Employee Gift Ideas 2025: Why Corporate Book Gifts Still Stand Out

Choosing the right employee gifts in 2025 can feel like a never-ending challenge. Companies want to show appreciation, but they also want their gifts to feel meaningful, practical, and aligned with their values. With so many options on the market—from branded mugs to digital gift cards—what truly leaves a lasting impression?

One timeless option that is making a strong comeback is the corporate book gift. Books, especially when purchased in bulk for employees, are affordable, customisable, and filled with long-term value. In this guide, we’ll explore why books make excellent staff appreciation gifts, how to choose the right titles, and why bulk book orders can save your company both time and money.

Why Employee Gifts Matter More Than Ever in 2025

Employee engagement and retention remain top priorities for businesses this year. A simple “thank you” email is no longer enough; workers are looking for genuine recognition.

• Recognition boosts morale – A thoughtful gift communicates that contributions are noticed.

• Gifts support company culture – The right choice reinforces values such as learning, wellbeing, or creativity.

• Tangible items matter – In a digital-first workplace, a physical gift feels personal and lasting.

However, companies are also under pressure to keep costs reasonable. That’s where bulk book orders come in—balancing affordability with impact.

Why Books Make Great Employee Gifts

Books offer something most other corporate gifts don’t: knowledge, inspiration, and reflection. Unlike items that collect dust, a book is opened, read, and remembered.

Here are a few reasons why bulk books for employees are gaining traction:

• Universal appeal – Everyone can benefit from the right book, whether it’s about personal growth, leadership, or mindfulness.

• Longevity – A book isn’t consumed in one sitting like chocolates; it stays on a desk or shelf for months or even years.

• Scalability – Buying in bulk ensures consistent, high-quality gifts for the entire team.

• Customisable – You can choose titles aligned with your company’s mission, or even add a personalised note inside.

In addition, books are budget-friendly compared with tech gadgets or luxury hampers, yet they often feel more thoughtful.

Popular Employee Gift Ideas with Books in 2025

If you’re wondering what types of books work best as staff appreciation gifts, here are some top categories:

1. Leadership & Professional Growth

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

These titles help employees develop both professionally and personally. They’re especially valuable for management teams or training programmes.

2. Wellbeing & Mindfulness

• The Little Book of Mindfulness by Patrizia Collard

• Breath by James Nestor

• The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Wellbeing-focused books show that your company cares about staff welfare, not just productivity.

3. Inspiration & Motivation

• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

• Think Again by Adam Grant

Books like these inspire fresh thinking and resilience—qualities every workplace values.

Bulk Books for Schools and Beyond

Interestingly, schools and universities also order books in bulk for classrooms, libraries, and student gifts. While corporate buyers might focus on leadership or wellbeing, educators often choose children’s classics and learning resources.

Some popular children’s titles frequently ordered in bulk include:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

• Matilda by Roald Dahl

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio

For companies that support family-oriented initiatives, partnering with schools or providing employees with children’s books for their families can be a creative extension of staff appreciation.

The Cost Advantage of Buying in Bulk

When you buy books in bulk, you unlock significant discounts and streamline logistics. Instead of piecing together individual purchases, your order is consolidated, making distribution easier.

Benefits of bulk book orders include:

• Lower cost per copy

• Consistent quality across all gifts

• Simplified delivery and invoicing

• Flexible options (paperback, hardback, special editions)

For example, a company buying 200 copies of Atomic Habits for a leadership training programme will spend far less per book than if each employee ordered individually.

How to Choose the Right Book for Your Team

The key to making corporate book gifts work is alignment. Ask yourself:

• What values define our workplace? (Wellbeing? Innovation? Growth?)

• What challenges are our employees facing? (Stress? Motivation? Skills gaps?)

• What do we want them to take away from this gift? (Practical tips? Inspiration? Reflection?)

Once you answer these questions, it becomes much easier to select a title—or even a mix of books—that resonates.

Other Employee Gift Ideas to Pair with Books

While books are powerful on their own, they also pair well with small extras. Consider combining them with:

• Custom notebooks and pens – Perfect for note-taking alongside a business book.

• Branded bookmarks – A subtle reminder of your company identity.

• Wellness kits – Tea, candles, or snacks to complement a mindfulness title.

• Gift cards – Allow employees to choose an additional book for themselves.

This hybrid approach shows extra thoughtfulness without adding significant cost.

How to Order Bulk Books Easily

At Books4Less, we’ve streamlined the process for HR managers, event organisers, and school administrators who need bulk book orders. It only takes a few simple steps:

1. Browse titles – Explore our wide selection of business, wellbeing, children’s, and fiction books.

2. Request a quote – Let us know how many copies you need and your preferred titles.

3. Place your order – Confirm your choices and payment details.

4. Receive your books – Fast delivery, with free UK shipping on qualifying orders.

In addition, we offer tiered discounts for larger quantities, making it easy to maximise your budget.

Final Thoughts: Books as Employee Gifts in 2025

As the corporate world evolves, employee gifts in 2025 need to balance thoughtfulness with practicality. While branded items and tech gadgets have their place, corporate book gifts remain one of the most timeless and effective ways to appreciate your team.

Books educate, inspire, and endure—qualities every company wants to be associated with. And when purchased in bulk, they are both affordable and impactful.

📚 Ready to Order Bulk Books for Your Team?

Show your employees how much they matter with a gift that lasts. Whether you’re planning staff appreciation gifts, onboarding packs, or holiday presents, Books4Less makes bulk ordering simple and cost-effective.

👉 Request a Bulk Quote Today and give your employees the gift of knowledge, inspiration, and appreciation.