Want to be the hero of your office this holiday season? These corporate gifting tips will have you wearing a cape in no time.
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A holiday gift isn’t quite a universal employee expectation, but it’s close. Employers who leave their workers’ stockings empty this winter are far more likely to be seen as Scrooges, which is bad for morale.
But a rote gift with no thoughtfulness for it can be just as damaging to your internal rep.
Companies need to strike the right balance between personalization and scalability, all while keeping an eye on the bottom line and making sure the gifts they give move the needle on employee engagement.
That’s a lot to ask from a simple gift. But, it is possible. Let us show you how!
The biggest mistake most people make is to conflate corporate gift giving with personal gift giving.
Think about the last time you gave a gift to a close friend. You probably chose something that reflected their personal interests, or referenced an inside joke the two of you share. Maybe it was a rare Wellwater Conspiracy vinyl for your music-loving buddy, or a quirky custom mug with a joke from your favorite TV show. Personal gift giving is all about showing how well you know someone.
Corporate gifts, on the other hand, need to send a different kind of message. They’re about recognizing professional contributions, fostering team spirit, or valuing business relationships. You’re not just trying to make someone smile; you’re reinforcing your company’s values and your appreciation for your employees.
When you’re gifting to your work team or clients, you’re probably not hand-delivering each of them a wrapped gift. You’re likely dealing with tens, hundreds, or even thousands of recipients.
That doesn’t mean you can’t give a thoughtful corporate gift.
Consider using a gifting platform that allows for easy name customization on gifts or gift messages. This simple touch can make a mass-produced gift feel more personal.
You might also create tiered gifting categories based on departments or job levels, allowing for some customization without needing to personalize every single gift.
Another effective approach is to implement a system where direct managers can add short personal notes to a general message from leadership. This combines the efficiency of a company-wide message with the warmth of words from someone who knows the employee well.
Remember, even small touches of personalization can significantly impact how the gift is received. Something as simple as using the recipient's name or referencing their department can transform a generic gift into a meaningful token of appreciation.
While cash gifts might seem like the easiest option, they can often feel impersonal and may quickly be forgotten or absorbed into daily expenses. On the other hand, a specific gift might not appeal to everyone. This is where the value of choice comes into play.
Platforms like Giftly offer an innovative middle ground. Giftly Cards allow recipients the flexibility of cash with the personalization of a note and custom-designed card.
This way, recipients get something they truly want or need, which makes them appreciate the gift more. The act of choosing their own gift engages the recipient, making the experience more memorable and meaningful. It shows that you value the recipient's preferences while still putting thought into the gifting process.
This approach to business gifting programs maintains a balance between giving recipients autonomy and keeping control over the gifting experience. It's a strategy that respects individual preferences while still allowing you to curate the overall gifting experience in a way that aligns with your company's values and brand.
Have you ever thrown a great party where everybody seemed to have a great time, but then no one ever mentioned it again? It leaves you wondering, at least a little bit, if people actually enjoyed themselves.
Using corporate rewards platforms that let recipients say thank you can turn your gift from a one-way street into a two-way conversation. That feedback is gold for the gift giver, of course. You get that satisfying confirmation that your gift didn’t end up lost in the abyss of your recipient’s inbox. But it also gives your recipient a moment to pause and really think about the gift, rather than just setting it aside and forgetting about it.
That little moment of reflection can actually make them appreciate the gift more.
Consider implementing a simple, user-friendly system for thank-you notes or acknowledgments. This could be as straightforward as a quick survey or a reply function within your gifting platform. By closing this feedback loop, you create a more engaging, interactive gifting experience that benefits both the giver and the receiver.
In the world of personal gifts, it's totally fine to splurge on a diamond-encrusted pocket chain for your best friend while getting your second cousin twice removed a pair of wool socks. In the corporate world? Not so much.
When it comes to business gifting, perception is everything. You want your gifts to spread joy, not whispers of favoritism around the water cooler.
Avoid tears by thinking in tiers. Establish clear gifting categories based on objective stuff like job level or years of service. It’s like creating a gifting org chart. This way, employees in similar positions get gifts of comparable value.
