Employee appreciation is more than a token gesture – it is the heartbeat of a thriving workplace. Nearly 90 percent of North American organizations run some sort of recognition program because they understand that meaningful praise keeps people engaged, boosts morale and encourages employees to stay for the long haul. When recognition is timely and sincere, it becomes even more powerful. Conversely, generic gifts or occasional praise can feel transactional and fail to spark the motivation leaders intend. That’s why choosing a dependable award company matters. A great partner helps you craft memorable moments – the kind that make employees feel valued and excited to go the extra mile. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best employee-appreciation award companies, along with tips for picking the right one for your team.
What Makes a Great Employee Award Partner
Before we explore specific companies, it’s helpful to know what sets the great ones apart. In its annual rankings of awards vendors, Successories looks at experience in the industry, product quality and range, customization capabilities, turnaround time and service, ease of online ordering and customer satisfaction. Vendors with decades of experience tend to understand the nuances of corporate recognition. Product range matters too; the best companies offer everything from traditional plaques to modern crystal sculptures. Deep customization – including logos, unique shapes and personalized engraving – ensures each award reflects your brand. Fast proofs and flexible rush services keep you on schedule, while intuitive online ordering makes the entire process less stressful. Finally, honest customer reviews provide insight into how a vendor handles issues when they arise.
Top Employee Appreciation Award Companies
Below is a curated list of award providers that excel at helping companies celebrate their people. Each summary highlights what makes the vendor special and when they might be the best fit. Ranking them isn’t just about size or budget; it’s about who delivers the most meaningful experience.
1. Viking Awards –The Gold Standard for Appreciation
For more than five decades, Viking Awards has served schools, businesses and sports leagues across Chicagoland. Their longevity alone sets them apart, but it’s their versatility that keeps clients coming back. Viking offers sleek 3D crystal awards, classic wood plaques and custom medallions, so whether you’re rewarding a top sales performer or thanking volunteers, you’ll find a design that matches the moment. Customers rave about the crisp, precise engraving and fast turnaround times – essential if you’ve ever scrambled to prepare a last‑minute ceremony. Walking into their showroom or browsing their site feels like collaborating with people who understand that an award is more than a product.
Viking is also known for high‑end pieces. Their Allure Indigo Award features a gracefully curved crystal body with deep blue accents and can be engraved with names or messages, making it a timeless symbol of appreciation. The Crystal Obelisk Award channels ambition with a tapered prism that reflects a spectrum of colors and offers ample space for personalized messages. Awards like the Flame Series Crystal Award capture passion and leadership with a sleek flame‑like design and multi‑faceted edges. These premium options demonstrate Viking’s ability to create pieces worthy of a gala or leadership summit. Whether you need a bulk order of employee‑of‑the‑month plaques or a one‑of‑a‑kind crystal masterpiece, Viking Awards has the expertise and craftsmanship to deliver. Visit www.viking-awards.com Or Call (630) 833-9101
2. Awards.com – Industry Giant with Scale and Speed
Ranked #1 overall by Successories, Awards.com combines decades of manufacturing experience with concierge‑level service and impressive scale. They produce their awards in‑house rather than reselling, which means fast design proofs (two days) and shipping in about five days. Their massive catalog includes crystal, acrylic, plaques, clocks and more, making them ideal for enterprise clients or companies with national recognition programs. Factory‑direct pricing and expert engraving help organizations stretch budgets without sacrificing quality. If you need to run a large sales contest across multiple offices or want a consistent award program year after year, Awards.com’s efficiency and breadth make them a strong contender.
3. FineAwards.com – Artisan‑Level Craftsmanship
When presentation matters as much as the message, FineAwards.com is the go‑to. Ranked #2 for high‑end custom awards, this boutique‑style studio offers artisan‑level craftsmanship and sophisticated design expertise. Their team partners closely with clients to design sculpted awards that feel more like art than hardware. If you’re honoring a CEO, celebrating a major innovation or hosting an industry gala, FineAwards can help you create a one‑of‑a‑kind piece that embodies your brand’s ethos. Expect a collaborative process, distinctive crystal or glass materials and a final product that will impress even the most discerning recipients.
4. Successories – Motivational Gifts and Full Recognition Ecosystem
Successories pioneered the motivational awards space in the 1980s and still holds a unique niche. They combine trophies and plaques with inspirational messaging, enabling HR teams to build full recognition experiences rather than one‑off gestures. Beyond crystal awards and plaques, they offer framed prints, themed gift boxes and other motivational products. Successories is perfect for companies that want to integrate recognition into ongoing engagement programs – think appreciation kits for new hires, leadership gifts for management training or themed awards around company values. Their catalog helps organizations create a cohesive recognition culture with relatively little effort.
