👋 You’ve just landed on our 2025 guide to Employee Appreciation Day!
Article Overview: With Employee Appreciation Day quickly approaching, SnackNation has put together a list of classic, trendy, and new ideas to celebrate March 7th with your employee! In-office, hybrid, and remote employees all deserve to be appreciated for their hard work and dedication!
So let’s start with something interesting we found while researching this topic.
A recent study conducted by Blueboard and Wakefield research found that two in three (67%) employed Americans say they don’t always feel appreciated for their contributions at work.
What else do we know?
HR leaders and managers across the world have continued to beat the drum that planned and thoughtful employee appreciation strategies can have a positive impact on:
🙋🏻♀️ employee retention
📈 productivity
😊 team morale
So, it stand to reason that if you don’t have anything planned for the upcoming Employee Appreciation Week in March, let’s make something happen!
Read on for just the Employee Appreciation Day ideas you need to convey your gratitude in creative ways and learn more about what makes an Employee Appreciation Day special.
🚨 Don’t forget! Employee Appreciation Day is on March 7th! 🚨
But first, we have one question for you…
🔎 Looking for something special?
Jump to the section below for a closer look at ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day:
Employee Appreciation Day in the United States is always on the first Friday of March. In 2025, Employee Appreciation Day falls on Friday, March 7th!
It’s never too early to start planning! To get the most out of Employee Appreciation Day, you must do more than just say “thank you.” You must try to make employees understand exactly why you’re thankful for them by connecting their efforts back to your company mission.
That’s why reflecting on your company mission and your company culture is the perfect place to start the planning process. You can start by asking these questions:
What actions contribute the most to your mission?
What characteristics align perfectly with your company culture?
Keep those questions in mind and start a log with specific actions and examples of employees contributing to your mission or embodying your company culture. When Employee Appreciation Day rolls around, you’ll have plenty of specific, heartfelt things to thank everyone for in your notes or speeches.
Employee Appreciation Day Ideas
Get ready for March with the ideas below. And of course, feel free to use these ideas any time one of your employees takes an action you want to celebrate and reinforce.
What this idea looks like: With Recipient Choice, the employee care experts at Goody provide an experience where each employee can select from a variety of physical and digital gifts that are relevant to their interests. Staff members will have the flexibility to choose the gift that best suits them, making it an ideal way for employers to show appreciation during Employee Appreciation Week!
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is a great way to give employees options and make sure that their gift is something they will love and appreciate! A nice opportunity to make a personal and heartfelt gesture with only a few clicks of your mouse.
With Recipient Choice, you can set the budget per employee so that you can keep a handle on your team’s finances.
2) Cater or order a delectable office lunch
What this idea looks like: Share appreciation and your universal appreciation of delicious foods. Make it a casual affair by ordering a bunch of pizzas and a dessert of cupcakes, donuts, and ice cream, or keep things fancy with a catered lunch.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Eating together provides time to reflect, time to talk, time to enjoy one another’s company. Much like a family Thanksgiving dinner, an office lunch creates a powerful collective feeling of warmth and gratitude.
SnackNation pick: Order from a local small business!
3) Get them something off their Amazon Wishlist
What this idea looks like: This idea simply makes it easier for employees to do something they love. As they enjoy their experience, they’ll feel appreciated and also pampered.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea delivers double benefits. Employees feel appreciated when they find out they’re getting a discount on Employee Appreciation Day and they’ll feel appreciated when they actually enjoy the experience.
Nickolai Mathison conducted this recent poll on Employee Appreciation Day. How do you think the results stack up?
4) Send a thank you card
This card hides something sweet inside!
What this idea looks like: Sending a work anniversary gift is a highly thoughtful and impactful way to acknowledge and celebrate an employee’s unwavering dedication and valuable contributions throughout the years. These gestures reinforce the profound appreciation that the company holds for its exceptional team members, build a strong sense of belonging, and greatly uplift morale.
Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Recognizing work anniversaries with a thoughtful gift is a concrete way to appreciate an employee’s unwavering dedication and loyalty to the organization.
What this idea looks like: Virtual events don’t have to feel like awkward Zoom calls. Think trivia battles, escape rooms, or a comedy hour that doesn’t put everyone to sleep. With platforms like Confetti, you can host engaging experiences where employees have funy—no awkward silences, forced fun, or people secretly checking their emails.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: It builds connection, energy, and culture. A well-planned virtual event makes remote employees feel included and gives everyone a chance to unwind together.
