• Why You Should Celebrate Easter at Work

    Easter party
    Not sure you should celebrate Easter in the workplace? Read on and learn why you should and how to take advantage of the joy of the arrival of spring and Easter to celebrate.

    If you’re planning ahead, it’s time to think about Easter! This year, it falls on Sunday, April 9.

    Sharing Easter employee appreciation is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate colleagues regardless of employee religious affiliation; it marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the joy, hope and gratitude that come with the changing seasons.


    Why Celebrate Easter in the Workplace?

    It’s an opportunity to show you care.

    Frequent employee appreciation is the key to a productive, happy workforce. Easter employee appreciation puts gratitude front and center. Invite company leaders to write Thank You notes to employees using this popular gThankYou guide, “Writing Thank You Notes Employees Will Treasure”.  Include the notes in Easter gift baskets or have managers hand them out personally at an employee party. Whether or not you include a seasonal gift, a sincere note of thanks can stand alone!

    Easter is a springtime holiday with cultural, non-religious traditions that appeal to everyone.

    Finding celebrations that appeal to a diverse workforce can be challenging. Easter-time is an opportunity to find ways to brighten everyone’s day with the focus on spring and the secular aspects of Easter — fresh flowers, spring decorations, Easter baskets and treats like chocolate eggs and themed cupcakes.

    Easter’s themes of renewal and resilience are universal.

    Regardless of religious affiliation, we can all identify with and appreciate Easter themes of renewal, growth, gratitude and new beginnings. Easter is a chance to honor the hope and joy of the spring season, invest in employee resilience and celebrate growth. We all enjoy the optimism that spring brings. It’s an opportune time to invest in employees’ personal growth and giving back to the community.

    When you show gratitude to employees at family holidays, you’re communicating you value work-life balance.

    Thanking employees for a job well done is one of the most reliable, affordable ways to motivate excellent performance. But it’s also important to recognize employees outside of their work, as people.

    Chocolate Bunny

    It’s fun!

    If you want a workplace culture that employees love and that attracts others, host workplace events and make sure employees feel appreciated and valued. Take advantage of the ability to tie into everyone’s excitement about the emergence of spring; build workplace camaraderie. Who doesn’t enjoy an unexpected “thank you – we’re so glad you are on our team” and a chocolate bunny?

    Tips for Managing Religious Holidays in the Workplace

    Worried about what is and isn’t appropriate? Consult HR expert and TalentCulture founder Meghan M. Biro’s suggests approaching  religious holidays as workplace celebrations.

    “No sheaves of palms or crucifixes allowed,” writes Biro. “Bunnies, ducks, candy, chocolate, colorful eggs, flowers and other items commonly associated with Easter shouldn’t offend anyone.”

    The folks at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) always offer sound advice. This blog on making holiday celebrations more inclusive focuses on the winter holidays, but there are still valid takeaways to apply to Easter.

    Here’s a quick recap of their advice for holding more inclusive events:

    • Create a diverse planning committee.
    • Avoid scheduling mistakes.
    • Make it voluntary.
    • Create awareness of other religions.
    • Offer floating holidays.
    • Invite feedback.
    • Be forgiving (of yourself if you make some missteps).

    Easy, Fun & Affordable Ways to Celebrate Easter at Work

    Here are several tips to make Easter celebrations in the workplace special (without busting your budget). For even more ideas, check our blog post, “Employee Appreciation Gifts for Easter and Spring”:

    1. Decorate the Office or Break Rooms

    Remember the “Hawthorn Effect”? Respondents change their behavior because they think supervisors care simply by changing something simple in the workplace environment.

    Show employees you care; fill your workplace space with inspiration from spring and Easter – plants, flowers, butterflies, bunnies, colorful eggs and festive Easter baskets. Pinterest is full of seasonal decoration ideas!

    2. Host an Easter Egg Hunt

    Adults like a good Easter Egg hunt, too! Weather-permitting, go outdoors! Use an egg hunt as an opportunity for team-building. Create teams along department lines or mix things up!

    Fill large plastic eggs with candy, as well as other prizes such as gift cards, game tickets, gift certificates and other fun surprises. Or, have employees turn eggs in for prizes that their teams can share. End the event with holiday inspired treats and an opportunity to connect with coworkers and management.

    Easter cupcakes

    3. Have a Party with Holiday-Themed Treats

    You don’t need to break the bank to host a party with Easter-themed treats. If you can’t afford to cater an event, scale it back and provide drinks, Easter candy and cookies. Be sure to provide a big helping of gratitude and employees will appreciate the festive break.


    4. Give Easter Baskets

    Just like the Easter Bunny, share baskets anonymously or have managers hand them out as employees arrive for an unexpected surprise! Don’t limit yourself to candy – even new office supplies can be fun!

    5. Give the Gift of Something Green

    Give everyone a succulent!

    For groups or workplace cultures less inclined to embrace sugar, consider giving a small flowering plant or seeds and a pretty pot. These are thoughtful ways to share the excitement of spring.

    6. Organize a Community Service Project

    Most employees would be thrilled for the opportunity to help local organizations alongside colleagues. Consider finding a community project that your organization can get behind supporting and can accommodate your workforce. How about planting a flower bed for a service organization or fixing up a local park? Provide materials for employees to assemble Easter baskets for an elder-care home or families in need. Host egg dying or cookie decorating at a shelter. Find something that make sense for your organization’s culture and spread Easter joy.


