There is no better time to go into the business of packaging corporate gifts to make money. This industry has grown to become very lucrative because every year the corporate world earmarks billions of dollars to reward its staff and appreciate business associates.
The interesting thing about this field is that there is no limit to the items that can be offered as gifts. It could simply be a bottle of wine, a small but expensive solitaire ring or a large basket filled with assorted products. Whatever you do, a lot of creativity and resourcefulness is required.
- Packaging Corporate Gifts: What Should You Know?
- 20 Unique Corporate Gift Ideas
- What Are The Best Corporate Gifts For Employees?
- How do I Find a Unique Corporate Gift?
- Top 10 Corporate Gifts to Buy in 2022
- How to Make Money Selling Gift Baskets
- Corporate Gift Packaging Ideas
- Which Are The Best Corporate Gifts to Provide to Clients?
- How Much Should I Spend on Corporate Gifts?
- What is a Corporate Gift Platform?
- Do Companies Give Gifts
- How to Start a Gift Basket Service
- Promotional Gifts For Customers
Packaging Corporate Gifts: What Should You Know?
Promotion
One of the cost-effective ways of promoting your business is to have a website. It must be very pictorial with samples of your products clearly displayed and an online order form. You may also decide to create a paper catalog as well. Using social networking sites such as Facebook will also help.
Another thing that you can do is to offer free gift cards to companies. See it as an investment that can be used to advertise your works. Besides, customers usually purchase a gift that is higher in value than the gift card so it will pay off in the long run.
Read Also: Make Money Marketing Environmentally-Friendly Laundry Detergent
You have to be aggressive in promoting your business. Every promotion method is tied to a cost and the effort you put in. Find a strategy that works for you and stick with it.
The intermediary option
In the business of packaging corporate gift to make money, you can choose the intermediary option. It requires networking with manufacturers and you can have several manufacturers that you relate with.
Other corporate gift companies can also give you the contact details of manufacturers that they know. You are usually required to sign an agreement to order a particular amount of product every month.
The advantage of this option is that you are saved from any creative thinking. Since you work with different manufacturers, you will present a wide range of gifts to companies and individuals. You do not add value to the gifts but only make money from the commission you earn. You must also have strong networking and interpersonal skills.
The manufacturer option
As a manufacturer, you sell your gifts to intermediaries. You do not have to deal with individual customers as you will be getting orders for bulk gift items from intermediaries. This helps you to concentrate on producing unique items and it also brings out your creativity.
This option requires more resources like money, storage and other factors. Whatever you choose, you will still be packaging corporate gifts to make money.
Strive for quality
You will be surprised at how quickly a business can fold up when customers perceive that they are not getting good value for their money. Strive to maintain quality otherwise, you will lose their patronage in no time.
As long as the service quality is exceptional, you will retain your current customers and also bring in new ones. Do not compromise on quality in terms of product and service delivery if you want to make a success of your business.
20 Unique Corporate Gift Ideas
Skip the tired and cheap corporate gifts and surprise your employees this year with these elevated, thoughtful, and useful options instead. Go the extra mile by customizing them with company colors, a logo, or a personal touch that truly shows your appreciation.
Whether or not your company is working from home, it’s our hope that these gifts will allow you to stay connected to both your business and each other.
1. Terrarium or succulent garden
- Terrarium desk kit: $20.00
- Succulent arrangement: $27.99
These trendy desk accessories brighten your client’s day and remind them of the growth you can achieve together. Plus, succulents and air plants don’t require much water or maintenance, keeping things easy for years to come. Want to make it even easier? Order a realistic artificial arrangement like the one pictured above.
2. Notebook
- Moleskine Professional Notebook: $22.95; add $5.00 to $7.00 for personalization
I’m not suggesting you send clients a stack of the company-branded Post-its heaped five feet high in your supply closet. Have nice leather-bound notebooks created in your company colors or with a subtle logo printed on the front cover.
3. Coffee or tea blends
- Flavored tea selection: $46.99
- Coffee selection gift box: $43.04
Does anyone love breakroom coffee? That five-year-old gallon of Folgers might get the job done in a pinch, but you’ll be an office hero if you send a deluxe basket of gourmet coffees or flavored teas. Want to give this gift some local flavor? Create your own box of beans roasted nearby and source tea blends from the best tea house in town.
