10/07/2015
National Veterinary Technician Week — 15 Ideas to Celebrate Your Team
From administering vaccines to assisting with treatments, vet techs play a fundamental role in keeping practice operations running smoothly. They’re also pivotal in providing compassionate care to those who matter most — the animals.
National Veterinary Technician Week is time to celebrate the impact vet techs make in the lives of veterinarians, owners and their furbabies. Read on to discover exciting Vet Tech Week gift ideas to commemorate these valuable professionals for all they do!
When Is Vet Tech Week?
National Veterinary Technician Week occurs annually during the third week of October. This event started in 1993 to acknowledge vet techs’ hard work.
Today, veterinary practice managers and affiliated business owners use this event to recognize vet techs and reward them for their service. Popular Vet Tech Week ideas include branded apparel, stationery or snacks. Hosting team-building activities like a catered lunch is another way to show your appreciation.
The Importance of Celebrating Veterinary Technicians
Vet techs require a good grasp of veterinary medicine, excellent communication skills and compassion. Here are some reasons to honor vet techs this October.
- Retain skilled vet techs: Recognizing workers during Vet Tech Week helps them understand their impact on the practice. Vet techs who feel respected will likely experience increased job satisfaction.
- Build team spirit: Work events let your employees socialize and get to know each other. They can be integral in promoting camaraderie and improving morale.
- Create awareness for the cause: Vet Tech Week celebrates a specific theme each year. Raising awareness about these veterinary-related topics increases the team’s knowledge and expertise.
- Maintain high service standards: Employees who receive recognition for their efforts are more likely to perform well at work. Delivering exceptional services will help you attract and retain clients.
- Boost workplace happiness: Gifts and social activities provide something fun for vet techs to get excited about. The effects have a long-lasting positive impact on company culture.
15 Gift Ideas for Celebrating Vet Techs
Whether you’re a business that partners with animal hospitals or a practice manager, you’ll likely want to prepare some gifts ahead of Vet Tech Week. Discover our top 15 gift recommendations.
1. Custom Tumbler
When choosing employee gifts, be practical — branded tumblers check this box. Your vet techs can use them every morning on their commute and refill them with their favorite beverage throughout the day.
Vet techs who are constantly on the go may not always have time to sip their coffee in one sitting. A tumbler with vacuum insulation technology will keep their beverage hot or cold for hours. You can also choose a color option that complements your logo to enhance your practice’s image.
2. JBL Gift Set
Gifting employees high-quality items is an effective way to show you appreciate them. As JBL is one of the most reputable audio equipment brands, your vet techs are sure to feel valued when they receive their Spring Break Forever Experience custom gift set.
Each set contains a portable speaker and a pair of wireless headphones, so they can listen to their favorite music alone or within a group. You can customize each device and its packaging with your logo or practice name.
3. Branded Pens
Between updating animals’ medical history or writing down instructions for pet owners, vet techs always need quality stationery. Replenish their supply this Vet Tech Week with a gel or novelty promotional pen.
Promotional pens are generally on the lower end of the pricing scale, making them ideal for businesses that supply products to multiple practices. Your reps can give out branded pens on Vet Tech Week and beyond.
4. Printed Fleece Pullover
The weather usually gets chilly in October, making a customized fleece pullover one of the best Vet Tech Week gift ideas. In addition to its functionality, branded apparel fosters fellowship among your team.
With this gifting option, pick a unisex design like the Harriton Quarter-Zip Printed Fleece Pullover. With six colors to choose from and the option to embroider your logo on the front, it’s an innovative way to promote your company’s name.
5. Cooler Tote
While it’s practical to give recipients things that help them get their jobs done, there’s also value in selecting merchandise to use after business hours. For example, a Barbuda folding promotional cooler tote will be the star of the show during football season or holiday parties.
Whenever vet techs take their totes to a get-together, your brand or practice will gain exposure among their families and friends.
6. Custom Spa Kit Tote
Vet techs deserve to rest after a long day tending to people’s beloved pets. Promote self-care by giving your team members kits filled with all the essentials for an at-home spa experience.
The kit contains a loofah, pumice stone, wooden-handled bath brush and callus smoother. Round out your thoughtful gift with chocolate and a fragrant bath bomb for the ultimate night of relaxation.
7. Snack Box
Fall is synonymous with cozy evenings spent indoors watching your favorite series. Why not add a few delicious snacks to the equation? Treat them to delectable munchies packed in a branded box, from popcorn to chocolate to salty potato chips.
8. Branded Backpack
Professionals in all industries bring items from home for extra comfort during the day. A branded backpack conveniently carries items like a water bottle, lunch, book and phone charger. In addition, a backpack makes a canvas for your logo so passersby can learn about your brand.