SnackNation welcomed employees with desk succulents!
What this idea looks like: Walking into work shouldn’t feel like a chore. Surprise employees with a welcome gift or an appreciation breakfast that makes them want to show up. Add a handwritten note or personalized touch—because nobody’s getting excited over another free pen.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: It flips the office experience from “ugh” to “okay, this is cool.” A thoughtful welcome makes employees feel valued before they even sit down at their desks.
SnackNation pick: The SnackNation team welcomed employees back with desk plants and a smile!
7) Plan an After-Work Activity
United Community planned a bowling night!
What this idea looks like: Happy hours are fine, but why not shake things up with an escape room, bowling night, or a cooking class that doesn’t involve PowerPoint slides? Give employees something to look forward to besides another drink at the same bar.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Shared experiences build stronger teams. A well-planned activity breaks routines, encourages bonding, and makes appreciation feel genuine.
SnackNation pick: Pick an activity that employees can get excited about and show up like bowling, miniature golf, or an office game night!
8) Celebrate “Win of the Week”
SnackNation has created a dedicated Slack channel to spreading thanks called the #gratitudewall
What this idea looks like: Highlighting a “win of the week” with the team provides a reliable way to acknowledge and commend exceptional contributions.
Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Recognizing a “win of the week” creates an environment that values and celebrates achievements, no matter how small. This encourages ongoing effort and innovation. Regular acknowledgment strengthens team unity, inspires individual performance, and highlights the company’s excitement around its team member’s wins.
What this idea looks like: Give employees an unforgettable pampering experience by hiring a masseuse or even giving them a free home day along with a DIY spa/self-care package.
Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: It turns a special calendar day into a great opportunity for refueling and rejuvenation, exactly what some employees might need most of all. This idea demonstrates respect for employees’ holistic well-being, work-life balance, and the importance of preventing burnout.
Find a local professional massage therapist and send them to employees’ homes or even your office. They’ll arrive with all the equipment so the relaxation can start immediately.
11) Create a company-branded swag box
What this idea looks like: Envision a custom-designed box brimming with exclusive, company-branded merchandise, from sleek water bottles and cozy hoodies to cutting-edge tech accessories, all emblazoned with your company’s logo. This curated collection is handpicked to ensure each item is a symbol of appreciation and enhances your team’s daily life, whether at work or home.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: A company-branded swag box serves as a tangible expression of gratitude, making employees feel valued and connected to the company. It’s an effective way to boost team spirit and loyalty, as every time they use an item from the box, they’re reminded of the company’s appreciation of their hard work and dedication.
What this idea looks like: Imagine the excitement of a gourmet food truck, offering everything from artisanal sandwiches to exotic cuisines, parks outside your office. Employees get to take a break from their usual routine, stepping outside to enjoy complimentary, chef-prepared dishes in the fresh air.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea turns a meal into a special event, offering a unique dining experience that caters to all tastes and preferences. It’s an excellent way to foster camaraderie among the team. After all, sharing a meal is a timeless way to connect, celebrate achievements, and create lasting memories.
What this idea looks like: Get everyone together to share some quality time engaged in team building activities outside of regular work duties. You can DIY an event or bring in an expert.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees a little time off to enjoy the company of their teammates demonstrates both appreciation for their hard work and trust. It makes it crystal clear that everyone has earned a little break.
Outback’s event experts will help you create an immersive bonding event that doesn’t just demonstrate your gratitude, but also makes everyone on the team appreciate each other even more. They offer over 60 flexible experiences, so you’re sure to find something that aligns perfectly with your culture.
14) Give them a discount on their favorite experience
UIT employees rooting for the Salt Lake Bees!
What this idea looks like: This idea simply makes it easier for employees to do something they love. As they enjoy their experience, they’ll feel appreciated and also pampered.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This idea delivers double benefits. Employees feel appreciated when they find out they’re getting a discount on Employee Appreciation Day and they’ll feel appreciated when they actually enjoy the experience.
What this idea looks like: Take employees out and about for an excursion, no yellow school bus required. You can go any—where a park, a yoga retreat, a farm—just as long as everyone is together you’re out of the office.
Why this idea is great for employee appreciation day: Do you remember how much you loved going on field trips as a kid? Recreate that experience for your employees and they’ll simply be able to feel how much you care about them.You can plan your own or work with a vendor, such as Wild Goose Chase Adventures, to send employees all around the city, gathering clues and having fun the entire time. Employees will love the exploration, the mystery, and even the challenge of the entire experience.
