In a world dominated by mass-produced goods, there’s a certain charm and authenticity in choosing handmade gifts. Puerto Rico, with its rich cultural heritage and skilled artisans, offers unique and thoughtful options for showing appreciation to employees.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply fostering a positive work environment, consider these handcrafted gifts from Puerto Rico.
Why Should You Gift to Your Employees?
It’s important to acknowledge why you should consider getting a gift for your employees. There are many benefits that a company can get from showing that they care, such as:
- Increases morale: giving a gift to your employees can boost morale and motivate them a lot. If your workers feel valued and appreciated, it’s more likely that they will be engaged. This leads to them being motivated to perform at their best.
- Helps with retention: presents also contribute to the retention of your employees. If your workers feel appreciated, there is a high chance that they will stay with the company. Doing so will make them avoid seeking opportunities elsewhere.
- Builds positive culture: giving gifts reinforces a positive company culture. It shows everyone that the organization cares about its employees as people, not just as workers. Such a thing helps to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Improves relations: a simple present, no matter how big or small, can strengthen relationships between employees and the workplace. It shows the boss is attentive to the needs and contributions of their team members, which can open more communication between them.
Addressing these benefits and following them will greatly improve the spirit of a company. Also, it makes relationships between both parties stronger than ever.
Great Gift Ideas for the Business Team
There are many types of gifts for employees that are really interesting ideas. People from the Caribbean purely handcraft all of these presents. It means that everyone will be enjoying something 100% made in the region that will make your employees remember the place forever.
Vejigante Masks
One of Puerto Rico’s most iconic symbols is the vejigante, a colorful and lively character often seen during festivals and carnivals. These masks not only represent the island’s vibrant culture but also serve as a symbol of protection and good luck.
This is a demon figure from Spanish folklore that, with time, became a staple of Puerto Rican culture. It’s often used alongside a fitting dress for festivals, where the crowds sing and dance. Most of them are handcrafted in cities like Ponce and Loiza, but they’re easily obtainable anywhere on the island.
Many local artists have different perceptions of these masks. For some, it is a nationalist hero; for others, a character of Latino identity. It’s a symbol that brings communities together, evolving into something more than a thing for festivities: the reincarnation of the Puerto Rican spirit.
Giving your employees one of these masks can be a great idea if you’re willing to let them participate in those festivals during the leisure trip. Also, they can be hanged at home and used as decoration to remember the trip forever.
Artisanal Hammocks
Puerto Rico is renowned not only for its decorations but also for its artisans who craft house furniture from the island, hammocks being one of them.
These handwoven treasures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide a comfortable and relaxing experience. Having one of them is perfect for lounging indoors or creating a tranquil outdoor space.
Ceramics and Figurines
Many locals are expert crafters of Santos figurines and religious sculptures depicting saints and angels. They have deep roots in the history of the Island of Enchantment.
Skilled hands meticulously do these exquisite wooden carvings and make perfect meaning and spiritual gifts. Consider gifting one for those looking to add a touch of spirituality to their office or home as well as a connection with the Caribbean.
On the other hand of handcrafted souvenirs, you can find many ceramic handcrafted decorations. Wandering around Old San Juan has lots of local shops with cups, wall-hangings, vases, plates and Santos, but made with ceramic.
Cigars and Rum
A present doesn’t have to necessarily be some furniture or decoration gift. Consider consumables too, especially for those employees that you know will like them. Many refined sets include rum, wine, or cigars from the island that make perfect gifts.
Handcrafted Puerto Rican cigar sets created by local artisans produce premium cigars using traditional methods and high-quality tobacco. Pair the cigars with a wooden humidor, which has intricate carvings or personalized engravings, making a perfect gift.
As for the rum, Puerto Rico has some of the best world-class production. There are many varieties to taste, as well as touring factories where you can take your employees during the trip. This allows them to try and discover their history. Don Q, in San Juan, is one of the most famous brands located in the place.
Mundillos
Mundillos (known as Little Worlds in English) is a very popular type of craft that many tourists often buy. While these decorations were brought over to Spain, they evolved into new designs that feature bobbin laces and great customized styles.
It’s created with wooden bobbins and a cylinder-shaped pillow, with the laces creating a knit-like pattern that is used as a border. Most locals use it to design tablecloths, collars, wedding dresses, bedspreads, and the like.
These decorations have been around for more than 200 years. The village of Moca (located on the western coast) is the most famous place to acquire them. There’s also a museum based only on Mundillos there, where tourists can learn the craft and participate in festivals.
Personalized Business Gifts
For those businesses wanting to create a connection with their employers with taste, personalized gifts are great. These handmade products are tailored to the team and the goals of the company. Also, it makes the company’s identity more recognizable.
There are many types, such as tote bags with the company logo, filled with snacks and other trip-related goodies. Spices, coffee, and spa products can also be added. It’s possible to also customize it with each recipient’s name so everyone has a unique but consistent gift.
Local Coffee
There’s no Puerto Rican gift list without mentioning the local coffee. If you want to give your employees an amazing present from the island, then coffee is the option. Coffee plays a big role in the everyday life of locals, and you can enjoy one of them in the many bars around the island.
Taking home some coffee beans as a gift will keep your employees remembering about its aroma for a long time. Also, the team can enjoy the many museums and tours showcasing the products used through the years during their free time. Here, they can taste and buy whatever type they like.
Most of the plantations also produce it with eco-friendly, sustainable methods, where the beans are processed by mills fueled with rainwater. Such processes are free of agrochemicals, ensuring that nature is well-preserved and cared for.
Conclusion
Giving your workers a present is a thoughtful and unique way to express appreciation. In addition, it shows them that you care, trying to keep them motivated.
These gifts also can show the strong rich cultural heritage of the island. It reflects the time and effort invested in creating something special by the locals. Handcrafted jewelry, artisanal ceramics, or locally produced consumables are always easy options that everyone likes.
Besides that, giving a gift also enhances employee morale, strengthens team bonds, and creates lasting memories. Remember that you can also search for some of our amazing gift baskets at Caribbean Trading Corporate Gifts. We have ready-to-gift bundles for your team from all types available.