Company milestone gifts expand celebrations

There’s power in marking moments that matter

By Mae Strehlow

Milestones are more than a reason to celebrate—they’re an opportunity for organizational improvement. From company anniversaries to employee achievements, celebrating milestones can boost morale opens in new window, foster belonging and build momentum for a team. These moments of recognition and appreciation can also enhance an organization’s culture and drive future success.

Read how 4imprint, along with two of its customers—The Marine Mammal Center opens in new window^® and Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club opens in new window—are marking milestones in 2025. While different organizations in different industries, all three understand the benefits of recognizing achievements. And all creatively incorporate company milestone gifts into their celebrations.

The Marine Mammal Center made a splash during its 50th anniversary

Marine mammal nonprofit recognizes volunteer contributions

The Marine Mammal Center, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, works to advance ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research and education. This year marks the 50th anniversary for the organization that keeps watch over 600 miles of California coastline and has rescued more than 26,000 marine mammals since 1975.

Because the organization has such a large geographical footprint—including a Hawaiian monk seal hospital and conservation program in Hawai’i—its 50th anniversary celebrations were held across several locations throughout the year. One of many events, its annual volunteer celebration is held in September.

The Marine Mammal Center enlists more than 1,400 volunteers for a variety of roles, from education and facilities work to animal transport, rescue and care. The volunteer appreciation party applauds their important contributions. “Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Marine Mammal Center,” said Annabella Aguirre, volunteer recruitment associate. “We really could not do any of the work that we do without our volunteers.”

Research shows recognition of even small successes activates the brain’s reward system opens in new window, releasing dopamine and reinforcing positive behavior. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Appreciation gifts for volunteers help bring those feelings to the surface. In recent years, volunteers were given gifts, including tumblers, pub glasses and backpacks, during the annual appreciation event. In 2025, they received a twill cap—complete with a special 50th anniversary imprint.

Show appreciation for your volunteers

At the event, volunteers are recognized for years of service and receive milestone-specific gifts. For example, those marking five years receive a license plate cover. At 20 years, they earn a lawn chair. When they reach 30 years, they are honored with a custom embroidered apparel item.

“The celebration is really just about the organization appreciating its volunteers and saying thank you because they give so much of their time and energy,” Aguirre said. “We’re just so grateful for them.”

Cedar Hammock raised a glass to 25 years

Country club provided commemorative gifts at anniversary party

Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida, is a bundled golf community— meaning membership to the community’s golf club is included with the purchase of a home or condo. Cedar Hammock is home to about 1,500 members who play more than 40,000 rounds of golf each year.

The community celebrated its 25th anniversary last fall, welcoming more than 500 guests to the newly renovated country club. The day consisted of socializing, live music, fireworks, and a variety of food and drink options at multiple locations throughout the venue.

Bryan Rosich, director of food and beverage, said it was an opportunity to bring community members together for some fun and reminiscing. “There are members who’ve been here since the very beginning,” he said. “It’s been a quarter-century and it’s nice to see the members who are here, commemorate the members who’ve moved on. We had a great time.”

Community members who bought advance tickets were given silicone wristbands for easy entry. Each attendee was given a commemorative beverage tumbler imprinted with a special logo for Cedar Hammock’s 25th. The fun company anniversary gifts were filled with a tropical-themed drink made by the party’s on-site mixologist.

Create keepsakes to celebrate special moments

The event helped build camaraderie among members and showcase a recent $12 million renovation of the country club. The club also came under new management in 2024, and the celebration provided an opportunity for the new leaders to make a splash. “It was something to help raise the profile of Cedar Hammock,” Rosich said. “We were trying to kick the season off and let members know we’re here for them.” So many changes provided so many reasons to celebrate!

4imprint celebrates 40 years of certainty

Employees and customers get in on the fun

Much like The Marine Mammal Center and Cedar Hammock, 2025 is a banner year for 4imprint, which marks 40 years of meaningful relationships with customers, employees, vendors and partners. “Celebrating 40 years is a testament to our journey—one built on trust, innovation and a whole lot of fun along the way,” said Shauna Bowe, marketing specialist – branding and communications. “This milestone is a chance to not only celebrate where we’ve been, but also to showcase our commitment to a future that’s even brighter.”

Throughout the year, employees are engaging with anniversary content on 4imprint’s internal communications platform. Interactive and nostalgic posts, including trivia challenges, throwback photos and caption-writing contests, have sparked fun conversations and helped employees reflect on the company’s journey. Company anniversary gifts take it next-level, as employees who engage with the content are entered into drawings for prizes.

“This milestone is a chance to not only celebrate where we’ve been, but also to showcase our commitment to a future that’s even brighter,” Shauna Bowe said.

Team members were given commemorative tumblers to show appreciation for the part they played in 40 years of success. These gestures can be difference-makers. Research shows 87% of employees opens in new window believe meaningful recognition impacts their job satisfaction.

Customers, too, are welcomed in on the celebration. 4imprint engages its audiences through social media posts and Blue Box^® mailings (special opt-in program) throughout the year. Many customers received a commemorative sticker, and some received an adidas^® polo.

In this year’s November Blue Box, customers will receive one of four 40th anniversary tumblers: a Custom Accent Stainless Travel Mug, Lagom Tumbler with Stainless Straw, Viking Vacuum Tumbler or Yowie Vacuum Tumbler. “This time of year, tumblers are perfect for hot or cold beverages—and even better for raising a toast,” Bowe said. “Cheers to 40 years!”

Company milestone gifts commemorate special moments

The Marine Mammal Center, Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club, and 4imprint are each on their own journey. All three organizations created ways to celebrate special occasions that reflect what makes that journey special. Whether recognizing community members, volunteers, customers or employees, company milestone gifts helped commemorate these remarkable achievements.

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