The Ultimate Guide to Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees In 2021

The term Corporate gift or Corporate gifting has been in existence for a long time.

Corporate Gifts are generally valuable items offered by the employer to their employees without any obligation as a token of appreciation or goodwill. Most large firms and organizations have policies for giving business gifts to their employees.

So why do we need another list of ideas for corporate gifts in 2021 if it’s already done and dusted?

The answer is simple, things change.

The list that worked fine in the past might not work in the coming time. And today, I'll take you through those changes that you need to adapt to in 2020 for a perfect corporate gifting strategy for your employees.

Let’s forget about Corporate gifts for a minute. Open your wardrobe, don’t you see clothes that you’re never going to wear again? Why? Exactly! They are out of fashion and hence are almost useless.

The same goes for Corporate Gifts. Don’t just give gifts to your employees because they’ve been labeled as the best Corporate Gifts in the past. You don’t want an “Eh” but a “Wow”.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help you. But before I share with you the recipe for Corporate Gifts that will work with today’s global workforce, let’s get some rules straight.

The fundamental foot rule is simple: A little thought goes a long way.

Similar: The Art of Giving Recognition at Work

DO’s and DON’Ts of Corporate Gift Giving

RULE 1: DO PERSONALISE YOUR GIFTS

A personalized gift speaks volumes about the gift-giver and creates a lasting impact on the receiver's mind. It ascertains a connection and celebrates the bond. Impersonal gifts, on the other hand, eventually end up in the trash can.

But personalization doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to understand their likes and dislikes. The recipient might very well take it as inappropriate.

A dash of personal touch will do just fine.

A handwritten note by the employer attached to the gift never fails to work. I’ve also seen people loving gifts that have their names engraved on it. I’m pretty sure it will work with employees too!

RULE 2: DO NOT INSERT PROMOTIONS

The whole motive behind corporate gift-giving is thanking your employees and offering a caring gesture. Do not end up making it a promotional act.

You’re putting your efforts and money into creating (or planning) a meaningful corporate gift, so naturally, you might want to add your company name and logo to them. While a small company logo hidden somewhere might not do much harm but it would be better if you stay away from making your gift a marketing piece.

If you’re able to offer a meaningful gift to your employees, they’ll remember you regardless. And if the gift is useless, it is better if they don’t.

RULE 3: DO NOT COMPROMISE ON THE QUALITY

Once you start planning the corporate gifts, the first thing to do is decide on a budget.

Having a good budget is always great. But even if you don’t, there are many great corporate gift options you can opt from without breaking the bank.

Give only the best that comes within your budget.

Having a limited budget is still okay but compromising on the quality is just not. The gift you are giving to your employees directly impacts the reputation of your company. Spend wisely but do not be cheap.

RULE 4: BE APPROPRIATE

Corporate gift-giving is difficult than personal gift-giving because it comes with many guidelines. You want to customize gifts and be innovative, but the gift has to be appropriate in the business environment.

Many things can go wrong while giving a gift at the office. You don’t want to be too funny, too casual, or too personal, to name a few.

Also, be extra careful that your gift is not seen as a bribe.

Whenever you’re in a dilemma, use your judgment. Ask yourself what would be the impression of the gift-giver if you’ve had received the same gift and act accordingly.

20 Handpicked Corporate Gift Ideas to make your Gift Giving Easier

1. Flexible Gifting Options:

The best gift that you can give your employees is to choose what they want and where they want it (without giving them cash, of course!). Nothing can beat a versatile and flexible employee rewarding solution.

2. Magic of Gift Cards:

Gift cards are a great corporate gift for all seasons. They offer flexibility to your employees, and they can use it to buy something they would use. Although it lacks the touch of personalization, it is a very safe corporate gifting solution.

3. Gift of wellness:

It can include free healthy food subscription, onsite gym or membership to a local gym, employee health and fitness mobile application.

4. Electronics on the go:

Electronic goods such as Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers, Portable Bluetooth speaker are favorites of the new-age employees.

5. Sweet Treat Hampers:

Hampers may consist of gourmet food, sweets, chocolates, dry fruits during festivities.

6. Flowers (Pink roses, white roses) and cake:

Personal milestones like Birthdays, Anniversaries can be made special with roses and cake along with a handwritten note.

7. Accessories Combo:

Formalwear accessories combos. For men: Ties, Pocket squares, cufflinks, wallets. For women: Clutches and handbags.

8. Customized Gift Bag:

You may gift music lovers with vinyl records, speakers, and headphones; sports lovers with sports gear such as custom sports tees, sports shoes, or other accessories of a sport of their choice.

9. Experience Surprises:

Surprise your employees with an experience gift card. For example, luxury stays in a nice hotel, special dinner coupons, catered lunch at the office, spa treats, etc.

10. Best Office Essentials:

Employees spend a considerable amount of time in their office. So, giving them the best quality office essentials is an excellent idea. You can easily compile digital organizers, engraved metal pens, professional notebooks, reporters, pen drives, visiting card holders, memory cards, and cardholders and gift them as a gift basket.

11. Table essentials:

Give writing journals, custom stainless steel water bottles, photo frames, portable phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, laptop bags, file carriers, etc.

12. Travel Kit:

If you have employees who need to to travel for work frequently, a very thoughtful way of gifting them would be to give them a flight kit with all the essentials. You can find some great suggestions here.

