Schools, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, event-based organizations and more depend on volunteers to bring their visions to life. Offering their creativity and time (free of charge), volunteers are a critical driving force behind the impactful work of community-based organizations. From Earth Day tree plantings to voter registration or chili cook-offs to Fourth of July parades, memorable events in every town and city rely on volunteers to be the lifeblood of their success. What’s more, they often work behind the scenes, asking for little more than being able to see the results of their efforts.
If your organization relies on ready and willing volunteers to get the job done, don’t let them go home empty-handed. Tell them “thank you” with a gift they will enjoy using and that will remind them of the meaningful work they provided. With a touch of your organization’s branding, volunteer appreciation gifts can kick-start positive conversations around your group’s mission and help extend your impact in the community.
Don’t let your heroes go unsung! We’ve pulled together a list of our favorite inexpensive volunteer appreciation gifts to help you show that you care-each of them customizable with your organization’s branding.
Our Top 14 Volunteer Appreciation Gift Ideas
1. PopSocket® Phone Stand – This multi-functional add-on for smartphones will keep your organization’s logo right in your volunteers’ back pockets and in plain view when they use their smart phones. They’ll love the added dexterity that PopSockets® provide-and the different ways to prop up their devices.
2. Eco Spiral Notebook & Pen – Gifting your volunteers a writing set will support them in their work and provide an outlet for inspiration down the road. Plus, both you and your volunteers can feel good about this product’s eco-friendly design.
3. Classic Drawstring Sport Pack – This simple bag offers countless uses for your volunteers-from packing essentials on the day of your event to transporting supplies to and from your location. And, your organization’s branding appears clearly on this backpack made for any occasion.
4. Very Kool Cooling Towel – Sometimes volunteer work can take place outside in the heat, so provide your hard-working volunteers with a cooling towel. They’ll stay fresh and ready to engage in the work they love, and then head home with a branded token from their experience.
5. Cotton Broadcast Tote – Setting your volunteers up for success with imprinted folders, imprinted binders, paperwork, booklets and more? What better way to organize items than with a classic cotton tote that your volunteers will love using down the road? Project materials now-groceries later!
6. Campfire Ceramic Mug – Campfires are for telling stories, and your volunteers will share about their experience with your organization when they use this timeless camp mug. Sturdy and suited for all beverages, this cup is a great way to say “thanks” while allowing volunteers to bring on the storytelling, all while building your brand equity, too.
7. Can-Shaped Pint Glass – Help your volunteers kick back after a full day of meaningful work with this stylish pint glass. The popular can design provides a blank canvas for your logo, and your volunteers will love the addition to their glassware collection.
8. Economy Auto-Open Umbrella – Help keep your volunteers dry at your event, on their way to your office, and for months afterward. A glovebox or back-hall essential, this useful gift will help your volunteers feel cared for and keep your organization top-of-mind.
9. See-Through Travel Bag – Make your appreciation clear to see and give your volunteers a way to keep tabs on all of their travel essentials. Whether they’re on their way to the big event or to that well-deserved vacation, they’ll keep your branding in tow.
10. Office Essentials in a Box – Let your volunteers know you care about their work with essential supplies. Perfect for administrative, fundraising and event planning work, this compact box packs everything office-based volunteers will need to complete their important role.
11. Safety Shoe Light – Sometimes volunteers stay busy long after the sun goes down. Help them stay safe with this high-visibility light that attaches to shoes. Customizable with your logo, this safety device will jog your volunteers’ memory of your organization on their next evening walk.
12. Deluxe Vinyl Writing Clipboard – If volunteers will play a key role at your upcoming event, help your “boots on the ground” record the information they need with this clipboard. Customized with your branding, this appreciation gift will come in handy for your volunteers wherever their work takes them.
13. Carabineer Sunscreen – Outdoor events present a great opportunity to show you care. Keep your volunteers safe and say “thank you” with a small sunscreen bottle that they can attach to their bag or a belt loop.
14. Handy Utility Hammer – Working with volunteers on a construction project? Send them home with a hammer that will prove to be useful for all sorts of jobs around the house. This hammer makes an impact-just like your volunteers do in supporting your mission.
A quality, branded promotional volunteer gift can go a long way in building a positive relationship with your volunteers. We hope our list of ideas to honor volunteers helps you pick out the memento that will make a difference.
We’d love to help bring your next thank-you gift to life. You’ll enjoy working with MARCO Promos as much as you will the end product. We build confidence with free samples, free art prep and proofs, and our satisfaction guarantee. We save you time with 24-hour service and speedy delivery, and we always cost less than our competitors. Learn more about what sets MARCO Promos apart.
What was the most impactful appreciation gift you’ve received as a volunteer? Let us know in the comment section below.
