In today’s competitive talent landscape, employee recognition is about much more than just generic swag—it’s a continuous, meaningful experience. The right custom merchandise can boost morale, engagement, and retention by making employees feel like valued members of your team.
Ready to elevate your strategy? Here are the top six employee gifting trends for 2025 that emphasize thoughtfulness, quality, and the employee experience. These are promotional products with purpose.
Trend 1: Experiential Gifts & Kits
One of the top trends in promotional products is a distinct shift toward curated experiences and themed gift sets. These items are designed to genuinely surprise and delight the recipient.
- Key Highlights: Gift boxes, thoughtful themes, and curated kits.
- Gift Examples: A token of appreciation gift set or a cozy beanie and blanket gift set.
Trend 2: Wellness & Self-Care
Demonstrating care for employee well-being is critical. Gifting high-quality items focused on health and relaxation helps promote a healthy lifestyle both inside and outside the workplace.
- Key Highlights: Employee well-being, healthy lifestyle, and pampering touches.
- Gift Examples: Luxury bath bomb sets, plug-in wall diffusers, or a bonsai tree starter kit.
Trend 3: Affinity-Brand Apparel
Employees want branded merchandise they are proud to wear. Focus on desirable retail brands that offer quality, style, and feature subtle co-branding. Did you know? According to a PPAI 2023 Consumer Study, 80% of employees say receiving branded apparel makes them feel more connected to their company.
- Key Highlights: Desirable retail brands, quality and style, and subtle co-branding.
- Gift Examples: Eddie Bauer® fleece vests, Carhartt® watch caps, or a classic Champion Reverse Weave® hooded sweatshirt.
Trend 4: Home & Office
As hybrid and remote work become fully established, corporate gifts that support a productive and comfortable home office are essential. This includes modern tech and accessories that streamline their day.
- Key Highlights: Support for hybrid work, ergonomic accessories, and electronics/tech.
- Gift Examples: Recycled power folios with wireless chargers, a succulent with a USB charging station, or a travel kit with desktop essentials.
Trend 5: Milestone Gifting
Recognition shouldn’t be limited to just one time of year. Leveraging year-round opportunities—such as anniversaries, promotions, or project completion—creates sustained engagement and gratitude.
- Key Highlights: Year-round gifting opportunities, anniversaries, promotions, and project completion.
- Gift Examples: A sophisticated bag or backpack, indulgent chocolates, or premium service award.
Trend 6: Artisan-Made
The push for conscious consumerism extends to corporate gifts, too. This trend favors unique, quality products that support a cause, feature repurposed materials, or incorporate a giveback component. This perfectly aligns with LeaderPromos’ commitment to providing Purpose-Driven Branded Merchandise™.
- Key Highlights: Quality products, giveback initiatives, and repurposed materials.
- Gift Examples: A luxurious throw blanket made with recycled fabric or handy tote that helps to feed children.
Growing Morale, Engagement, and Retention
Choosing the right corporate gift is an important decision that directly impacts how employees feel about being part of your company culture. Did you know? According to a Globoforce/WorkHuman study, employees who receive regular recognition are 5x more likely to feel valued and appreciated.
By aligning your promotional products with these 2025 employee gifting trends, you can transform a simple thank-you into a meaningful recognition experience.
By Chris Sherritt
Ready to start planning your gifting program?