Remote work is here to stay, with some companies aiming to be 75% remote by 2025, and honestly, who can blame them? Studies show that employees in certain sectors are feeling more satisfied and engaged with their work.
But just giving people the option to work remotely isn’t enough to make it successful. It works because there are solid management decisions behind the scenes, helping things run smoothly and creating a great environment for everyone.
One important thing to remember is not to overlook your remote workers. If you’ve got a team of 200, for example, and 50 of them are working from home, it can be easy to forget their needs.
As one Redditor shared:
"I love working remotely, but sometimes I feel like I’m on an island... if my boss doesn’t respond to my Slack, I just have to wait (I can’t just 'pop in')."
This kind of isolation can happen with remote work, but there are ways to make your team feel connected. One idea? Send some thoughtful gifts to boost morale.
This is exactly why we’re jumping into 20 gift ideas that can brighten your remote workers' day.
Let’s get into this!
1. Work-from-home survival kit
A work-from-home survival kit filled with stress balls, fidget spinners, essential oils, and snacks is a fun and practical gift that helps remote employees handle the daily grind. These little extras are perfect for reducing stress and boosting focus, especially when work gets a bit overwhelming. Plus, everyone loves a good snack to get through the day. Your team will appreciate having these items on hand for quick breaks and moments of self-care.
Encourage them to use the kit when they need a breather. Whether it’s squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget spinner, or taking a moment to enjoy a snack, these small actions can really help break up the day and keep things balanced.
2. Meal kit delivery service
A meal kit delivery service is an awesome gift for remote employees who might not always have the time or energy to cook after a long workday. These kits come with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making it a breeze to whip up healthy, home-cooked meals without the stress of meal planning. Your team will love this because it saves them time and keeps dinner hassle-free while still being nutritious.
Encourage employees to explore the different recipe options each week and take advantage of the variety offered. It’s a great way to try new dishes, and they’ll enjoy knowing they’re eating something wholesome without the guesswork or extra effort.
3. Noise-canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for remote employees, offering a way to block out distractions and focus on work or video meetings. Whether they’re dealing with noisy neighbors or kids at home, this gift allows them to create a quiet workspace wherever they are. Employees will love it because it improves their productivity and makes it easier to stay focused.
Advise employees to experiment with different noise-canceling settings based on their environment, as some headphones offer adjustable levels of cancellation. This is also a fantastic gift for the remote onboarding process, instantly showing the new hires how important their comfort is!
4. Desk workout gear
Desk workout gear like small weights, resistance bands, or a foot pedal exerciser is a solid gift for remote employees who spend hours at their desks. It’s a fun way to sneak in some exercise without leaving the workspace, helping them stay active and avoid feeling stiff all day. Your team will definitely appreciate this, especially since it shows you care about their health and well-being, not just the work they do.
You can suggest they keep the gear close and use it during quick breaks or between meetings. Even a few minutes of movement can make a huge difference in their energy levels. It's all about staying loose and refreshed without too much effort.
5. Subscription to a wellness app
Gifting a wellness app subscription, like Calm or Headspace, is a game-changer for remote employees. These apps are loaded with meditations, sleep help, and productivity boosters, which are perfect for keeping stress in check and focusing on self-care. Your team will love this, especially when they need a moment to decompress during busy workdays.
Encourage them to explore the app in the mornings to get in a good headspace or use it to wind down after a long day. Whether they’re doing a quick meditation or using the sleep sounds, these little moments of calm will go a long way.
6. Digital gift card
A digital gift card is an easy, no-brainer gift that gives your employees the freedom to pick whatever they actually want. Whether they go for something on Amazon, order a meal from Uber Eats, or grab something unique on Etsy, it’s all about giving them the choice. Plus, it’s the perfect “thank you” without having to guess what each person would like.
You can suggest they treat themselves, whether it’s a fun purchase they’ve had their eye on or a meal from their favorite spot. It’s a chance to use the gift card to bring a bit of joy into their day, however they see fit.
7. Laptop cooling pad
A laptop cooling pad is a fantastic gift for remote employees because it helps prevent their laptops from overheating, especially during long work sessions. It’s perfect for keeping devices running smoothly, ensuring that employees can stay productive without interruptions due to their laptop getting too hot. Although it’s not the most awe-inspiring of gifts, it adds longevity to their device and keeps things running efficiently, even when they’re juggling multiple tasks.
Encourage your employees to use the cooling pad whenever they’re working on resource-heavy tasks like video editing or running several programs at once. They should also place the cooling pad on a hard, flat surface to maximize airflow and cooling efficiency.
8. Home office lighting
A stylish, adjustable desk lamp is more than just a good-looking addition to any home office. It also serves as a practical tool for improving lighting during meetings and making work easier on the eyes. This gift helps remote employees create a better workspace, especially if they’re often in video calls or working late into the evening. Good lighting can make a big difference in productivity and comfort.
Remind your employees to adjust the lamp’s brightness depending on their needs. Softer lighting for reading, brighter for video meetings, or angled just right for reducing eye strain.
9. Laptop privacy screen
A laptop privacy screen is a super useful gift for remote employees, especially those who work in shared spaces like cafes or coworking spots. It helps protect sensitive information by making it harder for others to see what’s on their screen, offering some peace of mind when working on confidential projects. This team appreciation idea allows an extra layer of security to be added, allowing them to work more comfortably in public spaces.
Suggest they keep the privacy screen in place whenever they’re working outside their home. It’s also handy for office use if they ever need to visit a shared workspace or client site, making sure their work stays private.
