Why Maple Products Make the Perfect Employee Appreciation Gifts

A gift being given to a corporate employee.

In today’s competitive business landscape, showing appreciation for your employees is more crucial than ever. A great gift can go a long way in boosting morale and productivity, making your team feel truly valued. We understand the importance of this gesture and offer a range of products that not only meet diverse needs but also convey the care and thoughtfulness behind each gift. This blog explores why maple products are the perfect choice for employee appreciation and how our farm simplifies the entire gifting process.

The Importance of Employee Appreciation Gifts

When I set out to write this blog I realized the conflict of interest of a farmer looking to sell their products to businesses while extolling the virtues of our products amongst the morass of other options. With that in mind, I wanted to set out and find concrete evidence of the benefits of employee appreciation gifts and why they might be a good idea for you, rather than take my word for it. I also wanted to show why a thoughtful gift is important, I think what I write in this section will interest business owners, HR departments, and managers when they're thinking about how they want to gift going forward, it certainly changed how I look at it.

It was through this research that I find employee appreciation gifts are more than just a token of gratitude; they play a critical role in enhancing employee morale and productivity. Research has consistently shown that employees who feel valued and recognized for their hard work are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. But the type of gift matters—it's not just about the monetary value, but the thought and effort that goes into selecting the gift that truly makes an impact.

A group of employees receiving gifts from the boss.

A study published in the American Economic Review highlights this concept effectively. The study conducted by Kube, Maréchal, and Puppe in 2010 and published in 2012 tested the effects of monetary versus non-monetary gifts on employee productivity. Interestingly, while most employees, when given the choice, opted for money over a thoughtful gift, the study revealed that those who received a meaningful, well-considered gift exhibited a significant increase in productivity compared to those who received a cash bonus of the same value.

The study’s findings emphasize that the thoughtfulness and effort behind a gift send a powerful signal to employees, one that can drive them to reciprocate through increased effort and dedication. This reciprocity is a key element in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Employees who perceive that their employers have invested time and consideration into selecting a gift feel more valued, which translates into higher levels of motivation and productivity.

In the context of employee appreciation, this means that selecting personalized gifts that show you’ve put thought into it—something that reflects the unique qualities of your team or your relationship with them—can be far more effective than a generic, impersonal gift. Of interest, a gift of money falls into this category and doesn't garner the same effects that thoughtfulness evokes, this gives new meaning to, "It's the thought that counts". In short, it’s about making your employees feel seen and appreciated for who they are and their contributions to the company.

There's much more in the study I referenced above. I highly recommend reading it to understand more about the psychology of gift-giving in the workplace and its relationship with productivity. There are also a few questions they didn't answer, such as if receiving gifts regularly might generate a lesser response over time. These were interesting to me because it seems that as a culture, we expect gifts at appointed times such as the holidays, without any concrete data to back up this thought, the authors thought that randomness might null the effects of habituation, and I would welcome that idea being investigated in future research.

Messaging to Employees Matter

When researching this subject of employee gift ideas, I came across an interesting article about gifting gone wrong. Earlier this year, Sephora gave their employees cookies to celebrate hitting $10 billion in revenue. What followed was a backlash from employees on social media and then media outlets subsequently picked this up and wrote articles about it, resulting in a huge backfire.

I benefitted by reading this article after a fair amount of research into the psychology of gift-giving and it's my opinion then that this effort was likely founded with the best of intentions, but not with the best execution. Remember, the findings of the American Economic Review's study were that thoughtfulness and effort are just as important as the gift itself, likely even more so.

For a thought experiment, let's imagine that the cookie company is a small family affair that uses grandma's recipe, and the best ingredients, in other words, these are high-quality cookies. Well, if that was so then it was lost on the employees because the messaging and delivery was bad. Also, consider that a sticker was affixed to the wrapper that said, "We did it! $10 Billion". Most people can't even comprehend the size of $10 billion, however, we can comprehend that a cookie is not that.

The more I think of it, I don't even think a cookie is a bad gift for the company's good work. However, I think if the sticker wasn't included, and if perhaps senior managers delivered the cookies with a few remarks highlighting everyone's efforts this might have landed much better than it did. Messaging matters!

At our farm, we understand the importance of thoughtful gifting. In the hypothetical of the small family cookie company, that's a metaphor for our farm and business. It would be awful to be the cookie company highlighted in such a negative light when so much effort is expended to craft our products. Which is why I wrote this blog when I couldn't find a single article highlighting the importance of employee appreciation gifts.

Our selection of maple products, crafted with care on our small family farm, offers a unique and meaningful way to show appreciation. These gifts not only represent the time and effort we put into creating them but also reflect your thoughtfulness in choosing a gift that is both special and inclusive for everyone.

Why Small Farm Products Matter in Staff Appreciation Gifts

In today's world, more consumers are becoming conscious of where their food comes from, increasingly valuing quality over quantity and to a growing degree, price. There’s a growing movement towards supporting small farms and local businesses that produce sustainable, high-quality products. People are recognizing that the care and effort put into crafting these items stand in stark contrast to the industrialized, mass-produced options that dominate big box stores.

When it comes to employee appreciation gifts, and as we talked about in great depth in the previous section, the message behind the gift is as important as the gift itself. A thoughtful gift from a small farm like ours not only offers something unique and delicious but also carries with it the story of the farm, craftsmanship, and sustainability. These values resonate deeply with people who care about the impact of their purchases and appreciate the human connection behind the products they buy and the gifts they receive.

