Pricing

Celebrating employee birthdays is a great way to show appreciation and boost morale, but figuring out the right budget can be tricky. Just like with work anniversaries, it's important to balance meaningful recognition with your company’s resources. This guide will help you determine a good budget for employee birthday gifts, considering industry standards and company size.

Budget by company size

The amount you spend on employee birthday gifts can vary based on company size, industry, and overall budget. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Small companies: For smaller companies with limited budgets, $20-$50 per employee can show appreciation without overspending.
  2. Medium-sized companies: Mid-sized companies might allocate $50-$100 per employee for more personalized and higher-quality gifts.
  3. Large organizations: Larger corporations often spend $100-$200 or more per employee to provide significant, memorable gifts.

Birthday gift ideas and budget by industry

Manufacturing

In the construction industry, practical and durable gifts are highly appreciated. Typical budgets range from $50-$75 per employee. Popular gifts include high-quality tools, sturdy work gear, and branded work apparel.

Carhartt® Watch Cap 2.0

Made from acrylic rib-knit fabric, this customizable Carhartt cap is perfect for keeping warm during chilly workdays. Available in various colors, it’s a practical and thoughtful gift for workers who need reliable gear.

Humphrey 56-Piece Tool Set

Equip your team with this high-quality tool set, including wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers in a durable carrying case.

Deluxe Household Tool Set

This versatile set includes 24 essential tools in a compact case, ensuring reliability and convenience for any quick fix or project.

Heritage Supply Pro Gear Backpack

Designed for durability and practicality, this backpack features multiple compartments and padded shoulder straps, making it a reliable gift for transporting gear.

Carhartt® Workwear Pocket Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This customizable t-shirt, made from 100% cotton, is available in multiple sizes and colors, offering comfort and functionality on any job site.

Education

Educational institutions generally have tighter budgets. A budget of $20-$40 per employee is common, with gifts like stationery and desk accessories being popular choices.

Amridge Custom Wireless Charging Desk Organizer

Keep desks tidy and devices charged with a custom wireless charging desk organizer. This organizer is a practical gift for any educator, helping them stay organized and efficient.

Pedova™ Zippered Padfolio

The Pedova padfolio is an elegant and functional gift featuring a zippered closure, multiple interior pockets, and a writing pad. This padfolio helps administrators stay organized during meetings and classes.

The Sweet Little Plant Box

Meet the easiest class pet: succulents. This low-maintenance plant box that adds a touch of greenery to any desk.

Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug w/Handle

Keep beverages at the perfect temperature with this vacuum insulated travel mug. Featuring a handle and personalized name, this 20 oz mug is both practical and personal, making it a perfect gift for administrators on the go.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical companies often have larger budgets for employee appreciation, ranging from $75-$150 per employee. High-quality, health-related items such as wellness packages, fitness trackers, or professional development courses are favored.

Fitness Tracker & True Wireless Sport Earbuds

Promote wellness with the fitness tracker & wireless sport earbuds combo set. This high-quality set includes a sleek fitness tracker to monitor activity levels and wireless earbuds with a charging case.

Lavender Vanilla Spa Experience

Treat your employees to relaxation with the lavender vanilla spa experience. This luxurious set includes soothing bath salts, body lotion, and a scented candle infused with calming lavender and vanilla.

6 Speed Rechargeable Massage Gun

Help your team relieve muscle tension and stress with the 6-speed rechargeable massage gun. With multiple speed settings and interchangeable heads for a customized massage experience, it's a thoughtful gift that supports overall wellness.

Peace and Pampering Care Package Gift Box

Show your appreciation with the peace and pampering care package gift box. This curated set includes premium items like bath bombs, a cozy blanket, and herbal teas designed to promote relaxation and self-care.

Service Companies

Service companies, including hospitality, retail, and customer support, generally allocate $30-$60 per employee, with gourmet food & candypersonalized items, or birthday gift sets being well-received.

Smith & Sinclair Alcoholic Cocktail Gummies Selection Box

Add a touch of fun to employee celebrations with alcoholic cocktail gummies. This unique gift includes a variety of gourmet gummies infused with real alcohol, offering a delightful twist on classic cocktails.

