20 Convenient And Amazing Virtual Gifts For Employees

In a digital world, the gift I give you almost always benefits me more than it costs.
~Seth Godin

Virtual gifts offer several advantages over traditional employee gifts, including convenience and customization. They can be sent instantly via email or other digital platforms, making them a convenient option for busy employers. Additionally, virtual gifts can be easily customized to meet individual employees' needs and preferences, allowing employers to tailor their gifts to each person's interests and tastes.

So, if you're up for it, here are some unique and thoughtful virtual gifts for employees.

But before you explore the list of virtual gifts, know more about why virtual gifting is the new way of giving.

Why is Employee Virtual or Digital Gifting a Smart Choice?

Virtual gifting has revolutionized the way we express our appreciation. It has brought a new level of ease and grace to gift-giving. With just a couple of taps on your screens, you can send personalized gifts to people who matter to you. Virtual gifting not only offers unparalleled convenience but is also an eco-friendly option that promotes sustainability.

Personalization: Virtual gifting offers a high level of personalization. You can personalize a gift with a message, video, or paragraph.

Convenience: It brings unparalleled convenience to gift giving. Thoughtful gifts can be sent instantly, with just a couple of clicks.

Flexibility: When it comes to flexibility, virtual gifting wins. These gifts can be used for both online and in-store purchases.

Security: Virtual gifts have fewer chances of getting stolen or lost, making them much more secure than physical gifts.

Plethora of Options: Going virtual or digital while gifting will provide you with a wide range of options, making it easy to pick the perfect gifts for your employees.

Eco-friendly Alternative: Virtual gifting eliminates negative impacts by providing a paperless and emissions-free gift option.

Storing: Opting for virtual gifts helps eliminate the need for physical storage space and reduces waste.

Managing: Managing is one other added benefit. Managing digital gifting allows for easy tracking and monitoring of gift transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and errors.

Distribution: Distribution in virtual or digital gifting enables instant and convenient delivery of gifts, reducing the time and cost associated with physical distribution.

Virtual gifting offers a convenient and secure way to appreciate your employees. From avoiding the hassle of shipping and handling to providing endless customization options, virtual gifting is a smart choice. So, the next time you want to gift your employees, consider the many benefits of going digital.

20 Convenient and Amazing Virtual Gifting Ideas for Employees

A. Virtual Gifts for Remote Employees

1. Virtual Gift Cards

52 percent of U.S. firms use gift cards to recognize and reward their employees, salesperson, channel partners, or customers.

Source: Marketwatch.com

These days, online benefits platforms are a big go-to, where you can gift your employees with ease and efficiency. Integrating virtual gift cards into such platforms not only aligns with the modern digital landscape but also offers added convenience for both givers and receivers.

With features like instant delivery and customizable messages, virtual gift cards provide a seamless experience. At the same time, retaining the flexibility and freedom that make them such a popular choice for employee rewards and recognition.

2. Digital Concert Tickets

Are you tired of giving the same old boring gifts to your employees? If yes, how about shaking things up by giving them online event tickets? Attending an online concert or show can transform an ordinary weekend into an exceptional one.

Moreover, the trend of buying online event ticketing is increasing due to its convenience and hassle-free experiences.

Source: Polaris Market Research Analysis

Digital event tickets are easy to send and redeem, making them a convenient option for employers. At the same time, digital events can offer a unique and memorable experience that employees can enjoy on their own time.
Moreover, these tickets represent more than just entry to an event. They embody the opportunity for coworkers to bond over a shared interest and create lasting connections beyond the workplace.

3. Virtual Office Gadgets

Virtual office gadgets serve as excellent virtual gifts for employees by enhancing their remote work experience.

Gadgets such as:

• Webcams

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

• H.D. Webcams

• Smart Speakers

They provide practical solutions and demonstrate an employer's commitment to their employee's comfort and efficiency. Virtual office gadgets can contribute to your employee's well-being and job satisfaction.

4. Meal Service Subsription

Laughter is brightest in a place where food is good.
~Irish Proverb

"What's for dinner?" The dilemma is real. And your employees might be facing it all too often. But, by gifting them a meal service subscription, you will save them from the dilemma and add a little luxury and convenience to their daily lives.

Employees can easily access fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals without cooking with a meal delivery subscription. So, don't you think it makes for a thoughtful and practical gift?

But do remember to communicate clearly with your employees about the meal subscription, including the duration of the subscription, steps to redeem it, and other relevant details.

B. Virtual Holiday Gifts for Employees

5. Holiday Donation or Charity

Those who are the happiest do the most for others.
~Booker T Washington

When it comes to gifting your employees, the options are limitless. After all, there is no shortage of tangible items you can give to show your appreciation. But have you ever considered a virtual gift that promotes social responsibility? While instilling a sense of pride in the eyes of your team members.

Donating can go beyond volunteering and be entirely digital through online donations, crowdfunding, cryptocurrencies, and social media fundraising. These options offer a quick and convenient way for people to support causes they care about without volunteering or attending events.