Man holding out a quart of maple syrup for a corporate gift.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, 60% of consumers surveyed stated that they would pay more for sustainable products. This willingness to invest in sustainability highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior—people are willing to spend more on products that align with their values. If by and large people are choosing to spend their hard-earned money in this way, you can bet they'll be interested in their gifts being sustainably produced as well. By choosing gifts from small farms, you’re not only offering something special but also supporting a more sustainable and ethical food system.

Our farm is committed to sustainability, and we have a long proven track record to support this from how we manage our forest, reduction in fossil fuel usage, and eco-friendly packing materials. When you choose our products for your next employee appreciation gifts, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re sharing a piece of our farm, our values, and our story. This thoughtful approach to gifting not only sets you apart but also aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and meaningful products.

Tapping a maple tree during a sunset at the Carman Brook Farm.

Inclusivity of Maple Products for your Employee Appreciation Gifts

In keeping with the theme of thoughtfulness, it’s essential to consider the diverse dietary needs of your employees when choosing a gift. A well-intentioned gift can lose its impact if it doesn't align with the recipient's dietary restrictions, whether health-related or based on personal values. This is where the inclusivity of maple products shines.

Maple syrup, a naturally gluten-free and vegan product, the foundation of many of our offerings at the farm. Whether it's our pure maple syrup, maple cream, or maple candy, these products are inherently inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy them without concern. For those with even stricter dietary needs, we also offer pancake mixes designed to cater to gluten-free and vegan diets, making it easy to find the perfect accompaniment to our maple syrup.

Choosing maple products for your employee appreciation gifts checks many boxes. It allows you to give a gift that not only delights the senses but also demonstrates genuine consideration for the recipient's lifestyle and needs. By avoiding common gifting pitfalls, you ensure that the thoughtfulness behind your gift remains intact, reinforcing the message that you value and respect your employees.

Simplifying the Gift Purchasing Process and Shipping

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be a daunting task, especially when trying to cater to the personal needs and preferences of your valued employees and their success. The process often involves visiting multiple stores and websites, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Our idea when venturing into corporate gifting was to simplify the process and have offerings that are ideal for the most people possible.

One-Stop-Shop for Thoughtful Gifting

Rather than spending excessive time shopping in different locations, consider Carman Brook Farm as your one-stop-shop for all your employee appreciation needs. Again, the idea is to make shopping easy for you so you're not constantly following up on the status of where you stand. Leave it to us to help you out.

Easy Shipping and Customization Options

We know that managing gift distribution can be a logistical challenge, but we’ve made it hassle-free with our flexible shipping options:

Single Gift Assistance: Whether you have just one gift to send or a handful, our personalized service ensures that your gift is packaged and shipped with the utmost care. We work to ensure a smooth and efficient process, backed by our less than 1% breakage rate.
Multiple Addresses: For bulk orders, we provide a custom-designed spreadsheet that allows you to input multiple addresses easily. We take care of the rest, ensuring that each recipient receives their gift promptly.
Freight Options: If you prefer to send all gifts to a single location, our freight services are ideal. With extensive experience in shipping pallets and sourcing reliable freight handlers, it's a simple process to get bulk orders shipped to you.

Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas From our Farm

Since we've gone so far in depth about the importance of an employee appreciation program and why we're ideally suited to help you out, we thought it would be great to show you the types of products we can supply. Below are some of our favorite options and what has proven to be the most popular and successful with other clients who have worked with us.

Gift Baskets and Boxes:

Autumn Leaf and Pancake Mix: A perfect seasonal gift, this box includes our signature maple syrup in an autumn leaf bottle paired with a delicious pancake mix of your choosing.
Quart and Pancake Mix: A classic combination featuring a quart of our finest maple syrup with a pancake mix, making it an ideal breakfast gift.
Gourmet Gift Basket: This basket is filled with a variety of Vermont farm goodies, including our maple syrup, making it a luxurious gift option for recognizing one's commitment to the organization.
Breakfast Subscription Box: A unique gift that keeps on giving, with a monthly delivery of breakfast essentials, including maple syrup and a new pancake mix every month for four months.

Maple Syrup Bottles:

4-Pack Maple Sampler: This sampler includes four different grades of our maple syrup, allowing recipients to enjoy the full spectrum of maple flavors.

Pairing Options:

Maple Candy: Crafted with a single ingredient, maple syrup, our maple candy is a sweet treat that captures the essence of pure Vermont maple syrup. Perfect for all staff members, and one of our best gifts.
Pancake Mixes, Maple Cream, and Maple Sugar: These versatile products pair perfectly with our maple syrup, adding a touch of Vermont to any meal.

We also offer single bottles of maple syrup in various sizes and packaging, including glass and traditional food-grade plastic jugs. Whether you’re interested in preselected gift sets or custom orders tailored to your budget, our products are designed to reflect the quality and craftsmanship that our farm is known for.

For more details and to explore our offerings, visit our corporate gifts collection. Share your specific needs and budget with us and we’ll help craft the perfect custom gift for the entire team.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right gift for your employees doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With us, you’re not only giving a high-quality, inclusive product but also supporting sustainable practices and a small farm. Our easy-to-use shipping and customization options ensure that your gifts arrive just as you intended, whether you’re sending a single bottle or a pallet. Let us help you show your appreciation in a way that’s as thoughtful and meaningful as the work your team puts in every day.

Ready to make your employee appreciation gifts stand out? Visit our corporate gifts collection or contact us directly by phone at (802)-868-2347 to discuss your specific needs. We’re here to help craft personalized employee appreciation gifts that reflect the care and consideration your team deserves.