One novel idea that is gaining some popularity is for companies to set up a branded website that has gift items. This is an inexpensive way for companies to exhibit to employees how much their hard work and dedication is appreciated. It makes employees feel as if they are so appreciated that the company has made the effort to set aside a place where they can go to choose gifts that they find very meaningful. This method is seen by many employees as more effective than being given a watch after ten years of hard work. If your company cannot afford to setup a website where employees can choose a gift item them here are some suggestions that are very effective and in some ways memorable and long lasting. Many of these can be given out by large and small companies and are quite inexpensive,

- A visit from the president to the employee’s desk or work area.
- A personal message from the president.
- Birthday card delivered to the home of an employee.
- A birthday get-together at the office inclusive of with cake and candles.
- An announcement to every employee of an employee’s exemplary performance.
- Submitting a recognition letter to the employee's permanent work file.
- Put a “Special Employee" column in the company’s newsletter.
- Pens with some encouraging inscription on it.
- A coffee cup with the company’s logo.
- A sticker with motivating words such “You are the best”.
- Extra time off with pay.
- Giving recognition during a meeting.
- Beautiful flowers picked personally by the manger from their garden.
- T-shirt with company logo.
- Invitation to lunch by an executive of the company.
- Title change.
- Colorful balloons with encouraging words written on them.
- Gift certificates to a local clothing or furniture store, or a restaurant, cinema or day spa.
- Flexible hours for a month.
- Parking space with employee’s name.
- Praise the employee by saying it to them privately.
- Giving employee the option of choosing special assignments.
- Issue a certificate of Appreciation.
- Selecting the music that will be played at the workplace for a month.
- The opportunity to be late for work and leave an hour early for a week.
- A simple handshake.
- Specialty advertising items.
- Be the manager for a day.
- Provide a special lunch for a month.
- The manager washing an employee's vehicle.
- Allowed to miss two meeting for the month.
- Lottery tickets.