10. USB hub with multiple ports
A USB hub with multiple ports is an incredibly useful gift for remote employees, especially since many laptops don’t have enough ports to connect all the devices they need. With this hub, they can easily connect external monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals, making their home setup feel just as efficient as an office one. Your team will be grateful for the convenience of having everything plugged in at once.
Suggest that employees use the hub to keep frequently used devices, like wireless mice or external storage, always connected. They should also look for a good spot on their desk to place the hub for easy access to plug in additional devices when needed.
11. Fitness tracker
A fitness tracker, like a Fitbit, is a great way to encourage your remote employees to stay active and mindful of their health. These devices track steps, workouts, and even sleep patterns, helping people stay motivated and aware of their fitness goals. The team will appreciate this thoughtful gift as it supports their well-being and can be a fun way to track progress.
Suggest that employees set daily or weekly activity goals and take advantage of the reminders to move. They can use it to track walks, workouts, or even how much sleep they’re getting, making it perfect for balancing work and health while working from home.
12. Custom-branded hoodie or blanket
A custom-branded hoodie or blanket is a cozy and stylish gift for your remote employees, perfect for making their home offices feel a little more comfortable during chilly mornings. Featuring the company logo adds a personal touch, and it’s a great way to bring some team spirit to their work-from-home setup.
Encourage them to keep their new hoodie or blanket nearby for those early-morning Zoom calls or when they just need a bit of warmth while working. It’s both practical and comforting, making work-from-home life that much cozier.
13. Online learning platform subscription
An online learning platform subscription to services like Udemy or MasterClass is a brilliant gift for remote employees who love expanding their skills. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby or improving professional expertise, this gift shows your team that you care about their personal growth and long-term success. It’s also a great way for them to stay engaged and motivated outside of their usual work tasks.
Encourage employees to browse the wide range of courses available and take the time to explore topics they’ve always wanted to learn about. They can dive into anything from leadership skills to creative writing, all at their own pace.
14. Personalized mug warmer
A personalized mug warmer is the perfect gift for keeping your employees’ coffee or tea at just the right temperature throughout the workday. No more cold sips in the middle of meetings! It’s practical, simple, and adds a personal touch to their home office setup. Your team will love this thoughtful addition to their desks, making their workday a little more enjoyable.
Suggest they keep the mug warmer on their desk and use it with their favorite drink during those long stretches of work. It’s a small but mighty way to make the day feel a bit cozier and more comfortable.
15. Portable monitor
A portable monitor is a game-changing gift for remote employees who want a more productive and ergonomic workstation. Expanding their screen space means they don’t have to be hunched over a small laptop screen all day, and it makes multitasking or working on multiple projects much easier.
Recommend that employees set up the monitor at eye level to avoid strain, and use it for more complex tasks like video editing or managing spreadsheets. It’s a great way to make working from home feel just as efficient as being in the office.
16. Streaming service subscription
A streaming service subscription to platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime is a fun and relaxing gift for remote employees to enjoy after a long workday. It’s the perfect way to unwind with their favorite movies, TV shows, or even documentaries. Your team will appreciate having easy access to endless entertainment right at their fingertips, giving them a great way to decompress after work.
You can suggest they use the subscription to take well-deserved breaks and unwind with a show or movie in the evenings. It’s a great reminder to find a balance between work and relaxation, keeping burnout at bay.
17. Smart home assistant
A smart home assistant like Google Nest or Amazon Echo is a practical and thoughtful gift that helps remote employees manage their day-to-day tasks more efficiently. From setting reminders to controlling smart devices like lights or thermostats, these devices make home life easier and more organized. Your team will love the convenience and ease it brings to their work-from-home routine.
Encourage employees to use the assistant for managing their to-do lists, setting timers during work sessions, or even playing music to boost productivity. It’s a simple way to streamline their home office and add a bit of tech-savvy comfort to their workspace.
18. Essential oil diffuser
An essential oil diffuser is a calming and thoughtful gift that adds a touch of tranquility to any home office. With soothing scents like lavender or eucalyptus, it helps create a peaceful atmosphere that promotes focus during work or relaxation after. This thoughtful gift is great for both its practical benefits and its ability to turn any space into a stress-free zone.
Suggest they use the diffuser during work hours with energizing scents like peppermint to boost focus or switch to calming oils like lavender after work to unwind. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in creating a pleasant work-from-home environment.
19. Antivirus subscription
An antivirus subscription is a crucial gift for remote employees, especially for those who may not be as tech-savvy. With the growing reliance on the internet and cloud-based systems, keeping personal and work data safe is more important than ever. Antivirus software can prevent security breaches, malware, and other online threats, giving your employees peace of mind while working from home.
Encourage employees to run regular scans and update the software to ensure maximum protection. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to stay safe online, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with the tech side of things.
20. Professional mouse
A professional mouse is a fantastic gift for remote employees, especially those who spend long hours working at their computers. A well-designed mouse reduces wrist stress and helps prevent issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, making it a great ergonomic upgrade to any home office setup. Your employees will love this practical gift because it’s all about comfort and efficiency, allowing them to work smoothly without discomfort.
Suggest that employees adjust their workstation so the mouse is at a comfortable height and angle, minimizing strain. Pairing it with a wrist rest can also add to the overall comfort and reduce the chance of repetitive stress injuries over time.
Looking for the ultimate way to motivate and engage your remote team?
While gifts are great, nothing beats the reward of an unforgettable team retreat. Not only do you get the perfect getaway to bond, recharge, and boost team spirit, but it’s also a great way to attract the top remote talent.
Not got time to plan the logistics? Let Surf Office take it from here.
We’ve had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s what we offer:
- Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
- Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
- Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
- Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
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- Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅
Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.
Contact us for more information and make sure to reward your remote team in the right way.
