Get Ready for Holiday Corporate and Employee Gifting

Plan Ahead for Holiday Gifting

Whether you’re selecting gifts for a small team or a long list of corporate clients, careful planning is key—so start early. Here’s how to keep your holiday gifting on track.

Timing Is Crucial

The holiday season is busy, with popular gift items quickly running out of stock. Branded items, in particular, can have lead times ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. Factor in shipping delays and the hectic schedules of your recipients, and it’s clear why beginning your holiday preparations in September is essential to avoid the December rush.

While it may seem that punctuality is everything, data suggests that gifts arriving slightly early or late often leave a more lasting impression. Most corporate clients are inundated with gifts as the holidays approach, making it easy for your gesture to get lost in the shuffle. A gift that arrives before the holiday rush or greets them upon their return can stand out in their memory.

For employee gifts, consider timing them around a holiday party or just before the break. This ensures your team heads into the holidays feeling appreciated and valued.

Navigate the Red Tape

When it comes to corporate gifting, it’s important to be mindful of regulations. Different recipients may have specific rules governing the value and type of gifts they can accept. For instance, many corporate clients have a cap on gift values, typically around $150. It’s also often illegal to give gifts to government officials, and doctors may only accept small, branded items or gifts related to their work. Employee gifts can be tricky too—cash or items valued over $100 may be considered taxable income.

Working with a gifting company, like CorporateGift.com, can help you navigate these regulations, ensuring your gifts are both compliant and appreciated. If you’re unsure about the rules, consult a comprehensive guide to corporate gifting regulations.

Best Practices and Ideas for Employee Gifts

Your employees contribute to your success every day, and each one brings unique value to your team. Your holiday gifts should reflect this.

Avoid Generic Gifts

Generic gifts are forgettable and can make employees feel like an afterthought. Instead, consider gifts that align with your company’s values and the individual passions of your team members.

If you’re in the wellness industry, for instance, a subscription to a yoga app paired with a branded yoga mat might be the perfect fit. In the food services sector? Ditch the typical gift basket in favor of a themed cheese or wine-of-the-month club membership.

Quality and Thoughtfulness Matter

When it comes to building team morale, opt for gifts that are both useful and thoughtful. A branded fleece jacket paired with a custom mug, for example, can keep your team warm and connected during the holidays.

Consider experiences or high-quality, practical items over one-time food or drink gifts. And remember, offering a choice can be the best gift of all. One employee might love a fitness kit, while another might prefer an online cooking class. E-gifts that allow recipients to choose their own experiences can be a hit.

Explore CorporateGift.com’s curated gift collections to find the perfect options for your team, tailored to any budget and occasion.

Best Practices and Ideas for Client Gifts

Holiday gifts for corporate clients are a great way to stay top-of-mind and remind them of your mutual value. With so many gifts exchanged during the holidays, a thoughtful and relevant gesture can help you stand out and even secure future business.

Keep It Relevant

When selecting holiday gifts for clients, consider their preferences and industry. Avoid sending sugary treats to a dental office or a cocktail mix to a religious organization, for example. Tailor your gifts to resonate with their unique needs and interests.

For instance, one of our tech clients launched a holiday campaign centered around a pizza theme. Instead of sending small, generic gifts, they sent their top-tier clients a branded pizza oven, along with a card inviting them to discuss future business over a pizza party. It was a hit, creating a memorable and meaningful connection.

Mix Branded and Non-Branded Gifts

While a gift is a great way to capture your client’s attention, remember that they’re not necessarily interested in your company swag. Instead, choose something they’ll enjoy and use, like a picnic basket or a cocktail shaker, subtly branded with your logo. This way, they’ll think of you whenever they use it.

Make It Meaningful

Once you’ve sorted out the gifting rules, focus on giving something memorable. Donation gift cards to causes they care about can leave a lasting impression, free of legal concerns. Experience-based gifts are another excellent choice, ensuring your client will remember you long after the holidays have passed.

The Power of Gifting in Challenging Times

In recent years, both employees and clients have faced unprecedented challenges. The coming months may continue to be uncertain, making it more important than ever to show that you care.

Holiday gifts can forge stronger bonds and remind people that they matter, helping to preserve valuable relationships even in tough times. While investing in gifting might seem risky when the future is uncertain, it’s a long-term investment in the strength of your professional relationships.

Craft a Winning Gifting Strategy

Whether you’re planning to gift employees, clients, or both this holiday season, remember to start early, choose thoughtfully, and focus on building lasting relationships. By doing so, you’ll create connections that endure beyond the holiday season.

Let us help you simplify your corporate holiday gifting. Contact us today to get started.