Why Incentive Travel Gifts Matter for Employee Recognition
Incentive travel gifts matter for employee recognition because they express appreciation for employees' hard work and dedication. By offering meaningful gifts to their teams, companies are showing attention to detail and commitment to crafting an excellent experience for everyone. Here are other advantages associated with incentive travel gifts:
- Boosting morale and loyalty: Thoughtful gifts show genuine appreciation for employees' good work. According to a Gallup study, well-recognized employees are 45% less likely to have turned over after two years. Every team enjoys recognition for their time and effort, and incentive travel gifts are one way to do it.
- Creating group memories: Corporate retreat gifts are reminders of amazing experiences employees shared. Research from the Incentive Research Foundation found that 80% of employees consider travel rewards “very” or “extremely” motivating. Incentive trip gifts are a lasting reminder of the offsite itself.
- Personalization speaks volumes: Customized gifts demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to employee satisfaction. Personalized experiences are one of the 2025 trends for businesses to follow, so why not incorporate that trend in gift-giving?
- Status symbols and conversation starters: Travel gifts allow employees to share their achievements with others, within and outside the company. This enhances their professional reputation and promotes a sense of accomplishment. Forbes highlights recognition as a key motivator for employee engagement and satisfaction.
50 Top Incentive Trip Gift Ideas
The goal of incentive trip gifts is to complement the travel program by further rewarding employees for their hard work and offering something to remind them of the trip. From company-branded gifts to personalized experiences and eco-friendly souvenirs, we’ve divided our list of ideas into five categories.
Destination-Inspired Gifts
These gifts reflect the culture and traditions of the travel destination. They can include local crafts, foods, or items that are specific to the area, helping employees remember their trip and feel connected to the place they visited.
1. Craftsmanship
Handmade crafts like woodwork, pottery, or textiles are fantastic representations of local craftsmanship and culture. These items showcase the skill and tradition of the artisans who created them, making them meaningful souvenirs.
2. Art / Painting
Artwork helps you bring a piece of the journey home. Whether it’s a painting, print, or photograph, travel art can add a touch of personality to any room, as is a reminder of a standout experience.
3. Soap
Handmade soaps fabricated with local ingredients are functional gifts. They are fragrant reminders of a travel destination. These soaps often incorporate natural elements that are unique to the region, such as herbs or essential oils, making them extra special.
4. Liquor
Specialty liquors provide employees with a taste of the local culture they just visited. Whether it's rum from your trip to the Caribbean, or wine from Italy, these drinks are often crafted with local ingredients and using techniques that reflect the area's traditions.
5. Food
Traditional foods and snacks from travel destinations are delicious gifts that make your incentive trip even more special. They can be macadamia nuts if you traveled to Hawaii, or tinned sardines if your retreat took place in Portugal. The best part? They are shareable souvenirs.
6. Shot Glasses
Shot glasses and other drinkware items featuring local designs, make unique souvenirs. They are also very easy to find regardless of your travel destination. They often include imprints of state or city names, making them collectible and personalized gifts.
7. Coffee
Local coffee beans or specialty coffee blends are a great way to bring the flavors of a destination back home. Choose a blend from a local roaster, for example. It's a practical gift that can be enjoyed every day.
8. Region-Scented Candles
Scented candles can evoke the ambiance and aromas of a particular region. For an incentive trip on the West Coast, for example, the fresh aromas of the Pacific Northwest will bring a piece of the travel experience into your employee’s home.
9. Coasters
Coasters made from local materials or designed with regional themes are practical gifts. They protect surfaces from water marks and add a touch of the travel destination to your decor.
10. Notebooks
Notebooks or journals inspired by local cultures can be used to record memories and write down travel notes during your incentive trip. These gifts are usually unique pieces, handmade, and reflect the destination's aesthetic.
Personalized Mementos
These gifts are customized with names, initials, or short messages, and help make the incentive travel program more personal. Personalized presents show that the company has put thought into selecting unique gifts for that specific occasion.
11. Personalized Tote Bag
A tote bag or backpack with the employee’s name or initials makes up for a practical and unique gift. This personalized bag also helps recipients stand out at airports and hotels.
12. Monogrammed Wallet
A leather wallet with custom initials is perfect for daily use and is a reminder of the trip. High-quality leather ensures durability, and it’s an accessory employees can use in their personal and professional lives.