5. Baudville – Ready‑to‑Ship Awards and Kits
Fast, fun and user‑friendly describe Baudville, a company known for pre‑designed awards and kits that are ideal for quick recognition moments. If you need to send ten “Thank You” trophies to remote employees or want a ready‑made kit for Teacher Appreciation Week, Baudville’s huge inventory of themed awards has you covered. Their speed and simplicity make them especially popular with schools, nonprofits and budget‑conscious programs. The trade‑off is limited customization, but for basic recognition needs, Baudville delivers reliable products at a great value.
6. Trophy Depot – Budget‑Friendly Option
When budget is the top concern, Trophy Depot shines. Ranked #5 by Successories, they offer affordable trophies and medals for youth sports, schools and entry‑level corporate events. Their product catalog is vast and prices extremely competitive. Trophy Depot’s strength lies in speed and volume—great when you need hundreds of simple awards quickly. Customization is limited, so this provider is best for one‑off events or organizations that value price over personalization.
7. Things Remembered – Walk‑In Personalization
Things Remembered operates physical locations where customers can get same‑day engraving. While they focus more on personal gifts than large corporate programs, they’re handy for small businesses or team leaders who need a last‑minute trophy or engraved keepsake. The ability to walk into a store, choose an award and leave with it that afternoon makes Things Remembered a convenient option when you’re short on time.
8. EDCO Awards – Regional Provider with Classic Designs
Florida‑based EDCO offers a wide catalog of crystal, acrylic and plaque awards and has built a loyal following across the Southeast. Their products are classic and reliable – perfect for straightforward recognition programs or budget‑conscious clients who still want quality. EDCO provides some customization but excels at ready‑made designs and fast shipping, making them a smart choice for regional companies that prefer to work with a local partner.
9. R.S. Owens – Maker of Iconic Trophies
If prestige and provenance are priorities, R.S. Owens delivers. Based in Chicago with more than 85 years of craftsmanship, the company is the official producer of the Oscar® statuette and other globally recognized trophies. They specialize in metal casting, electroplating and luxury materials. Clients can collaborate on fully custom designs, from museum‑quality sculptures to elegant desk awards. Because of their heritage and U.S. manufacturing, R.S. Owens is ideal for clients seeking an award that conveys status and longevity.
10. K2 Awards – Volume for Schools and Sports
K2 Awards focuses on high‑volume, low‑cost trophies and medals. Their website is popular with coaches, teachers and school administrators looking for affordable awards delivered quickly. K2 isn’t designed for corporate clients, but if your employee appreciation program overlaps with school or community events – such as a company picnic or sponsored youth tournament – their selection can fill a niche.
11. Crown Awards – Legacy Supplier for Traditional Buyers
With decades of history, Crown Awards is one of the biggest names in the trophy business. Their product catalog is enormous and most items can be personalized. However, the company’s website and branding haven’t evolved much over the years, making it better suited for traditional buyers who know exactly what they want. Crown is a reliable choice for basic awards when innovation isn’t the priority.
Honorable Mentions and Regional Standouts
Beyond the top national vendors, several smaller or specialized suppliers deserve mention. Awards International, located in Chicago’s West Loop, specializes in high‑end crystal and glass awards and offers full consultation services to build award programs from scratch. Chicago Trophy is known for bulk pricing and robust employee award programs, perfect for companies needing to recognize dozens of employees at once. Personalization House in Naperville delivers handcrafted awards that mix materials like metal and crystal – an excellent choice for intimate appreciation events where personal touch matters. Nationally, Trophy.com is rebranding as a tech‑forward recognition provider; Able Recognition operates behind the scenes as a trusted white‑label manufacturer for many brands; and Ashworth Awards brings decades of expertise in medals and race awards for athletic events.
Choosing the Right Partner for Your Program
Selecting an award vendor is ultimately about aligning with your values and goals. If you want a partner who combines a wide selection with local touch and crisp craftsmanship, Viking Awards stands out. If scale and speed are crucial, Awards.com delivers factory‑direct efficiency. For artistic, one‑of‑a‑kind pieces, FineAwards provides boutique service. Budget‑conscious programs may lean on Trophy Depot or Baudville, while recognition ecosystems will appreciate Successories’ motivational focus. Don’t forget to consider regional players like Awards International and Chicago Trophy if you value hands‑on consultation.
Conclusion
An employee appreciation program isn’t complete until you find a vendor you trust. Recognition done right boosts engagement, retention and even customer satisfaction. Frequent, sincere praise has a stronger emotional impact than lavish but infrequent rewards. So take the time to explore your options, weigh the pros and cons and choose a partner who will help your company celebrate its people authentically. Viking Awards combines deep expertise, a vast catalog of both economical and premium awards and a genuine passion for recognizing excellence. Whether you’re honoring a top performer, thanking a tireless team member or celebrating a major milestone, Viking’s custom awards will ensure your appreciation feels personal and unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Visit Viking Awards to explore designs, request custom quotes and elevate your recognition program today.
