70 Prize Ideas to Energize Your Workplace Step Challenge

Looking to supercharge your corporate step challenge? Prizes are the secret to boosting engagement and keeping motivation high. In this blog, we’ll dive into 70 creative step challenge gift ideas that fit any budget. From cool gadgets to unforgettable experiences, we’ve got it all covered!

Offering prizes isn’t just about the reward; it’s about driving inspiration, igniting competition, and showing employees you care. The right prizes can transform a simple step challenge into an exhilarating adventure everyone wants to join. Imagine the excitement as employees compete not just for steps but for unique, personalized rewards that resonate with their interests and goals.

But before we unveil these exciting prize ideas, let’s talk about why strategic wellness rewards are crucial. Ready to see what can make your step challenge unforgettable? Let’s get into it!

Next, we’ll guide you through creating an effective prize strategy that maximizes participation and fun.

Creating an Electrifying Rewards Strategy

1. Setting Prize Budgets & Quantities

Before diving into the excitement of picking prizes, let's talk money. What's your budget? $500? $5,000? Knowing your budget upfront sets the stage for everything.

Aim to offer 5-10 different prizes if you're running a single challenge. If you have multiple challenges lined up, 2-3 prizes per challenge keep things competitive and fresh.

2. Monetary vs. Non-Monetary Rewards: Considerations and Strategies

Cash is king, but unique rewards reign supreme. Cash is straightforward, but thoughtful prizes like a day off or a activity tracker show you know what makes your employees tick. Balance your rewards. Mix it up with a combo of monetary and non-monetary prizes to keep everyone on their toes.

3. One-time Grand Prizes vs. Ongoing Rewards

Here’s the million-dollar question: One big prize or lots of little ones? One-time grand prizes like a weekend getaway create a buzz, but ongoing rewards for fitness keep the excitement alive. Weekly prizes for hitting step goals can keep motivation levels soaring.

4. Unique Qualification Criteria Beyond Just Top Steppers

Don't just reward the top performers, cast a wider net. Recognize the most improved, the most consistent, or the team with the highest average steps. Think outside the box. Create raffles for those who meet weekly goals, ensuring everyone has a shot at winning.

5. Rewarding Achievement, Teamwork, Consistency, Engagement

• Achievement: Celebrate those smashing personal records with something special. Think of PTO passes or high-tech gadgets.

• Teamwork: Foster bonding with team-based rewards. The team with the highest steps gets a pizza party or a team outing.

• Consistency: Honor those who hit their step goals day in and day out. Weekly recognition or small gift cards can do wonders.

• Engagement: Recognize the most engaged participants with fun rewards like a healthy snack box or a shout-out in the company newsletter.

Crafting an electrifying rewards strategy isn't just about the prizes—it's about creating a culture of appreciation and motivation. Get creative, mix it up, and watch your employees step up to the challenge!

Suggested Read: 15 Best Step Challenge Apps 2024: Boosting Health and Wellness

Step Challenge Prize Ideas for Any Budget

So, wellness warriors! Are you ready to ramp up your step challenges with prizes that won't break the bank? Whether you're working with a tight budget or have some funds to spare, here are some wellness challenge prize ideas to keep your team motivated and engaged.

Wellness Prizes

These prizes are all about boosting health and wellness, keeping your team active and happy.

1. Yoga Mats

2. Workout Equipment (weights, resistance bands)

3. Mini Desk Humidifier

4. Insulated Water Bottles

5. Goal Setting Journal

6. Habit Tracking Calendar

7. Healthy Snack Boxes

8. Soda Stream Machines

9. Corporate Care Packages

10. Blender or Smoothie-Maker

11. Light Therapy Desk Lamps

12. Back Roller/Wheel

13. Free Workout or Personal Training Passes

14. Bikes

15. Standing Desks or Ergonomic Chairs

16. Weighted Blankets

17. Smart Alarm Clock

18. Fitness Trackers

Lifestyle Prizes

Think beyond wellness with these versatile prizes that can brighten anyone's day.