    Healthier Easter Treat Alternatives

    While many of us would be happy to have a celebration full of sugar, there are easy ways to provide great-looking and slightly healthier food choices to your Easter baskets or parties. Once again, recipe sites and Pinterest can help with healthy Easter treat inspiration.

    Here are several easy ideas to consider:Easter baskets with healthier food

    • Chocolate dipped fruit
    • Fresh fruit – skewers, pineapple flowers, etc.
    • Trail mix (with a hint of colorful candy)
    • Hard boiled eggs
    • Fresh carrots and other raw vegetables
    • Fruit juices
    • Fruit and yogurt smoothies
    • Granola Easter eggs
    • Carrot cake


    Ham, Turkey and Groceries are Popular Gifts for Easter in the Workplace

    Sharing a ham at Easter is a tradition going back hundreds of years, as far back as the sixth century. It’s the centerpiece to a big family meal that marks new beginnings and a new season. Many of us fondly remember gathering with family to celebrate Easter around a savory holiday ham.

    The Perfect Gift for the Easter Holiday

    gThankYou makes it easy for organizations to buy and share a holiday ham, even with distributed workforces. gThankYou! Ham Gift Certificates allow recipients to choose any brand and any preparation of half or whole ham, at virtually all grocery chain stores in the U.S.  Recipients choose the ham they want for their family and redeem their Certificate at checkout just like a Manufacturer Coupon. It’s that easy!

    Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates provide recipients the choice of centerpiece to their family’s springtime celebration. This year Passover begins on April 5 and turkey is a welcome part of a Seder dinner.

    For a cost-effective fun workplace reward, share gThankYou! Candy Gift Certificates for the candy of their choice. This way, they can splurge on themselves or receive a little help making baskets for others.

    Plus, don’t forget that Grocery Gift Certificates are always a great idea!

    Share Employee Appreciation Every Day of the Year

    While spring captures our imagination after a long winter, celebrating and ensuring employees feel valued is a year-round activity. gThankYou’s Day-to-Day Employee Celebration Calendar is the perfect resource to help you plan engagement and appreciation activities that nurtures a lasting culture of gratitude and appreciation.

    Download your 2022 Day-to-Day Employee Celebration Calendar now - FREE!

    Happy Spring and Easter from your friends at gThankYou!

    To learn more about how gThankYou Gift Certificates work, check out our FAQ.

    Top Photo by Glenn Diaz on Unsplash
    Succulent Photo by lan deng on Unsplash

    Party Spread Photo by Jessy Smith on Unsplash
    Cupcake Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash
    Chocolate Bunny Photo by coco tafoya on Unsplash

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  • Favorite Christmas Foods, Music & Movies

    Merry Christmas

    We thought it would be a jolly ol’ time to round up some lists of top favorite Christmas foods, music and movies surrounding the holiday from a variety of creative sources. Enjoy and share!

    We are so grateful for our family, friends, employees, customers and partners. Thank you for your support all year round! Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

    Top 5 Christmas Carols (New York Public Library)

    While the list has 18, here are the top 5, according to the author.

    • Deck the Halls
    • We Wish You a Merry Christmas
    • Jingle Bells
    • Angels We Have Heard on High
    • Children, Go Where I Send Thee

    7 Favorite Christmas Candies (Yummy Bazaar)

    While the list has 15, here are some top favorites from around the world.

    • Candy Canes
    • Marzipan Figurines
    • Nougat
    • Peppermint Bark
    • Dominostein
    • Chocolate Bonbons & Truffles
    • Szaloncukor

    Top 10 Christmas Movies (Rotten Tomatoes)

    The list goes to 100(!), but here are the top ranking 10. Rotten Tomatoes is known for its critics ratings, so you may not see your personal favorite (Elf – #25 or The Family Stone – #98).

    • Meet Me in St. Louis
    • The Shop Around the Corner
    • Miracle on 34th Street
    • Tangerine
    • Klaus
    • The Nightmare Before Christmas
    • Little Women
    • Die Hard
    • Carol
    • It’s a Wonderful Life

    Top 12 Classic Christmas Foods (Purewow)

    As people who love food, we know this is a very subjective category. So much is based on tradition and where you live, but thought this was a creative and witty list. Here are the foods that broke their top 10 (out of 32).

    • Peppermint Bark (the only item to make 2 of our lists)
    • Mashed Potatoes
    • Roasted Potatoes
    • Hot Cocoa
    • Gravy
    • Fudge
    • Roast Beef
    • Pecan Pie
    • Pheasant
    • Brie with Literally Anything
    • Green Bean Casserole
    • Coquito
    • Dinner Rolls

    They seemed to shy away from the known classics (turkey #17 and ham #19), but we know the truth…they are always traditional, delicious and amazing.

    Merry Christmas!

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  • Holiday Appreciation Ideas & Resources

    Festive holiday ornaments
    At gThankYou, we like to think of ourselves as “gratitude experts.” We are strong believers in year-round employee appreciation but encourage an extra dose of thankfulness during the holidays. Here are some resources as you focus on holiday appreciation ideas.

    Holiday Appreciation Ideas & Resources

    Thank You Notes

    Although we often publish our guide to thank you notes around Thanksgiving, it’s not too late to write a letter of gratitude in December. We encourage leaders to take the time to write something personal to those who make an impact on the business. It’s well-received and appreciated — and is a smart business move in a world where retention is key. Read more here: Put the “Thanks” into Your Thanksgiving Letter or Write a Holiday Thank You Note to Remember.

