Having endured a year chocked-full of challenges and controversies from the pandemic to the presidential election, to transitioning to working and learning from home, employees, colleagues, and clients will no doubt be grateful to receive a useful, comforting, warm-hearted gift of thanks from their employer, coworker, customer or vendor.

What’s “in” for gifts this year? Consumers showed an interest in apparel, food-related gifts, books, jewelry, games, and décor. What they don’t want is to be forgotten. Twenty-six percent said not receiving a gift, is the worst gift of all. 

A Little Decor Goes A Long Way

With more people tuning into work from their kitchen tables, living rooms, and makeshift workstations, and with cooler, grayer days ahead, offering a bit of workplace inspiration can help keep spirits high, while offering some stress relief during the day.

What better gift than an air plant. Keeping a small plant in view of one’s workstation can significantly boost employees’ mental state. During stressful times, researchers found that workers who placed the plants next to their computers experienced some relief when glancing at the plant. These eco-friendly air plants are low maintenance as they only need to be watered every seven to 10 days.

Employers and clients can incorporate a do-it-yourself planting experience with the colorful planter kit. This unique gardening kit offers everything you need to get growing. The Carton Garden includes 3 types of seeds, 6 starter soil pods, 3 blank wooden seed stakes to organize your plants, and packaged inside an egg carton made from recycled pulp. You can add your full-color message on the belly band wrapping the carton. Choose from three classic garden themes or create your own.

Sweet Treats, Scrumptious Snacks, and Lovely Libations

Let’s face it - life is simply sweeter with chocolate (and sugar). According to CNN Business, a lot of consumers have been leaning on satisfying delights as a pick-me-up during the pandemic. During the 17-week period ending June 27, 2020, chocolate sales increased 6.3 percent from this time last year and in April 2020, snack food sales rose eight percent.

Employers can send workers a special treat to keep their spirits high and their taste buds happy, with a unique branding display that’s a sure conversation-starter. The GODIVA® Tumbler Gift Set is a great way to show your appreciation for your customers and employees. This Godiva® tumbler gift set includes a 16 oz insulated stainless steel tumbler with a black leatherette sleeve, two Godiva® bars, and three Godiva® gems. This customizable gift is packaged in a high-end gift box with a sheer ribbon and a one-color imprint on the box lid for added appeal.  

Gourmet popcorn takes an afternoon snack or family movie marathon to the next level. This is a fun add-on to an employee gift this year and something they can snack on during Zoom conferences and workshops. 4 Way Contemporary Gift Box - Gourmet Popcorn is a delicious variety of Cookies and Cream Popcorn, Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn, Kettle Popcorn, and White and Dark Chocolate Swirl Popcorn.  You can add your logo on a stock design sleeve or your own customized artwork for an added touch.

Just because people are home doesn’t mean there’s no time (or call) for celebration. Designed for on-the-go and travel, but perfect for virtual conferences, this kit brings the office party indoors and home with the Cocktail Party For One available in three options: Old-Fashioned, Gin and Tonic, and Moscow Mule. Housed in the Avery pouch (available in black for the Old-Fashioned, natural for the Gin and Tonic, and both for the Moscow Mule) is a snack food mix and a TSA-compliant W&P cocktail kit, each containing the essentials to craft two top-shelf drinks. You simply add the spirits.

Ideas That Wear Well

With so many people dressing down these days, employers and consumer brands can make an unexpected splash by providing an eye-catching accessory meant for dressing up. Choose from endless prints and colors to design a one-of-a-kind accessory to market your brand, available in various styles, including neckties, scarves, as well as face masks and neck gaiters. You can even take it a step further by creating a themed, fun, virtual event, encouraging your employees to wear their new accessory with a favorite old t-shirt.

NEXT LEVEL™ UNISEX PCH PULLOVER HOODIE is an easy-wear option that all employees can drape over their shoulders during the day, or quickly throw on before a team meeting. With the uptick in loungewear, it’s also a trusty go-to brand name garment that all will love and wear.

Whether they’re sitting at their desk or lounging on a Saturday night, recipients will appreciate a comfy Sherpa Blanket. This plush blanket is made from 100% polyester fleece, has a super soft feel, and the surface is washable.

The Smell of Freshness, Citrus, Earthy—Or Whatever You’d Like

Studies have shown that certain aromas can actually boost someone's mood. When at home or in the workplace, there are certainly moments when the gentle scent of vanilla or soothing aroma of lavender offers a sense of calmness during a hectic day, or even help with focus.

There’s nothing like an exquisitely crafted candle and consumers love them. The 14 oz Frosted Tumbler with LUX Box makes a statement as a luxury custom candle gift. This classic, timeless frosted 14 oz. tumbler is decorated with your logo, then hand poured with a scented soy-blend wax of your choice. Each candle contains an eco-friendly wooden wick, which makes a gentle crackling noise as it burns, and a beautiful muted glow. Every imprint color is gorgeous on these matte frosted candles. 

The Sounds Of Calm, Rock ‘n Roll, and Everything In Between

Whether working at a desk or in the field, a majority of workers wear headphones during their workday. Eight in 10 employees said they felt listening to music improved their productivity at work, and 66 percent felt it improved their productivity in general. Whatever the reason for tuning in to music or podcasts, nearly half said they wore headphones to avoid speaking with colleagues and 30 percent said they use headphones for noise cancellation. Headphones are not only a well-received gift but one that will get lots of use.

The Air-Buds Pro is available in white, can be paired with any phone type via Bluetooth, answer phone calls, participate in Zoom meetings, and more. The earbuds are housed in a charging case and come with a silicone carrying case, a carabiner clip, and an earbud leash. Customize the case by printing your logo on the front, back, or both.

For employees who spend much of their day on phone calls and in conferences and who may also like to listen to tunes during their “free” moments, the Jabra Evolve 20 UC Stereo Wired Headset will make their workday phone calls easier. With passive noise cancellation to eliminate background noise, the black headphones allow wearers to adjust the volume, mute, answer, or end calls directly from the control unit and have foam heat-away ear cushions for all-day comfort.