4. Calendar
- SmartPress custom calendars: Prices vary
Have company-branded calendars created by corporate experts like SmartPress, or source independent artists on Etsy for unique calendars clients won’t find at their next industry conference. If you’re downloading a calendar design, take the file to a local printer and have them copied on high-quality paper for an impressive effect.
5. Coffee table book
- Humans of New York: $16.00
Look for books that refer to your client’s city, state, industry, or personal interests. A book they’ll proudly display on their desk or in the office sitting area will serve as a conversation piece for years to come — and so will your name if you include a personalized message inside.
6. Toiletry bag
- High Line Three Leather Pouch: $60.64
Have a client who travels frequently? Send them a toiletry bag they can use immediately. Monogramming is always a nice choice, especially on travel items. And select canvas, leather, or waterproof options for a bag they’ll love forever.
7. Gourmet food basket
- Food basket with a modern twist: $74.00 to $178.00
Don’t want to send another basket weighed down with cheese logs and vacuum-sealed sausages? Bless you. There are several companies breathing new life into the traditional gourmet food basket. Remember to ask about client food allergies to ensure you send gluten-free and vegan options when appropriate.
8. Portable phone charger or charging dock
- Anker PowerCore+ mini portable charger: $19.99
Portable phone chargers or charging docks make crowd-pleasing gifts for on-the-go clients.
9. K-Cup coffee sampler
- Sampler Pack for K-Cup Brewers (40 Count): $24.61
Know your client has a Keurig machine at home or the office? Send them a K-Cup sampler they can enjoy for weeks. They’re sure to think of you fondly each time they enjoy a freshly brewed cup.
10. Kindle
- Kindle e-reader: $79.99
Whether your client spends weeks on the road or simply has a long daily commute, a Kindle or other e-reader will be a welcome way to pass the time.
11. A water bottle they won’t throw away
- Custom CamelBak water bottles: Prices vary
Let’s face it, we all have more leaky water bottles and superfluous fruit infusers than we know what to do with. But there’s nothing better than receiving a water bottle you’ll actually use. Consider a high-quality S’well or Camelbak option with your company’s branding.
12. Online classes
- Lynda: Basic membership, $19.99/month; Premium membership, $29.99/month
- Bluprint: Individual classes from $7.99; Annual plan, $79.99/year
Give the gift of learning! Instead of quickly consumed snacks or trinkets, give your client an experience they’ll always remember. Consider a gift card to an online classroom where they can spend a few hours honing their cooking, photography, or software development skills.
13. BarkBox
- BarkBox subscription: 12 months, $22/month; 6 months, $25/month; Monthly, $29
If you have a client with a four-legged best friend, consider a BarkBox subscription. Choose from a variety of subscription lengths and this service will deliver goodie boxes for cats or dogs directly to their door.
14. Better swag
- Clove & Twine customizable company gifts: Prices vary
Chances are, company t-shirts you send clients will end up at their local thrift shop. Instead, invest in fashionable clothing and accessories with subtle company branding customers will actually want to wear.
15. A charity donation
If a material gift isn’t appropriate, make a charity donation in your customer’s name and let them know what that money will achieve. It’s a meaningful gesture that communicates your company values and honors theirs.
16. Beer brewing kit
- Northern Brewer Homebrew Supply: Kits starting at $49.99
Let the beer lovers in your client roster concoct their own brews. And up the ante by including a pair of company-branded pint glasses.
17. Restaurant gift cards
Research the hottest new restaurants in your customer’s area, or ask for hotspots they’d like to try, and get them a gift card. It allows them to unwind over a nice meal — and your name is sure to come up before dessert.
18. Bakery delivery
Is there anything better than an unexpected office delivery of fresh-baked goodies? That was a rhetorical question. Send over local doughnuts or pastries the whole team will enjoy.
19. Cook’s basket
- Williams Sonoma Gift Baskets: Prices vary
If your client spends their weekends whipping up gourmet delights, pick out a cookbook and pair it with a few non-perishable ingredients for the star recipe. For a more showstopping variation on this gift, opt for a prepared basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets or Williams Sonoma.
20. Catered Lunch
Everyone loves a good burrito or sandwich bar. This doesn’t have to be an extravagant catered lunch — just make sure to throw in some cookies for good measure.
