February 10, 2025
How to Master Corporate Gifting in 2025: A Guide for HR and Marketers
If for you, gifting is only synonymous with the holidays, you'll want to check this out. Corporate gifting is a strategic tool for marketers and HR professionals alike!
Fact: Any time of the year is an excellent time for gift-giving.
Thoughtful tokens of appreciation at work and with clients can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and leave a lasting impression. Did you know the global corporate gifting market is projected to grow 7.9% annually by 2029?
Long story short – there's never been a better time to get to gifting.
This blog will walk you through crafting a successful corporate gifting plan that aligns with your goals and wows recipients.
Step 1: Set Clear Objectives
Before diving into gift ideas, it’s important to set your goals. You know what they say: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
Are you aiming to show appreciation to your team? Deepen client relationships? Build strong connections with prospective partners? Establishing clear objectives will guide every decision, from choosing who to gift to evaluating your campaign’s success.
Also, it's smart to align your gifting strategy with broader business objectives. For example, if client retention is a priority, focus on gifts that reinforce loyalty and remind recipients why they value your brand.
Step 2: Plan Your Budget
Budgeting is the backbone of any corporate gifting strategy.
Start by calculating the total number of recipients and estimating the cost per gift. Remember to account for additional expenses like shipping, packaging, and customization.
Additionally, make sure your gift-giving is ethical and follows the rules. It’s a good idea to have a simple policy that focuses on honesty, respect, and following local laws – especially if you’re working globally. Keep gifts modest and culturally appropriate, and never use them to sway decisions or create conflicts of interest.
Keeping these factors in mind helps you avoid potential pitfalls while maintaining your brand’s integrity.
Step 3: So, Who Are You Gifting?
Although it can be tempting to gift everyone, focus on high-value clients, top-performing employees, and influential partners who help drive your success.
To make your gifts stand out, prioritize personalization. Segmenting your audience based on their preferences or previous interactions can simplify adding a unique flair!
For example, eco-conscious clients will likely be drawn to sustainable gifts, while tech-savvy employees might appreciate the latest gadgets.
Step 4: Exploring Gifting Options
Standard vs. Customizable Gifts
Standard gifts, like branded merch, work well for larger groups where consistency is important. Customizable gifts, such as a “choose your own” option with a pop-up shop, offer a more personal experience.
Looking for inspo? Here are a few of our favourite ideas for 2025:
- Sustainable Products: Items made from recycled or eco-friendly materials.
- Experiences: Digital gift cards for workshops, fitness classes, or entertainment subscriptions.
- Tech Gadgets: Wireless chargers, smart notebooks, or headphones.
You can also take inspiration from successful campaigns. For example, a company might use an online branded gifting portal that lets recipients pick from a curated selection of gifts. This approach is a stellar way to blend personalization with efficiency!
Step 5: Are You in It For The Short or Long-Term?
Both have advantages!
It's all about your business goals and what you want to accomplish with your gifting strategy. When planning, consider whether you're aiming for a quick impression or a lasting relationship.
Short-Term Gifting
Short-term gifting is perfect for seasonal occasions like holidays or product launches. The goal here is to make an immediate impact. Focus on memorable and unique gifts; something recipients will talk about and share.
Long-Term Gifting
Long-term strategies involve consistent gifting touchpoints throughout the year. These might include employee anniversary gifts, quarterly appreciation tokens, or milestone celebrations for clients.
The goal is to build and maintain a sense of connection over time.
Step 6: Execution and Measuring Success
Smooth execution can make or break your gifting strategy. Make sure that your gifts arrive on time and in pristine condition. Packaging and presentation matter, too – a beautifully wrapped gift adds an extra layer of pizzazz.
Lastly, how do you know if your gifting strategy worked?
Track key metrics like client retention rates, employee satisfaction scores, or social media engagement. Gather feedback to understand what resonated most with your audience and what can be improved for next time.
Choose Your Message and Make It Count
Corporate gifting has evolved tons in the last few years into a strategic way to nurture meaningful relationships. By setting clear goals, planning your budget, and tailoring gifts to your audience, you can transform a small act into a meaningful way to build connections.
Ready to elevate your corporate gifting strategy? Contact us to discover personalized solutions that make every gift count!
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