13. The Bounty of Books:

Books are the best gifts! You can start by asking employees to name a book they want to read and sponsor those books as gifts. Alternatively, you can gift a Kindle.

14. Paid Holidays and Family Days:

We all love paid holidays! Give a day off as a gift on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, outstanding performance at work.

15. Online Classes:

Offer sponsored enrolment to online classes on topic/course of their choice to employees. It will make for a great corporate gift and presents a caring image of the organization.

16. Charitable Donations:

Most people want to give back to society. Making charitable donations by the organization on behalf of each employee is a gift most employees would love to have!

17. Indoor Plants and Succulents:

Who wouldn’t like succulents? They are beautiful, cute and are a great addition to any indoor garden or room decor. Some good trees for bonsai include Juniper, pines, spruces, cedars, magnolia, elms, and oaks.

18. Free Subscriptions:

These days there are subscriptions for pretty much any hobby or interest that your employees may have. From magazines to streaming services to particular skills, you people will indeed like a subscription of their choice as a corporate gift!

19. Eco-friendly Gifts:

Another great corporate gifting option is an eco-friendly gift bag for your environment-conscious employees. The gift bag can have reuseable straws, thermal coffee mugs, post-consumer waste notebooks, stainless steel water bottles, tote bags, etc.

20. Personal Care Products:

Personal hygiene products are essential for everyone, and they make great gifting options for office-goers. You can curate a gift basket containing mini sanitizer, lip balms, essential oils set, shaving essentials for men, skin and bathing care set, etc.

Related: Ultimate List of Corporate Diwali Gifts for 2020

How to Present a Great Corporate Gift?

Brainstorming the Plan:

Nothing can beat a meaningful and, at the same time, an original gift idea.

The tradition of gift-giving in big corporates and large firms has been there for decades. I can name at least thirty things that come to mind when I hear the term “corporate gifts”. So naturally, if you are planning to give something memorable, you have to be creative.

Gone are the days when you could make your entire team happy with a turkey on Thanksgiving or Diary on New Year’s Day.

The tip is: Don’t play super safe. A little careful experimenting will do no harm.

When to give:

Although there are no rules, it might seem evident that corporate gifts are given out around holidays or festivals. But you might want to reconsider that.

Firstly, employers must acknowledge cultural differences. Suppose you have a diverse range of people working in your organization. In that case, I will suggest you do a little research on your people's important events and festivals and offer them gifts accordingly.

Gifts given out only during specific festivals such as Diwali or Christmas (as is commonly seen) might create a sense of dissatisfaction amongst employees who belong from diverse ethnicities and groups.

Secondly, suppose you offer gifts to your employees when everybody else is doing the same. In that case, it might just be taken as a trend/tradition, and employees might feel indifferent about it.

Unexpected gifts at times when your employees are least expecting it, on the other hand, will create a sense of belongingness and lead to a higher level of satisfaction.

Additionally, gifting employees on their milestones such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, etc, automatically adds to the value of the gift.

Presentation of the Gift:

Once you have compiled the gifts and decided on the time, you can prepare an excellent presentation of your gifts. Always try to maintain a gift management procedure to avoid any last-minute hassles.

An excellent presentation with nice and formal wrapping and a handwritten note is a great way to present the gifts.

The best way to deliver a corporate gift or business gift is to give it personally. Even if not, ensure the gift is being shipped and delivered to the correct address at the right time. Timely delivery is the essence of gift-giving and especially corporate gift-giving. Also, sending business gifts to the recipient’s office address is more appropriate than sending them to the home address.

Point-based Rewarding System and why it is The Best Corporate Gifting Solution

In a point-based rewarding system, each employee is part of an employee rewards platform/software where employer/management can allot points instead of money to their employees as gifts or rewards. The employees can redeem these points earned by them and use them to buy goods/services of brands from different categories – like merchandise, travel, lifestyle, etc. – available on the platform.

If you ask me, I’m a 100% pro-point-based rewarding system.

Here’s why:

Flexibility and Versatility:

Flexibility and Versatility have to be the most significant advantage of a Point-based rewarding system. Even the most discerning and choosy recipient can be satisfied with it. Also, it is equally important to have a program that offers the employees a huge selection option from categories such as merchandise, travel, lifestyle, etc.

Freedom:

The point-based rewarding system gives the ultimate freedom to employees on their much-deserved gifts. They can choose what they want when they want and where they want it from! They also have the option to accumulate the points and spend them for a bigger reward later.

Global Viability:

A point-based reward system is especially beneficial for multi-national corporations. You can easily allot points to your employees in different parts of the world simultaneously. No merchandise to deal with and hence no customs, no posting. They can redeem points in local currency against gift cards.

User-friendliness:

A Point-based rewarding system works because of its high accessibility for both the user and the management. It is pretty user-friendly and straightforward.

Instant Recognition:

You don’t have to wait for the right time to gift your employees. You can recognize them on the go. Also, no long-term planning is needed to execute the gifts.

Recognition round the year:

Corporate gift-giving no longer has to be a once-in-a-year or twice-a-year event. With a flexible budgeting option, you can distribute your reward budget and offer rewards round the year.

Enhances Communication and drives engagement:

Because of its distinct features, a point-based rewarding solution enhances communication within the organization. It improves the effectiveness of the rewards and recognition program and acts as a driving force of employee engagement.

This article is written by Darshana Dutta. She works as a Content Creator and Digital Marketer at Vantage Circle. She writes extensively on trends around employee engagement and transforming company culture. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com