Ultimate corporate gifting guide for 2024

Merch Story

Corporate gifting is when your company delivers a meaningful and suitable gift to customers, prospects, and employees without asking for anything in return. The move is expected to pay off in the long run. If not, at least keep your company in mind.

A thoughtful present that makes an impact can:

Encourage your workers.

Increasing consumer loyalty.

Move prospects one step closer to becoming clients.

Incorporating corporate gifting into your marketing strategy could have massive benefits:

Use gift-giving as a way to nurture leads. Thank potential customers for their interest in your company by giving them a small gift to encourage them to continue considering your products or services.

1. Thank customers for their loyalty: Show your appreciation for long-term customers by giving them a gift as a token of your appreciation. This can help to build customer loyalty and increase customer satisfaction.
2. Use gift-giving as a way to generate referrals: Consider giving a gift to customers who refer new business to your company. This can encourage customers to continue spreading the word about your products or services.
3. Incorporate gift-giving into your sales process: Consider giving a gift to customers as part of your sales process. For example, you might give a gift to a customer who makes a large purchase or to a customer who has been with your company for a long time.
4. Use gift-giving to promote new products or services: Consider giving a gift to customers or leads as a way to introduce them to your new products or services. This can be an effective way to generate interest and drive sales.
5. Use gift-giving to build relationships with key partners: Consider giving gifts to key partners, such as suppliers or distributors, as a way to strengthen your business relationships.

Clients respond positively to corporate gifts.

In a poll of about 5,000 corporate gift buyers, 80% said that giving gifts improved their relationships with clients. As a result, about half of the respondents said they had increased client loyalty

Actions such as corporate gifts should help your team’s morale rise if words have that much power. Given that nearly 100% of employees say they feel appreciated when they get a company gift, when employees are valued, they thrive.

Employees want to know that their efforts are appreciated. That is all everyone wants. The desire to be praised is part of human nature and psychology. Consider how great it feels to be rewarded with a well-deserved pat on the back!

65 percent of your sales come from repeat customers. Furthermore, an increase of 5% in client retention increases profitability by 25% to 95%. Using corporate gifts to encourage client loyalty allows your company to concentrate on its existing customer base.

Here are a few interesting statistics about the corporate gifting industry:

• According to a survey conducted by the Advertising Specialty Institute, 85% of people who received a promotional product in the past 12 months could recall the name of the company on the product, and 51% did business with that company as a result.
• Another survey found that 53% of people who received a promotional product said they had a more favorable impression of the company that gave them the gift.
• A study by the Promotional Products Association International found that 91% of people who received a promotional product in the past year could recall the brand associated with the product, and 84% of those people had a more favorable view of the brand as a result.
• Promotional products also have a longer lifespan than many other forms of advertising. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, the average lifespan of a promotional product is 6 months, compared to just a few seconds for a television commercial or a few days for a newspaper ad.

The top ten most in-demand budget corporate gift ideas are:

1. Customized pens: Personalized pens are a practical and budget-friendly option for corporate gifts. They can be engraved with your company’s logo or message, and are useful for recipients in a variety of settings.
2. Branded mugs: Mugs are another practical and popular choice for corporate gifts. They can be customized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for use at home or in the office.
3. Tote bags: Tote bags are a versatile and environmentally friendly option for corporate gifts. They can be customized with your company’s logo or message and can be used for shopping, carrying books or laptops, or storing gym clothes.
4. Notebooks: Customized notebooks are a useful and thoughtful gift for recipients who like to take notes or jot down ideas. They can be personalized with your company’s logo or message and can be used in a variety of settings.
5. T-shirts: Branded t-shirts are a fun and casual option for corporate gifts. They can be customized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for casual wear or as part of a company uniform.
6. Water bottles: Customized water bottles are a practical and healthy gift option. They can be personalized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for use at home, in the office, or on the go.
7. Keychains: Customized keychains are a budget-friendly and practical option for corporate gifts. They can be personalized with your company’s logo or message, and are useful for recipients who want to keep their keys organized.
8. Stress balls: Stress balls are a fun and unique option for corporate gifts. They can be customized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for relieving stress or anxiety.
9. Umbrellas: Customized umbrellas are a practical and useful gift for recipients who live in rainy or unpredictable weather. They can be personalized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for use at home, in the office, or on the go.
10. Phone stands: Customized phone stands are a practical and convenient gift for recipients who use their phones frequently. They can be personalized with your company’s logo or message, and are perfect for use at home, in the office, or on the go.