13. Engraved Watch
A watch with a message or name engraved on it serves as a unique keepsake. An engraved watch adds a touch of elegance to any outfit and is suitable for personal/professional events.
14. Customized Photo Album
A photo book filled with photos from the trip and personalized captions from other employees is a thoughtful gift. It’s an excellent way to relive the trip's highlights and share them with family and friends.
15. Personalized Travel Journal
A customized notebook where employees can record their travel stories, personalized with their name or initials to make it extra special.
16. Initialled Travel Mug
A coffee mug with custom initials is ideal for daily use and as a travel souvenir. This personalized mug is a perfect gift to use at home or to bring to the office for daily coffee.
17. Customized Phone Case
A phone case with a personalized message or photo from the trip protects the device while highlighting fun moments. These cases are available in different styles and materials, so they fit different phone models and suit various styles.
18. Personalized Travel Map Print
A map print highlighting the destinations visited, customized with names or special notes. This map can be from the town you visit or include the activities your team participated in, serving as a decorative piece that celebrates the trip.
19. Monogrammed Travel Accessories Kit
This is a very useful, personalized gift! A set of travel accessories like a passport holder, luggage tag, and keychain, all monogrammed for a cohesive look, helps keep travel documents organized.
20. Engraved Desk Accessory
A customized paperweight or pen holder with a message or name serves as a professional and personalized desk item. It’s a thoughtful gift for employees to display in their offices.
Company Branded Gifts
Featuring your company's logo, these gifts help to build a sense of team spirit and unity among participants. They can be items like water bottles or notebooks, and serve as reminders of the company's appreciation for their hard work.
21. Wireless Power Bank
A wireless power bank with the company's logo is a useful gift that will help your employees keep devices charged on the go (very handy during a trip). It's a gift that combines functionality with brand visibility.
22. Backpack
A company-branded backpack is a versatile and durable gift that serves as a travel companion and a daily bag. Employees can use it straight away during the trip, providing ample opportunities for the company's logo to be seen.
23. Luggage Tags
Branded luggage tags are easy to spot on crowded airport carousels, which is especially useful during company trips. They help employees identify their luggage quickly while promoting the company's brand.
24. Beach Towel
Depending on your incentive trip destination, a company-branded beach towel is a functional gift perfect for outdoor activities or trips to the beach. It also provides plenty of room to display the company's logo.
25. Headphones
Branded headphones provide high-quality sound while showcasing the company's logo at work or during the trip. They are stylish and useful, and it’s a gift that employees can use daily, whether commuting or working out.
26. Hat / Beanie
A branded hat or beanie is a casual way to promote the company's identity. It can be worn in various settings, from outdoor events to everyday activities. Choose a hat or beanie depending on your trip destination.
27. Can Cooler
A can cooler is perfect for outdoor gatherings or team picnics. It keeps drinks cold while showcasing the company's logo, making it a great choice for social events.
28. Eye Mask
A branded eye mask is a thoughtful gift for employees for any trip, helping them rest during flights or in new environments. It's practical and subtly promotes the company's brand.
29. Sunglasses Strap
A branded sunglasses strap is a useful accessory that keeps sunglasses secure, for example, during outdoor adventures. It adds corporate identity to everyday wear during your incentive trip and reinforces company branding.
30. Branded Bluetooth Speakers
These Bluetooth speakers are functional and handy, which is why they are a popular choice for corporate gifts. They can be customized with the company's logo and even come with branded packaging elements like a QR code linking to a playlist.
Sustainable and Socially Responsible Gift Options
With a focus on supporting good causes, these gifts show that your company cares about the environment. From eco-friendly products to donations to local charities, or items made from recycled materials, they align with values of responsibility and stewardship.
31. Reusable Water Bottle
A company-branded reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly gift that promotes sustainable practices while showcasing the company's brand. It can be used daily at work and during personal activities.
32. Bamboo Toothbrush Set
Made from biodegradable materials, these toothbrushes reduce plastic waste. They're a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes.
33. Organic Cotton Blanket
Soft woven blankets are made from organic cotton, which is grown without harmful pesticides. These blankets support sustainable agriculture and provide comfort during traveling, making them great gifts for incentive trips.
