If you’ve heard about corporate gifts but don’t know where to start, read on.

They are becoming increasingly popular in the world of work and have many purposes, including forging warm relationships between givers and recipients.

In this post, we explain what they are and why you should give them, as well as offering some ideas for unique and affordable corporate gifts.

So, what exactly are they?

Corporate gifts are items given to clients, colleagues or employees in a business context.

They can range from the simple and affordable — for example, a box of chocolates sent to a colleague to say thank you for their work on a project — to more elaborate offerings.

These types of gifts could take the form of a case of vintage wine to welcome a new client or even a paid-for stay at a luxury hotel if you really want to impress.

But for most of us, the best corporate gifts are affordable, unique and remind the recipient of your brand, goods or services.

Ideally, they are also long-lasting and something that your client may use every day, acting as a long-serving advertisement for your company.

Why should I give corporate gifts?

There are lots of reasons why corporate gifts have grown in popularity in recent years. Here are just a few:

  • To welcome a new client and start your relationship off on the right foot
  • To thank employees and make them feel valued
  • To ensure that your brand is remembered
  • To incentivise employees to meet targets
  • To stimulate new business and connections
  • To showcase your company’s products
  • To celebrate a season or holiday
  • To make your company stand out from your competitors
  • To show your appreciation of something your client has done for you

Ideas for corporate gifts

Now that you understand how relevant corporate gifts are, it’s time to gather a few ideas for promotional products that will enhance your company’s marketing plan and impart a feeling of goodwill between giver and recipient.

Personalised and branded corporate gifts

Custom corporate gifts are a good place to start — who doesn’t love to see their name on a well-designed item that can be used every day?

A great place to start is a personalised keep cup and coffee cup band that your client can use every day. Most of us start our mornings with a hot drink, so why not remind the recipient of your band to get the day off to the best beginnings?

For a young audience, custom thumb rings are a unique and quirky gift. Personalise them with your recipients’ names for that extra special and memorable touch.

Or have silicone wristbands printed with your company’s name and in your branding colours, and your recipient will not have far to look to be reminded of what you do. You might even want to offer a medical wristband if you or your client is involved in healthcare.

Edible corporate gifts

Gifts that taste good too are always going to be popular.

Tried-and-tested boxes of chocolates are always a hit. You can also offer vegan and gluten-free versions depending on your client’s preferences.

If you think they might appreciate something a little more healthy, then how about a basket of delicious fruit as an alternative?

Dried fruits and nuts also make a welcome gift, or why not offer a selection of coffee blends or herbal teas to liven up their working day?

Celebratory corporate gifts

Recognising your clients’ special days and celebrations is a thoughtful and effective way of forging a great relationship.

Christmas is always a good time to offer corporate gifts. You may want to offer Christmas stockings filled with goodies, a calendar promoting your company to welcome in the new year or a bottle of fine wine to help get the celebrations going.

Diwali, the festival of light, is celebrated by Hindus (and some other groups) in October or November. It is so called because houses are decorated with small oil lamps, showing that light triumphs over dark. This is an ideal time to offer appropriate gifts like tea lights, ethnic sweets or specially decorated cakes.

St Patrick’s Day on 17 March is marked by the Irish community to honour the death of the country’s patron saint and celebrate everything that’s great about Ireland. Gifting any item in Ireland’s national colour of green will be sure to go down well with any clients with an Irish connection.

Let the only limit be your imagination

These are just a few ideas for corporate gifts that will help to ease relations between you and a new client or to acknowledge the bond you have with a long-standing one.

Anything that’s appropriate to the recipient goes — so let the only limit be your imagination!

Take a look at our collection of affordable and memorable items such as wristbands, key rings and coffee cup bands for unique and personalised corporate gifts.