    People clinking glasses at a holiday partyHave Some Fun!

    We highly encourage a little time away from the desk, mingling with co-workers. It should be optional because, let’s face it, some people would rather crank out year-end reports. But for those who are still delighted to be “back to normal” after years of isolation and cancelled celebrations, we are here with ideas! A few resources include: Top 10 Ideas for Throwing Year-End Festivities and How to Celebrate on a Tight Budget.

    Offer Practical Gifts

    When times are tight, practical gifts are more appreciated than ever. The gift of food not only offers a warm gesture for celebration, but also gives the recipient some money back in their pocket for family gifts and experiences. This time of year, a turkey or ham, grocery, or pie gift certificate is a perfect solution.

    Make Employee Gifts Count

    Did you know we have a free eBook on this topic? Download “Making Employee Gifts Count” for facts and inspiration on the concept of employee gift-giving.Download your free guide to "Making Employee Gifts Count, the Secrets to Gift-Giving Success"!
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    Top Photo by Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
    Celebration Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

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  • Put the “Thanks” into Your Thanksgiving Letter

    Thank you messages

    Thanksgiving is coming quickly, and it is the perfect time to write a thank you letter to employees and share your heartfelt appreciation for all they do for you and your business.

    If you are new to writing business thank you notes or need a little inspiration, gThankYou’s eBook “Put the ‘Thanks’ in Thanksgiving: How to Write a Thanksgiving Letter to Employees” is here to guide and inspire you.How to write a Thanksgiving letter

    Thanking employees any time of the year is one of the best ways to engage employees and motivate them to do excellent work. But at Thanksgiving, your thanks takes on added meaning. Gratitude at Thanksgiving is more personal; it lets your employees know you value them as people. You’re honoring the all-American holiday when we celebrate and share our gratitude with family and friends.

    Writing thank you notes is a practice shared by many successful leaders, but it’s not always easy to get started. What tone is appropriate? How can you express your appreciation sincerely? What do you say besides “thanks”? What’s the most effective way to share your letter?

    “How to Write a Thanksgiving Letter to Employees” has the answers.

    If the last thank you note you wrote was to Grandma in fifth grade, don’t worry! Once you follow a few simple guidelines — and get ideas from our examples from workplace gratitude pros — you’ll be set to write your own memorable, meaningful letter to employees.

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  • Top 10 Ideas for Year-End Festivities

    Year-End Activities

    Photo by Girl with red hat on Unsplash


    Let the fun commence!
    Here are 10 ideas for throwing year-end festivities in your workplace. This time of year can be stressful, but also full of gratitude, wonder and joy! Set the tone with simple, impactful festivities that spread the spirit!

    Not only do year-end festivities offer a way to have some fun, but they are a strategic way to show employee appreciation and enhance employee engagement. Be true to your culture — what would be authentic and enjoyable? Tap some creative minds and enjoy the process!

    Top 10 Year-End Festivities

    Volunteer together at a food pantry or host a holiday meal at a shelter. Bring employees together to give back to the community, offering unity, perspective and goodwill to all who participate.

    potluck

    Pre-Holiday Potluck. Invite everyone to bring a favorite dish to share, along with a recipe card so people can take photos and add new items to their holiday dinner menus. When the meal begins, ask leaders to kick off a roundtable discussion about what they’re grateful for and why.

     

    Thank You Wall. Start a workplace tradition by dedicating a window or whiteboard to a collection of heartfelt messages. Supply colorful sticky notes and Sharpie pens. Ask employees to post at least 3 messages about anything or anyone they appreciate. Soon, the wall will be filled with a rainbow of positive energy that will brighten spirits.

     

    Silent Auction for Charity. Give employees a chance to give back by leveraging fundraising strength from across your organization. Vote on a local program to support. Coordinate an online auction of goods and services contributed by individual employees. Low-cost online software solutions like BiddingOwl make it easy to manage.

     

    Help each other. Nominate coworkers who could benefit from assistance with fall projects. Then let individuals or teams sign up to rake leaves, clean gutters, buy groceries, deliver a home-cooked meal or decorate team members’ front doors.

     

    Give away fall flowers or plants that staff can take home for the holidays. For remote workers, arrange delivery or pick at a nearby Home Depot or nursery.

     

    Winter Wonderland Virtual Photo Booth. Make it easy with backgrounds and a full-featured app like Snapbar. Or roll out your own on your meeting platform. Post images on the event chat board. Build an album to share at the party and beyond.

     

    Gingerbread ContestGingerbread Contest. Host an in-office party and vote on which person or team created the best house. For remote teams, send pre-packaged gingerbread house pieces in advance. Ask everyone to post photos and vote for the online winner. Want guidance? Check specialists like Gingerbread Wars.

     

    Holiday Bingo. Search online for holiday Bingo boards to send with invitations. Choose a coveted prize and announce it in advance, so everyone will be excited to participate.

     

    Cookie Exchange. For an in-person party, be sure to note in invitations how many cookies to bring, so everyone can swap, taste and vote for their favorites. Prepare a special display table with signage for cookie and baker names. Order decorative boxes in advance so participants have a festive way to pack up their selections. And don’t forget to post all the recipes online!

    We have many ideas for year-end festivities, as well as other events and gift-giving ideas in The Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas. Download it free today!

    DOWNLOAD Free eBook, "The Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas" Now!

