Choosing Corporate Gifts: 5 Types to Avoid for a Positive Impact

Introduction:

When it comes to gifts, the allure of receiving something without any apparent cost is universal. However, the famous saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" holds true for a reason. People tend to scrutinize the gifts they receive, especially when they come from corporate entities, be it for employees, clients, or well-wishers.

Understanding what not to gift is crucial in the corporate world. In this article, we'll explore five types of commonly available corporate gifts that you should avoid, ensuring your gestures convey the right message.

1. Unbranded Personal-Use Gift Boxes:

We've all encountered beautifully packed festival gift boxes marketed as corporate gifts. These boxes, often containing items like hand-painted diyas, dried fruits, and decorative trinkets, might be suitable for family occasions but lack the professional touch required for corporate gifting.

Corporate gifts should stand out in terms of branding and content. Packaging and contents should be consistent across the company, maintaining a standardised image.

2. Extravagantly Expensive Gifts:

While it might be tempting to impress senior staff or leaders with extravagant gifts, doing so can create an uncomfortable disparity among different tiers of employees. Even if a team collectively decides to gift their boss, it's essential to avoid items that are excessively expensive, potentially making the recipient feel indebted.

3. Personal Items and Etiquette:

In professional settings, gifting personal items such as apparel, jewellery, and even liquor is discouraged. Adhering to corporate etiquette is paramount, ensuring that gifts remain professional and appropriate.

4. Impersonal Gift Coupons:

Gift coupons, though convenient, often come across as impersonal and devoid of sentiment. To truly demonstrate care for employees, consider gifts that cater to their needs and comfort, like office bags, weather-appropriate jackets, or sun shields.

5. Alignment with Ethical Codes:

Each company operates under a specific code of ethics that influences gift choices and recipient selection. Procurement teams must thoroughly examine their company's conduct codes before making gifting decisions. This is especially important to avoid inadvertently offering bribes or inappropriate incentives.

Consequences of Inappropriate Gifting

Improper gift giving can lead to unintended negative consequences. If gifts are distributed unevenly among employees, it could breed unhealthy competition, resentment, and strained relationships within the team. Careful consideration and adherence to ethical guidelines are crucial.

The Ultimate Rule: Thoughtful Gifting

The ultimate guideline in corporate gifting is to select gifts that demonstrate a genuine understanding and concern for the recipients. Gifts should foster positive relationships among employees and clients. By choosing wisely and utilising appropriate resources, you can ensure a harmonious and ethical gifting experience that brings smiles to everyone involved.

For bulk corporate gifting, specialised online marketplaces like GiveawaySmiles offer a convenient solution. These platforms provide a diverse range of items at competitive prices, all curated with the principles mentioned earlier.