What Are The Best Corporate Gifts For Employees?
Engaged employees who feel valued can make the office a great place to spend time every day. Celebrating milestones like new hires, employee anniversaries, and promotions can give every employee (not just the recipient) the feeling of working somewhere that truly values them.
Plus, incentive gifts for customer-facing teams like sales, marketing, and customer support can boost productivity and job satisfaction, making everyone’s daily grind a little better. Overall, good gifting can engage employees in a way that verbal praise or yearly reviews just can’t match.
1. Virtual Tasting + 8-Pack of Wine
Sendoso Partner:In Good Taste
Description: What comes with each In Good Taste Virtual Tasting…
- General high-level knowledge about how to taste wines
- A deep dive into 2-3 grapes of your choosing
- Fun facts and wine trivia about the grape and region when their California wines are harvested
- What to look for when buying wines at a grocery store or wine shop
Each tasting is about 75 minutes long. You are welcome to present at the beginning of the event for a maximum of 10 minutes. Each tasting is personalized for you and your group, so let them know in advance if there are wine-related subjects you want to explore!
2. Old Fashioned Kit
Sendoso Partner: Present Day
Description: This Gift Includes: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Sour Cherries, Preserved Orange Slices, DSB Bitters, Jigger, and a Dark Chocolate Bar.
3. Just Breathe Spa Gift
Sendoso Partner: Knack Shops
Includes: Coconut Bath Soak, Body Sea Sponge, Soy Wax Candle, Sea Urchin, and Mini Matches.
4. Potted Succulent
Sendoso Partner:Yorkville’s
Description: This 4-inch potted Haworthia succulent is a perfect gift for any occasion or season. They’re easy to maintain, help purify the air, and add humidity to the environment.
5. S’mores Gift Set
Sendoso Partner: Knack Shops
Description: Includes: 2 Dark Chocolate Bars, 18 Graham Crackers, 10 Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, and 2 Stainless Steel Roasting Sticks.
6. Culinary Box
Sendoso Partner: Present Day
Description: This gift includes: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, “Hotel Oscar Tango Hot Sauce, Garlic & Rosemary Sea Salt, Italian Blend Herbs, and Dijon Mustard.
7. Wine Crate
Sendoso Partner:Yorkville’s
Description: This crate elegantly displays a bottle of wine paired with a fig preserve and olives all placed in a beautiful wine gift box.
8. DIY Decorating Cookie Kit
Sendoso Partner:The Cravory
Description: Includes: 12 Sugar Cookies, Vanilla and Chocolate Frosting, and 3 kinds of sprinkles.
9. BBQ Old Fashioned
Sendoso Partner: Cocktail Courier
Description: Flavors of dark berries and complex smoke are offset by a pop of bright citrus. This unique blend in this Old Fashioned riff is like a backyard BBQ in a glass.
This Kit Includes: 3 Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Bottle (50ML), Blueberry Algre-Doux, Black Lemon Bitters, Dehydrated Lemon Wheels, & Bourbon Barrel Wood Chips
10. 15-Snack Box
Sendoso Partner: SnackNation
Description: Enjoy a boost of health and energy with delicious, premium and better-for-you chips, bars, jerky, sweets and more delivered straight to your doorstep!
With every box delivered, SnackNation donates meals to families in need through their partnership with Feeding America.
How do I Find a Unique Corporate Gift?
Finding gift ideas that are not only suitable but also appropriate for your clients can be a bit tricky.
After all, these guys are keeping you in business. You don’t want to offend them or present yourself as an ultra cheapskate who can’t spend a few bucks on gifts. At the same time, you can’t afford to go all out and splurge on multiple clients.
A Gift Basket
The fun part about a gift basket is that you can fill it with almost whatever you want, and make it unique to each person.
Is your client a vegan enthusiast, present yourself as thoughtful and stuff the basket with vegan-friendly foods. Make your gift stand out with a friendly, personalized note.
Power Banks
We all know and appreciate the struggle of keeping devices charged up while traveling or on the go.
With these portable chargers, your client can rest assured that a low battery will not get in the way of getting any business done.
Personalized Journals
Your own hectic, packed day and forgotten appointments should give you an idea of how helpful a day planner would be for your client. Personalize it with your client’s name or a sweet note.
