N.S. asks from Ortonville, MI on June 09, 2011
Employee Gifts for Company's 25Th Anniversary Party
Hi everyone,
Our family business is celebrating it's 25th anniversary with a picnic party. My husband wants to give everyone something nice in the $20-25 range. I'd like to make sure it's not just junk that they'll throw away. I suppose it's nice to have a company shirt/sweatshirt. I'm stll debating whether is should be something with a company logo, or a general gift, such as a gift certificate to local business. The majority of employees are men from 18-retirement age, and about 25% women. Any ideas or websites to check out? I remember getting gifts such as fancy paper weights from the place I worked, and that's exactly what I don't want. Should the men get the same thing as the women? Thanks for all your input!
Featured Answers
N.B. answers from Minneapolis on June 09, 2011
My husband works for a big company (Auto Glass), that has been bought out by bigger and bigger companies (started as a family owned company years ago). We have loads of tshirts and polo collar tops with the various logos.
If you are gonna go logo..these were my faves and we still ahve and use them...
My fave things we still have are the nicer almunimum or insulated lidded coffee mugs (the logos are in silver or black so not obnoxious)...and some canvas tote bags (like someone mentioned the Lands End type)...also a small messenger bag type one..this one was GREAT when dd was young...for her coloring books and a sketch book and crayons and such...
We used to also get gift cards to places they co sponsored events with..sort of partnerships in business I suppose?
Congrats on 25 years!
1 mom found this helpful
More Answers
B.C. answers from Los Angeles on June 09, 2011
I have received lots of trinkets and trash over the years when I worked for GM. When I found out how much they spent on a company logoed pen or paperweight, I'd have been much happier with a the cash.
My suggestion would be to give them 10 $2 bills, or 25 dollar coins in a cloth sack or something similar or a $25 master card.
Good luck to you and yours.
2 moms found this helpful
N.B. answers from Minneapolis on June 09, 2011
My husband works for a big company (Auto Glass), that has been bought out by bigger and bigger companies (started as a family owned company years ago). We have loads of tshirts and polo collar tops with the various logos.
If you are gonna go logo..these were my faves and we still ahve and use them...
My fave things we still have are the nicer almunimum or insulated lidded coffee mugs (the logos are in silver or black so not obnoxious)...and some canvas tote bags (like someone mentioned the Lands End type)...also a small messenger bag type one..this one was GREAT when dd was young...for her coloring books and a sketch book and crayons and such...
We used to also get gift cards to places they co sponsored events with..sort of partnerships in business I suppose?
Congrats on 25 years!
1 mom found this helpful
J.T. answers from Grand Rapids on June 09, 2011
Some of the 'best' things that I have gotten from companies as gifts are gift cards to area restaurants, Amazon gift 'cards', a picnic basket/tote (it had their company logo on it) like this one - http://www.amazon.com/Threadart-Market-Tote-Chocolate/dp/.... Another thing that my husband got - not sure where is a blanket that rolls up small that is great for leaving in the car. The guys might not like it, but as a woman I loved it b/c it was just the right size to leave in the car and we always have one with us.
One thing that my dad's company used to do was have a 'company night/afternoon' at the local sport events (ball game, etc.). They give tickets out to the employees - for them and their family - and they would have a tent set up and serve food before the event, and then everyone was in the same section for the game. A co-op that they belong to now did the same thing last year for all the members, but they went to the local zoo instead. Grilled a great lunch for everyone and everyone had a great afternoon at the zoo.
I agree, some of the worst things we have gotten are those plaque and paper weight type things. Shirts and stuff are nice too, but I like the stuff that I can use outside of work too.
For ease, I would probably do the same for both the men and the women. How great of you guys to do this! Have fun 'shopping'! :-)
J.
1 mom found this helpful
S.T. answers from New York on June 09, 2011
Forget the shirts. I've had tons of company logo shirts over the years - I wear them to clean the bathroom or the car. It's not personal - but unless it's a high quality collared shirt (more like $40) it won't be used.
If your people sit at desk nice desk clock is a good gift. I'm not crazy about a gift card/certificate since it's gone in minutes and there's nothing to remember. Once I got a lovely lenox picture frame as an office gift, the previously mentioned desk clock, a nice - qaulity pen with the company logo? Try to work around the company's business. There are webiste that sell all kinds of imprinted corporate gifts - from mugs to scarves to gold watches. LL Bean & Lands End will put your logo on those heavy duty canvas tote bags - th eibg ones are expensive but maybe the middle sized ones are too costly?
Congrats on the 25 years! Good for you!
1 mom found this helpful
M.H. answers from Raleigh on June 09, 2011
If I were your employee, I would be happiest with a gift card to a local business. Not that a company shirt isn't great, but a gift card can be used by me and my family! :) What a nice thing for you all to do!
1 mom found this helpful
L.M. answers from Kansas City on June 09, 2011
a personalized (with company logo or just the company colors) cooler bag that can hold a nice size lunch or a six pack:-)
great for both men and woman and does not cost a fortune.
cant do much with a $25 gift cert, unless it is to a buffet dinner :-)
M.W. answers from Detroit on June 10, 2011
Sounds like your reservations are the same as mine. I'd vote for gift cards!
C.S. answers from Detroit on June 10, 2011
I always liked getting the VISA gift cards. A gift anyone can use almost anywhere for anything. You could put them in a card that has the company logo on it. Good Luck
Email