Quick answer: You can give employees a useful custom gift for about $6.50 to $20 a person. Under $10 buys a branded journal, padfolio, stainless water bottle, cooler tote, beanie, backpack or wireless charger. From $10 to $15 you can choose an insulated tumbler, a first aid kit, a 10,000mAh power bank or wireless earbuds. From $15 to $25 there are hoodies, fleece vests, desk mats and acacia cutting boards. What stops a budget gift feeling cheap is choosing something people use every day, from a brand they recognize, with a logo that is small and well placed.
Updated October 2026. Prices are base prices per unit from our live catalog as of October 8, 2026, before imprint setup charges.
How much should I spend on an employee gift?
There is no fixed rule, but most employee gift programs fall into three bands:
- Under $10 a person: large teams, onboarding kits, all-hands events and Employee Appreciation Day (the first Friday in March, which is March 5, 2027).
- $10 to $15: a year-end or appreciation gift that people will notice and keep.
- $15 to $25: apparel, milestone thank-yous and smaller teams where you want one standout item.
The price per unit drops as quantity goes up, so check the price at the number you actually need. The tables below show the price at each product's minimum order and at 100 units, a common team size.
What are the best employee gifts under $10?
| Gift | Minimum order | Price at minimum | Price at 100 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moleskine Cahier Ruled Pocket Journal (Q346332) | 100 | $6.58 | $6.58 |
| Savanna Jute and Recycled Cotton Cooler Tote (Q970922) | 50 | $7.39 | $7.39 |
| 25 oz. Hampton Stainless Steel Bottle (Q313811) | 48 | $7.64 | $7.43 |
| A5 UltraHyde Magnetic Closure Padfolio (Q224632) | 100 | $7.82 | $7.82 |
| Long Knit Beanie with Pom (Q853632) | 72 | $7.96 | $7.96 |
| McHenry Ambient Light 10W Wireless Charger (Q967422) | 25 | $9.24 | $7.19 |
| Trail Loop Backpack (Q406711) | 50 | $9.37 | $9.37 |
| Oasis 2-Piece Massage Ball Set (Q611822) | 60 | $9.94 | $9.94 |
A Moleskine journal or a padfolio is a strong pick for office teams because the brand and materials do the work. If you are weighing the two, see the difference between a portfolio and a padfolio. Water bottles and totes suit hybrid and field teams, and the massage ball set is an easy wellness gift.
What are good employee gifts between $10 and $15?
| Gift | Minimum order | Price at minimum | Price at 100 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauver 21-Piece First Aid Kit (Q609322) | 50 | $10.43 | $10.13 |
| 20 oz. Everest Powder Coated Stainless Steel Tumbler (Q947322) | 48 | $11.21 | $10.89 |
| Allegro Wireless Earbuds with Solar-Powered Charging Case (Q544322) | 25 | $13.48 | $13.10 |
| Tarzana 10,000mAh Power Bank (Q518422) | 25 | $13.84 | $11.26 |
Tech gifts drop the most with quantity. The Tarzana power bank falls from $13.84 at 25 units to $11.26 at 100, and to $9.30 at 1,000 or more. An insulated tumbler is the safest all-round choice, since almost everyone uses one.
What are good employee gifts between $15 and $25?
| Gift | Minimum order | Price at minimum | Price at 100 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beckham Acacia Wood Cutting Board (Q191532) | 25 | $15.65 | $14.79 |
| Desk Mat Pro (Q172632) | 50 | $16.64 | $14.83 |
| Hanes Adult Ecosmart Hoodie (Q674811) | 24 | $17.06 | $16.12 |
| Port Authority Microfleece Vest (Q740511) | 24 | $19.41 | $18.34 |
Apparel is the gift people wear outside work, which makes it the best value for brand visibility. Collect sizes before you order, because each size is part of the same order. A cutting board or desk mat works well for remote teams who spend their day at home.
How do I make an inexpensive gift not feel cheap?
- Pick something used every day. A tumbler, bottle, journal or charger gets used daily. A novelty item gets used once.
- Choose a brand people know. Names like Moleskine, Hanes and Port Authority signal quality without a big budget.
- Keep the logo small. A tone-on-tone or small chest logo looks like merchandise people chose to wear. A large logo looks like a giveaway.
- Give one good item, not three small ones. A $12 tumbler feels like more than a $4 pen, a $4 keychain and a $4 lip balm.
- Add a personal note. A short handwritten card from a manager does more than a higher price.
What does it cost for a team of 50 or 100?
Multiply the unit price at your quantity, then add the setup fee for your design. Setup fees are typically $55 to $100 per design and are often waived on larger orders. Two examples at our October 2026 prices:
- 50 people, Everest tumbler: 50 × $11.21 = $560.50, or about $616 to $661 with a setup fee. That is roughly $12 to $13 a person.
- 100 people, Tarzana power bank: 100 × $11.26 = $1,126, or about $1,181 to $1,226 with a setup fee. That is roughly $12 a person.
Shipping is quoted separately and depends on the destination and order size.
How far ahead should I order employee gifts?
Production at QualityImprint typically takes 5 business days after you approve your proof and pay, plus shipping, and it can take longer in the weeks before the holidays. Apparel and embroidery may need more time. For year-end gifts, see the recommended order-by dates in our corporate holiday gifts guide. If your date is close, browse our rush promotional items.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom employee gifts? It depends on the product. In this guide it ranges from 24 pieces (the hoodie and fleece vest) to 100 (the Moleskine journal and padfolio). Each product page shows the minimum and the price at every quantity.
Are employee gifts taxable? In the US, the IRS generally treats small, occasional non-cash gifts, such as a holiday gift of low value, as a de minimis fringe benefit that is not taxable to the employee. Cash and gift cards are always taxable. See IRS Publication 15-B and check with your accountant for your situation.
Can I see a sample before ordering? Yes. Qualified business customers in the continental US can request one free sample (up to a $10 value) with free ground shipping through our sample request page. Allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive.
Can I order different gifts for different teams? Yes. Each product has its own minimum order, so plan each item to its minimum. Using the same logo file on every item keeps the proofs simple.
What if my order arrives wrong? Our 100% satisfaction guarantee covers it: you receive the correct product with an imprint that matches your approved proof, delivered on time. If any of those falls short, we redo the order.
Ready to order? Request a quote with your team size, budget and in-hand date, and we'll get back to you within one business day with pricing and a free digital proof.
QualityImprint is a B2B promotional products company headquartered in Diamond Bar, California, and a member of PPAI and ASI. Every order includes a free digital proof and our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Browse more: Drinkware · Technology · Apparel · Office supplies · Bags and backpacks · Wellness and safety
About the Author: April Bautista is a promotional products content specialist at QualityImprint, a B2B promotional products supplier offering custom-imprinted merchandise for businesses, events, and corporate gifting.
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