Employee appreciation isn’t just about giving something. It’s about giving thoughtfully. Whether it’s for a holiday, a company milestone, or simply to say “thank you,” the way you present a gift speaks volumes about how much your organization values its people.
That’s where branded gift boxes come in. A well-designed box can elevate even the simplest gesture, turning it into a meaningful experience your employees won’t forget. Here’s how to choose the right gift boxes for your employee appreciation program, from what goes inside to the type of packaging that makes the biggest impact.
Why Employee Appreciation Packaging Matters
The presentation of a gift is just as important as the gift itself. When employees receive a beautifully packaged box with your branding, it creates a moment of excitement and pride. It shows that your company pays attention to the details and that your team is worth the extra effort.
Premium packaging can:
- Reinforce your brand values
- Make gifts feel more personal and meaningful
- Encourage social sharing or internal engagement
- Boost morale and retention
Occasions That Call for Gifting
Not every appreciation moment has to be tied to a major holiday. There are many meaningful opportunities to surprise your team throughout the year:
- Employee anniversaries and milestones
- End-of-year holiday gifts
- New hire welcome kits
- Recognition for performance or promotions
- Remote team appreciation
- Corporate retreats or events
Each of these occasions can be enhanced with thoughtful packaging that aligns with your company’s tone, whether that’s fun and playful, clean and modern, or luxurious and high-end.
What to Include Inside the Box
The best employee gifts strike a balance between practical, personal, and memorable. Here are a few popular options you can mix and match based on your company culture and budget:
- Branded items such as mugs, notebooks, water bottles, or apparel
- Gourmet treats like cookies, snacks, chocolates, or teas
- Wellness products including candles, bath salts, or self-care kits
- Gift cards or handwritten notes
- Company swag or limited-edition merchandise
- Items that support remote work, such as tech accessories or desk decor
Whatever you choose, make sure the products are presented neatly and securely within the box. That’s where packaging type plays a big role.
Choosing the Right Type of Gift Box
Not all gift boxes are created equal. The type of box you choose should reflect both the tone of your appreciation and the practical needs of your gifting campaign, especially if you’re shipping boxes to remote employees.
1. Magnetic Lid Boxes: The Luxury Experience
When your goal is to make a lasting impression, magnetic lid boxes deliver. These high-end boxes are as much a part of the gift as the items inside. With a smooth magnetic closure, rigid construction, and premium finishes like matte lamination or soft-touch coating, they signal that the recipient is receiving something special before the box is even opened.
Why they work:
Magnetic boxes are ideal for employee appreciation moments that require an elevated, memorable presentation. They feel substantial in the hands, open with a quiet sense of ceremony, and can be enhanced with branded inserts, ribbon closures, or custom foil stamping for a polished, upscale effect. This is the kind of packaging employees are proud to display on their desks or reuse at home.
Perfect for:
- Executive and senior leadership gifts
- Holiday or year-end gifting programs
- Celebrating multi-year anniversaries or major career milestones
- Recognition for top-performing or long-tenured employees
- Welcome packages for new executives or board members
These boxes are especially effective when delivering premium branded merchandise, high-end wellness gifts, or curated gourmet collections. They create a complete unboxing experience that reflects the value your company places on its people.
Learn more about custom magnetic boxes
2. Custom-Printed Gift Boxes: Classic and Elegant
There’s something timeless about a gift box with a lid and ribbon. This style brings to mind a classic unwrapping experience, where the recipient unties the bow, lifts the lid, and takes in the full presentation inside. Custom-printed gift boxes are ideal for businesses that want their employee gifts to feel warm, thoughtful, and refined.
Why they work:
These boxes offer a sense of tradition and charm that resonates in both personal and professional settings. They are sturdy, structured, and made to impress. You can customize them with your company’s branding, use soft-touch or textured finishes, and elevate the interior with branded tissue, custom inserts, or simple embellishments like grosgrain ribbon or foil stamping.
This packaging style is ideal when you want to deliver a gift that feels intentional and heartfelt, whether handed out in person or delivered with care.
Perfect for:
- Company holiday gifting
- Work anniversary milestones
- Department-specific recognition
- On-site appreciation events
- Thoughtful welcome kits for new hires
Custom-printed gift boxes shine when presentation matters just as much as the contents inside. They are especially suited for curated gift sets, branded merchandise, gourmet treats, or personal notes that deserve to be unwrapped with care.
Explore custom printed gift boxes
3. E-Commerce Boxes: Functional and Ready to Ship
When employees are remote or located across multiple offices, packaging needs to be practical, protective, and visually on-brand. E-commerce boxes are designed for exactly that purpose. These corrugated boxes provide durability and structure for shipping, along with full customization options that allow you to create a branded experience from the moment the box arrives.
Why they work:
E-commerce boxes offer the best of both worlds. They protect your contents in transit while also delivering a professional, brand-consistent presentation. You can print your logo, campaign message, or internal tagline directly on the box, and pair it with inserts, filler, or tissue to enhance the reveal. They are ideal when your gifting program involves shipping to multiple addresses, especially for remote or hybrid teams.
Perfect for:
- Remote or hybrid employee gifting
- Virtual event swag boxes
- Nationwide onboarding kits
- Wellness campaigns and care packages
- Seasonal or quarterly appreciation drops
Inside, include desk items, branded gear, self-care products, snacks, or event materials. These boxes help ensure that even employees working from a distance feel included, seen, and appreciated.
See our custom e-commerce box options
Final Touches That Make It Memorable
Once you’ve chosen your gift and box, it’s the little things that make the experience feel personal:
- Custom tissue paper in your brand colors
- A thank-you card signed by leadership
- A printed insert explaining the occasion or theme
- Coordinated ribbon, stickers, or branded seals
These finishing touches help create a sense of care and intention, turning a box of items into a true expression of appreciation.
Ready to Build Your Employee Gift Boxes?
At Morgan Chaney, we help businesses design branded packaging that feels just as thoughtful as the gift inside. Our team can guide you through the process from concept to delivery.
Let’s make employee appreciation unforgettable, one box at a time.