11 Cool Gifts to Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day

Updated: 10/15/2025

11 Cool Gifts to Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day

Let’s be honest administrative professionals are the unsung heroes of every workplace. From coordinating calendars to putting out metaphorical (and sometimes literal) fires, they keep everything running smoothly, often with zero fanfare and a smile on their face.

That’s exactly why Administrative Professionals Day is the perfect moment to say, “I see you and I appreciate everything you do.”

But this year, skip the last-minute flowers and standard-issue gift cards. You can do better and we’re here to help.

Here are 11 cool gift categories that are both thoughtful and practical — guaranteed to make your administrative staff feel truly valued.

1. Desk Accessories That Add a Touch of Style

If their desk is mission control, make it a space they love with stylish desk accessories. Think bamboo desk organizers, personalized mousepads, or a desktop whiteboard. Add a monogrammed notepad or custom cellphone holder for a polished, professional touch.

Include a mini succulent or a modern desk lamp for a workspace upgrade they’ll actually enjoy.

2. Start Their Day Right with Custom Coffee Mugs

The workday doesn’t officially start until the first sip. A personalized coffee mug featuring an inside joke, inspiring quote, or elegant name design adds a personal touch to their morning ritual.

Pair it with artisan coffee, gourmet hot chocolate, or a set of herbal teas for an easy, thoughtful gift bundle.

3. Travel Tumblers for On-the-Go Pro

If they’re always dashing between meetings or commuting with coffee in hand, a high-quality travel insulated tumbler is both practical and stylish. Look for spill-proof options that fit in a car cup holder and customize with initials or your company’s modern logo.

4. Add a Touch of Class with Engraved Pens

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a quality engraved pen. An engraved version with their name or a simple “thank you” turns a desk essential into a meaningful keepsake.

Pair with a leather-bound journal or planner for a gift set that says “professional powerhouse.”

5. Keep It Comfy with Custom Apparel

Branded or personalized apparel is a great way to combine comfort with team spirit. Consider custom sweatshirts or custom t-shirts in a variety of colors and sizes. Or browse all promotional apparel options to create a cohesive, branded look for your admin team.

6. Practical and Stylish Business Bags

A custom business bag is both a functional and fashionable gift. Perfect for carrying laptops, notebooks, and other daily essentials, these bags are ideal for both the office and off-site meetings. Choose from backpacks, messenger bags, or totes that match your team’s preferences.

7. Jot It Down in Personalized Notebooks

Help your administrative professionals keep track of their ideas, tasks, and meeting notes with custom notebooks. Add a company logo, name, or inspirational message for a personalized touch. It’s a simple yet thoughtful gift that gets used every day.

8. Impress with Curated Gift Sets

Pressed for time? Let a curated gift set do the heavy lifting. Choose from ready-made sets focused on office must-haves, or coffee lovers — or build your own around their personality.

A handwritten note goes a long way in making this feel like more than just a “company gift.”

9. Sweeten the Day with Chocolate and Snacks

Nothing says “thank you” like a box of sweet treats. Personalized chocolate and food gifts are always a crowd-pleaser. Choose from chocolate bars, candy tins, or snack boxes that can be branded with your company’s name or a festive message.

Packaging counts, so choose something that feels intentional and special.

10. Tech Gifts for the Office and Beyond

Promotional tech gifts feel modern, thoughtful, and surprisingly personal, especially if they make their workday easier.

Top picks:

  • Wireless phone chargers
  • Bluetooth speakers or earbuds
  • Ring lights for video calls
  • Cable organizers or portable power banks

Perfect for remote workers, gadget lovers, or anyone who likes to stay connected and powered up.

11. Health & Wellness Gifts: Care Beyond the Cubicle

Support their well-being, not just their workload. Health and wellness promotional gifts are a thoughtful reminder to recharge.

Great options:

  • Aromatherapy rollers or diffuser kits
  • Branded yoga mats or fitness bands
  • Self-care sets with candles, bath soaks, or journals

These gifts remind your admin pros to recharge — because their well-being matters, too.

Say Thank You in a Way That Feels Genuine

Administrative professionals are the backbone of your business. They deserve recognition that goes beyond a generic thank-you. Whether you’re celebrating one superstar or a whole crew of workplace MVPs, these thoughtful gift categories offer a perfect way to express real gratitude.

