What Country Did the Tradition of Giving Gifts Come From

November 29, 2021

10 Fun Corporate Gifts

Gift giving is a happy event, but it might be especially tricky when the etiquette and expectations of the professional world apply. Whether you're giving corporate gifts to employees or looking for small business client gift ideas, these options should inspire you to make the right choice.

Reusable Drink Containers

Alcohol-focused items used to be the go-to for cool corporate gifts, but the truth is that not everyone drinks, and these gifts can be presumptuous. Reusable drink containers like vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottles and travel mugs are a better option that everyone can use in their own way.

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Tech Accessories

This is a gift category that's easy to tailor to your budget. If you had a good year and want to splash out, you can get everyone wireless earbuds. If you're on more of a budget, a cell phone charging stand that works well on desks or night stands can be a better, but still useful, option.

Small Journals or Notebooks

Though a lot of business gets done in a paperless fashion these days, it can still be nice to have a sleek, fashionable notebook on hand. Whether you choose high-end brand-name notebooks with your company logo embossed on front or a less customized but still handy design, this is a gift that just about everyone can put to good use.

Snack Towers and Baskets

Everyone loves food, and giving baskets, towers or assorted boxes is a great way to make sure there's something for everybody. Try to go for items that give a mix of healthy snacks and treats to aCC0mmodate different diets. This is one that clients and employees alike will be able to bring home to their families as well.

Gift Cards

This one might require a bit of sensitivity — it might not be a good idea to get a gift card for a specific restaurant, for example, because that place might not be convenient for everyone and might not aCC0mmodate certain dietary restrictions. Something more general, like a movie gift card, keeps things fun and flexible.

High-Quality Clothing

Clothing items with a corporate logo are a good choice, but it helps to make the gift something people will actually wear rather than something that gets brought out for yard work only. The best corporate gift is one that shows gratitude and is useful rather than appearing cheap, so even an affordable item like a warm winter hat can be better than a plain T-shirt with a printed logo.

Leather Business Card Holders

High-end leather accessories can be a good choice for elegant corporate gifts, especially for clients in professional services like law or aCC0unting. However, you'll want to be careful and avoid giving leather to people with lifestyle or religious choices that exclude the use of cow or animal products. If you aren't sure, faux leather or metal may be a better choice.

Floral Arrangements or Plants

While this may not be feasible for hundreds of employees, flowers and plants can make particularly nice corporate gifts for clients. This is especially true around the holiday season when adding some festivity and cheer to the office is usually welcome.

Communal Gifts for the Office

You don't have to give individual corporate gifts to every employee. Gifts meant for everyone, like an espresso machine for the kitchen or a game table for the break room, can be an effective option. This can also work if you have multiple clients within the same organization or who share an office space.

Something to Make Work Easier

As with any gift, the more thoughtful you are, the better the impact. Whether for clients or employees, getting something that makes it easier to get work done efficiently and comfortably can make a big difference. That could mean shelling out for comfortable new chairs for the entire office or hiring a massage therapist to come set up massage chairs during lunch hour.

Guerin Whilich