10 gift ideas for sales teams and salespeople

Best Practices | Sales

by   Val Riley

Coming up with gift ideas for salespeople and gift ideas for sales teams can be difficult. Why? Well, a good sales person can probably buy whatever they want for themselves!

Seriously, though, whether you are looking for gift ideas during the holiday season or just to reward someone for a job well done, you’ve come to the right place.

Why give gifts to employees?

Businesses give gifts to employees for various reasons, and it can be a thoughtful way to express appreciation, boost morale, and enhance the overall workplace environment. Here are some common reasons why businesses choose to give gifts to their employees:

  1. Recognition and Appreciation: Employee gifts are often given as a form of recognition and appreciation for hard work, dedication, and achievements. It’s a way for employers to acknowledge and reward employees for their contributions to the success of the company.
  2. Employee Motivation: Providing gifts can serve as a motivator for employees. It helps create a positive work culture where employees feel valued and motivated to continue putting in their best effort.
  3. Employee Retention: Gifts can contribute to employee satisfaction and loyalty. When employees feel appreciated and recognized, they are more likely to stay with the company rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
  4. Celebrating Milestones: Businesses may give gifts to employees to celebrate significant milestones, such as work anniversaries, project completions, or other personal achievements. This helps build a sense of camaraderie and reinforces a positive work environment.
  5. Boosting Morale: Thoughtful gifts can have a positive impact on the overall morale of the workforce. When employees receive gifts, it can create a sense of excitement and happiness, fostering a more positive and collaborative workplace.
  6. Holiday and Special Occasions: Many businesses provide gifts during holidays, such as Christmas or New Year, as a way to spread joy and celebrate the festive season. Gifts may also be given on other special occasions, such as birthdays or company anniversaries.
  7. Promoting Team Building: Some businesses use gifts as part of team-building activities or incentive programs. This can encourage teamwork, healthy competition, and a sense of unity among employees.
  8. Corporate Branding and Image: Businesses may give branded gifts as a way to promote their corporate identity. Branded items, such as company-logo merchandise, can also serve as a form of marketing when used by employees outside of the workplace.
  9. Wellness Initiatives: Companies may provide wellness-related gifts as part of employee wellness programs. This can include items such as fitness trackers, gym memberships, or other health-focused incentives.

Overall, employee gifts can play a crucial role in creating a positive work culture, fostering employee engagement, and building strong relationships between employers and their workforce.

10 gift ideas for your sales team

  1. Membership to Topgolf. With more than 80 premier venues nationwide, Topgolf is the perfect spot for any sales person to blow off some steam, celebrate a big win, or just have some fun with friends and family. You can provide a gift certificate for a set dollar amount for a day or evening of fun, or step it up with a membership so that special salesperson can visit more frequently. They can also use it as a venue to entertain clients and prospects, to make their win rate soar. It’s a great, easy option that can be sent digitally as well.
  2. Meal kit service (+ remote cooking class). One thing about sales people is that they are typically working at odd hours. As such, they may not prioritize healthy meals. Take out is a staple, sadly. Membership to a meal kit service can send fresh ingredients to their door weekly so they can prepare healthy, home-cooked food without the time commitment of shopping and planning. Take it up a notch by adding on a cooking class or skills seminar so they can perfect their culinary skills. A healthy, well-fed salesperson is focused on closing.
  3. Professional portrait session. Yeah, those AI head shots are OK, but nothing beats a professional session with a real photographer. This one might require some research to find a great provider – or a series of providers if your team is remote. But get your Google search on and find a place where your sales people can have a full session with multiple looks for a gift that has staying power. 
  4. Subscription to an online sales training program. Show your sales person that you are investing in their success. A subscription to online training courses can help them all year. In a slump…grab a course! Having difficulty with a specific task like cold call openers or deals lagging in your pipeline? There’s a course for that, too. There are many reputable providers in this field. We at Insightly like Pavilion and #samsales consulting. 
  5. Under desk bike/treadmill. Stay fit while crushing your calls. Seriously, though, sitting at your desk all day is part of the deal when you work any sales job. Getting a standing desk helps keep you moving a bit, but an under-the-desk bike or treadmill will keep you moving all day long. These can range in price and size, so be sure to do some research about the space your recipient has to work with. 
  6. Desk terrarium or plant. Who doesn’t crave a moment of zen each day? Being around greenery can really make a difference. According to a recent article in Time Magazine, having a house plant has a positive impact on both our physical and emotional health. While shipping a living thing might seem tricky, there are actually several online companies that specialize in this and provide literally hundreds of options and ship worldwide. 
  7. Membership to a coworking space. This one is for the remote workers out there. Turns out it might be a good idea to occasionally put on pants. Coworking spaces are popping up everywhere and at a variety of different price points. If your team is remote, this could be a difference maker in allowing your special person to experience the camaraderie of coworkers in an office without having to travel. Many coworking spaces have one time passes as well as memberships, so you can pick from a variety of price points with this gift. Throw in a gift card to the coffee shop nearby and you’ve got a thoughtful gift.
  8. Gift card for a massage. In sales, stress comes with the job. How about sending over a little stress relief? A regular massage can have a myriad of benefits and it’s easier than ever to give this gift. If you know of a local massage parlor, it’s likely that they offer gift cards. If your team is remote, consider the convenience of a chain like Massage Envy. 
  9. A desk-sized gong. Everyone loves celebrating a win. If your team is all together, hang a gong on the wall to bang when a win comes along. Remote team? Buy each person a desk-sized gong to celebrate on their own. For an extra touch, engrave their name. 
  10. Insightly, the modern, customizable CRM teams love. Your team is in their CRM every day, day-in and day-out. Make this experience better for them by choosing a CRM they’ll like. Long page loads and complex screens waste their time. Insightly’s blade view and custom layouts take the complexity out of CRM and keep your team focused on closing. Watch a demo on demand today and see if Insightly is right for you. 