A South Carolina bank, United Community, planned a pedicure for employees to celebrate EAD!
16) Tie recognition together with a positive impact on the world
What this idea looks like: Give recognition to your colleagues and team for a job well done in Slack or Microsoft Teams, and make the world a greener place by donating to clean water initiatives for every praise given.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Not only will employees feel valued and appreciated, but they’ll also feel uplifted from having a positive impact on the world.
What this idea looks like: This is something your employees have never experienced before, something that completely interrupts their day-to-day routine in the most fun and exciting way possible. Think of adrenaline-rush activities like escape rooms, zip line courses, or even indoor skydiving centers.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees excitement and adventure will invigorate them. You’ll get the chance not only to show you appreciate them but also to make them feel totally alive.
Give employees the daring adventure of the ultimate escape. Immerse yourself in high-stakes bonding in one of their brilliantly planned rooms, which transport you anywhere from a derelict prison you need to escape to a swanky gallery you’re trying to rob.
18) Host a happy hour
What this idea looks like: Show employees some appreciation through delectable libations and maybe some classy snacks at the end of a workday. Whether you host everyone at a local bar or turn your very own break room into a surprise speakeasy, this classic idea is one practically anyone, from the intern to the veteran board member, can enjoy.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Good drinks and good company always make the gratitude flow. That’s why a well-timed happy hour is a perfect opportunity to share plenty of laughs and feelings of gratitude.
SnackNation pick: Book a local bar or brewery for an afterword drink!
HVCU celebrated their first annual Employee Appreciation Day with over 700 employees at Angry Orchard in Walden, New York!
19) Host a DIY Awards Ceremony
What this idea looks like: This idea is like an employee of the month program where everyone gets the recognition they deserve. Take time to think of one specific thing you appreciate about all your employees. Turn that element of gratitude into an award.
For example, if you really appreciate how Cedric always asks all the questions that need to be answered, then make a superlative for “asking the best questions” or being “the inquisitive keeper of all the details.”
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Employees will be dazzled to hear all the specific ways they excel. Even those short words of recognition will motivate them to sharpen their existing strengths. (This idea requires a lot of thought, but it will be worth it to see the smiles on employees’ faces.)
SnackNation pick: Make your own awards and present them to your team at the end of the week!
20) Deliver a curated employee care package
What this idea looks like: Premium goodies, employee gifts, and modern tech items that deliver a meaningful celebration of your team member’s accomplishments.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Share your gratitude while also delivering employees awesome things they need and want. Care packages have all the simple elegance of a bouquet of flowers; they’re just way more practical.
What this idea looks like: Send a personalized e-card signed by every member of your team to show appreciation for your staff. This card could be sent on Employee Appreciation Day or as an ongoing gesture of support throughout the year.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is an easy and inexpensive way to show team members that they are valued. It’s also something that you can do remotely, which makes it a great option for those who are working from home.
Sending an employee appreciation ecard allows you to personalize your award to individual employees and help make it a memorable week at work.
22) Turn them into beer and cheese experts
What this idea looks like: A beer & cheese pairing experience takes your team on a guided culinary exploration of craft beer and gourmet cheeses.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: What’s better than great beer and delicious cheeses? Every guest in this event will receive a box full of curated craft beers, artisanal cheese and other gourmet snacks to pair together during a luxurious food experience.
Your team will become culinary maestros as one of Elevent’s beer experts teaches your group how to identify matching flavors and aromas between beer and cheese to find perfect pairings.
23) Send them on a virtual escape room adventure
What this idea looks like: A virtual adventure that feels every bit as real and exciting as an in-person experience.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving employees a refreshing and exciting escape they need is a perfect creative way to show your appreciation.
This gift card works like a golden ticket or secret key into a world of adventure. Employees can use it to unlock immersive adventures they can enjoy with friends, family, or coworkers.
24) Have a virtual game night
What this idea looks like: A virtual fun fest packed with challenges, laughter, and plenty of bonding.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Giving the gift of fun is the perfect way to show your appreciation. The laughs and memories they make during this virtual appreciation idea will have them feeling good for weeks.
SnackNation pick: We can’t pick just one so here are a few of our favorite games to play with employees:
What this idea looks like: A fun hybrid virtual event where everyone learns how to make ice cream and ice cream floats from home.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This incredibly fun event delivers everything your team needs to make their own ice cream and floats at home. You can even work with the professionals who will plan the event and utilize an energetic host to get your team on their feet.