Funny Gift Items
Although you are careful not to toe the line or be inappropriate with your client, a little joke never hurt anyone. Gift your clients with items that include a touch of humour that reminds them not to take things too seriously.
Fitness Gifts
Gift your clients with fitness tools for long term satisfaction. If you are not sure what they would like, you could sign them up for a fitness program.
Other thoughtful gift items would include fitness tracker armbands, supplements, and a gift card for a fitness consultation.
The Gift of Giving
Still unsure on what to give your clients? Stay safe and donate to a charity cause you know they love, in their name.
This way, you give a double gift. Your client would be touched that you remembered something they are passionate about, and the cause would benefit from your gift.
Sleep Wear
You read that right. We accept that sleep is one of the most effective stress relievers. What better way to ensure your client gets a good night’s sleep that by gifting them a pair of comfortable nightwear?
Handwritten Note
This gift may seem more intimate, or a bit too simple for a client but, with the age of technology and Instant Messaging, few presents are more unique than this.
Draft out a heartfelt, thoughtful note of appreciation, encouragement, or even just a reminder of how important your business partnership is.
Alleviate Stress
It is the 21st century; everyone is stressed out. Workers are stressed out; even pre-schoolers are stressed out. Your client is dealing with as large a workload as you and, with that comes stress. Give your client the best gift they could get by lifting off some of that stress.
If you’re willing to splurge a little, you can go as far as signing your client up for meditation classes with a private instructor.
Valuable Books
Enrich your client’s professional or personal life with a great book, which provides value. You would be surprised at how useful your client finds your book.
So, next time you come across a great book, take the time to take note of the title. Then, you can get a hardcopy for your client, or send a softcopy to them.
Unique Cookies
Customize a batch of cookies, and ship them down to your client. It might seem like a reasonably simple, undeniable sugar treat, but, the truth is there is hardly any person who does not like cookies.
Get your clients’ unique cookies customized in the shape of their logo, your logo or some other design.
Flower Bouquet
Flowers are not just for lovers or friends. Create a beautiful flower arrangement to show your client appreciation. You don’t have to worry about going over the top or misrepresenting your company.
A flower bouquet is also a great gift to deliver to your client in person. Add an extra personal touch with a little note.
Spa Gift Card
A spa gift card, because who doesn’t love a little pampering, right? If you cannot arrange for a masseuse to pay your client a visit at home or work, take the safe lane by gifting them some relaxation time in a card. This way, they can cash in at any time, at their convenience.
Personalized Items
Sure, branded gift items are all the rage now, with every t-shirt and mug now bearing some personalized message. Stand out with your gift by customizing more unique items.
For example, a bottle of rich wine, or how about chocolate with your company’s logo all over it? Or even a handy flash drive customized to suit your client’s needs.
Whatever gift you send to your client must hold enough content to show them how much you appreciate your partnership. By following some of our valuable gift suggestions, be assured of keeping your clients happy.
Top 10 Corporate Gifts to Buy in 2022
The best corporate gifts are both professional and memorable. They strike a balance between being fashionable and functional. In addition to this, the best corporate gifts should be a brilliant representation of your company.
Take a closer look at the Top 10 Corporate Gift Ideas of 2022. We made sure to give you ideas from every reasonable price point—including luxury corporate gifts that won’t blow your budget.
1. Arc’teryx Kyanite Vest
Arc’teryx Kyanite Vest $129 – Worn as a mid layer or minimalist standalone piece, the highly versatile Kyanite Vest delivers performance across a range of activities.
Combining warmth, mobility and moisture management, Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro has an abrasion-resistant nylon face, a polyester interior brushed for softness and improved moisture transfer, and allows airflow for thermal regulation. The fabric’s four-way stretch provides exceptional freedom of movement, and the trim fit hugs the body and layers easily under a shell.
2. S’well Traveler Bottle
S’well Traveler Bottle $35 – Perfectly contoured to fit in your hand, the Traveler will quickly become your go-to for drinking on-the-go. This new wide mouth shape is optimal for stirring up and carrying a cup of coffee or adding ice cubes to your favorite beverage.
In addition to that, the S’well Travel Bottle can keep your drinks cold up to 36 hours and warm up to 15 hours. While these timeframes depend on the bottle’s size, it’s nonetheless impressive and another reason for it to be one of the best corporate business gifts on the market.
3. Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic $99 – The Rover Pack Classic has a tough 1000D nylon base and lightweight, water-resistant pack cloth upper with a cinch top closure. An exterior front pocket and top flap pocket give quick access to smaller items and internal laptop sleeve keeps your computer secure. Expandable side pockets hold your water bottle or extra gear.
Other than that, it has a large main compartment that can carry everything that you need from a laptop to headphones or even some notebooks. We think it’s one of the gifts for business professionals that all your clients will love.
4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar
Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar $7 – Bars for sharing, gifting, or indulging, the Classic is the perfect size for all occasions. (2.5 oz/ 70g). Almost all the bars are made of organic ingredients, so there’s less guilt when indulging in this treat.
5. Orbit Bluetooth Key Tracker
Orbit Wireless Key Tracker $25 -With its premium aluminium waterproof casing and replaceable battery; Orbit uses Bluetooth technology along with a free app to locate your keys. When out of range the last known GPS location will be shown on the map. Orbit will help you find your phone by making it ring, even on silent! It’s also a selfie remote
We think it’s one of the most useful personalized business products for busy employees and clients. Obviously, losing keys on a challenging day isn’t uncommon, and this issue will certainly disappear with the Orbit Key Tracker.
6. Baggu Standard Reusable Bag
Baggu Standard Reusable Bag $12 – Our best selling reusable bag is not just for the grocery store, it goes everywhere and hauls (practically) anything. Carry in your hand or over your shoulder. Holds 2–3 plastic grocery bags worth of stuff. Folds into a flat 5″ × 5″ pouch. Holds 50 lbs. Now made from 40% recycled nylon sourced from pre-consumer waste.
7. Alternative Apparel Champ Eco-Fleece Sweatshirt
Alternative Apparel Champ Eco-Fleece Sweatshirt $50– Alternative Apparel Champ Eco-Fleece Sweatshirt $50 – An everyday crew neck sweatshirt with raglan sleeves for a vintage-inspired look. Contains organic & recycled materials and made with USA yarns.
8. Beckham Sports Duffel
Beckham Sports Duffel $38 – This duffel has a dual zippered opening to a spacious main compartment. The zippered mesh pocket under lid is perfectly sized to hold flip-flops or a hair straightener. Neoprene bottle cuff on the interior of the bag holds your water bottle in place. Two interior mesh slip pockets add organization for accessories.
9. Apple Airpods Pro
Apple Airpods Pro $249 – AirPods Pro have been designed to deliver Active Noise Cancellation for immersive sound, Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings, and a customizable fit for all-day comfort. Just like AirPods, AirPods Pro connect magically to your iPhone or Apple Watch. And they’re ready to use right out of the case.
Lastly, the Apple Airpods Pro also provide a powerful bass quality as well as a beautiful design to remain professional at the office and even at the gym. To sum up, it’s one of the greatest and premium corporate business gifts you can get.
10. Miir Camp Cup
Miir Camp Cup $25 –Make your campfire memories a little warmer with our modern take on Grandpa’s old camp cup. This 12oz Camp Cup is vacuum insulated so you won’t burn your hands (or melt your face) when you are at work, home, or camping.
Featuring a press fit lid to prevent spilling and a convenient handle to make picking up your coffee mug a little easier. Use it for your coffee, tea, or your favorite drink you want to keep hot or cold.
How to Make Money Selling Gift Baskets
Gift baskets often make the perfect gift because they contain a collection of items personalized to meet the individual tastes of the recipient.
For instance, a gift basket full of baked goods can give a college student a taste of home, while a wine lover will likely appreciate a basket full of aged cheeses and gourmet crackers to complement a nice bottle of wine. If you enjoy creating gift baskets, you may just have the recipe for profit in your hands.
1. Create a business plan that explains your business idea. If you plan to specialize in just one type of gift basket, your plan should say so. Also, note the different size gift baskets you plan to offer and at what prices. List your startup and operating costs.
Fortunately, these will be relatively low because you can work from home, so mostly you’ll just have to pay for supplies and marketing. The Gift Basket Business website recommends going with prepackaged food items like pretzels, chips and dips, which remain fresh for a long time.
