The right approach to corporate gifting can be an excellent way to nurture stronger relationships among employees and show respect for their contributions to the company. Gifting can start to become a pricey endeavor, however, if you don’t design a clear plan for what gifting should look like in your organization. In 2025, you’ll need a strategy that stays on message and on budget.
Let’s look at the best tips for building a corporate gifting plan that works.
Determine Your Priorities
You can start planning a gifting strategy by considering what purpose those gifts serve. In other words, do you want to use gifts to honor longstanding clients? Do you want to bring cheer to your employees during the holiday season and hand out gifts at your holiday party? Maybe you want to give gifts when someone has been at the company for five or ten years.
When you determine your goals and priorities with gift giving, you can help shape the types of gifts you give. If you’re planning to recognize an achievement, like a promotion, a gift should reflect more customization.
A gift during the holiday season could be geared toward food or family. The finest chocolates or wines, for example, could be a wonderful way to help your employees feel festive during the holidays.
Make a Budget
Does your annual budget or business plan account for gifts? You would rather not drain your resources by purchasing gifts erratically. After all, in a larger organization, gift cards or awards can become expensive when you need hundreds of them. Determine your budget and the frequency with which you anticipate giving gifts during the year.
That way, you can figure out a reasonable number to spend per gift. Give yourself some cushion, too, in case prices rise or you need to rush delivery to your office or remote workers.
Be Aware of Compliance Policies
Yes, gifts are the universal way to show someone you care. However, not every industry approaches gift giving in the workplace in the same way. Some companies may have spending thresholds or require only certain types of gifts.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution so you’re compliant and giving only what is allowable. Make sure everyone in your organization is aware of the policies around gifts as well.
Create a Gift Calendar
A gift loses some impact when it arrives days or weeks late. For temperature-sensitive gifts, such as food, timely arrival is essential. Make a calendar where you outline your gift giving schedule. Account for holidays or employee milestones.
Add important customers to the list, too, if you’re hoping to send them a follow-up gift after an important meeting. That way, you can work backwards to develop mailing timelines that ensure a timely arrival.
Invest in the Right Gifts
With a corporate gifting plan, you can help employees and clients feel appreciated. Be aware of company policies regarding gifts, and stay on top of mailing timetables for anything you must ship. And don’t forget to set a budget. When you’re proactive about developing a clear gift giving strategy that honors your company’s goals, you’ll reap the benefits through stronger connections.