We know that corporate gifting can sometimes be a bit of a minefield.
No two individuals are the same – each person has personal preferences that can make gift shopping for a colleague a bit of a headache.
It’s therefore understandable that many givers prefer to play it safe – store vouchers, chocolates or flowers are the go-to for givers unsure what to buy.
However, a little thought goes a long way with corporate gifts.
Indeed, thoughtful corporate gifts certainly pack a punch in terms of emotional appeal when done right.
And not only that, but a bespoke corporate gift shows that bosses and leadership have given it some thought, which often boosts staff morale and a sense of belonging among workers.
Below, we look at how to find corporate gifts that tell colleagues they are valued and appreciated in a truly unique way.
Approaching gifting right
Knowing where to start can be the hard part of corporate gifting.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking: ‘What are the most appropriate gift ideas for my employees?’, you’re not alone.
But follow a few common-sense steps, and you will be well on your way to finding a fun and unique office gift for that cherished colleague, coworker or client.
- Use surveys and polls to uncover the giftee’s likes and dislikes.
- Be sensitive to different lifestyles, cultures, and dietary needs.
- Usefulness and emotional appeal should be uppermost in your mind when shopping for corporate gifts.
- Always ensure the gift reflects your organisation’s culture, values and messaging.
Here’s why it’s more than just a gift
Corporate gift-giving often serves several purposes for a business.
It not only recognises the worth of the recipient to an organisation, but it also sends a wider message to its members and stakeholders that they too are valued.
It’s recognised that gifts foster loyalty and belonging, especially if the gift is seen as a heartfelt gesture on the part of the giver.
Knowing how to approach gifting in a corporate setting
Approaching corporate gifting is generally best done in a non-transactional way.
Personal milestones, like birthdays, are often the best trigger for a round of gift-giving.
But that’s not to say work- or performance-related milestones can’t also give rise to a bout of corporate gift-giving.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that such giving must be done in a way that sends the right signals to workers.
With this in mind, the following approach to corporate gift-giving is advised:
- Make it meaningful: Commemorating a start date, celebrating a promotion, onboarding a new employee, and the end of an important project are all perfect times to initiate a round of corporate gift-giving.
- Minimise performance-driven tokens: If gifts are only tied to achievements, they can feel like rewards rather than genuine appreciation.
- Recognise worker effort as well as success: A thoughtful gesture after a challenging period or during a busy season can have just as much impact as celebrating a major milestone.
- Celebrate yearly milestones: End-of-year celebrations, company anniversaries, employee appreciation moments, and seasonal events are all appropriate times to give gifts.
- Be consistent: Regular recognition helps build a culture of appreciation rather than making gifting feel off-the-cuff.
- Emphasise the personal touch: The best gifts reflect the individual’s preferences and interests, and make the recipient aware that he or she is valued beyond their role or output.
5 unique corporate gift ideas that your employees will love
1. Corporate gift sets with LEGO® bricks
LEGO ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to a fun corporate gift.
Of course, those little LEGO blocks are sure to bring back happy memories for most people, as they often played with them as children.
Nostalgia aside, nowadays, you can find bespoke models with LEGO bricks of a company’s logo or headquarters, meaning the employees get a meaningful gift and the company gets a chance to promote its branding and messaging at the same time.
2. Hobby-related gifts
Nothing says we care like a gift that taps into an individual’s personal interests and hobbies.
Whether they are into golf or gaming, calligraphy or cordon bleu cooking, a hobby-related gift that taps into the recipient’s interests outside the workplace works well.
When it comes to the gift, a good idea is to opt for a thoughtful hobby-related one that doesn’t require too much in-depth knowledge about the hobby or recipient.
As such, premium but general consumables, practical accessories, or experience vouchers often work better than specialist bits of hobbyist kit.
3. Funny, branded company merchandise
Like LEGO, funny or branded company merchandise works on a couple of levels as a corporate gift, giving the recipient a heartfelt token of appreciation while at the same time establishing positive associations with your brand.
However, it should be borne in mind that branded corporate merchandise that features basic pens and notebooks simply won’t cut it.
Instead, you will need a humorous, company-led gift that the recipient wants to show off to friendsThe LEGO Friends theme was introduced in 2012 with a focus o... More and colleagues
Quirky corporate-message tote bags, fun stress balls, and cheeky desk signs work well, as they increase brand exposure and give the recipient something he or she will use often.
4. Experiential gifts
If you’re looking to give a gift that will last long in the memory, an experiential gift is often the way to go.
Physical gifts might be used for a while but will eventually be forgotten, but no one is going to forget a gifted experience, which creates a strong and abiding emotional impression.
A gifted experience shows that you have put some thought into the gift and is sure to spark conversation among an organisation’s members.
5. Bespoke gift hampers
Gift hampers have been a staple of corporate gift-giving since time immemorial, but it can’t be said they have always been a success.
The important thing here is to curate a hamper offering that reflects the recipient’s preferences, rather than a generic basket filled with unwanted items.
Taking the time to land on the ‘perfect’ corporate gift
A rushed gift is seldom well received. Always take your time when corporate gifting, and do your research so that the gift hits the mark.
It’s evident when a gift has taken some time and effort to acquire, ensuring the gift is thoughtful, relevant, and memorable for the recipient.
Conclusion
The best corporate gifts are the ones that come across as genuinely heartfelt.
That’s why corporate gift-giving isn’t an endeavour to be taken lightly. It’s easy to get gifting wrong, striking a sour note among a workforce or client that is hard to shake off.
However, by taking your time to understand what the recipient wants or needs, you can give a unique gift that helps establish enduring connections and relationships.
Stuck on corporate gift ideas and want something that is fun, memorable and truly unique? Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our process and how we can help.