Gift a Celebration of Quiet and Calm

Self-care and celebrations aren’t just on the list of nice things to do; they’re part of our style, mood, productivity, and creative spirit. As the virtual office solidifies its place in workforce manuals, the art of intention is central to when and how we connect and celebrate important moments with our customers and employees.

The old days of birthday cakes in the office kitchen are a thing of the past. Milestone events, birthdays, and industry recognition offer the chance to be proactive and send thoughtful surprises that arrive with a sense of excitement, warmth, and caring.

Two elements to think about when selecting your gifts are feel and fragrance. We’re gravitating toward textiles that invite the touch; materials like soft cotton, velvet, mohair, or fleece to accent a gift. Glitzy, shiny materials have been replaced with a kinder, gentler feel in everything from the bags, blankets, and handwoven pieces that surround our daily routine. For example, top a plush towel with an artisan soap, place the soft fold of a woven napkin inside a porcelain cup or go for a creative wrap using a fleece bag to package a rich walnut cutting board.

Aromas are a work-of-art too. Blown glass smudge bowls and beautiful bundles of incense invite a fragrant reprieve. Scents of palo santo and cedarwood mixed with the sound of crackling wood wicks have elevated natural soy candles to a gift of luxurious relaxation.

Take a moment to pull out your calendar and note the occasions to recognize employees and customers. Find unique ways to send comfort to others and to bring it into your space. Not only is it a visual cue, but the day will feel better.

Gratitude for Their Grit and Gusto

In recent conversations with executives, the topic of finding and retaining talent continues to surface. The pace of change is so quick, and the cost of slowing down to hire is so high that team leaders are concerned about burnout and turnover. This concern has executives focused on meaningful ways to acknowledge and celebrate employee milestone events.

As significant employee accomplishments and anniversaries occur, here’s a sampling of ideas that can be as unique as the individuals involved:

Gifts don’t have to be big; small can still be thoughtful. People know when their gift has been a last-minute run to a big box store to grab what’s left on the shelf. These times call for gestures that are unique and authentic if they’re to send a message of caring. Hand-crafted coasters with natural wood grain and beveled-edging can be a perfect fit for those who appreciate the attention to detail. Another option is to mix textures and pair a forged metal slicing knife or cheese cutter with a custom wood cutting board. Add a hand-woven kitchen or bar towel with a cheerful print or stylish pattern.

Focus on the things they love. Consider the employee's favorite activities and include a nod to one of them as part of your gift. Is your team member a foodie? Do they love the outdoors, travel? Include a small, colorful book highlighting specialty foods or different beverage themes, find trail guides, travel, or postcards of the parks. Or choose specialty salts, baked or crispy flavors, tasty beverage mixes, spirits, or artisan tonic as nice additions. (If you can’t find a specific item that fits, you can reference what lights them up in your personal note.)

Encourage them to relax and unwind. With all those long hours, a gift to suggest rest and relaxation may be in order. Consider a small leather journal for reflection, notes, and ideas. Add a scented candle that transports them to their favorite place (woods, ocean, island). Offer the feel of ceramic mugs or glazed wine goblets they’ll love to hold as the sip.

For those late-night calls and early starts. We hear about the client and team calls taken in pj’s as employees work more hours to wrap up projects. A gift combination that features artisan espresso cups ready for the caffeine boost, or a night cap-worthy whiskey tumbler and forged metal mixing spoon can be a fun hat tip to their efforts.

Aside from the beauty and unique textures, artisan gifts become favorite, long-lasting pieces that don’t melt or wither away after a week. With an array of design styles to pick from, they’re conversation starters. Your employees will appreciate and talk about who gave them such a meaningful piece as they sit down at their desks, share with friends, and continue on their journey.

Visit our Marketplace and Hand-Crafted Gift Boxes for More Ideas