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  • How to Buy Turkeys in Bulk for Thanksgiving

    Buying Bulk Turkeys

    Photo by Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

    Turkeys are meaningful, appreciated employee Thanksgiving gifts that honor a popular workplace holiday tradition going back generations.

    But what if you need to buy turkeys in bulk for employee gifts for a large workforce?

    It used to be the only way to share the gift of Thanksgiving turkeys in bulk in the workplace was to order and deliver them frozen. Today, you no longer need to deal with the hassle of buying, storing and distributing bulky frozen turkeys, plus you can provide a holiday gift that recipients prefer more — the ability to choose the right size turkey for their family, when they want it.Buying bulk turkey gifts for employee thanksgiving gifts

    gThankYou Turkey, Turkey Or Ham or Grocery Gift Certificates make it easy for you to share the gift of a Thanksgiving turkey. Plus, recipients love the flexibility to choose the size, brand and preparation they want for their holiday family celebration.

    gThankYou Gift Certificates are Manufacturer Coupons good for any brand of merchandise specified and can be redeemed nationally at virtually all major grocery chain stores.

    Large company or widely distributed workforce? gThankYou can help with a customized gift program to meet your timing and budget. To learn more about our large volume pricing, customizing and delivery options, call us at 888-484-1658 or visit our website here for more information.

    Read on for a step-by-step guide to ordering gThankYou Gift Certificates this holiday season and see for yourself why gThankYou is America’s Favorite Employee Gift!
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  • You’re JUST ON TIME! for Holiday Gift Planning.

    Just in time for holiday gift planning.


    Believe it or not, the holiday gift planning season is here!
    Here are some details you should know as you prepare to celebrate employees for a year of hard work. The good news? We can handle the heavy lifting for your holiday gift planning.

    Many gThankYou customers are faced with the daunting task of distributing gifts to a large number of locations, employees working from home, or to clients across the country. With dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of offices and associates nationwide, it can be challenging and very time-consuming. Let us help.

    gThankYou Exists to Make Your Holiday Gift Planning Easier!

    gThankYou Gift Certificates can be:

    • Mailed to individuals in households or offices through the USPS, AND/OR
    • Conveniently bundled and delivered via UPS to any number of locations for easy distribution to recipients.
    • Have a request that requires special distribution and mailing services? Give us a call!

    Gift Distribution Made Easy

    We make your gThankYou Gift Certificate distribution a breeze with 4 easy steps:

    1. Give us a call at (888-484-1658) to discuss the form of distribution needed, timing, and type of Gift Certificates along with any extras to include such as a personalized Enclosure Card for your kind words of appreciation; a gThankYou Recipient Letter informing recipients how and where to best use their gift certificate; or your own uniquely crafted letter of gratitude.
    2. Email us a completed, pre-formatted mailing address spreadsheet with all recipient or location addresses to be mailed or shipped. Individual mailings will be sent with First-Class postage through USPS. All addresses will be verified for accuracy and we will notify you of any undeliverable addresses, before they are sent. (Pre-formatted spreadsheet download here.)
    3. Send us your Logo (optional) via email to be used on gift certificates, Enclosure Cards, or envelope.
    4. Approve your order. Review and approve all invoice charges and artwork/copy for your Enclosure Cards or envelope, if included. Also, confirm the most appropriate Return Mailing Address for any undeliverable gift certificates.

    What Will Individuals or Locations Receive?

    Individuals – Mailings to individuals will arrive in a white #10 business envelope with your return address, including your company logo (optional). We also include an eye-catching ‘stamp’ in red stating “Important – Open Immediately!” to help stand out in the mailbox and provide a higher level of importance (also optional).

    Each envelope will be stuffed with your selected gThankYou Gift Certificate(s), and any combination you choose of Free Enclosure Card, informative Recipient Letter, or your own Personalized Letter of Gratitude.

    Multiple Locations – Delivery via UPS to any number of locations will arrive in a conveniently bundled package. Package size will depend on the number of certificates and optional pieces for the location. For bulk delivery to locations, Gift Certificates and additional materials can be:

    • Inserted into individual #10 business envelopes, similar to individual mailings above (with or without company logo and/or recipient names printed on the front) OR
    • Without envelopes, for stuffing of your own or delivery in your own special way.

    When will these mailings take place?

    The following dates have been established to provide you with flexibility in your holiday gift planning. Typically, mailed gift certificates are received in-home or office within 3-5 business days after the mail date.

    * The dates and information provided below only apply to orders with many locations or individual USPS mailings through gThankYou’s distribution and mailing services.

    gThankYou orders going to a single or few locations can be placed any day, online or by calling 888-484-1658, and will ship the same or next business day. If you are unsure what form of distribution you will need, please give us a call at 888-484-1658 and we will gladly help evaluate your needs.Call for help.

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  • Gratitude: Celebrating Thanksgiving at Work

     

    Thanksgiving pumpkin pie

    Photo by Brian Penny on Unsplash

    Millions of Americans will work on Thanksgiving.

    Will employees at your company be spending Thanksgiving at work? If so, bring the gratitude (and treats) and make it a workplace celebration they’ll appreciate!

    Spending the holiday at work isn’t where most of us want to be for this traditional at-home celebration. But with the right attitude and activities, sharing Thanksgiving with colleagues is an opportunity to highlight workplace gratitude and celebrate your work family.

