Incentive Gifts for Hard Work in New Times

These 12 thoughtful items will add rewarding experiences to the new normal.

The dual-chamber container from FLPSDE (left) holds beverages on one side and a snack on the other, while this Williams-Sonoma basket (right) offers culinary delights of an Italian country kitchen
The dual-chamber container from FLPSDE (left) holds beverages on one side and a snack on the other, while this Williams-Sonoma basket (right) offers culinary delights of an Italian country kitchen

Learn about the latest incentive merchandise strategies and industry trends at this year's Incentive Live Digital, taking place July 27-29. Register now.

Working from home and vacationing nearby are a reality for many of us now. Show appreciation to winners, VIPs and employees with gifts — which are also popular alternative prizes for cancelled or postponed incentive trips, according to Incentive's latest survey —  that make homebound realities more comfy and enjoyable. Among our picks are a low-tech bike; beautiful and practical tableware; a sleek desk; delicious fixings for an incredible cookout and a trattoria-worthy meal, and more.

BYO Snack 

Perfect for a walk, run or social-distancing gatherings, this ingenious water bottle also stashes snacks. The dual-chamber container from FLPSDE (pictured at top) holds beverages in an insulated compartment, while the other side has a removable insert you can fill with granola, trail mix or other nibbles. Cost: $35. 

Shades of Blue

Tiffany & Co. elevates winners' home bars with these shot glasses from the famed purveyor's Diamond Point collection. The blue-hued set includes four 2-ounce crystal glasses. Cost. $175.  

Stylish Spokes

Solé Bicycle Company's motto is "It's not about going for a bike ride, but living a life by bike." The Venice, Calif.-based company can create custom cruisers your top performers will proudly ride in style. Cost, contact the company. 

Sweeter Dreams

Treat VIPs to better sleep with Sunday Beddings's luxurious sateen cotton sheets. The wrinkle-free linens are available in three soothing colors and patterns. Cost, from $135. 

Portable Party-Maker

These portable speakers from Bose create an instant party at the pool, park and patio. The water-resistant Bluetooth speakers feature a soft-touch silicone exterior and come in a cheerful rainbow of colors. Cost, from $90. 

Desk Set

Elevate their work-from-home experience with the gift of the mod Nelson Swag Leg Desk by HermanMiller. The sleekly designed desk, crafted of wood veneers, fits in a variety of spaces. Cost, $2,795. 

Super Sunnies

Select Shades doesn't just offer stylish, high-end sunglasses for premium incentive programs. They also schedule virtual fittings and selection assistance. Arrange a Zoom consultation with a personal shopping concierge for your VIPs to help them choose the perfect pair of sunnies, such as these classic Wayfarers from Ray-Ban. The wide array of other brands includes Oakley, Tom Ford, Gucci and more. Cost: Glasses start at $75 a pair. 

Personal Printer

No work space is complete without a printer. The Canon PIXMA TS9520 Wireless Inkjet All-In-One is a practical, easy-to-use device home-based employees will use to create professional documents and crisp photos. Cost, contact Canon. 

All About the Bass

These compact and light Sony MDR-XB650BT wireless headphones provide an acoustically tight seal for superior sound isolation and deliver punchy "Extra Bass" sound. Cost, $130. 

Dining a la Casa

Incentive trips to Tuscany might not be possible now, but winners still can experience the culinary delights of an Italian country kitchen with this magnifico gift basket from Williams-Sonoma (pictured up top). The reusable rustic crate is filled with goodies such as aged Modena balsamic vinegar, cold-pressed olive oil, semolina pasta, olives and more. Cost, $110. 

Meat and Greet

Recipients of Omaha Steaks' Grand Grilling Assortment will be set to host the perfect summer barbecue. The gift pack contains something for everyone: filet mignon, chicken breasts, pork chops, burgers, hotdogs and more. Cost, $179. 

Pretty Place Settings

Dining at home becomes a restaurant-like experience with cheerful tableware by Kate Spade. The Charlotte Street four-piece place settings, rimmed in rich blue, work for casual patio suppers as well as formal meals in the dining room. Cost, $80.