifestyles. Laser engrave your logo on one or both sides – it’ll add a touch of sophistication and ensure employees remember your business every time they need to charge. 

Find Unique and Inexpensive Gifts for Employees

These small gifts for employees are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and work anniversaries to team-building events and holidays. With these thoughtful and unique options, you'll be sure to make your employees feel valued and motivated in no time.

Remember, a little goes a long way when showing employees you care about them. It doesn't have to break the bank to make a big impact. In fact, it's often the small gestures that are remembered and appreciated the most. 

Get in touch if you’re looking for more hands-on support. With expertise rooted in creative design and product selection, we’ll use our knowledge to help you find the perfect employee gift for your occasion.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published on May 8, 2020, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
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