Consider the popular choice: gift cards

A great way to customize an employee benefit without spending a fortune is to give gift cards that are tailored to the employee's favorite pastime.

I recommend: GiftCertificates.com is a one-stop shop for gift cards for travel, entertainment, books, dining out, fashions and more. GiftCertificates.com also includes the option of customized paper gift certificates. Starbucks offers corporate rates to businesses that purchase Starbucks debit cards. Employees can use the debit cards (which function like gift cards) to buy beverages, food, or merchandise at any Starbucks. If you prefer to expand your employees' gift choices give, a MasterCard or Visa gift card. Employees can use them wherever those companies' credit cards are accepted.

Offer complementary air miles

Ease your employees' vacation budget by helping them reduce or eliminate the cost of air travel.

I recommend: Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Airlines have programs that let companies present employees with frequent flyer miles. At AirIncentives you can purchase frequent flyer miles from several North American Airlines.

Healthy health club discounts

Many health clubs offer corporate discounts on health club memberships that you can pass along to employees.

I recommend: Talk to your local health clubs about their corporate programs. Among nationwide chains that offer corporate discounts are 24-Hour Fitness and Bally's Total Fitness.

Give a work-at-home break

Employees whose work can be done at home, can enjoy the option of telecommuting for a specified number of days or weeks per year. The work-at-home option has the added benefit of helping you reduce absenteeism.

I recommend: The International Telework Association & Council offers guidelines for setting up and implementing telecommuting programs.