19. Company Swag (Water bottles, shirts, hoodies)

20. Sunglasses

21. Packing Cubes

22. Travel Pillows ️

23. Small Potted Plants or Flowers

24. Golf Umbrellas

25. Dry Cleaning Gift Certificates

26. Gourmet Olive Oil or Spice Sets

27. Themed Coffee Table Books

28. Adjustable Laptop Stands

29. Themed Gift Baskets

30. Kindles

31. Coolers ️

32. Air Fryers

33. Outdoor Hammocks

34. Smart Mugs

Experiential prizes

Give your team experiences they won't forget. These prizes are perfect for making memories.

35. Host a Potluck

36. Host a Spirit Day (fun themes)

37. Catered/Food Truck Team Lunch

38. Host an Office Party or Picnic

39. Professional Development Courses

40. Cooking Class Passes

41. Museum or Art Exhibit Tickets

42. Local Boat Cruise Tickets

43. Food or Brewery/Winery Tours

44. Spa Experiences (massages, facials)

45. Airbnb Experiences

46. Rock Climbing Day Passes

47. Indoor Skydiving Experience

Recognition

Sometimes the best prizes are the ones that come with a bit of recognition. These ideas are perfect for showing appreciation.

48. Feature in a Company Newsletter

49. Standing Ovation During a Meeting

50. Entry into an Employee Hall of Fame

51. Temporarily Re-Name a Conference Room After the Participant

52. Video Shout-Out or Handwritten Note by CEO

53. Extra Long Lunch Pass

54. Custom Slack Emoji with Company-Wide Shoutout

55. Professional Endorsement on LinkedIn

56. Dinner with the CEO

57. Order a Cameo from a Famous Personality

Unique "Prizes with Benefits"

Why not use the benefits your company already offers? These prizes provide added value and show you care.

58. Paid Time Off (PTO) Day Pass

59. One-on-One Mentoring with a Senior Employee

60. Company Stock

61. Student Loan Contribution

62. Transit Benefits (Uber/Lyft credit)

63. Session with a Financial Advisor

64. Pay One Month of a Utility Bill

65. Donate to a Charity of Choice

66. Bike Share Credits

67. Subsidize One Month of Health Insurance Premiums

68. Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution

69. One-Time Monetary Bonus

70. Extra Day-Off

With these prize ideas, your step challenge is bound to be a hit. Remember, the key to a successful challenge is thoughtful, engaging prizes that make everyone feel like a winner.

Boost Engagement with Vantage Fit

Imagine introducing a step-challenge activity in your company with a clear goal: “Walk 5,000 steps 5 days this week and earn 200 redeemable points.” Vantage Fit transforms this goal into an engaging experience with its robust reward system.

How It Works:

• Set Goals: Define specific, achievable step goals.

• Earn Points: Employees earn redeemable points upon reaching their goals.

• Redeem Rewards: Points can be redeemed for gift cards, fitness gear, and wellness experiences directly within the Vantage Fit app.

By integrating Vantage Fit rewards, you create a motivating environment where employees are excited to participate and achieve their fitness goals. Make your step challenge not just about walking more, but about earning meaningful rewards!

Conclusion

Unique, thoughtful prizes boost engagement and show employees they’re valued. Whether it’s a massage, concert tickets, or a shiny new fitness tracker, these rewards aren’t just gifts—they’re motivators.

Think beyond the obvious. Align prizes with your company’s themes. Imagine surprise lunch dates with the boss, public shoutouts, or weekend wellness retreats. These aren’t just prizes—they’re experiences.

Ready to make your step challenge unforgettable? Start brainstorming. Tap into your company’s culture and your team’s passions. Catered lunches, gym memberships, amusement park tickets—the possibilities are endless.

So, what are you waiting for? Get creative and design a prize strategy that will leave your team motivated and eager to step up! Ready, set, go!

Begin with a Vantage Fit Demo! Schedule one now!