There are many ways to let employees know they’re special, but “I love you” won’t go over to well at the office (unless, of course, you work with your spouse). You also can’t toss a pen or paperweight (that could leave a bruise) at a longtime employee and say “Happy 30th Anniversary!” When an employee goes above and beyond to do a job, or is celebrating a monumental anniversary with the company, a simple “thank you” just won’t do.

Four readers wrote in search of gifts that will say “You did a great job,” “Thank you” and “You’re special to us.” Whether it’s a 25th anniversary gift or the million-dollar mark in sales, our experts have commemorative gifts employees will love.

Do you hear what I hear? It’s the sounds of chimes from this antique, walnut-finished, elegant desk or mantel clock. Your employees will thank you after they notice the night shutoff switch. Available from asi/39250

Q For years we’ve been giving employees plaques to celebrate their anniversaries. More than one person has told us the plaques are getting kind of stale. What are some other options?

A When selecting anniversary gifts for employees, there are a few things to keep in mind: years of service, budget and your employee’s personality. The goal is to give them something that will not only make them feel appreciated for the work they do, but will allow them to remember their many years with the company (hopefully in a positive light).

For more recent anniversaries, an upscale writing instrument will do nicely. “Choose the kind that when the cartridge runs out you’re likely to walk into an office supply store and refill it rather than just throw the pen away,” says Glen Colton, President and Owner of Seville Marketing Inc. “Somewhere on the pen either have an emblem or engrave the barrel with something like ‘Five Years’ or the employee’s name.”

Capture the scents of any season (holly for winter, lilies for spring) with this exquisite crystal vase. The engraved inscription will have anniversary memories linger longer than the flowers. Available from asi/71920

Try an elegant clock that could sit on their desk or on their mantel. A crystal vase would have the same effect. When family and friends visit your employee for dinner, their eyes will be drawn to the graceful center­piece. With personalized engravings, your employee can share their accomplishment without being boastful.

Perhaps just as important as the gift is the way it is presented. Dropping a gift on an employee’s chair simply won’t do. “Send a corporate wide e-mail to announce the event,” says Marsha Londe, CEO of Tango Partners, a consultancy to the promotional products industry. “Have the president or manager pick up the phone or drop by the employee’s area to express genuine appreciation for years of effort, loyalty and cooperation.” Better yet: Hold a ceremony and present the award to the employee in front of the whole crew. “Public appreciation and recognition will have positive impact on others as they realize they’re part of a business that respects them,” Londe says.

I’ll take my style to go, please. And so will your employees with this leather briefcase and removable laptop bag. Plenty of compartments, including two exterior pockets and multiple interior zip pockets, will keep your employees’ belongings secure in transit. Available from asi/67866

Q We are looking to give our salespeople some type of reward for reaching the million-dollar mark in sales. What are some ideas?

A You’re looking for “something that would be representative of the achievement, something tangible, that would be a constant reminder to employees of their progress and hard work,” says Francey Nathan, vice president and partner of S. Roberts Specialty Co. Inc.

Don’t ask reps what they would like, Colton says. “They will always say money. Then, as a manager, you have to find a way to say to them, ‘Look, you’re already compensated with money every time you write a sale; we call that commission.’ Giving your employees money will pay the electric bill but will offer no lasting commemorative value.”

Music is all around us but good music is another story. Your employees can jam to their favorite tunes (try We Are the Champions) after accomplishing designated feats. Available from asi/73780

A gift certificate to particular retail stores will “compel the person to buy stuff for themselves, rather than put a bonus check in the bank were they’re just going to turn around and buy another set of tires or something,” Colton says.

“To keep the motivation up during the year, tiered goals can be effective,” says Michael Londe, director of sales for Summit Marketing. An iPod at the halfway mark and speakers, FM radio adapter or other accessories at the million-dollar mark is one way to go. Another option is something in leather that can be monogrammed, such as a new leather briefcase, says Nathan. “People love their names on things.”

With 13 pieces and 12 months, you’ll have to come up with a bonus challenge so your employees can earn the complete leather desk set including a desktop organizer, double pen stand, picture frame and table clock. Available from asi/71235

Q We’d like to give our top sales reps each month some kind of special award. In the past we’ve given gift cards, but we want to give them something with bragging rights – perhaps something that they can display in their cubicles throughout the month. What would you suggest?

A Here, continuity is key. With gifts that accumulate to full sets, sales reps will strive to be on top every month. One option is “a set of different desk related things, all of which can be unified by a little medallion,” Colton says. “Each desk item is good by itself, but as the employee gets more of them, they will have a more complete looking

desk.” And if your employees are highly driven and motivated, they won’t stop until their desk is entirely decked out with a new desk set. “The winner will have a constant memory of how good it felt to be a winner,” says Marsha Londe.

For the less-than-organized, or employees with good taste, this leather portfolio will be a welcome addition. Not only will they always have pen and paper, but their PDAs and cell phones will be easily accessible throughout the day. Available from asi/66887

By all means, avoid gifts that seem cheap. It won’t go over too well to give your employees a $5 knickknack for their desk. That sort of gift won’t motivate them to competitiveness and high sales. If it’s likely the winner will be different every month, a leather portfolio would also make employees feel that their achievements are being recognized appropriately. They may even strive to be on top again to see what else you can come up with.

Q We have several individuals that are about to have their 20th and 30th anniversaries with the company. We want to give them something very special. We’re willing to spend a few hundred bucks per person. What can we give them?

A With such a large budget there are a realm of possibilities and surely something to satisfy every taste. “The 20th and 30th anniversary gift should be a gift that is anticipated and appreciated,” says Marsha Londe. “Since the employee has been part of the company for that long, the company knows something about the individual.” Personalize the gift to suit the recipient.

As years go on and reality sets in we lose conviction in our childhood dreams. Steve Hanks’ Hold Onto Your Dreams is the perfect reminder of innocent memories with a frame that can be customized to celebrate achievements within the company. Personalize the selection of artwork by choosing a painting that includes your employee’s likes, hobbies and specific tastes. Available from asi/58905

A customized piece of art would make an excellent addition to any office wall. “The art can be created to include milestones in the individual’s life,” says Michael Londe. Another option, since a customized painting may run higher than budget allows, is a lovely painting with a customized frame that highlights an employee’s achievements with a brass plaque.

Other suggestions include a lapel pin made of precious metal with a precious stone or a globe/clock combination with the caption “We think the world of you,” Colton says.

An MP3 player with lots of memory will also do the trick. “Everyone I know has an mP3,” Nathan says. “They’re perfect for people who walk, go to the gym or people who just like to listen to good

Love and money make the world go round, but you’re employees keep your company running. Show your appreciation with a commemorative globe/clock combination. This three-axle, modern structure offers two clocks – one for local time and one for family or clients across the country or on the other side of the globe. Available from asi/39700

music.” If you’ve still got some money left over after buying the MP3 player, consider a gift card good for free music downloads. Select one that can be emblazoned with your company’s logo to leave a lasting impression.

Mary Beth Swayne is editorial intern for Successful Promotions.