Gift-giving is a selfless act of showing appreciation, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get something in return. Maybe Joey was right in the One Where Phoebe Hates PBS – selfless good deeds don’t exist (Sorry Pheebs). When chosen wisely, gifts possess special powers to make meaningful impressions, strengthen established relationships and make new connections. That’s why gift-giving is a mighty business weapon in the corporate world.

If anything’s certain in business it’s that everyone loves receiving gifts and freebies. Show me a person that doesn’t like gifts and I’ll show you a liar. However, not all corporate and business gifts will cut it. Long gone are the days when branded pens, calendars, and planners ruled the kingdom of corporate gifts. If you want to make a lasting impression, you’ll need to try harder.

What Makes a Corporate Gift Stand Out?

A good business gift should tick all the boxes in order to do its magic. The best corporate and business gifts you can order are thoughtful, personal, wrapped with care, and delivered at the right time. If you manage to cross out all these things, the gift is bound to keep your company on top of client’s minds throughout the whole year.

First and foremost, for a gift to be thoughtful and personal, you’ll need to get to know your giftee. Learn about their hobbies, interests, and values. What good is a box of the finest milk chocolate to a vegan? A poorly chosen gift can do more harm than good, so make sure to do your research to avoid coming off as ignorant.

Then, you should know that boxes and bubble wrap matter too. Not only does the packaging ensure the gift will arrive in perfect condition, but it also shows that you put your heart and soul into every step of the process. What’s more, you can use the packaging to add your personal touch for extra flare.

Last, but not least is the delivery. If you’re thinking there’s no bad time for sending business gifts, you’re in the wrong. For instance, if you send a gift while you’re in a bidding war with another company, you could send the wrong message. Or, if you send a Christmas gift at the peak of the holiday season, your carefully chosen present might get lost in a pile of mediocre office presents, so make sure to use the timing to your advantage.

What Do You Get in Return?

Is corporate gift-giving really that important to go through all this trouble? Just as previously mentioned, gifting in the business world is a two-way street. Now, you might not get a present in return, but you’ll get something more valuable out of it. According to marketing experts, corporate gifts are proven to increase business activity, yield higher ROI, affirm business relationships and enhance personal relationships with clients and customers.

What’s more, you can use corporate gifts to reward hard-working employees after the successful completion of a large project to keep them motivated. Instead of the good old pat on the shoulder or the “well-done guys”, give your team the credit they deserve with thoughtful presents. After all, good employees that drive your company forward are hard to find, so make sure to keep those hard-working in your hive.

Corporate Gifts Ideas to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

All this talk about why, how, and when to give business gifts and no gift idea in sight. Don’t worry, here comes the fun part. Nowadays, there’s a myriad of business gifts to choose from. What’s best, you can shop corporate gifts online without even leaving your office. Everything from the gift contents to the packaging all the way to the delivery time can be customized with just a few clicks. Without further ado, let’s get you inspired.

Edible Hampers

Edible hampers come on the top of the list of business gifts that won many hearts. Mind you, not talking about those dull fruit hampers from the past. Edible business gifts of today come gorgeously arranged in innovative boxes, buckets, and hampers. Some of them even come as artfully arranged bouquets that win hearts the old-fashioned way, through the stomach.

Just imagine how cool your logo would look on a keepsake bucket filled with chocolates and snacks. What a lovely way to thank your employees after a successful project! If you’re really feeling generous, you can include a bottle of bubbly and raise a toast with your team. Bubbles… they make everything feel more special.

Living Plant Gifts

If you’re looking for a gift for a client or customer, the best way to go about it is with living plant gifts. Unlike freshly cut flowers that end up in the trash or chocolates that end up in the tummies, living plant hampers keep on giving for years down the line. Just make sure not to go for a demanding plant that’s hard to keep alive (orchids, looking at you).

Choose a plant that’s easy to care for such as a succulent or better yet a lush money tree. Not only does the money tree keep on thriving with minimal care, but it’ll also send a meaningful message. This plant is believed to bring the owner wealth and prosperity, making it a wonderful corporate gift.

Gifts of Experience

Gifts of experience such as pamper hampers, concert tickets, spa gift cards, and wine subscription boxes are also a great way to leave a lasting impression. For instance, if you notice that a certain client always orders wine at business dinners, a wine subscription box would make an excellent gift.

Or if you have an employee that constantly works under pressure and stays overtime, a pamper hamper filled with self-care items or a spa gift card would be a thoughtful way to show your gratitude and give that extraordinary person the much-needed break from hectic schedules and deadlines.