Originally Posted by
mason
Personally I don't like it when my boss tries to give me tools, appreciate the gesture but I'm a tool junkie and spend hours getting info and reviews before every purchase, so if you handed me a pair of lame diagonal cutters or gauges I didn't want what would be the point? Each Christmas he hands out a few tools, I take them straight to lowes(where he gets them) and trade them in for a store credit.
I would stay away from tools, give them gift cards either to a store like home depot or the visa ones that can be used anywhere. Other than that ask them what they want, give them a few options and have them vote on three of them, now they might be excited because they've gotten to choose what they are interested in.
In my personal opinion, don't give them anything, promote the idea that everyone is on the same team and driving to do quality work and to grow the company, reward them by taking care of them, buy lunch(sometimes), pay for them to go to classes, surprise them with a Christmas bonus. Don't single anyone out for praise or disapproval(unless done so privately between you and them in a closed office), focus on the team aspect and that everyone has a part in success, if some guys are doing a much better job then give them raises but don't rub it in the face of others.
Welcome to the site, get ready, you'll get a lot of people's 2cents on this site but it's good for you : ).