This ensures you don’t lose items to spoilage, which will reduce your profits. A markup of 100 percent of what you pay for supplies is appropriate when setting your prices, because this takes into account the time and work it takes to assemble the basket.
2. Get the required business licenses. The process and fees for doing this vary from one locality to the next, so contact your city or county government offices for more information. You may need to get a license even if you’re operating your gift basket business entirely out of your home and the Web.
3. Purchase supplies. This will include gift baskets, cellophane and ribbon. However, consider everything else you may need, like filler material for your baskets, a table cutter to make cutting large sheets of cellophane easier, card stock and labels.
Purchasing items in bulk can help you achieve savings on the front end and higher profits on the back end, once you sell your gift baskets. Also, establishing relationships with vendors and promising to purchase certain quantities each month could give you leverage to save on supplies, which will ensure you maximum profits.
4. Create inventory that you can quickly turn around and sell. This includes baskets in a variety of sizes and for a variety of tastes and audiences. That way when orders begin coming in, you won’t be inundated. However, if your baskets contain perishables, avoid doing this because you don’t know how long it’ll be before business starts rolling in. You don’t want to lose money from food items going bad.
5. Create a website. This is a way for potential customers to find you and learn about your gift baskets. Explain why your baskets make the perfect gifts. Include photographs of actual gift baskets, along with pricing information (and shipping prices if applicable).
Note how long they usually take to arrive. Provide your contact information so people can reach you if they have questions or want to place orders by phone, but also provide a method for people to place orders through your site.
6. Advertise your gift basket business. Ads in the local newspaper and magazines are good starting points. However, don’t stop there. Magazines geared for women and homemakers may also yield customers.
Send companies advertising flyers, since they sometimes purchase gift baskets for executives and big clients. Consider offering big corporations discounts on bulk orders to get their business. Offer nonprofits free gift baskets that they can auction at charity events as a way to get your company’s name out there.
Corporate Gift Packaging Ideas
1. Garment/Clothing Boxes-
One of the most popular (and easiest) ways to gift package clothing has to be the 2 piece garment box. These boxes have a top and box that fit easily into each other and come in a variety of sizes. Garment boxes can then be covered with wrapping paper.
The ultimate option is to have your garment boxes custom branded with your company logo (as shown in the photo above). Then all you would need is some holiday ribbon to dress up your box.
2. Gift Bags
Gift bags are perfect for multi-piece gifts, as each item can be wrapped individually and then placed inside the bag. This makes gift bags quick and easy to use! They’re also an economical alternative to putting together a more elaborate gift basket.
Just add some coordinating seasonal patterned tissue paper in the top of the bag and tie a nice bow on the handle.
3. Cello Basket Bags
Cello basket bags have a lot going for them:
- they’re clear so you can see what’s inside
- very economical, which is good if you’re wrapping a lot of gifts
- come in a variety of sizes so you’re likely to find one that fits your needs
These bags are ideal for bulky items such as clothing and blankets but they also work well for wrapping up gift baskets
4. Gable Boxes
The big plus with gable boxes is that you can use them 2 different ways: opened like a gift basket or filled and given closed.
Either way, gable boxes are a unique and cost effective alternative to a wicker gift basket. They’re ideally suited for gifts of gourmet foods, baked goods, coffees/teas, chocolates, bath/body care products or even themes such as “movie night” or “spa kit”.
5. Wine Carriers
Gifts of “good cheer” are very popular during the holidays! Wine carriers are an elegant corporate gift packaging choice for gifts of wine or craft beer. Carriers are available in 1 bottle size and up to 6 bottle size. They’re easy to pop open, fill, and ribbon making your corporate gift packaging easy! The built in handle makes them convenient to carry and transport.
Which Are The Best Corporate Gifts to Provide to Clients?
These are the gifts that are preceded with “you can get a lot of use out of this.” Maybe it’s something that will help them stay organized and productive at work, or maybe it’s something that will improve their personal life.
Charging Portfolios
Yes, this portfolio is good for organizing documents AND charging phones on the go. It’s the perfect gift for clients who are always on the move and need quick access to their phone, pens, business cards, and notebook. Not to mention, their things will be protected in a surprisingly stylish package.
Water Bottles
Anyone can send cheap branded water bottles. Instead, send your clients a stylish, high-quality water bottle that becomes their new favorite. Oh, and you can still add your logo to it.
