“What would they like best? A gift card? Or wait, what about a company outing? No, maybe a stainless-steel water bottle with our firm’s logo—but this time, we include their name!”
Let’s be honest: Your staff probably doesn’t need another coffee mug or tumbler. (Unless it’s a really awesome one. But even then…) After watching your staff power through another year of deadlines, client meetings and tax season marathons, it’s time to show them some real appreciation. So, before we get into gifts for accountants and staff, let’s start with something they’ll appreciate year-round.
Recognition: The gift that beats another branded mug
Before we dive into the latest gadgets and goodies, let’s talk about something that matters even more than the perfect gift: recognition. (Stick with me, folks.)
Picture your team for a moment. When was the last time you celebrated their wins? And I’m not just talking about making it through busy season or nailing a complex audit (totally celebration-worthy, by the way). I mean the small stuff, too, like mastering a new application or process, leaning into personal development or even handling a particularly challenging client with grace. (We’ve all been there.)
Here’s why recognition matters:
- It creates a vibe worth keeping. When someone crushes it at work and gets a public high-five, magic happens. Not only does that person feel like a rock star, but it helps spread positive energy throughout the firm.
- It’s better than a triple-shot espresso. OK, maybe not during tax season, but genuine recognition from leadership is a serious mood booster. When your team feels seen and appreciated, they’re happier, healthier and probably more inclined to go above and beyond during tough times.
- It turns good performers into great ones. Want to know the secret to productivity? It’s not just another productivity app (although we like those, too)—it’s recognition. When people feel valued, they don’t just meet expectations; they crush them.
- It builds connections stronger than your office Wi-Fi. Regular appreciation, both public and private, creates bonds that make your firm less like a workplace and more like a community.
Running a successful firm is crucial (those bills won’t pay themselves), but your people? They matter most. And they’re the ingredient that makes it all work. Happy employees don’t just boost morale; they create the kind of workplace culture that makes Monday mornings actually bearable.
How to curate the perfect gift for accountants and staff
There are several things to consider when it comes to curating the perfect gift for your staff. Is your team working in the office, or do you have remote employees? Do you want to give your team something they can use personally or professionally, or maybe something that checks both boxes?
It’s a lot to think about, so that’s why we’ve created criteria for selecting the perfect gift:
- Be practical. Will it actually make their work life better, or will it collect dust?
- Get personal. Show them you know them beyond the office. Do they have a favorite sports team, musical or hobby?
- Think balance. Help them enjoy life outside the office.
- Don’t repeat last year’s gift. Did you hand out water bottles last year? If so, then your team is probably well hydrated. Don’t default to the “same old, same old.” Get creative.
If you don’t work with your team daily, collaborate with a couple of coworkers who can help you select the best gift. At the end of the day, choosing something thoughtful and heartfelt is the way to go.
Gifts for accountants and staff (that they’ll actually love)
Before we dive into the good stuff, remember this: The best gifts reflect your firm’s values while making your team’s lives better. And no, that branded pen set probably won’t cut it this year. (Who writes things down anymore, anyway? Oh, wait; I do, sometimes.) Let’s explore some gift options for accountants and staff that’ll make them say, “Wow, they really get me!”
Tech that makes sense (unlike some of your clients’ bookkeeping)
For employees who are into the latest and greatest gadgets, let them choose from a list of technologies they’ll love to use in and out of the office. Items can include:
- Noise-canceling headphones (Life Q20) or earbuds (Liberty 2 Pro)
- Portable Bluetooth speakers, like the JBL Clip 3
- Smart water bottles, like the HidrateSpark or Aquio Bottle
- Eco-friendly power banks (Nimble Portable Charger)
Take it a step further by looking into personalization options for whatever you choose.
Work-life balance (yes, it exists!)
