It’s a fact of life that novelty is fleeting, especially when it comes to gifts. Contrary to conventional wisdom, you usually know what you’re going to get with a box of chocolates: a tried and true assortment of short-term goodies that go stale far too quickly.
The same goes for branded mugs, pens with a logo plastered on the side, or any sort of by-the-numbers trinkets. Where’s the delight?
Don’t fall into the chocolate trap. Keep your gift-giving fresh and memorable by following these five gifting trends, all of which prioritize appreciation, engagement, and satisfaction over convention.
1. Thoughtful Packaging Makes a Statement
Who says that you shouldn’t judge a gift by its wrapping paper? Show your recipient that you’ve put considerable thought into every part of the gift-giving experience.
Make your gift stand out by:
–Turning your package into an environmentally friendly
–For a business gift, tastefully add your company’s logo in a way that makes your brand stick out
-Using customized gift packaging thank you tags, inserts, or wrap to leave a lasting impression
2. Recognition Is Its Own Reward
When the whole office works from home without face-to-face meetings, it can be hard to get across just how much you appreciate each member of the team.
Turn your gifts into opportunities for:
-Employee engagement
-Emphasizing individual achievements
-Fostering an inclusive, empathetic company culture
—-> Explore our Employee Appreciation Gift Boxes
3. Combine Digital With the Physical Touch
Have a virtual conference coming up? Break through screen fatigue by supplementing your event with occasion-specific swag, giving participants something to mark the occasion with and turning a ho-hum virtual meeting into a chance to connect.
Virtual gifting ideas:
-Snack gift boxes for conference breaks
-Interactive items for engagement
Send a gift ahead of your conference to build anticipation
This hybrid approach boosts participation, breaks screen fatigue, and creates meaningful moments. For more ideas, check out our full blog post on virtual conference gifts!
4. Make your Purpose a Present In Its Own Right
Help your gifts drive social and environmental change by purchasing sustainable gift baskets from diverse-owned and sustainable businesses, showcasing your desire to invest in the community alongside the gift’s recipient.
Look for gifts that:
-Are ethically made or sustainably sourced
-Support workforce development or underrepresented communities, such as black-owned business, women-owned businesses and more
Show that your head and heart are in the right place by infusing your gifts with meaning!
–> Interested in meeting the people behind our products? Get to know our Impact Partners <–
5. Personalization Builds Stronger Connections
Your gift message is the most valuable piece of real estate. Be sure to make your intent clear and your empathy genuine by sharing a personal message with your recipient.
Make Every Gift Count
Corporate gifting is no longer about checking a box — it’s about creating meaningful connections, celebrating shared values, and showing appreciation in a way that resonates.
Whether you’re thanking a client, celebrating a milestone, or just letting your recipient know that you’re thinking of them during a difficult time, make each gift an excuse to further connect and strengthen the bonds that drew you together.