Are you searching for Labor Day gifts for employees that show your appreciation? We’ve got you covered! Labor Day, celebrated in the summer, is a perfect time to give your team thoughtful gifts they can enjoy during their holiday break. Whether they're traveling, camping, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, these gifts will remind them that they're valued beyond the workplace.

Here’s a list of 8 great Labor Day gifts your employees will love and appreciate, ranging from practical items to fun outdoor essentials.

8 Great Labor Day gifts your employees will love 

Practical everyday items

Practical everyday items make for functional and thoughtful gifts that employees can use both during work and in their personal lives. These items ensure convenience and add value to their daily routines.

Backpack

The Classic Deluxe Backpack is a perfect blend of practicality and style, making it a thoughtful gift for employees. With plenty of storage space, it’s ideal for commuting, business trips, or weekend getaways. This employee appreciation gift offers functionality and durability, ensuring your employees can use it both in their professional lives and personal adventures.

Tote bag

The Infinity Convention Tote is a versatile and stylish choice for those who need to carry essentials to the office, gym, or even a weekend farmer’s market. Its spacious yet lightweight design makes it one of the best holiday gift ideas for employees who appreciate both form and function. This tote offers convenience while reminding your team that you value their hard work.

Insulated drinkware

Help employees stay refreshed with the Black Easy Access Tumbler by ASOBU®, a sleek and practical option for keeping beverages at the perfect temperature. Whether used in the office or on outdoor adventures, this tumbler is a great customized employee gift that combines functionality with style. Its durable design makes it a long-lasting way to express appreciation.

Home and office essentials

Home and office essentials ensure that your employees’ workspace is comfortable and organized, while also providing items they can use to relax at home. These gifts are perfect for those who balance remote work and home life.

Custom blanket

A personalized blanket like the 100% Recycled PET Fleece Blanket with RPET Pouch is a great holiday gift idea for employees who value comfort. Whether they use it at home or in the office, this cozy and eco-friendly blanket is a thoughtful gift that shows your appreciation.

Pillow cover

The Priority Rest Throw Pillow Cover offers both comfort and modern style, making it a great addition to any office or home space. Its soft fabric ensures a cozy break time, making it one of the most thoughtful employee appreciation gifts. This gift reflects the importance of both work and relaxation, something every hardworking employee needs.

Desk lamp

Brighten up your employees' workspace with the Motion LED Desk Office Lamp. With its sleek design and energy-efficient LED lighting, this lamp ensures productivity during long workdays while reducing eye strain. It’s a perfect holiday gift idea for employees who spend time at their desks and value a functional, stylish workspace.

Desk organizer

The Steel + Wood Desk Organizer offers a modern, professional look while helping employees keep their workspace tidy. This thoughtful employee gift not only adds style to the office but also enhances productivity by providing a functional solution for organizing supplies. It's a great way to show appreciation for their hard work.

Outdoor and family activities

Outdoor and family activity gifts are perfect for employees who enjoy spending their free time outdoors. Whether for a picnic, a beach day, or a family outing, these gifts promote relaxation and fun outside the office.

Picnic blanket

For employees who love the outdoors, the EERKEOD Extra Large Picnic Blanket Waterproof Picnic Mat is an excellent holiday gift idea. This blanket is perfect for family picnics, beach days, or outdoor adventures. Its large size and waterproof feature make it practical, while its portability encourages your team to unwind and enjoy time with loved ones. This is a thoughtful gift that shows you value their well-being outside of work.

Why celebrate Labor Day at work?

Labor Day is an ideal time for companies to show their appreciation for employees. It's more than just a day off; it's a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication that drives the business forward. Offering Labor Day gifts for employees is a simple yet effective way to say thank you and boost morale.

Celebrating at work can also have a direct impact on your company's success. Research shows that cultivating a positive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and appreciated, can lead to as much as 4x increased revenue growth. Thoughtful gifts—like personalized items or practical everyday gifts—help reinforce this positive culture, ensuring your team feels motivated and engaged.

By choosing gifts that fit their personal lives or help them unwind, you’re encouraging a healthy work-life balance, which ultimately contributes to higher productivity and a happier workforce.

In short, celebrating Labor Day at work with a thoughtful gift shows employees that their contributions are valued, creating a culture of appreciation that benefits everyone.

Final thoughts

When picking Labor Day gifts for your employees, the most important thing to remember is that the holiday focuses on your employees, not the company. 

Ensure your gifts are specific to individual employees instead of offering general items to everyone. Personalized items work best for Labor Day because every employee is unique and brings something different to the table. Labor Day is the best time to acknowledge each team member for who they are. We recommend adding personal notes to every gift you give your team for this purpose. 

If you choose to offer promotional items, such as branded company swag as gifts, we recommend including cards with customized Labor Day messages to make the gift special and fit for the occasion. 

To make gifting easier, automate your employee recognition and appreciation program through PerkUp. The platform is designed to make it easy for you to send appreciation notes and personalized gifts to your employees on different occasions. Book a demo today to see how PerkUp can transform your employee gifting culture.