Notebooks
The beauty of notebooks is they can be used for anything. To-do lists, meeting notes, and even screenplay ideas can be jotted down at a moment’s notice. Make it personalized by adding your customer’s name or their mantra to the cover. Pay attention and notice what kind of journals they prefer, for example, whether they like dotted, lined, or blank pages.
Spa Baskets
If your business is in the beauty or health industry, consider a gift that makes people feel great from the outside in. Custom spa baskets allow your clients to bring that spa treatment home with them as they unwind with a foot scrub or face mask after a long day at work.
Personalized Pens
Even if your client is glued to their keyboard, they’ll still use pens for meeting notes, jotting down ideas, and doodles. And if you send them a pen with their name on it, it just might be their pen of choice.
Gift Cards
Give your client a gift card to their favorite restaurant or to a store that’s related to their hobbies. If you don’t know them well enough yet, an Amazon gift card or pre-loaded Visa card will do the trick.
Maybe your client appreciates the finer things of life. Or maybe you’ve developed some inside jokes over the years. You can reflect creativity and personal humor in your gift.
Coffee Table Books
The best coffee table books are the ones that are aesthetically appealing and are genuinely intriguing to browse through. Get your client a book of interesting pictures, or find out their interests and get them something they would enjoy reading.
Coffee/Tea Blends
For coffee and tea enthusiasts, assemble a collection of specialty flavors and roasts. They’re sure to love your gift after they’ve inevitably grown tired of the breakroom coffee and tea selection.
Accessory Swag
Wearable swag, like t-shirts and hats, might be worn a handful of times. Consider also creating swag from other things people will use, like phone chargers, glasses cases, or tumblers.
Beer Brewing Kit
Sometimes gifts can be fun adventures! In the likelihood that your beer-loving client has never personally crafted their own brew, send them a beer brewing kit. Take it one step further and include a branded pint glass or two.
How Much Should I Spend on Corporate Gifts?
Depending on the size of your staff and customer base, you might not be able to give a gift to everyone. You can use a bit more discretion in picking and choosing which clients to give gifts to as opposed to which employees. Don’t play favorites with employees unless your decision is completely results-driven.
This isn’t necessarily just taking your budget and dividing it by your recipients. If a certain client or employee brought in five times as much business as another client or employee, you could reward the higher earning client or employee with a more expensive corporate gift.
However, if you want to distribute gifts to everyone on your team, we recommend spending the same amount on each employee unless you lay out a rewards program in advance. To give you a numerical idea of what the norm is, in 2017 73% of employers spent between $50 and $75 on corporate holiday gifts per employee.
What is a Corporate Gift Platform?
A corporate gifting platform is an automated system for selecting, storing, packing, and shipping corporate gifts and custom swag items to customers, clients, employees, or prospects. The platform not only helps senders get items out the door, it automatically tracks shipping, receipt, and responses, and provides valuable reporting tools for understanding the impact and ROI on your campaigns.
Old-school gifting is certainly effective, but the multiple processes involved in getting a campaign from strategy to delivery require a near-prohibitive time investment, and require a staff member to monitor, track, and manually report on the success of items sent.
This time investment costs money in terms of man-hours, and bogs down your sales or marketing teams in manual processes that take them away from their main objective: making connections, and sales. Calculating these human capital costs into your campaigns reveals the real value in moving to an automated solution.
Do Companies Give Gifts
Gift giving is common to all human societies. Regardless of the continent you are on, the nation you live in, or your race or ethnicity, giving gifts is ubiquitous. The cultural norms of offering and receiving presents may vary but offering gifts has been a universal norm throughout the history of humankind. It seems encoded into the very DNA of most living animals.
The 2020 Loyalty Barometer Report found “59% of consumers indicate that the most important way a brand can interact with them is through surprise offers and gifts.” The report goes on to say, “Customers want to be acknowledged and feel appreciated for their loyalty.” It also found, “Appreciative gestures (like gifts) go a long way in developing emotional connections.”
In uncertain times, it is even more important to reinforce relationships. Done thoughtfully and respectfully, gifts can help strengthen bonds and show appreciation in a heartfelt and compassionate way. Take the time to think about and plan how you are going to thank those people most important to your business.