Ready to give thanks in style? Explore our collection of customizable gifts and let your appreciation take center stage. Because when it comes to recognizing your team, the details make all the difference.

6 Things That Make Entrepreneurship Seem Extremely Difficult

Entrepreneurship is a complex career. In order to become successful as an entrepreneur, you will have to work extremely hard. There are so many things that can motivate you to get that work up and running. If you are motivated enough, you can be sure that you will be able to get a business started. Motivation is not the only thing you need though. You should be a good planner and a person who is ready to tackle the challenges that come with starting a business. People are starting businesses at just about any age nowadays. Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need billions to create a business.
Continue reading “6 Things That Make Entrepreneurship Seem Extremely Difficult” →

How to Engage Employees: 11 Tips for Making Your Office Fun Again

social committee for office fun
Let’s face it: it was a brutal winter just about everywhere in the US. Coming out of the winter doldrums, especially at the office, is not always easy. But with these 11 tips, you can turn things around and make your office fun again.
Continue reading “How to Engage Employees: 11 Tips for Making Your Office Fun Again” →

Spring Cleaning Checklist: 5 Office Organization Ideas

easter eggs
We bet you had the best of intentions to clean up the office back in March when winter gave way to spring (on the calendar anyway). How’s that going? If you’re glancing around your office and feeling down about how things look, don’t worry: here are five office organization ideas that will get your office back in tip-top shape in no time!
Continue reading “Spring Cleaning Checklist: 5 Office Organization Ideas” →

5 Things Your Employees Can Do to Help Promote Your Business

Updated: 3/19/2025

5 Things Your Employees Can Do to Help Promote Your Business

Employees can be a company’s most powerful—and authentic—brand advocates when they feel valued, informed, and supported. By fostering a positive workplace culture and equipping teams with the right tools, businesses can encourage organic brand promotion without forcing extra work. From social media engagement and branded swag to referral programs and conversational networking, this guide explores practical, respectful ways to empower employees to confidently share and promote their company.

First Things First: Build a Solid Foundation

Before we dive into specific ways to promote business, let’s make sure your foundation is rock solid. Your employees will only genuinely support your business if they feel appreciated and heard. Here’s how to create that environment:

  • Listen Actively: Address concerns quickly and fairly, and show that you truly care about your employees’ well-being.
  • Encourage Feedback: Create an environment where employees can pitch ideas and feel valued for their input. If their idea leads to increased sales, reward them!
  • Foster a Welcoming Culture: Whether it’s a casual conversation with the boss or an open-floor layout, ensure your employees feel like they belong and have a voice.
  • Share the Wealth: Bonuses, recognition, or even a thoughtful thank-you gift can go a long way in making employees feel valued.
  • Keep Them Informed: From product launches to new initiatives, make sure everyone is up-to-date and feels confident talking about your business.
  • Provide the Tools: Offer employees the resources they need — whether it’s sales brochures, product info, or helpful training — to make it easy for them to share knowledge with others.
  • Respect Their Time: While encouraging off-hours promotion is great, never require it. Your team already gives you their best during work hours; respect their personal time.

Now, let’s explore five simple, effective ways to promote a company — without your employees feeling like they’re working overtime.

  1. Let Them Link Up on Social Media

Every employee is connected to a network of people — people who could be potential customers. Encourage them to link their personal social media profiles to your company’s accounts. Here’s how:

  • Have your team add your company to their LinkedIn profiles (and follow your LinkedIn page). Encourage them to engage with your company’s posts by liking, commenting, and sharing updates.
  • You can also suggest they update their social media bios or “About” sections on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to include a link to your website.

Pro Tip: Make it easy! Provide a step-by-step guide (or tutorial video) to walk your employees through linking their profiles and engaging on social media. And if there’s a specific product launch or news you want them to share, provide pre-written posts, tweets, and hashtags to make the process quick and simple.

  1. Provide Branded Swag and Apparel

Want your employees to promote your business in public? Help them do it in style with promotional products. Consider providing:

  • Personalized Drinkware: Custom mugs, tumblers, and water bottles featuring your logo are practical, durable, and highly visible.
  • Custom Pens: A classic, functional way to promote your brand.
  • Promotional Apparel: Branded t-shirts, hoodies, or hats can be great conversation starters.
  • Custom Bags & Totes: Perfect for commuting or grocery shopping, offering a daily reminder of your brand.
  • Branded Notebooks: Handy and stylish for meetings or remote work.
  • Custom Calendars: A practical, year-round way to keep your brand visible.