The Ice Cream Float Experience is the perfect way to get your team together for a fun party. You’ll take your employee engagement to the next level when everyone is making ice cream together from home.
26) Create a thoughtful tribute video
What this idea looks like: A heartfelt video conveying your deepest feelings of appreciation. You can create a video from their photos to appreciate their hard work and give them something that will last a lifetime. Best of all, employees can enjoy it over and over again.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Few material items can achieve the sentimental value of sincere messages.
Tribute helps you turn video messages from your team into a perfectly presentable token of appreciation for an outstanding employee or even a group of employees.
27) Sign them up for a charcuterie crafting workshop
What this idea looks like: A virtual team event that teaches everyone on your team how to build a jaw-dropping charcuterie board with gourmet ingredients.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: I mean, who doesn’t love getting smoked meats and artisan-made cheeses delivered straight to their door? These charcuterie kits are absolutely jam-packed with food like imported olives, mixed nuts, natural honeycomb and fig spread.
Everyone in your group will pick up impressive culinary skills to show off at future parties, like how to design and build cool charcuterie elements like salami roses. Getting a whole charcuterie board to enjoy yourself ain’t bad, either.
28) Send them a shoutout on an employee recognition program or platform
What this idea looks like: Simply pop onto your favorite platform, dole out some thoughtful awards, and sit back and watch the buzz spread.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: Recognition platforms, with their social media-inspired feeds, recreate the buzz and group participation of a busy office.
Nectar gives companies the tools to offer perks that reward employees while also reinforcing company culture. Exciting rewards, such as a lunch with the CEO or an expense-covered class, make every employee feel like the best employee ever.
29) Bring your team to a virtual Zen garden
What this idea looks like: A live event host will lead your team on guided tea tastings and meditations.
Why this idea is great for Employee Appreciation Day: This is an incredibly relaxing and refreshing event for the busiest teams out there. Participants learn to brew globally sourced teas and are led on goal-focused meditation and mindfulness exercises. The highlight of this experience is a mindfulness exercise, where your team members will learn to engage all five of their senses for a full immersion experience.
“This class was a perfect intro to Mindfulness for us! Attendees enjoyed the experience and mentioned that it was the perfect end to their day as the instructor walked them through ways to feel more balanced and calm.”
— Victoria, DIRECTV
Employee Appreciation Day Gift Ideas
This is by no means an exhaustive list of Employee Appreciation Day gift ideas. But…we thought that after writing about all the types of ideas you can employ for EAD, it would be helpful to add in a few of our favorite gift ideas.
What is it? An employee gift box that says thank you through a variety of luxury swag items, energizing snacks, and delicious goodies.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: It’s a perfect gift to order for teams or departments since everyone can appreciate a wellness box to kick off the week in style!
What is it? A sleek and stylish backpack that holds it all without looking bumpy or lumpy.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift shows you care about the well-being of your employees’ backs and also their sense of style.
What is it? A curated gift box packed with tasty treats and introspective mindfulness essentials.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Feeding their minds and bodies is the perfect way to convey a truly holistic sense of caring.
What is it? A durable and insulated tumbler that keeps hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold. Plus, it’s super stylish and the straw makes it super easy to stay hydrated.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift encourages well-being and also good times. The folks at SImple Modern create high-quality drinkware that you won’t want to go anywhere without it.
What is it? Bluetooth over-ear headphones that provide an immersive musical experience.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Employees could very well use these headphones every day, thinking about your appreciation gift as they do.
What is it? A sweet little succulent packaged in a gift box that doubles as a planter.
Why this is a winning in-office Employee Appreciation Day gift: Bringing a little bliss-inducing nature into their workspaces is the perfect way to thank someone for bringing bliss into the office.
What is it? A guarantee that your employee will be able to relax and enjoy a spa from a professional massage therapist courtesy of the spaweek.com network.
Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: Let’s face it, your employees work hard. Why not give them something they can enjoy when they want to relax and recharge.
What is it? A long-sleeve shirt from Quince that strikes that perfect balance between workout-ready wear and lounging comfortability.
Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: You might not be able to give your remote employees hugs, but wrapping their arms around this soft half-zip will give them the same warm feelings.
What is it? An expertly curated selection of feel-good snacks to invigorate your remote employees.
Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: This gift lets employees feel your appreciation in the form of the invigorating blast of energy they’ll get from eating these snacks while sipping their coffee.
What is it? A perfect mix of nature and tech, this charger looks like a tree slice.
Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: Who doesn’t need a charger, especially one so well designed? Super easy to order in bulk while also giving you the option to inscribe your company logo or event title.
What is it? A handy padfolio that also doubles as a charging station.
Why this is a winning remote Employee Appreciation Day gift: This appreciation gift makes their lives easier, allowing them to charge devices while they’re on the move from one appointment to the next.
National Employee Appreciation Day is a day dedicated to employer-to-employee gratitude and goodwill. Bob Nelsen, PhD, and his publishing company, Workman Publishing dreamed up the day to promote and celebrate the release of his book, 1,001 (now 1,501) Ways to Reward Employees.
If generally spreading goodwill doesn’t have you thrilled to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day, then maybe some of these employee appreciation benefits will woo you to the cause.
Appreciation (especially in the form of employee recognition) feeds retention, as exiting team members often cite a lack of recognition as the top reason for leaving.
Employee appreciation enhances the elements of a strong company culture and positive employee experience, including job satisfaction and employee engagement.
Appreciation can actually optimize productivity and hard work, as 9% of employees like to receive a “thank-you” in the form of more responsibility.
Appreciation and gratitude can deliver good vibes as powerful and beneficial as those anyone gets from perks and wellness initiatives.
Appreciation is healthy for team-building, as it inspires workers to regularly participate in training and office programs.
While most leaders and managers are thinking about ways to praise and appreciate their hard-working team members for Employee Appreciation Day, we thought it would be fun to show what happens when employee appreciation goes wrong.
People Also Ask These Questions About Employee Appreciation Ideas
Q: When is Employee Appreciation Day?
A: Employee Appreciation Day is always on the first Friday of March. In 2025, Employee Appreciation Day will fall on Friday, March 7th.
Q: How can I plan an awesome employee appreciation week?
A: You can plan an awesome employee appreciation week by running with ideas, such as catering lunch or taking a field trip, and rounding out your plans with some feel-good gifts. Start the planning process with the ideas in this post.
Q: What are some good things to say on employee appreciation day?
A: Some good things to say on employee appreciation day include:
I appreciate how you always…and then complete the sentence with specific actions
I feel thankful for your…and then complete the sentence with qualities and characteristics
Without you, we would never be able to…and then complete the sentence with group accomplishments.
If you run out of time to think of a specific phrase, you can always say something heartfelt yet general, such as: “I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for this company and me. Knowing I have your support and dedication makes me a better, happier person both at work and at home.”
Q: Should I give a speech to my team on Employee Appreciation Day?
A: You should give a speech to your team on Employee Appreciation Day if you’re comfortable making speeches and you have planned something thoughtful today. If public speaking makes you clammy, you can find plenty of other ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day.
Q: How do you celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with remote employees?
A: You can celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with remote employees by delivering a virtual experience, such as setting up a virtual escape room adventure or delivering care packages. These Employee Appreciation Day ideas will help you plan a celebration that makes employees feel extra special.
SnackNation is a healthy office snack delivery service that makes healthy snacking fun, life more productive, and workplaces awesome. We provide a monthly, curated selection of healthy snacks from the hottest, most innovative natural food brands in the industry, giving our members a hassle-free experience and delivering joy to their offices.
I absolutely adore the idea of the Playing Cards Set as a gift. Actually, I’d appreciate it even more, if you customize the set featuring… I don’t know, the corporate ID maybe or even some employees faces or anything like that. Regardless of design questions, it’s a great gift as it’s also including a team activity – playing cards!
Love these creative ideas for Employee Appreciation Day! As an HR manager, I’m always looking for new ways to show our team how much they’re valued. The scavenger hunt and outdoor picnic sound like a blast, and I’m definitely going to try the DIY awards ceremony. Thanks for sharing!
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Very valuable information, congratulations I was looking for something like that and found it here.
I absolutely adore the idea of the Playing Cards Set as a gift. Actually, I’d appreciate it even more, if you customize the set featuring… I don’t know, the corporate ID maybe or even some employees faces or anything like that. Regardless of design questions, it’s a great gift as it’s also including a team activity – playing cards!
Aww! I hope we have something like this in the future! This could be really motivating.
Great Website! Good Stuff! I really appreciate you and your employees!
Love these creative ideas for Employee Appreciation Day! As an HR manager, I’m always looking for new ways to show our team how much they’re valued. The scavenger hunt and outdoor picnic sound like a blast, and I’m definitely going to try the DIY awards ceremony. Thanks for sharing!