Moreover, it can be a wonderful way to show your employees that your organization cares about more than just the bottom line. Such thoughtful expressions of appreciation and kindness will surprise them.

6. Subscription Christmas Snack Boxes

A subscription Christmas snack box offers employees a delightful virtual gift option. These curated boxes deliver a variety of tasty treats directly to employees' doorsteps.

Snack boxes can be packed with an assortment of festive treats, such as gourmet chocolates, savory snacks, and seasonal goodies. They bring the joy of the holiday season directly to employees' homes.

Not only do they provide a tasty indulgence, but they also serve as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work throughout the year.

7. Streaming Service Membership

Spread cheer by gifting your employees an O.T.T. subscription. A streaming service membership offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in festive joy.

Whether revisiting timeless classics or discovering new holiday favorites, your employees can immerse themselves in Christmas movies.

8. Christmas Virtual Team Building Activities

Christmas virtual team building activities will provide an opportunity for employees to bond together despite physical distance. There are countless options to suit every team’s interest. From festive-themed trivia games to virtual secret Santa.

These virtual gatherings offer a welcome break from the holiday grind.

9. Grocery Delivery Service

A grocery delivery service offers convenience and relief in their daily lives. With hectic schedules, groceries delivered right to their doorsteps will alleviate your employees' stress.

So, this service ensures that employees have everything they need without the hassle.

It's a gesture that brings immediate relief and fosters a sense of care and consideration. In a way, it acknowledges the demands of modern life and provides a thoughtful solution.

C. Virtual Learning Gifts for Employees

10. Online Learning Courses

90% of companies offer their employees some form of digital learning.

If your company comes under the 90% of companies that offer digital learning, then kudos. But, if your organization falls under the remaining 10%, pull up your socks. With the increased demand for skilled individuals in corporate, online learning has become essential to professional development.

If you wish to invest in your employees' future and help them grow personally and professionally, consider offering them an online learning course.

E-learning courses will provide both accessibility and flexibility to your employees to learn and develop new skills.

And since online courses come without the pressure of deadlines or exams, your employees will love it.

11. E-books

The Statista Digital Market Outlook estimates that by 2026 the number of ebook users will increase to 1.18 billion.

The above estimation must not come as a surprise since ebooks are a convenient way to consume and share information.

Furthermore, since e-books are easily shareable, employees can share these books. This may also promote the formation of book clubs. Book clubs can foster community and collaboration among colleagues who may not interact regularly.

It can also be a golden opportunity for employees from different departments or teams to come together and discuss a shared interest. Eventually, helping to break down silos and promote cross-functional communication.

This fosters team building and a culture of knowledge sharing. So, if you wish to give something that benefits your organization and employees, consider gifting ebooks.

12. Audiobook Subscription

The global audiobook market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 26.3% from 2023 to 2030.

Are your employees always on the move and multi-tasking? If yes, then how about giving them audiobook subscriptions? Audiobooks are gaining popularity, and their market size is expected to grow globally.

Source: Grand Research View

Gifting audiobooks can be a thoughtful gesture demonstrating your investment in employees' growth and development. Your employees would certainly thank you for that.

Your employees can listen to audiobooks during their commutes or while doing their household chores. They don't have to carve out extra time from their busy schedules to listen to audiobooks. All they have to do is pop in their earbuds and let an audiobook do the rest.

13. Online Language Course

Gifting an online language learning course can open up possibilities for your employees. Not only will they learn a new skill, but it will help them foster better relationships with people from all over the world. Also, learning a new language will:

• Provide them with a new skill set.
• Enhance their career prospects.
• Offer them a sense of accomplishment.
• Foster a more diverse and inclusive approach to life.

Moreover, communicating globally builds strong relationships, opens new opportunities, and bridges cultural gaps, benefitting both employer and organization.

14. Online Workshops and Webinars

Online workshops and webinars are valuable virtual gift options for employees. These virtual sessions will provide a convenient platform for your employees to learn new skills.

Employees can customize their learning experience to align with their career goals and aspirations. Additionally, participating in these workshops fosters engagement and growth within your team.

Such online workshops and webinars will empower them to thrive in their professions.

D. Well-being or Experience Gifts for Employees

15. Employee Benefits Platform

Consider gifting unforgettable experiences such as holidays or travel vouchers to your employees.

Providing opportunities for rest, relaxation, and adventure not only promotes well-being but also fosters a deeper sense of loyalty and appreciation.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a spa retreat, or an exotic vacation. These experiential gifts create lasting memories. It also demonstrates a genuine investment in your employees’ happiness and fulfilment beyond the workplace.

16. Access to Employee Wellness Platforms

Ever considered giving your team the gift of wellness? Imagine an employee wellness platform packed with personalized resources. From mental health tips to fitness challenges, all designed to fit their busy lives.

It’s like providing them with a supportive community and a personal fitness coach right in their pocket.

Providing employees with access to an employee wellness platform is a valuable gift that demonstrates a commitment to their overall well-being.