The following are the top ten luxury gift ideas for high-end clients:

1. Luxury watches: A high-end watch is a classic and sophisticated gift for clients. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe are known for their craftsmanship and quality.
2. Fine jewelry: A piece of fine jewelry, such as a diamond necklace or gold bracelet, is a luxurious and timeless gift for clients. Brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier are well-known for their high-end jewelry.
3. Luxury handbag: A designer purse, such as a Chanel or Louis Vuitton, is a luxurious and stylish gift for clients. These brands are known for their craftsmanship and timeless designs.
4. Travel experiences: Treat your clients to a luxurious vacation or getaway, such as a stay at a five-star hotel or a private island retreat.
5. Home decor: High-end home decor items, such as a designer vase or a piece of art from a renowned artist, can make a luxurious and sophisticated gift for clients.
6. Skincare or beauty products: Treat your clients to a set of high-end skincare or beauty products, such as those from La Mer or Sisley Paris.
7. Luxury cooking experiences: Gift your clients with a luxurious cooking experience, such as a private cooking class with a renowned chef or a gourmet dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
8. Sporting experiences: Treat your clients to a luxury sporting experience, such as tickets to a high-end sporting event or a private golf lesson with a pro.
9. Tech gadgets: High-end tech gadgets, such as a top-of-the-line smartphone or a high-quality sound system, make for luxurious and practical gifts for clients.
10. Luxury spa experiences: Give your clients the gift of relaxation with a luxury spa experience, such as a massage or facial at a high-end spa.

Creating a budget for corporate gifting: Overall, the key to creating a successful corporate gifting budget is to carefully consider your business goals, recipient list, and market research. It's a good idea to allocate funds for gifting throughout the year rather than trying to fit all of the spending into a single budget period. This can help ensure that you have the funds available when you need them and can also help spread out the costs.

Important tips for choosing the right corporate gifts:

1. Personalization is key: Personalized gifts are often more well-received than generic options. In fact, a survey by PPAI found that 87% of consumers said they would like to receive a promotional product that is customized to their interests. When choosing a corporate gift, consider the specific recipient and their interests and hobbies. This can help ensure that the gift is meaningful and well-received.
2. Choose a gift that aligns with the occasion: The occasion can play a significant role in determining the appropriate type of gift. For example, a practical item such as a laptop bag may be more suitable for a business partner, while a luxurious gift such as a fine wine may be more suitable for a special occasion.
3. Set a budget and stick to it: It’s important to have a clear budget in mind when choosing corporate gifts. This can help narrow down the options and ensure that you don’t overspend. A survey by the National Retail Federation found that the average amount spent on corporate gifts is $48.50 per gift.
4. Consider the brand image: If the gift will be used as a promotional item, make sure it aligns with your company’s brand image. Choose items that reflect your brand’s values and identity. For example, if your company is environmentally conscious, consider choosing eco-friendly gifts such as reusable water bottles or recycled notebooks.
5. Make it memorable: The goal of corporate gifting is often to strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impression. Consider choosing a unique or memorable gift that will stand out and be remembered. A survey by the Advertising Specialty Institute found that 84% of people could recall the advertiser on a promotional product they had received in the past two years.
6. Practicality is important: While it’s important to choose a gift that is meaningful, it’s also helpful to consider how practical it will be for the recipient. Will they actually use the gift or will it end up collecting dust on a shelf? A study by Promotional Products Association International found that 81% of people said they kept a promotional product because it was useful.
7. Get creative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and choose a gift that is unexpected. This can help make the gift more memorable and show that you are willing to think creatively. For example, rather than choosing a traditional gift such as a pen or mug, consider something more unique such as a custom-branded puzzle or a personalized candle.

Why choose Merch Story for your corporate gifting requirements?

Merch Story has a successful track record. We have years of experience working with hundreds of businesses, giving us the ability and understanding to support businesses with their gifting efforts. From choosing the ideal gift to packaging and delivery, our team is committed to making sure that every detail is taken care of.

In addition to our expertise, Merch Story also offers a range of services to make the gifting process as seamless as possible. We offer free sampling to help companies choose the best gift for their needs, and we also provide personalization and storage options. These services help ensure that the gifting process is efficient and stress-free for our clients.

Another reason to choose Merch Story is our commitment to finding the right gift within any budget. We understand that every company has different financial considerations, and we are dedicated to helping our clients find the perfect gift without breaking the bank.

Merch Story could be the perfect partner for all of your corporate gifting needs. We have the expertise, services, and creativity to help your company succeed. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your next gifting project