What's the Best Corporate Gift You've Ever Received?

We all get corporate gifts sometimes. Some are great, some are forgettable. What gift stands out in your mind?

The best corporate gift you receive is often one that feels thoughtful and useful to you personally. It shows the giver put real thought into it, making it memorable long after you receive it.

In my years in the gifting industry, I have seen many kinds of corporate gifts. I have also received a few myself. Some I remember fondly. Others, not so much. Thinking about what makes a gift truly "the best" is something I do a lot. It is my job to help businesses give gifts that people will remember for good reasons.

What are Corporate Gifts?

People give gifts in business, but why? What exactly counts as a corporate gift?

Corporate gifting is when a business gives a meaningful gift¹ to employees, clients, or prospects. This gift acts as a touchpoint. It can be a physical item like branded swag or a food treat. It can also be a non-physical gift like an eGift card or an experience.

My insights confirm that corporate gifting² is about creating a connection. It is a way for a company to reach out and make contact through a gift. It is more than just handing something over. It is a planned action to make the recipient feel valued or to keep the company in their mind. These gifts go to different people linked to the business.

Purpose of Giving

Why do companies give these gifts?

• Show Appreciation: This is a big one. Saying thank you for hard work or loyal business.
• Build Relationships: Gifts help make the bond stronger with clients, partners, or employees.
• Marketing: Branded gifts keep the company name visible. They act like small advertisements people actually use.
• Celebrate Milestones: Marking company anniversaries, client successes, or employee service years.

Who Gets Corporate Gifts?

The recipients are key groups for the business.

• Employees: Thanking them for their work, welcoming new hires, celebrating achievements.
• Clients: Showing appreciation for their business, strengthening partnerships.
• Prospects: Introducing the company, leaving a positive first impression.

My insights mention the gift should be "meaningful." This does not always mean expensive. It means having a purpose and making the recipient feel something positive. A corporate gift is a strategic touchpoint. It helps achieve a business goal while also being a nice gesture. Choosing the right gift for the right person at the right time is important.

Corporate gifts are tools for connection. They help businesses grow by valuing the people they work with.

What is the average corporate gift?

When companies give gifts, what do they usually give? Is there a typical kind of gift people expect?

The average corporate gift³ is often a common branded item. Think pens, keychains, coffee mugs, or basic notebooks. These are widely used because they are practical and usually fit within smaller budgets.

I have seen many gifts given over the years. The "average" gift is something most people have likely received at some point. It is standard promotional merchandise. These items are popular with companies for simple reasons. They are easy to buy in bulk. They are easy to put a logo on. They are generally useful enough that people will take them. This spreads brand awareness.

Why Average is Common

These items are average because they are accessible.

• Cost-Effective: They are relatively cheap to produce, especially in large quantities.
• Easy Branding: Logos can be printed or engraved simply and quickly.
• Wide Appeal: Most people can use a pen, a mug, or a notebook.
• Simple Logistics: Easy to store, pack, and distribute.

However, the downside of being average is that the gift might not be very memorable. It might just be another pen or mug in a drawer. My insights talk about a "meaningful" gift. An average gift can be meaningful if it is high quality or given at the perfect moment. But often, the average gift is just part of the background noise.

Making it More Than Average

An "average" item can become better.

• Focus on Quality: An average item made with high quality stands out. A really nice pen feels different from a cheap one. A sturdy, well-made mug is better than a flimsy one.
• Thoughtful Presentation: How the gift is given matters. A nice box or a personal note makes even an average item feel more special.
• Context: Giving a simple notebook right when someone starts a project makes it more useful and memorable than giving it at a random time.

Understanding what is average helps you decide if you want your gift to fit in or stand out. To give a truly "best" gift, you usually need to go beyond just average.

What to Send as a Corporate Gift?

Okay, I need to send a corporate gift. But there are so many choices. What should I pick?

When choosing what to send as a corporate gift, think about the recipient and the reason for the gift. Send items that are high-quality, useful, or provide a good experience. Options include quality branded items, edible treats, personalized clothing, eGift cards, or unique experiences.

Deciding on the right corporate gift can be tricky. The goal is to make a positive impact. Based on my insights, gifts can be physical or non-physical. Both types can work well, depending on the situation. I always suggest businesses consider who the gift is for and what they want the gift to achieve. This helps narrow down the many options.

Choosing the Right Type

Look at the options mentioned in my insights.

• Physical Items:
  • Practical Swag: Useful everyday items like water bottles, power banks, tote bags. Choose good quality ones.
  • Edible Treats: Chocolates, gourmet snacks, fruit baskets. These are often shared and enjoyed immediately.
  • Personalized Clothing: A nice jacket, polo shirt, or cap with a logo. Make sure it is comfortable and stylish.
• Non-Physical Gifts:
  • eGift Card: Gives the recipient choice. Good if you are unsure of their preferences. Easy to deliver digitally.
  • Experience: Tickets to an event, a subscription service, a wellness voucher. These create lasting memories.

Factors in Your Choice

Think about these points before you send a gift.

• Recipient: Employee, client, or prospect? A welcome gift for an employee differs from a thank you gift for a top client.
• Occasion: Holiday, thank you, milestone, welcome?
• Budget: How much can you spend per gift?
• Desired Impact: Do you want it to be something useful daily? Something luxurious? Something fun?
• Logistics: Is it easy to send or deliver to the recipient?

For physical gifts, quality and presentation matter a lot. A well-packaged gift, even a simple one, feels more special. For non-physical gifts, the ease of use and the relevance of the experience are key. My insights highlight that any gift, physical or non-physical, should be "meaningful." This connection makes the gift effective as a touchpoint.

Choosing what to send is a chance to show your brand's personality and your regard for the recipient.

Conclusion

Corporate gifts are touchpoints for employees, clients, or prospects. Many gifts are average items. Choosing high-quality, thoughtful, or experiential gifts makes them memorable.