9. Lip Balm
You can never have enough lip balm — one for the car, one for your bag and one for your desk drawer. This Vet Tech Week, gift the team a quality balm in an exciting flavor such as cherry, pomegranate or peppermint. You can keep your brand top-of-mind by printing your logo on the product’s barrel.
10. Travel Gifts
By the time October rolls around, many people have their end-of-year plans in place and are looking forward to a break. Spark further excitement among your team by gifting them some travel essentials they’ll love.
- Travel journal: A Moleskine journal offers the perfect space to plan trips or keep a journal. The front cover has plenty of room for your logo or tagline.
- Custom sunscreen with carabiner: Your recipients can attach this handy sunscreen to their bag or belt loop and apply it year-round for optimal skin protection.
- Beauty rest travel set: Gift vet techs with a travel blanket and eye mask for maximum comfort on long-haul trips. Both items come in a convenient drawstring branded bag.
- On-the-go travel pack: Vet techs can pour their favorite products into convenient travel-sized bottles ahead of their next adventure. Customize each bottle with your logo, so they think of your brand during all stages of their hygiene routine.
- Luggage tag: If you’re planning to treat vet techs to a collection of travel goodies, why not package them with a branded luggage tag?
11. Custom Lunch Bag
Packing a lunch for work lets staff maintain a healthier lifestyle, save money and optimize their time on busy work days. Help them keep their gourmet sandwich or last night’s leftovers fresh with a branded lunch bag.
With numerous options available in all colors of the rainbow, you can select a bag that reflects your brand. Complete the gift by filling it with snacks or boxed juices.
12. Power Bank
Power banks are another branded gift that is sure to come in handy. These practical devices allow vet techs to keep their devices charged, so they’re ready to liaise with clients or other team members anytime.
Select an innovative design like this promotional powerbank flashlight or choose a slim-fit model for easy transport. Our team will use quality imprint techniques to ensure a long-lasting logo on the material.
13. Moscow Mule Mug Set
A Moscow mule is a refreshing combination of ginger, lime and mint. Your staff can create a non-alcoholic or boozy version of this cocktail at home with this luxurious kit. With two screen-printed cups, a measuring jigger and a bar spoon, they’ll have all they need to whip up cocktails for two. Enhance this gift by pairing it with quality ginger ale or bar snacks.
14. Custom Notebook With Sticky Notes
Vet techs often assist multiple vets and speak with pet owners throughout the day. Help them stay organized with a compact notebook and pen set. The front cover also holds a selection of neon sticky notes, helping them flag crucial information.
This item lets you showcase your logo in two places for maximum brand awareness.
15. Self-Care Tea Gift Set
Short breaks throughout the workday help workers maintain their energy levels and provide quality service. Encourage vet techs to take productive breaks by gifting them a custom self-care box containing all the items they need for a quick pick-me-up!
Your recipients can enjoy a selection of quality teas in a branded stainless steel mug. There’s also a scented candle, coloring book and crayons for a more involved self-care experience.
7 Activities to Celebrate Veterinary Technicians’ Week
Promotional gifts are an excellent way to acknowledge vet techs — but since the event is a week long, you could host multiple activities, too!
- Yoga with goats: People become vet techs for various reasons, but their love for animals is often a contributing factor. Give them a different experience by hosting a yoga with goats workshop.
- Organize a food truck lunch: The food truck industry has grown in popularity, making it possible for various vendors to prepare a range of cuisines on your premises. Give the team something to look forward to at midday by supporting a local food truck entrepreneur.
- Offer chair massages: Vet techs spend long days on their feet, which can lead to chronic back pain. Hire a massage therapist to provide chair massages for your staff.
- Schedule an art class: Arts and crafts are an excellent way to destress. Book a ceramics or painting class and let vet techs unleash their creativity.
- Head out into nature: Take a well-deserved break by visiting a nearby park for a picnic or short hike. Activities like this allow your team to bond while enjoying fresh air and the mental health benefits of being in nature.
- Allow workers to leave early: The gift of time costs nothing, but it is priceless. Allow vet techs to have an extended lunch break or take the afternoon off during Vet Tech Week.
- Post on social media: Share a picture of your vet tech team on social media and invite clients to comment on why they appreciate each member. People showing their genuine gratitude will increase your brand credibility.
Celebrate Vet Tech Week With ePromos
Whether you spoil your team with gifts, involve them in fun activities or both, Vet Tech Week is worth celebrating! Show your appreciation this October with these fun Veterinary Tech Week ideas.
ePromos specializes in branding quality merchandise with your logo. Choose any of the suggestions in this guide or explore our range of over 15,000 products from world-famous brands to find the best item for your staff. Once you’ve selected your item, we’ll help you customize it to spoil your team in style! Get started today — request a free quote.