34. Recycled Paper Notebook
Everyone needs a notebook for jotting down highlights of their incentive trips. Recycled paper notebooks promote recycling, reduce waste, and encourage sustainable office practices.
35. Plantable Seed Paper
Plantable seed paper is biodegradable paper embedded with seeds that can be planted after use. This is an innovative product that reduces waste and promotes good practices, such as gardening.
36. Eco-friendly Yoga Mat
Made from sustainable materials, these yoga mats support your team’s wellness needs and promote environmental consciousness. They are a green alternative for fitness enthusiasts and a great addition to any wellness retreat.
37. Sitti Social Enterprise Products
These are artisan-made items that support refugee and displaced communities through employment opportunities. These products contribute to a positive social impact while offering one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts.
38. Solar-Powered Charger
A solar-powered charger is a green tech gadget that uses renewable energy for charging devices. It reduces reliance on grid electricity and promotes sustainable energy use.
39. Solar-Powered Lanterns
These portable lanterns use solar energy to provide light, making them perfect for outdoor activities, camping trips, or emergency lighting. They reduce reliance on batteries, promoting the use of renewable energy in everyday life.
40. Tree-Planting Kits
These kits allow recipients to plant a tree in their community or backyard, fostering reforestation and environmental stewardship. Each kit typically includes a sapling, planting instructions, and advice on where to plant them.
Gifting Experiences and Services
Objects are not the only gifts you can offer. Special activities or services can make your trip even more enjoyable. This could be anything from a private cooking class to a spa day, these are excellent ways for employees to indulge in unique experiences.
41. Private Cooking Class
In a Private Cooking Class, employees learn how to prepare local dishes with a professional chef, exploring techniques and tasting new flavors. It's an interactive way to immerse in the destination's culinary culture.
42. Spa Day
A relaxing spa day is a way to treat your employees. Using a range of treatments like massages, facials, and saunas, spa days provide a rejuvenating break from daily routines. It's an effective way to unwind during your incentive trip.
43. Guided City Tour
A guided tour provides an in-depth discovery of the city's landmarks, history, and culture, led by local guides. This experience helps employees understand the local context better and promotes socializing.
44. Wine Tasting Experience
On a wine-tasting experience, employees are invited to sample different wines at a local vineyard or winery, often accompanied by cheese and other local delicacies. It's a sophisticated way to learn about wine production and enjoy the flavors of the region.
45. Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride is a way to treat your employees to breathtaking views of the landscape from above, providing an outstanding experience. It's a unique way to see the destination from a new perspective.
46. Private Yoga Session
A private yoga session allows employees to practice yoga in a tranquil environment, tailored to their needs and skill level. It's a great way to maintain wellness and relaxation during travel.
47. Scuba Diving Certification
This experience involves learning scuba diving skills under the guidance of certified instructors, where participants can explore underwater environments safely. It's an exciting adventure that challenges adventure lovers and beginners alike.
48. Concert or Show Tickets
Tickets to a concert or show provide access to cultural events, such as theater performances on Broadway, opera nights, or dance shows. This cultural experience is a way for employees to enjoy the local arts scene and entertainment.
49. Photography Workshop
A photography workshop teaches participants how to capture stunning images using professional techniques and equipment. It's a creative way to document travel experiences and improve photography skills.
50. Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise offers a relaxing journey on the water, often with snacks and drinks, while watching the sunset over the horizon. It's a peaceful and picturesque way to enjoy the natural beauty of the destination.
Organize Your Next Incentive Trip With TeamOut
To sum up, incentive travel gifts are the icing on the cake of any incentive program. Whether you choose to personalize items, incorporate company branding, give destination-related presents, offer experiences, or opt for eco-friendly options, the right gift can boost employee satisfaction and engagement.
As you plan your next incentive trip, remember that success often hinges on seamless execution and attention to detail. Partnering with experienced event planners like TeamOut can make a world of difference in planning a travel program that aligns with your company's goals and budget.
With access to over 4,000 venues worldwide, TeamOut brings expertise in corporate retreats and incentive travel planning. A track record of organizing more than 600 events and a satisfaction rate of 98% prove that TeamOut is the expert when it comes to designing trips and potentially reducing venue costs by up to 30%.
Schedule a free call today and start planning the incentive travel program of your team’s dreams. Having a motivated, engaged team was never this easy.
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