How to Start a Gift Basket Service
Gift baskets are typically low to moderate in cost, and can be customized to suit any occasion, making them a very attractive gift option. If you are creative and love making presents, starting a gift basket business from home can be the perfect way to make some extra cash.
1
Write a business plan to help establish your business. Include information about your competitors, the type of baskets you plan to sell, an analysis of the demand for your product, start-up costs, three-year operating expenses and profit analysis, marketing and public relations plans.
2
Learn how to make attractive gift baskets by reading a book, taking a class at your local craft store, looking at free online videos or reading Internet tutorials. Focus on arranging items and embellishing your baskets.
3
Get the licenses needed in your state to start a retail business. For example, you may need a fictitious business name certificate (DBA), resale permit, state tax identification number or employer identification number (EIN).
4
Secure venues and shows to sell your gift baskets. You can sell via an online artisan marketplace, your own e-commerce store, craft fairs, a mall kiosk or a city festival.
5
Purchase the materials needed to create your gift baskets. This may include small toys, candies, gourmet tea or coffees, boxes or baskets, ribbon, flowers, cello wrap, glue dots and twist ties.
6
Make a range of sample gift baskets to take with you to shows and to photograph for your portfolio. For instance, make one for a baby shower, another gift basket for Valentine’s Day and a gift basket geared toward men.
7
Take clear photos of your sample gift baskets, using different angles. If you cannot take high-quality photos, hire a freelance photographer to do it for you. Use these photos in your ads, flyers or portfolio to show to potential customers.
8
Market your gift basket business. Open social networking accounts, launch a promotional blog or join an association, such as the National Specialty Gift Association.
Promotional Gifts For Customers
Promoting your business sometimes requires more than just putting it on social media. Opportunities are wasted daily when you don’t use the best possible means of advertising that requires less stress and have been deemed to work effectively for decades. Promotional gift items are a bundle of opportunity that can cause your business revenue to skyrocket by a large margin.
There are several types of promotional corporate gift items and we have chosen the top 5 you can brand and use for your promoting your business.
1. Umbrella
Umbrellas are very good promotional gift items, especially in this part of the world where the sun and the rain can be very harsh. How can you use umbrellas?
Like any other promotional gift, they are meant to be given out. You can create a list of your best customers, and give them branded umbrellas. You can even do the same for your best workers. However, you can take pictures with the recipient holding the gift and put it on social media.
The message you’d be passing across is not showing off, but that you value your customers and workers.
2. T-shirts & Caps
The use of branded T-shirts and face caps as a means of marketing and promotion, is a very popular, yet very effective way of creating awareness. It is also very easy to give out things like these.
Pro tip: Don’t give out what you and your workers aren’t using.
If you are giving away t-shirts and face caps, what you want to do, is to build value around it. When it is something worn by you and by your team members only, your customers would be happy to wear that limited edition branded kit of yours.
It is human nature. Everyone want to be associated with what not everybody is associated with. Asides that, a special affinity for your brand is cultivated and a brand evangelist have been gained.
3. Diaries
Diaries, just some pieces of papers with a cover right? Wrong.
The use of these as promotional gift items have been practiced for decades now and it is not going to be phased out soon. Branded diaries can be effective promotional gifts that spread word about your business.
Read Also: Making Money With Technology-focused Media
One thing about diaries is that you can so customize your diaries with images that tell a story about your brand. The images can be behind the scenes images or a couple of throwbacks. Well coupled together, relating your brand values and statement. Especially how your business is about your customers first.
Make no mistake about placing all the services your business renders or the products you sell at the fore front. Those should come last. Also, you can give this item at conferences, your target audience are in attendance or other events.
However, don’t forget your customers. Remember, the goal is to create wild brand awareness that will rake in leads for your business.
4. Branded Mugs
Big old mugs! Branded mugs are one of the pioneers of promotional gift items, take it or leave it. You can give mugs, branded with company logo or services rendered to all your customers say, at the end of the year in appreciation for doing business with you.
It may be little but things like this, very many times are not taken lightly by customers.
5. Wrist Bands
Wrist bands are small, and they look inconsequential. Used famously by health organizations in a campaign against cancer and even by a lot of churches.
Okay, your business is not in the category of those organization. Yet, using wrist bands as promotional gifts, is a no brainer. I mean, they are cheap, portable, and easy to make.