Some wins deserve a standing ovation. Others are the quiet milestones that mean just as much. And sometimes, an entire team deserves a little recognition for making the impossible look easy. Whether you're celebrating one employee or planning recognition for 100, choosing the right corporate award comes down to a few things: the occasion, the people you're recognizing, and what you want them to remember.
At Awards Now by Joan's Trophy in Peoria, Illinois, we've been helping people celebrate accomplishments since 1970. Along the way, we've learned a thing or two about what makes recognition meaningful and how to make the planning process easier. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
How to Choose Awards for 25, 50 or Even 100 Employees
The number of people you're recognizing can make a big difference in how you approach your awards. For a smaller office of 25 employees, consider personalized plaques or acrylic awards. Choosing a consistent style while customizing each person's name and achievement creates a polished presentation without making the process complicated.
For groups of 50 to 100 employees, start by deciding whether everyone will receive the same award or if you are going to have different recognition levels. For example, you might choose one award for years of service and another for outstanding achievements. A few ways to make group recognition more meaningful:
- Recognize specific accomplishments rather than using generic award titles.
- Keep award styles consistent for recipients within the same category.
- Personalize each award with the recipient's name and achievement.
- Consider different award sizes or materials for major milestones.
Ordering the same award for a large group, each with its own personalization, might sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be! The Awards Now team can help simplify the process with our easy-to-use spreadsheet template for recipient names, award titles, and personalization details. It's a simple way to keep everything organized, avoid mistakes, and make ordering multiple awards a whole lot easier. We are here to walk you through every step of the way! Explore our Achievement Awards for examples of styles that work well for individual and group recognition.
Glass, Crystal, Acrylic or Plaques? How to Choose the Right Material
Different award materials create different impressions, and each has its advantages. The best choice isn't necessarily the most expensive. It's the one that feels right for the occasion. Here's how we help customers narrow it down:
- Crystal awards are often chosen for executive recognition, major accomplishments, and prestigious honors. Their weight and clarity give them a distinctive presentation.
- Glass awards offer an elegant, professional look and work well for corporate events, leadership recognition, and sales milestones.
- Acrylic awards are lightweight, versatile, and available in a variety of shapes and styles. They're especially practical for larger employee recognition programs.
- Traditional plaques are a timeless choice for service anniversaries, retirement, and ongoing recognition. They're easy to display and offer plenty of room for personalized messages.
When comparing awards, think about where the recipient might display them, how much information you'd like to include, and whether your company logo will be part of the design.
You can compare different styles and materials in our Corporate Awards collection.
How to Make Employee Recognition More Meaningful
A great award doesn't have to be elaborate. Often, it's the personal details that make someone want to keep it. Celebrating a 10-year work anniversary? That's a big deal! Go beyond the employee's name and anniversary date. Consider including a thoughtful message that reflects their dedication, contributions, or the difference they've made.
Some achievements deserve to be celebrated again and again! For ongoing employee recognition, perpetual plaques make it easy to keep the appreciation going. Simply add new names as milestones happen, whether it's Employee of the Month, sales achievements, or a team that continues to go above and beyond.
And when someone knocks a sales goal out of the park or an entire team pulls off something amazing, make the award personal! Include the achievement, the milestone, or a few words about what made their accomplishment special. Sometimes those little details mean the most.
Retirement is a milestone worth celebrating! After years of hard work and dedication, a personalized award is a wonderful way to honor someone's contributions and the difference they've made along the way.
And let's not forget the volunteers who give so much of their time! Whether they've supported your organization for years or helped make a special event a success, a thoughtful award with a heartfelt message can remind them just how much their efforts are appreciated.
One helpful rule we like to share: Make recognition about the person, not just the occasion. For inspiration, explore our Work Anniversary Awards, Employee of the Month Awards, and Retirement Plaques.
How Much Should You Budget for Company Awards?
Before choosing an award, determine how many people you're recognizing and what you can comfortably spend. Start by dividing your total award budget by the number of recipients. That gives you a working per-person budget and makes it easier to compare options.
You may also want to reserve part of your budget for a few special awards, such as Employee of the Year or Outstanding Leadership. When comparing prices, consider:
- Award material and size
- Engraving and personalization
- Company logo customization
- Quantity and shipping costs
- Any setup fees or additional charges
Remember, a coordinated collection of affordable awards can look just as professional as a more expensive presentation. Consistency and thoughtful personalization often make the biggest difference.
What If You Have an Award Idea You Can't Find Online?
Sometimes the perfect award isn't something you'll find on a website. Maybe you have a unique shape in mind, want to incorporate your company logo in a creative way, or have an idea that tells a story only your organization could tell.
That's where custom awards come in! Custom awards give you the freedom to create something beyond traditional, ready-made designs. From unique materials and shapes to personalized details that reflect your organization, there are plenty of ways to make an award truly one of a kind.
And here's the fun part: You don't need to have it all figured out! A sketch, a logo, a photo, or even a half-formed idea is a great place to start. We love helping turn those ideas into something special. Our team can walk you through design possibilities, materials, budgets, and timelines to help bring your vision to life.
One helpful tip? Start the conversation early. Custom designs often require a little more planning, and giving yourself extra time opens up more creative possibilities.
A Little Recognition Goes a Long Way
The most memorable awards aren't always the biggest or most expensive. They're the ones that make someone feel seen, appreciated, and proud of what they've accomplished.
Whether it's a first big achievement, a 25-year anniversary, or a team that went above and beyond, the best place to start is with the people you're celebrating. Think about what they've accomplished, what would feel meaningful to them, and how you'd like them to remember the moment. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about giving an award. It's about making the recognition count.
Looking for ideas? Explore our Corporate Awards or reach out to our team at 866-244-4666.