    If your company has employees spending Thanksgiving in the office, now’s your chance to plan ahead and make it a celebration of success, teamwork and gratitude! Consider providing a meal, gift certificates, thank you notes and a positive environment full of appreciation.

    Make Gratitude Your #1 Priority for Thanksgiving at Work

    “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

    Employees in retail, law enforcement, health care, travel, utilities, freight, news and other industries all keep working through the holidays. And although they’re not alone, it’s crucial to let each employee know how much you appreciate their dedication and hard work by coming in on a holiday.

    Whatever else you do to celebrate Thanksgiving at work — gifts, a communal potluck, or a catered turkey feast — gratitude comes first. A Thanksgiving gift or activity shared without gratitude is apt to feel shallow and impersonal.

    Clearly expressed appreciation from company leadership is key. Employees will notice if managers and other leaders are truly appreciative of their sacrifice to work on a holiday.

    A note of gratitude from the company CEO can make all the difference — and it doesn’t have to be big production. A simple acknowledgement and “thank you” is the right place to start. If budget allows, a gift or complimentary Thanksgiving meal is a great way to reinforce this message of gratitude.
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  • 20 Ideas for Workplace Halloween Team Building

    Halloween treats

    Photo by sheri silver on Unsplash

    Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays.

    According to the National Retail Federation, 69% of consumers plan to celebrate Halloween this year. People love getting into costume, putting up scary decorations, and sharing their favorite treats. With interest like this, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to bring your workplace together for a holiday celebration.

    Download gThankYou’s “Halloween Team Building Guide” — a one-page PDF that highlights 20 time-tested exercises, games and activities for Halloween team building to help you engage your staff in a meaningful celebration.Halloween party ideas

    In many ways, it marks the beginning to the holiday season. Many of your employees want to celebrate Halloween at work — and they will. Take the opportunity to use the holiday as an opportunity to engage and have some workplace fun consistent with your culture.

    Host a Halloween Party at Your Work

    Halloween celebrations don’t have to be elaborate. Halloween is an affordable holiday that favors imagination over expense. Here are a few simple ideas for celebrating Halloween at your workplace:

    • Have a pumpkin carving (or decorating) contest.
    • Hold a costume parade complete with prizes for most creative, scariest, etc.
    • Set the mood with a Halloween playlist.
    • Provide a spread of Halloween themed treats.
    • Play Halloween movie trivia.
    • When in doubt, everyone loves the gift of candy!

    Plus, if your company is hosting kid-friendly fun, Halloween also provides the perfect setting for the families of your employees to see the workplace where Mommy or Daddy spend most days.

    No matter how your team works — on a factory floor, in an office, in retail or sales, at an outdoors construction site, even remotely or on the road — gThankYou’s “Halloween Team Building Guide” has ideas for engaging everyone.

    Download yours free today and start planning now for a fun, productive and inspiring Halloween in the workplace!
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  • New Enclosure Card Designs for Thanksgiving are here!

    New Enclosure Card designs

    Photo by Olena Ivanova on Unsplash

    gThankYou is pleased to reveal New Enclosure Card designs for our 2022 selection of Autumn and Thanksgiving Enclosure Cards!

    Our New Enclosure Card designs are the perfect way to add a special note of “Thanks!” with your gThankYou! Gift Certificates. Select your favorite from dozens of design choices and include the thoughtful message already included or write your own personalized message of gratitude.Enclosure Card Sample

    Our cards are FREE with your purchase of any gThankYou! Gift Certificates. We’ll even customize the cards for you! Include a personal message, signature, and even your company logo – free of charge.

    A customized message of gratitude makes your gifts more meaningful and memorable. That’s why a note of thanks is an important part of Thanksgiving gift-giving — because your employee gift is so much more than a present! It’s an opportunity to let your employees know how much you appreciate them and small gestures of gratitude can carry a lot more weight than many realize.
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  • Easily Buy Corporate Turkey and Food Gifts

    Buy Corporate Food Gifts

    Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

    It’s almost October and time to start planning your annual corporate turkey and food gifts for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Early planning provides peace of mind that your holiday gift-giving is planned and ready to go! By crossing this important item off your list, there is more time to focus on what really matters this time of year: sharing gratitude.

    Let gThankYou take care of the logistics this year.

    gThankYou! Turkey and Ham, Grocery and Other Gift Certificates make it easy and convenient to give much-desired food gifts. Even if your organization is large and working in a variety of offices or remotely, we’ve got you covered.

    A turkey is the centerpiece to the most gratitude-focused holiday of the year. We all crave feeling valued and recognized. The gift of a Thanksgiving turkey or groceries shows your recipients that you care about them and their family. When they sit down to their annual Thanksgiving feast surrounded by loved ones, they’ll be grateful for you and your organization, too.

    turkey, ham, pies and groceries make great corporate gifts

    Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

    Our corporate turkey and food gifts carry on the appreciated tradition of giving employees a Thanksgiving turkey, without the hassle of storing and handling a large number of frozen birds. Shoppers can choose the size, brand and preparation they prefer.

    Grocery vouchers are also an excellent choice, allowing recipients to shop for anything they need! For a sweet option, check out our Pie Gift Certificates.

    gThankYou Gift Certificates are redeemable at virtually all major U.S. grocery stores.

     

    All gThankYou purchases come with customizable Enclosure Cardsabsolutely free! It’s the easiest way to wish a “Happy Thanksgiving!” to the people in your workplace and express your sincere appreciation for their contributions. Check out our new cards here.

