10 Creative Office Prize Ideas: Fun and Motivating Rewards to Boost Your Team's EnergyAmelia GrantSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Custom Desk Accessories2. Experience Vouchers3. Gourmet Snack Box4. Afternoon Off Pass5. Plant with Personality6. Professional Development Perks7. Rotating Trophy8. Subscription Services9. Upgrade Their Workspace10. Team Lunch Hosted by the BossFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, in the middle of a tight project deadline, our office manager decided the "winner" of the week would get… a giant inflatable flamingo. No one saw it coming, but suddenly everyone wanted it. That’s when I realized – the best office prizes aren’t always the most expensive, but the ones that make people smile, feel seen, and maybe even laugh. Just like designing small spaces, the charm is in creativity, not in lavishness. Today, I’m sharing 10 office prize ideas that actually work, drawn from real workplace wins (and fails) I’ve seen.1. Custom Desk AccessoriesA personalized mouse pad, a sleek pen holder, or even a quirky desk lamp can make someone’s work space feel special. It’s practical, visible every day, and the winner gets bragging rights when visitors comment on it. I’ve even used an online room planner to virtually stage these accessories before ordering them, just to ensure they fit the winner’s desk vibe.save pin2. Experience VouchersInstead of something physical, offer an activity – a cooking class, escape room ticket, or movie vouchers. These create memories and stories to share in the break room later. Budget tip: group buys often cost less per person.save pin3. Gourmet Snack BoxFrom artisan chocolates to exotic chips, giving someone a curated food box is pure delight. We once gifted a snack set from six different countries – office productivity dipped for a day, but morale skyrocketed.save pin4. Afternoon Off PassThis one is pure gold – a half-day off to recharge. Sometimes, time is the most valuable prize. Winners have told me they felt instantly appreciated, and yes, it did make the rest of the team work harder the following week.save pin5. Plant with PersonalityNot just a generic cactus – think funky pots and plants with fun names (“Bob the Bonsai”). They brighten up desks and boost mood. Honestly, watching them grow over months feels like winning again and again.save pin6. Professional Development PerksPay for an online course or a creative workshop. It shows you care about growth. In one company, this small gesture inspired two employees to initiate a knowledge-share program, which we mapped out visually using a free floor plan creator to allocate training zones in our office.save pin7. Rotating TrophyThink of a cool sculptural object or even a funny toy – it stays on the winner’s desk until the next award. A visual reminder of achievement creates friendly competition without extra budget.save pin8. Subscription ServicesSpotify, Audible, or a specialty coffee subscription – a gift that keeps giving month after month. Just make sure to check if they’ve already got it, to avoid an awkward double up.save pin9. Upgrade Their WorkspaceA new ergonomic chair cushion, monitor stand, or a better desk lamp can make working hours more comfortable. We once even mocked up seating arrangements in a 3D office layout planner before delivering a seating improvement as a prize.save pin10. Team Lunch Hosted by the BossThere’s something special about the boss picking up the tab and sharing a meal. It bridges hierarchy and makes achievements feel recognized in a personal way.save pinFAQ1. What makes a good office prize?A great prize should be relevant, memorable, and show genuine appreciation. It doesn’t have to be expensive – thoughtful wins over flashy.2. How much should you spend on office prizes?Between $10–$50 is common for casual rewards, but it depends on budget and frequency. Consistency matters more than price.3. Are experience-based prizes better than physical gifts?It depends on your team. Experiences create stories, while physical gifts offer lasting visibility.4. Can prizes improve productivity?Yes, according to Gallup research, recognition increases engagement, which correlates strongly with productivity and retention.5. How to pick prizes for remote teams?Digital gift cards, mailed care packages, or online course credits work best for distributed groups.6. Should office prizes be a surprise?Surprises are fun, but announcing the reward in advance can drive more active participation.7. How often should you give out prizes?Monthly works for most teams, but weekly micro-rewards can boost ongoing motivation without big spends.8. Can I tie prizes to specific company goals?Absolutely. Aligning prizes with goals (like innovation or teamwork) reinforces desired behaviors and culture.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE