From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, May is packed with fun holidays to engage your employees and strengthen team bonds.
May is full of opportunities to recognize the people who make your organization work. The ones fixing what breaks. Caring for others. Managing the behind the scenes.
These days are more than dates on a calendar. They are chances to show real appreciation. Not with branded mugs or blanket messages but with gifts that feel personal and thoughtful.
This guide walks through the key appreciation days in May and how to mark each one with simple, flexible gifting that lets your gratitude land in a way that feels genuine.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
While it's a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture in the United States.
Embrace Mexican culture by decorating the office with papeles picado banners and playing mariachi music.
Organize a Mexican-themed potluck and encourage employees to bring their favorite dishes. Gift cards for Mexican restaurants or cookbooks make great employee gifts.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
National Nurses Day kicks off National Nurses Week, which ends on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. It recognizes the role nurses play in providing care and promoting public health.
This is the perfect opportunity to honor the nurses within your organization or local community.
Arrange for catered meals, gift baskets or gift cards as a token of appreciation. You could also invite nurses to give talks about their experiences. Encourage employees to write thank you notes expressing gratitude.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
In 2019, City Machine Technologies (CMT) faced a worker shortage. Leaders of the Ohio-based manufacturer discovered a bit more than half of all skilled workers are nearing retirement. Meanwhile, only one in five high school students wants to pursue a career in the trades.
CMT started National Skilled Trades Day to raise awareness about career opportunities in skilled trades like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and service technicians. It highlights the importance of these professionals and encourages young people to explore vocational training.
Use this day to appreciate the skilled tradespeople that keep your facilities running smoothly — maintenance staff, technicians, drivers, etc. Highlight their work through social media posts and internal communications. Tag your posts with #NationalSkilledTradesDay to increase visibility.
You could even arrange for them to give presentations about their roles. Provide thank you notes or gift cards to show your gratitude.
CMT also suggests offering discounts to workers in uniform at your retail locations.
Another idea from CMT is to work with local chambers of commerce, trade schools, and local businesses to put together a “Skilled Trades Expo”.
Invite schools to bring students to the expo where they can learn about the opportunities in the skilled trades industry, and the benefits of a career in the trades.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Established by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), World FM Day celebrates the importance of coordinating the workspace, people, and organizational support services to enable productive working environments.
Take this day to appreciate your facilities management team and the often unsung work they do.
Highlight success stories or major projects they've completed through internal communications. If you post something on social media, use hashtags like #WorldFMDay, #InspireIntegrateInnovate, or #IgniteYourFMCareer.
Organize team-building activities or provide thank you gifts like branded merchandise or gift cards. If you do plan an event, be sure to let the IFMA know on their website. You could also use this day to promote sustainable workplace practices.
Monday, May 26, 2025
The first Memorial Day observance was held in 1868. Thousands of volunteers took the time to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Today, Memorial Day honors all fallen American military members. U.S. presidents traditionally mark the day by visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to pay their respects.
While many businesses run sales during Memorial Day, there are ways to make a more solemn and meaningful celebration.
Consider making donations to local organizations that serve veterans, hosting community events, and giving your team time to volunteer as a way to honor the occasion.
Gifts & Rewards Perfectly Suited to Your Business. Easy to send. Awesome to receive.
Gifts & Rewards Perfectly Suited to Your Business. Easy to send. Awesome to receive.