Mrs Prindables "Birthday Cake" Caramel Apple Gift Set

This delightful package features a gourmet caramel apple dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles, making a sweet and thoughtful gift that brings a celebratory touch to any employee's special day.

True Scoops® DIY Ice Cream Sundae Kit

Bring the joy of homemade treats with the true scoops DIY ice cream sundae kit. This kit includes everything needed to create delicious chocolate sundaes at home, making it a fun and engaging gift for employees.

Custom DIY Planter and Candle Gift Set

Encourage creativity and relaxation with the custom DIY planter and candle gift set. This thoughtful gift includes materials to craft a personalized planter and a custom candle, offering a hands-on, relaxing hobby for employees.

Tech

Tech companies are known for their generous employee perks, usually allocating $100-$200 per employee for birthday gifts. Popular gifts include the latest gadgets, tech accessories, and personalized office equipment.

JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Compact yet powerful, this speaker delivers bold sound in a waterproof design. It’s a perfect gift for tech-savvy employees who enjoy high-quality audio on the go.

Custom Glimpse Photo Frame with Wireless Charging Pad

Keep devices powered up with the custom Boltron wireless charging pad. This sleek and efficient charging pad can be personalized with your company logo for a thoughtful and practical gift.

Apple AirTag - 4 Pack

Apple AirTags can be easily attached to keys, bags, and other items, making lost belongings a thing of the past.

Commuter Bundle Welcome Kit

This premium set includes high-quality wireless earbuds, speaker, and charger, all packaged in a backpack customized with your company’s branding.

Finance

In the financial sector, employee birthday gifts often align with a professional image. Budgets range from $75-$150 per employee, with gifts such as luxury pens, branded accessories, or premium apparel being popular.

Personalized Cross® Classic Century® Black Ballpoint Pen

This sleek pen can be customized with the recipient's name or initials. It's a timeless gift that adds a touch of elegance to any executive's desk.

Personalized Cognac Gift Set with Cigar Accessories

This premium set includes a stylish cognac glass, a cigar cutter, and a lighter, all elegantly packaged and customizable with your recipient's name.

Patagonia® Better Sweater Fleece Vest

Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, this premium Patagonia vest is a practical and sustainable gift that reflects a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Herschel Retreat Computer Backpack

The Herschel computer backpack is a perfect blend of style and functionality. Featuring a classic style with modern details, it's a practical and stylish gift for finance professionals on the go.

Our data insights

This guide uses our gifting data to outline industry-specific trends and averages as benchmarks. Use it as a starting point and remember actual budgets will vary by company, but the goal remains the same: to make employees feel appreciated on their special day. 

Understanding benchmarks will help you align your gift-giving practices with industry standards and make thoughtful choices. For more detailed insights and personalized recommendations, contact our team for expert advice on crafting the perfect employee birthday gift strategy.

Faq

  • How much should I give my employee for birthday gift?

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    The amount you should spend on an employee's birthday gift varies based on your company size and budget. Generally, small companies spend $20-$50, mid-sized companies spend $50-$100, and large organizations spend $100-$200 or more per employee.

  • How do you celebrate employee birthdays at work?

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    To celebrate employee birthdays at work, consider organizing a small gathering with cake, sending personalized birthday cards, or giving thoughtful gifts. Some companies also offer paid time off or host monthly birthday celebrations for all employees born in that month.

  • Should I give my employees birthday gifts?

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    Yes, giving birthday gifts to employees is a great way to show appreciation and boost morale. It helps foster a positive workplace culture and makes employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions.

  • What is the right gift amount for employees?

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    The right gift amount for employees typically depends on your company's budget and size. Small companies might spend $20-$50, mid-sized companies $50-$100, and large organizations $100-$200 or more per employee.

  • What gifts should I give my employees?

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    The best gifts for employees vary by industry and individual preferences. Practical items like high-quality tools, personalized office accessories, tech gadgets, and wellness packages are popular choices. Consider gifts that are thoughtful and useful to show your appreciation.

About Alyssa Ciardi

Alyssa is a New Jersey based content creator and marketing strategist. She blends journalism & design expertise to craft impactful marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes. Connect with her on LinkedIn.