You don’t want Jim from accounting stoked on a set of Skullcandy noise-canceling headphones while Stephanie in marketing side eyes a Swingline stapler.
Transparency is key in maintaining fairness. Be open about your gifting policy to avoid misunderstandings. If there are differences in gift values, make sure the reasoning behind these differences is clear and based on objective criteria.
Remember, the goal of corporate gifting is to make everyone feel valued, not kick off The Hunger Games: Office Edition. A perceived inequality in gifting can quickly undermine the positive intentions behind your gifting program and potentially create discord in the workplace. By prioritizing fairness and transparency, you ensure your gifts foster positive feelings and strengthen relationships across the board.
The best corporate gifting platforms come with built-in analytics tools that can help you make your gifting program smarter and more efficient.
Start by tracking receipt confirmation rates to ensure your gifts aren’t getting lost. Take it a step further and monitor how many recipients give you a thank-you to gauge engagement and appreciation for your gifts. These simple metrics can give you a quick overview of how well your gifting program is being received.
Dive deeper by analyzing which types of gifts are most popular or generate the most positive feedback. Look at redemption rates for gift cards or choice-based gifts to understand recipient preferences. This information can be invaluable in shaping future gifting strategies.
For example, if you notice that experience-based gifts generate more enthusiasm than physical items, you might adjust your strategy accordingly.
Everyone’s preferences are different, which is why it’s so hard to buy the perfect gift at scale.
Many companies try to overcorrect for this fact by buying something generic and safe. This approach doesn’t work any better.
Pretend, for example, you buy everybody a Starbucks gift card for the holidays.
Well, turns out Bob from sales is more of a tea guy. Sarah in HR is trying to cut back on caffeine. And Alex from IT? They're all about supporting local coffee shops. Suddenly, your one-size-fits-all gift is fitting ... almost no one.
Instead of making assumptions, opt for more flexible gift options that allow for some degree of choice. If you do choose specific items, consider offering a few options that cater to different tastes.
A gift that acknowledges individual preferences can go a long way toward making recipients feel valued and understood. By avoiding broad assumptions and embracing diversity in your gifting choices, you show recipients you truly care about their individual preferences and experiences.
The message accompanying a gift can be just as important as the gift itself.
So, ditch the robotic corporate speak and express genuine thanks for everyone’s hard work.. Reflect on shared accomplishments and look forward to future goals. Keep the tone warm, but professional.
When it comes to personalized notes from direct managers, encourage them to mention specific contributions or qualities they appreciate about the person. For a more personal touch, they can even add a video QR code linking to a short video message. Provide guidelines to ensure consistency in length and tone across different teams, and offer examples or templates for managers who might struggle with writing personal notes.
A thoughtful message doesn't need to be long or overly flowery. The key is sincerity and specificity.
Thoughtfulness trumps price tag every time. There are plenty of ways to create meaningful gifts without busting your budget.
Presentation is key. Splashy wrapping paper for physical gifts, or custom designs and beautiful animations for digital gifts, make a gift feel more premium.
Even simple items can be made to feel valuable with a personal touch. A gift with the recipient's name, for instance, can feel more special than a generic expensive gift.
While client gifts are important for business relationships, don't underestimate the value of employee gifting. Smaller, thoughtful gifts to employees can often provide more "bang for your buck" in terms of morale and retention compared to large, expensive gifts for client retention.
Employee gifts can significantly boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and improve retention rates. Appreciated employees are more likely to go above and beyond in their work, indirectly benefiting client relationships as well. Employee gifts also reinforce company culture and values, creating a stronger, more cohesive team.
The positive effects of employee gifting can last long after the holiday season, creating a more positive work environment year-round. By investing in employee appreciation through thoughtful gifting, you're not just spreading holiday cheer - you're investing in the long-term success and stability of your organization.
Want help planning your holiday corporate gifts? Let’s talk!
Gifts & Rewards Perfectly Suited to Your Business. Easy to send. Awesome to receive.
Gifts & Rewards Perfectly Suited to Your Business. Easy to send. Awesome to receive.