    Givers and recipients alike love gThankYou! Gift Certificates. They’re easy, practical and, best of all, meaningful.
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  • Celebrating Teams and Organizational Values

    Spikeball Players Celebrating Teams

    Photo by Spikeball on Unsplash

    When leaders understand the importance of celebrating teams and organizational values, important messages resonate beyond an “event.” There are many opportunities to bring people together to underscore that your business is about people and values, not just work and the bottom line.

    We’re in a time of heightened pressure to recruit and retain happy, committed employees and this big-picture thinking is critical. Here are a wide variety of ways you can incorporate “celebrating teams and organizational values” into your workplace. We hope this sparks inspiration for gifts of connection, belonging and shared joy.

    Give the Gift of Connection

    • Welcome new employees with a memorable first impression. Schedule coffee or lunch with the head of the company on their first day at work.
    • Plan a field trip to tour the facilities of a supplier or client, so staff can learn more about partner businesses while strengthening team relationships.
    • Organize casual group activities before, during or after work – walking, frisbee, lawn games (like Spikeball, pictured above), badminton, softball.
    • Bring teams together over food! 60% of employees say they feel more valued and appreciated when employers provide meals. A few ideas:
      • Coordinate a series of in-person and virtual lunches to build relationships between unfamiliar teams. Deliver meals or send prepaid grocery certificates in advance to remote employees.
      • Cater monthly “Ask Me Anything” hybrid lunches, featuring a series of senior leaders.
      • Host virtual cooking lessons. Hire a pro chef or ask talented employees to teach their favorite recipes, while participants follow along or just watch all the action.

    Give the Gift of Belonging

    “Belonging” is more than a buzzword. It’s building a culture where people feel welcome to be themselves and thrive. It takes work to foster a sense of belonging and worth every ounce of effort. Here are some ideas to help as you plan periodic events where employees are free to mingle and strengthen team relationships.

    • Create a “peer hero” recognition program, where anyone can recommend a deserving colleague or team at any time. Each quarter, publish a “recognition roll call” to share nominee stories. Then, everyone votes for the winner of a high-value prize.
    • Involve everyone in long-term organizational planning. Host a quarterly meeting where leaders discuss key issues and the road ahead. Solicit staff ideas and feedback to build trust, enthusiasm and buy-in.
    • Actively invite and encourage people to participate in a variety of activities — and consistently ask for new ideas from everyone.
    • Audit what kinds of programs and activities exist with a lens of diversity and inclusion.

    Give the Gift of Shared Joy

    Friendships and unique bonds are created when people find joy and happiness with each other. We aren’t talking about “forced fun”, but embracing ways to bring people together beyond work-related meetings. Here are some ideas:

    • To foster camaraderie, plan an online scavenger hunt or board game tournament. Build on digital versions of Monopoly or Settlers of Catan, or design your own Trivial Pursuit game based on company history and employee facts.
    • Host in-person and/or digital activities that bring people together to share common interests in real-time.
      • Watch parties for popular movies or tv shows
      • Game-day spectator huddles
      • Book clubs
      • Take digital travel adventures up a notch by supplying virtual reality technology that engages teams in breathtaking shared experiences. For example:
    • Help your team bond through engaging digital games from specialized services like JAM, which offers a variety of popular options like Escape Rooms, Office Olympics, and Jeoparty!
    • Looking for an engaging virtual event or team-building experience, but overwhelmed by all the options? Let an online concierge help you make the best pick. For example, a guide can help you navigate the vast collection of virtual events at reELIVATE.
    • Connect(or reconnect) offsite for face-to-face group activities:

     

    When celebrating teams and organizational values, remember that there is a larger message. Let your actions speak louder than words: YOU BELONG HERE. We care about you! We are a team and we are stronger together.

    For more ideas, download The Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas — FREE!

    DOWNLOAD Free eBook, "The Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas" Now!

    Learn More About gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude:

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  • Time for Easter Employee Appreciation

    Bright white plate with ceramic bunny and Easter treats

    Photo by Melissa Walker Horn, Unsplash

    It’s almost spring and Easter will be here soon! Now’s the time to start your Easter employee appreciation planning.

    Why thank employees at Easter?
    Besides being a widely celebrated family occasion, it’s a springtime holiday with cultural, non-religious traditions that appeal to everyone.

    Easter employee appreciation is a great idea, regardless of employee religious affiliation, because it generally marks the beginning of spring and the sense of renewal and gratitude that accompany the new season.
    And, as is often the case, Easter coincides with Passover.

    In a diverse workplace where the majority of employees may not be Christian, focus on the secular aspects of Easter. Put employee accomplishments and community first!

    Read on for five reasons to include Easter employee appreciation in your spring planning this year.
    (more…)

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  • Merry Christmas from gThankYou!

    Merry Christmas from gThankYou - Tree Ornament

    Photo by Robert Linder, Unsplash

    Merry Christmas!

     

    Merry Christmas and thank you! In the spirit of the holidays, it is fitting to share our gratitude with you.

    We are passionate about the act of gratitude being a year-long commitment, but this time of year is always a little special. We have watched workplaces transform, leaders completely change direction, employees step up, and much more. We have lived and worked through a global pandemic, and we are here to reflect and forge forward.

    As you gather with your colleagues, team members, friends and family, take a moment to savor these relationships. Support of one another is key in maintaining our mental health and wellness. Share a smile, a meal, a toast, a note of thanks. Tell everyone why you are grateful.

