Employee referral programs are a powerful way to find top talent. Not only do they enhance your recruitment efforts, but they also give a nice boost to employee morale and engagement. While cash rewards are a go-to, unique and memorable referral gifts can help your program stand out.
Contents
- Why referral gifts matter
- Common employee referral programs
- 30+ unique referral gift ideas
- Trendy tech
- Wellness and self-care
- Lifestyle and home
- Fun and entertainment
- Food and drinks
- Gifts aligned with values
- Custom and personalized
- Referral gift considerations
Why referral gifts matter
Referral gifts are more than just a perk — they’re a strategic tool. Here’s why:
- Encourages participation: Referral gifts can get employees excited and more willing to participate in your program, leading to more high-quality referrals.
- Boosts morale: When employees feel appreciated for their efforts, it boosts morale and job satisfaction.
- Promotes loyalty: Employees who recommend their company to trusted colleagues are typically more committed and loyal over time.
Common employee referral programs
Before getting into gift ideas, let’s quickly look at the most common types of employee referral programs:
- Monetary rewards: Cash bonuses for successful referrals.
- Tiered rewards: Different levels of rewards based on the position referred or the number of referrals made.
- Experiential rewards: Offering experiences like travel vouchers, event tickets, or wellness retreats.
- Company recognition: Shining a spotlight on top referrers in company meetings, newsletters, or on a recognition wall.
30+ unique referral gift ideas
Ready to think beyond cash? Here are some unique and memorable referral gift ideas to consider:
Trendy tech
Elevate your referral program with cutting-edge tech your employees will love.
3PLUS Vibe Lite Smart Watch
Stay stylish and connected with this sleek smartwatch. Perfect for keeping up with work and workouts.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
Let your top referrers enjoy peace with high-quality noise-canceling headphones.
Custom mophie® Wireless Power Bank
Keep devices charged on the go with this compact, custom-branded wireless power bank.
Solar Waterproof Bluetooth® Speaker
Perfect for outdoor adventures, this solar-powered Bluetooth speaker is a fun and functional gift.
Custom Imprinted Apple iPad mini 64GB
Reward top referrers with a big-ticket item like a custom-wrapped iPad mini.
Wellness and self-care
Show your appreciation with gifts that promote health and wellness.
Steeplechase Vineyards Spa Collection Gift Basket
A spa basket often comes to mind when you think of a self-care gift. This gift is great for those within the beauty or personal care industry.
Moleskine® Medium Notebook and Kaweco Pen Gift Set
Self-care isn’t just about spa products. Journaling is also a form of self-care and a great mental escape.
The Thank You Gift Box
A thoughtful box with a candle, tea, candy, and an air plant. Add a candle holder and wick lighter for an extra touch.
Custom iHome Sunrise Bedside Sleep Therapy Machine
Help your employees get a good night's rest with this soothing sleep therapy machine.
Lifestyle and home
Bring the cozy vibes home with these great referral gift ideas for remote employees or long-distance clients.
Harry & David - "You Rock" Succulent Plant
Brighten up their workspace with a charming succulent.
Primula Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
This cold brew maker is a delightful gift for coffee lovers.
Pendleton National Park Throw Blanket with Carrier
Keep them cozy with this luxurious throw blanket that conveniently rolls up as a carrier.
Fun and entertainment
All work and no play makes for a dull company culture. Thank your employees with gifts that bring fun and relaxation.
Pop Culture Gourmet Movie Night Gift Set
A perfect kit for a relaxing movie night at home.
Portable Cornhole Game
Add some fun to their weekends with this portable cornhole game set.
Tangelo Vivid 300 Mini Projector
Turn any space into a mini cinema with this compact projector.
Pickleball Complete Set w/Net & Poles
Encourage outdoor fun with this complete pickleball set.
Food and drinks
Delight your referrers with delicious food & candy or wine & liquor.
"Thank You" Chocolate-Dipped OREO® Cookies Gift
Indulge them with Belgian chocolate-dipped Oreo cookies.
Thank You - Dried Fruit and Nut Collection
A healthy and tasty assortment of dried fruits and nuts.
Sterling Vintner's Duet Wine Gift Basket
Perfect for wine enthusiasts, this gift basket is sure to impress.
Stolichnaya Elit Vodka & Sugarfina Bento Box Gift Set
A sophisticated gift set featuring premium vodka and gourmet candy.
Chocoholic Gift Basket
A dream come true for chocolate lovers.
Bean Box Coffee Sampler - 6 Month Subscription Gift
This six-month coffee sampler subscription keeps your team energized and motivated.
Gifts aligned with values
Looking to align your gifts with your company values? Check out our personal value categories, including sustainable gifts, charity giveback, or women-owned companies.
Elemental Classic Water Bottle and Artisan Tumbler Gift Set
This eco-friendly set supports various charities, making a positive impact with every sip.
Modern Sprout Glow & Grow Live Well Gift Set
Supports God’s Love We Deliver, providing nutritious meals to communities with this candle that doubles as a planter.
Tea Lovers Tea Forte and Bottle with Strainer Gift Set
Perfect for the tea lover, this beautifully designed gift box is from a women-owned company.
Terra Thread Fairtrade Earth Computer Backpack
Made from sustainable materials, this backpack also helps support Feeding America.
Custom and personalized
Make your referral gifts extra special with personalized touches.
Personalized 5 pc Luxury Wine Gift Set
A personalized wine set perfect for connoisseurs and top performers.
Vacuum Insulated Coffee Mug - 15 oz.
Keep their drinks hot with a personalized touch by adding their name to it.
Fleece Sherpa Blanket - 50" x 60" (Monogrammed)
Cozy up with this monogrammed initials sherpa blanket.
Personalized Bamboo Barbecue Tools - Stanford
Perfect for the grill masters, these personalized tools are a hit.
Black Diamond Personalized Bourbon Smoker Kit
A unique gift for whiskey lovers, complete with a personalized touch.
Referral gift considerations
A successful referral program is all about incentives. Cash rewards are common and welcomed, but exciting gift options will help your program stand out. Consider rotating gifts quarterly to keep things fresh and encourage ongoing participation.
Employees and clients may not refer if the reward isn’t worthwhile. To encourage participation, pick gifts that are genuinely exciting and appealing. Go beyond cheap gifts and think of items you’d appreciate to help guide your gifting decisions. Better yet, send an eGift collection and let them choose their own gift.
Elevate your referral program
Employee referral programs are a great way to attract top talent and show your team how much you value their contributions. You can create a more engaging and rewarding program beyond the typical cash bonus by offering unique and thoughtful referral gifts. Whether you choose trendy tech, wellness gifts, or personalized items, these referral gift ideas will help you create a program that stands out and keeps your employees motivated and appreciated.
Ready to elevate your referral program? Explore these ideas and start rewarding your team in a way that truly resonates with them!