What are the characteristics of good salespeople?

Effective salespeople possess a combination of skills, traits, and behaviors that contribute to their success in building relationships, closing deals, and achieving sales targets. Here are some key characteristics of good salespeople:

  1. Communication Skills: Good salespeople excel in both verbal and written communication. They can articulate the value of a product or service clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and adapt their communication style to connect with different personalities.
  2. Empathy: Successful salespeople understand and empathize with their customers. They can put themselves in the customer’s shoes, comprehend their pain points, and tailor their approach to address specific needs.
  3. Resilience and Persistence: Rejection is a common part of sales, and resilient salespeople don’t get discouraged easily. They view rejection as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Persistence is key to overcoming challenges and closing deals.
  4. Product Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the product or service being sold is crucial. Good salespeople know the features and benefits of what they’re offering and can effectively communicate how it meets the customer’s needs.
  5. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing situations, customer needs, and market dynamics is essential. Salespeople need to be flexible in their approach and open to adjusting their strategies based on feedback and evolving circumstances.
  6. Confidence: Confidence inspires trust. Good salespeople exude confidence in themselves and the products or services they represent. However, it’s important to balance confidence with humility and a willingness to learn.
  7. Organizational Skills: Sales can involve managing multiple leads, clients, and tasks simultaneously. Good salespeople are organized and can prioritize their time effectively to focus on high-priority activities that contribute to their sales goals.
  8. Relationship Building: Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers is a cornerstone of successful sales. Good salespeople understand the importance of trust and work to establish long-term connections with clients.
  9. Problem-Solving Skills: Sales often involves overcoming objections and finding solutions to customer challenges. Strong problem-solving skills enable salespeople to address concerns, alleviate doubts, and guide customers toward a positive decision.
  10. Goal-Oriented: Successful salespeople set and work toward clear, achievable goals. They are motivated by targets and are committed to meeting and exceeding them.
  11. Negotiation Skills: Negotiation is a critical aspect of sales. Effective salespeople are skilled negotiators who can find mutually beneficial solutions, handle objections, and close deals on terms that satisfy both parties.
  12. Continuous Learning: The best salespeople are committed to ongoing learning and improvement. They stay informed about industry trends, product developments, and sales techniques, and they actively seek opportunities for professional development.

While these characteristics are valuable, it’s essential to note that the effectiveness of a salesperson can also depend on the specific industry, product, or service they are selling. Adaptability and the ability to tailor these traits to the unique demands of the sales environment are key to long-term success.

Go shopping now!

You’re convinced that gift giving has value, and now you know what makes sales people tick. Get out there and start shopping for a gift they’ll cherish!

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