    We have published a wide variety of blogs and resources this year and hope they have been helpful.

    We have partnered with a wide variety of organizations to provide Gift Certificates that have filled the tables, fridges and pantries of people across the country.

    We hope to offer inspiration as you build and maintain a culture of gratitude in your world – big or small.

    We wish you a very Merry Christmas, full of cheer, warmth, happiness and gratitude. Thank you for your business, support, friendship and camaraderie.

     

    Village winter landscape with snow covered houses and christmas tree with Christmas presents.

     

    The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

    So the shortest day came, and the year died,
    And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
    Came people singing, dancing,
    To drive the dark away.
    They lighted candles in the winter trees;
    They hung their homes with evergreen;
    They burned beseeching fires all night long
    To keep the year alive,
    And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
    They shouted, reveling.
    Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
    Echoing behind us—Listen!!
    All the long echoes sing the same delight,
    This shortest day,
    As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
    They carol, feast, give thanks,
    And dearly love their friends,
    And hope for peace.
    And so do we, here, now,
    This year and every year.
    Welcome Yule!

    Savor and enjoy every moment!

    Our deepest gratitude,
    Your Friends at gThankYou

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  • It’s Not Too Late to Share Gratitude

    Santa running.....it's not too late to share gratitude with employees this holiday season!

    Hurry, Check Employees Off Your List!

     

    The holidays are upon us! But if you haven’t planned a special thank you, it’s not too late!

    The holidays sneak up on us every year. But this year, with staffing shortfalls, supply chain issues, and a persistent pandemic, the holidays have arrived with even less warning than usual.

    If you haven’t ordered employee holiday gifts yet, don’t despair! Order gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude today and have them in time to share for Christmas with your heartfelt gratitude.

    Choose from a holiday meal centerpiece gift with a Turkey Or Ham voucher to the flexibility of a Grocery Certificate for a holiday spread of choice or, add joy with a fun pie or ice cream gift.

    Whatever Certificate of Gratitude gift you choose, we work long hours to ship all orders same day. Expedited shipping options are available, so you can be sure to receive your gifts in time.

     

    Order Your Holiday Gifts Now!

    It’s Not Too Late!

    gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude are fast, easy, affordable and easy to deliver on time. Check out our Case Studies and FAQ.

    Order online or call us at 888-484-1658.

    If you have a large company or distributed workplace, call us. We can help with volume pricing (all Certificates except Grocery) and custom logistics.

    gThankYou Gift Certificates

    It's not too late to share gratitude with employees with a thoughtful note of thanks.

     

     

    • Fit in standard business-sized envelopes, perfect for distributing in person or with company mailings.

     

    Not everything has gone smoothly this year. With gThankYou Certificates of Gratitude, employee gift-giving can be the rare exception. Order now while you still have time!

    Make Your Gift-Giving Fun!

    You might order in lunch for employees and hand them their Gift Certificates personally. You might have executives cook and/or serve the food. Host a virtual event, hybrid party or give everyone a well-deserved day off to go holiday grocery shopping (if they so choose)!

    However you choose, be sure to share your gift with sincere appreciation and gratitude. It will not only make your recipient(s) feel great, but you too!

    Year after year, gift certificates and gift cards are on top of the most appreciated employee gifts. With the knowledge that everyone loves a food gift from gThankYou, it’s a win-win!

    How do you plan to reward hard-working employees this season? Let us help – it’s not too late!

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  • BIG List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas

    Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas - The Best Gift is You!

     

    2-4-6-8 – Who do we appreciate? Our hardworking employees!!

    Just in time for the holidays, gThankYou has released our Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas! This book is perfect all year for inspiration for ways to support and recognize the people who make your business work. Best yet, it’s FREE to download and share with colleagues.

    Still looking for the perfect holiday workplace gift? Check it out! Although here’s our suggestion!

    The eBook is broken down into categories and lists so it’s easy to read, get inspired and apply. It’s the perfect go-to resource as you brainstorm and think through employee appreciation planning now and in the coming year.

    As you skim this guide, you’ll find something for everyone. Some gifts are costly or come in a big box. They always leave a big impression. Others are more modest, but they’re just as meaningful, especially when combined with your sincere gratitude.

    eBook, "The Big List of Employee Appreciation Gift Ideas"

     

    Browse high-impact ideas in every category, including gifts that can help you:

    • Support new ways of working
    • Encourage employee wellbeing
    • Reinforce teamwork and organizational values
    • Celebrate holidays with flare
    • Acknowledge milestone moments in work and life
    • Recognize people anytime with simple gestures

     

    DOWNLOAD Your BIG List of Appreciation Gift Ideas Now!

    (more…)

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  • Grocery Gift Certificates: The Perfect Gift!

    Grocery shopping - Photo by Tara Clark, Unsplash

     

    This time of year, employers often struggle trying to think of the perfect employee holiday gifts. What does everyone want, need and love? Food. What’s a thoughtful gift that can be shared with others over the holidays? The gift of food.

    At gThankYou, we have an easy way to share the holiday gift of food with your team. gThankYou Grocery Gift Certificates allow recipients to buy any combination of food items – at the time and grocery store of their choosing. They prohibit any non-food items. such as alcohol or tobacco.

    If you wish to give recipients the ability to choose the holiday meal they want for their families, choose gThankYou Grocery Gift Certificates.

    If you prefer to provide the specific gift of a Christmas ham or a choice of Turkey Or Ham as a gift, we offer that too.