Recommended Resource: The Ultimate Guide To Corporate Gift Ideas For Employees In 2023

17. Online Meditation and Mindfulness Apps

As per Statista, 34% of the most purchased healthcare apps in the U.S. are meditation apps.

Meditation and mindfulness apps have evolved from niche products to the "kale of the wellness world" overnight. The popularity of these apps should not come as a surprise. These apps have proven to be a much cheaper and more effective way to manage everyday stress and anxiety. Your employees have come across these apps or must be using them themselves.

By gifting them access to these apps through subscriptions, you'll be able to encourage them to use them more often. In turn, you'll be able to foster a healthier and fit workforce.

So, you see, it's a win-win deal for both your employees and your organization.

18. Financial Workshops and Seminars

Financial wellness workshops can provide your employees with knowledge and resources to confidently navigate personal finances.

These workshops cover budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. It will empower employees to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

Moreover, participating in these virtual sessions fosters a sense of empowerment and control over one's financial future, creating a positive ripple effect both professionally and personally.

19. Volunteer Opportunities

Organizing group volunteering opportunities and granting paid time off for employees to contribute to charitable causes can promote a culture of compassion and community engagement. Your employees will experience personal fulfillment and develop a deeper sense of purpose and camaraderie within the team.

This commitment to social responsibility enriches the lives of individuals and strengthens the organization's collective impact on the wider community.

20. Beauty and Wellness Membership

It must be difficult for your employees to carve out time for self-care from their hectic schedules. So, how about presenting them with a beauty and wellness membership? Don't you think it'll make their workday a lot brighter?

Gifting employees with memberships to beauty and wellness programs can be a powerful motivator for them to prioritize their own self-care needs.

Subscriptions on these platforms have an added advantage: They can offer personalized experiences that consider your employee's needs and preferences, making them feel valued and cared for.

Benefits of Virtual or Digital Gifting Ideas for Employees

1. Convenience

Virtual or digital gifting eliminates the need for physical delivery, making it easy for employers to recognize and reward employees regardless of their location or time zone.

2. Accessibility

With virtual gifting, employees can receive their rewards instantly via email or digital platforms. It ensures timely recognition and appreciation for their contributions.

3. Customization

Digital gifting allows for personalized experiences, where employers can tailor gifts to suit individual preferences.

Further enhancing the impact and value of the gesture.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Virtual gifts often come at lower costs compared to traditional physical gifts. In a way, enabling employers to allocate resources efficiently while still providing meaningful rewards to employees.

5. Eco-friendly

Virtual gifting minimizes environmental impact by reducing reliance on physical products and packaging. It aligns with corporate sustainability goals and promotes eco-conscious practices.

6. Engagement

Virtual gifting encourages employee engagement and morale by fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation. Such gifts also boost motivation and loyalty within the workforce.

FAQs

1. How can virtual gifts be personalized for each employee?

Ans: Each employee's virtual gifts can be customized by adding their name, interests, or a unique message. E-cards, personalized movie preferences, or virtual experiences can all be used for this.

2. Can you give an example of ethical gift-giving?

Ans: Ethical gift-giving involves considering the impact of the gift on the recipient, the environment, and society. Giving a gift that aligns with the recipient's principles or donating to a cause in their honor are both excellent examples. This reduces waste and demonstrates thoughtfulness while also helping a worthy cause.

3. What are some of the best virtual gifts to send employees?

Ans: Some of the best virtual gifts to send employees are e-gift cards, online courses, virtual experiences like cooking or yoga classes, or subscriptions to streaming services or audiobooks. These virtual gifts are versatile, easy to deliver, and can be personalized to match the recipient's interests or needs.

4. Is there a difference between personalized and customized gifts?

Ans: Yes, customized gifts are altered to fit certain preferences, while personalized gifts reflect the recipient's unique characteristics and interests, making them more intimate and thoughtful. While personalized gifts have a greater emotional impact on the recipient, making them feel cherished and loved on a deeper level, customized gifts are ideal for branding or promotional objectives.

5. To give a team, what are some amazing virtual gift options?

Ans: Some amazing virtual gift options to give a team include e-gift cards from online retailers. You can also give a subscription to a service, such as a meal kit delivery or online fitness program. Virtual experiences like cooking classes or online game nights are also great options. Additionally, to express appreciation for your team, you can also think about giving them personalized digital presents like unique playlists or digital artwork.

Conclusion

Virtual gifting can be an excellent way to show appreciation for your employees, especially in the age of remote work. From virtual gift cards to online experiences, various options are available to fit any budget and interest. By taking the time to personalize the gifts and make them meaningful, you can strengthen the bond between you and your employees, boost morale, and foster a positive work culture.

Remember, giving is about the value of the gift and the thought behind it. So, don't hesitate to get creative and show your employees how much you care about them.

This article is written by Sanjeevani Saikia who is a part of the marketing team at Vantage Circle. Sanjeevani loves to split her leisure time between reading and watching TedX. Her curiosity is easily piqued by the most recent developments in Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com.