When employees wear branded apparel or use company-branded products, they’re essentially walking billboards for your business — without even trying.

5 Things Your Employees Can Do to Help Promote Your Business Promotional Products

  1. Tap into Sponsorships and Local Events

Encourage employees to share the love by sponsoring local events or causes that align with your company’s values. Whether it’s a charity walk, a kids’ sports team, or a community fundraiser, the visibility you’ll get in return is invaluable.

Pro Tip: Offer your employees branded sponsorship gear (think logoed hats, shirts, or banners) to wear or display at these events. It’s a win-win for both them and your business!

  1. Introduce Employee-Exclusive Referral Programs

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Incentivize employees to help promote your products or services to their network by offering them exclusive discounts. For example:

  • Create unique promo codes that employees can share with family and friends (and even post on social media).
  • Run a “friends & family” sale with discounts on popular items like custom notebooks or promotional drinkware.

Incentive Idea: Track sales brought in through each employee’s code, and offer rewards for the top performers — whether it’s a cash bonus, extra time off, or a special gift like a branded backpack.

  1. Provide Networking “Conversation Starters”

Help your employees turn every casual conversation into an opportunity to promote your business. Whether they’re attending a wedding, a BBQ, or a networking event, make sure they know how to casually share what your company is about. Here’s how to make it easy:

  • Train Your Team: Provide a quick training session or guide on how to answer the classic “So, what do you do?” question in a way that’s engaging and non-salesy.
  • Equip Them with Talking Points: Have employees share exciting company news, like a recent product release or a successful project. Encourage them to mention it in everyday conversations.

Bonus Tip: Train your team on how to use conversational networking to expand their own professional circles too. It’s a two-way street, and when they feel confident about talking about your company, they’ll naturally do so more often.

Remote Employees? We’ve Got You Covered

In today’s remote and hybrid work environment, don’t forget about employees who may not be in the office. Encourage them to share your business’s social media posts, wear branded apparel during video calls, or even gift personalized drinkware or pens to clients and prospects they meet virtually. Don’t forget to offer remote-friendly rewards, like digital gift cards, for employees who go above and beyond in spreading the word.

Building a Community of Brand Advocates

Your employees are your most valuable asset in promoting your business. By fostering a positive work environment and empowering them with the right tools, you can turn your team into a powerful force for brand growth.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

What strategies have you found successful in engaging your employees as brand advocates? Share your experiences in the comments below!

FAQs: Turning Employees Into Brand Advocates

1. Why are employees effective brand advocates?

Employees are trusted voices within their personal and professional networks, making their recommendations more authentic and credible than traditional advertising.

2. How can companies encourage employees to promote the brand?

Companies can encourage advocacy by creating a supportive culture, keeping employees informed, offering branded tools, and making promotion easy—not mandatory.

3. What role do promotional products play in employee advocacy?

Branded apparel, drinkware, bags, and office items allow employees to promote the brand naturally while going about their daily routines.

4. How can social media support employee brand promotion?

By linking employees’ profiles to company pages and providing share‑ready content, businesses make it simple for employees to engage and amplify brand messages online.

5. Do employee referral programs actually work?

Yes. Referral programs with incentives like discounts, bonuses, or recognition motivate employees to share products or services with people they already trust.

Case Study: Why Business Owners are Ditching Laptops for Tablets

Laptop vs. Tablet Debate

Laptops vs. tablets. Tablets vs. laptops. Ever since Apple unveiled its iPad in 2010, it’s become a hotly contested debate. Way back in 2011, Mashable reported the Forrester prediction that tablet sales would eclipse PC sales by 2015. Today, some are even saying that tablets will outsell laptops this year. And advertising growth suggests that for many, tablets are the new PC.

Regardless of when it happens, the fact is that more and more people are turning to tablets, for pleasure and for business (or both).

We thought we’d ask some business owners why they made the switch, how they’re using the tablets to conduct business, and what advice they’d offer fellow business owners who are trying to decide between laptops and tablets. Continue reading “Case Study: Why Business Owners are Ditching Laptops for Tablets” →