    “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

    (more…)

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  • What Employees REALLY Want for the Holidays

    Holiday workplace gift giving - gratitude, is what employees really want

     

    Today’s headlines are full of crazy statistics about the workplace, with headlines like The Great Discontent ringing in our ears. Leaders are worried about retention rates, hiring, and assessing culture. While we understand the stress that accompanies these concerns, there is a bright light. This is an excellent opportunity! Let’s discuss what employees REALLY want for the holidays – your heartfelt appreciation for their hard work and loyalty.

    This is the time to build a culture of gratitude. Thank those employees who have stuck through the hard times. Attract new talent by offering a culture that understands their needs. Build peer-to-peer and top-down communication channels and recognition that makes people feel valued.

    As we dive right into the holiday season, gThankYou is here to help you share your appreciation. Personalized, heartfelt thanks is in demand and, together, we can deliver.

    (more…)

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  • Happy Thanksgiving from gThankYou!

    Thanksgiving Day spread 

    As you reconnect with friends and family, enjoy fabulous meals, and have fun this week, we hope you get the chance to pause and reflect on all there is to be grateful for in your life. At gThankYou, we are grateful for our families, friends, clients and partners. Together, we can have a Happy Thanksgiving — sharing gratitude around the table and beyond.

    If you have any questions about your Gift Certificate please read the information below.

    Contact us at 888-484-1658 or info@gthankyou.com if you have additional questions or need help with a store.
    Customer Service is available 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday (Central Time).
    We have Spanish language Customer Service during weekday business hours.

    How do gThankYou Gift Certificates work?

    gThankYou Certificates are Manufacturer Coupons intended to be redeemed at major grocery chain stores anywhere in the U.S.

    Choose any brand and preparation of turkey, ham or groceries or whatever your Certificate specifies.

    Simply give the cashier your Certificate at checkout to redeem it for the merchandise you select. For more information about how your Coupon works, check out our FAQ.

    Click the link for directions in SPANISH on how to use your gThankYou Certificate.

    For a one page download that can be shared and describes how your gThankYou Certificate works, where to shop, where not to shop and answers basic questions click for either ENGLISH or SPANISH.

    What stores accept gThankYou Certificates?

    Virtually all major U.S. grocery chains that take Manufacturer Coupons honor gThankYou Certificates. The only stores that do not honor Manufacturer Coupons are Sam’s, Costco, Aldi and specialty stores such as HoneyBaked. We do not recommend redeeming your Certificate at general merchandise stores such as Wal-Mart, Target or Dollar stores at this time.

    How to shop at a store that doesn’t honor Manufacturer Coupons.

    If you prefer to shop at a store that does not honor Manufacturer Coupons gThankYou can directly redeem your Coupon.

    Simply mail your Certificate and store receipt for qualifying merchandise to gThankYou and we will quickly reimburse you with a check. We can also reimburse you if you prefer to do delivery or curbside pick-up!

    For mail-in reimbursement address and instructions, text “return” to 888-222-9054.

    Download Your FREE Thanksgiving Turkey Cookbook and Guide!

    New to cooking a holiday turkey? Not to worry, we can help with that too!

    We believe preparing your Thanksgiving turkey should be stress-free and fun — so we offer a free downloadable Turkey Cookbook and Guide!

    The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Guide - Download Your Copy Now!

    • Are you new to cooking a turkey?
    • It’s been a while since you have hosted Thanksgiving?
    • Are you a seasoned cook looking to spice up your traditional menu?
    • Not sure how to defrost a frozen turkey?
    • Never made gravy before?
    • Not sure what kind of turkey to purchase?
    • Want to take the stress out of cooking a turkey?

    Then we have the perfect resource for you!
    gThankYou’s popular Ultimate Turkey Cookbook and Guide is downloadable and shareable for FREE!

    Download yours now and take the stress out of preparing the centerpiece to your holiday meal.
    Wishing you and yours a most happy, health and peaceful Thanksgiving. We hope your gift of the centerpiece of your holiday meal brings joy and gratitude to your holiday celebration.

    Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at gThankYou!

    Happy Thanksgiving from gThankYou!

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  • Wrap Your Holiday Employee Gifts in Gratitude

    Wrap your holiday gifts in gratitude - beautifly wrapped holiday gifts

    Photo by Michelle on Unsplash

     

    ‘Tis the season for festive spirits and holiday gift-giving! Wrap your holiday employee gifts in gratitude and watch as spirits rise and kindness become contagious in your workplace. At gThankYou, we are believers that the season isn’t simply about buying gifts and checking off a to-do item. It is the spirit of gratitude – thanking others for the role they play in your life or business. Sincerely, authentically and from the heart.

    Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.
    – Melody Beattie

    A well-designed, personalized gift with a heartfelt note of appreciation does add that special touch. It’s both meaningful and memorable making the recipient feel special and truly valued. Let’s face it, these days we all crave sincere appreciation.

    (more…)

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How gThankYou Certificates Work

Step 1

Order Certificates

Choose the gThankYou Certificates you want and order them online or by telephone.

Step 2

Ship directly to your business

Your order is delivered by UPS. Nearly all orders ship the day received. Overnight shipping is available.

Step 3

Distribute to your employees

Personalize your gThankYou Certificates with Recipient and Giver names (optional) and give them to employees.

Step 4

Redeem at any grocery store

Recipients redeem Certificates at major U.S. grocery stores and select the items they want.