When you consider gifts for accountants and staff, don’t overlook wellness options. A focus on an employee’s health and wellness has come into the spotlight over the past few years. While you may offer an incredible work-life balance to your team, take it a step further by showing how much their health (including their mental health) means to you and your firm by checking out the following gift options:
- Online fitness classes through obé fitness (for busy season stress relief)
- Encourage mindfulness through Calm or Headspace (for when Excel formulas won’t behave)
- Healthy meal delivery services like Sunbasket or Green Chef (because no one wants to cook during busy season)
Helping encourage healthy wellness activities for your employees is not only good for their well-being, but it also promotes happiness in the workplace.
Experiences worth talking about
Instead of a traditional gift that may end up collecting dust on a shelf, give your staff the gift of an experience. Allow them to choose their own experience, whether it’s attending a professional sporting event for the first time with friends and family or crossing a hiking adventure off their bucket list. Here are a few places to start looking:
- Bucketlist Rewards (skydiving, anyone?)
- Tinggly (grab your bags!)
- Virgin Experience Gifts (spa days, museum tours, helicopter rides…the sky’s the limit)
Giving your employees an experience creates lifelong memories they can cherish.
Subscription selections
Outside the norm of a one-and-done gift, consider a year-long subscription based on your employees’ hobbies or interests, or give them the chance to learn (or master) a skill. From online classes and annual park passes to craft beer subscriptions and pet-friendly gift boxes, there’s something for everyone at multiple price points. And here are a few to consider:
- Masterclass (because learning doesn’t always have to involve CPE)
- Cratejoy
- Annual National Parks Pass (fresh air is good for the soul)
- Loot Crate™
A subscription is a gift that keeps on giving.
When gifts need to be budget-friendly
There are several ways to show your staff how much you appreciate them and the work they do, from gift cards to stainless steel water bottles to an extra vacation day. Here are some budget-friendly and non-traditional ways—from simple to more elaborate—to show appreciation to your staff at any time of year.
1. Send handwritten notes of gratitude.
Take time to write a short note to express your appreciation. It shows how important the employee is to you and your firm, and they’ll appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
2. Offer additional time off.
You may already offer your employees an incredible PTO (paid time off) package, but gift them an extra day or two, or allow them to leave early on Fridays throughout the slower months. Employees will value the extra time to enjoy the “life” part of their work-life balance.
3. Host gatherings (virtual or in person) during work hours.
While you may or may not offer a hybrid environment, treat your team to a hosted gathering during office hours—a catered lunch, a few rounds of trivia or a happy hour. It will break up the monotony of the day and allow your staff to have fun during working hours.
4. Invest in leadership and educational opportunities.
Give back to your employees by investing in leadership or educational opportunities to help advance their careers. You can do this through tuition reimbursement or even by paying for licenses to access online courses through LinkedIn Learning or Udemy.
5. Provide options for financial security.
Ensuring your employees are paid competitively is a great start toward their financial freedom. Up your benefits game by offering 401(k) matching or flexible retirement options, and consider providing yearly merit raises that cover the rise in inflation.
Remember that any gesture of gratitude is a good gesture. Keep it simple by sending a handwritten note or—if you’re able—offering a competitive benefits package to show your appreciation to your team. Just be sure to use these ideas throughout the year to keep employees feeling appreciated all year long.
Gifts for accountants that keep on giving
Want to really show your appreciation? Consider offering these ongoing perks:
- Flexible scheduling
- Remote work options
- Mental health days
- Regular team celebrations (because why wait for the holidays?)
Get to giving
Let’s wrap this up (pun totally intended). While we’ve covered everything from high-tech gadgets to zen-inducing experiences, here’s the real deal: Showing appreciation doesn’t have to empty your wallet. The most meaningful gifts often come from knowing what makes your people tick. Whether you go big or keep it simple, what matters the most is the thought behind it. And hey, don’t wait for the holidays to show your gratitude. Surprise your team with appreciation throughout the year. Trust me, an unexpected “thank you” in July hits different than another fruit basket in December. (Though, who am I to judge? Some people really love fruit baskets.)
Now, go forth and appreciate your rock star team. They deserve it!
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