8 Etiquette Rules When Giving Out Corporate Gifts

Companies frequently use corporate gift-giving to express gratitude to their staff members and customers. There are many reasons why you might consider giving clients or employees gifts. You must do things correctly to ensure your gifts convey the right message to the recipient.  

Similar to conventional or personal gifts, corporate gifts for employees are given to make the recipient feel valued and appreciated. But corporate gifts are more formal, so you should adhere to a specific etiquette. It means certain standards guide what you should and shouldn’t do when giving corporate gifts. Here’s a list of some of the rules to consider.  

• Buy Practical And Gender-Neutral Gifts 

While purchasing unique or expensive gifts for a team member or client is okay, you should exercise caution in your choices if you do not want to send the wrong message.  

Buying pricey jewelry is admirable. But it may convey that you regard the recipient as more than just a colleague. You may have a positive relationship with them. But, to maintain professionalism, it’s essential to stick to buying simple, gender-neutral gifts.  

Purchasing gender-neutral gifts are vital, especially if you don’t know who the recipient is or might be. It is always best to buy safe gifts in the form of essential office supplies such as pens, books, and diaries. You can never go wrong with these. 

• Show Professionalism 

Gifting etiquette will vary per business. Nonetheless, it’s vital to maintain a high level of professionalism during all of your encounters. Professional behavior is essential since it demonstrates that your brand is associated with high standards. It will reflect positively on your company or group. 

Also, if your business has received gifts, emailing a thank you is good etiquette. You could send a small thank you gift in return. It’s not mandatory to reciprocate. But in some instances, reciprocating might be the right thing to do. Whatever the case, acknowledging gift receipt is the least you can do.   

• Pay Attention To The Details

Personalized gifts are a great way of showing employees how much you appreciate them. You can create custom items for your employees using vendors like MeowPrint.sg or comparable alternatives. You can create custom t-shirts, coffee mugs, and essential office stationery like calendars and diaries.  

Moreover, personalizing company apparel with team member names is a good idea. But while this is a welcome gesture, you must ensure the names are spelled correctly beforehand. Incorrect spellings give the impression that you ignored the little details. Therefore, double-check the names on all personalized gifts.  

• Personalize Your Gifts

If you want the recipient to cherish your gift, it’s a good idea to customize it. Find out what their interests, hobbies, and past times are. Gathering this data may take work. But learn everything you can about the person. This information will allow you to create a personalized present they will appreciate. 

For example, if you know your business partner is a passionate golfer, including a present connected to that sport in your corporate gift package may be a good option. It might be anything from golf gloves to a cap to a specialized club. It will undoubtedly make an excellent impression.   

Consider the recipient’s culture, religion, beliefs, and lifestyle when customizing a gift. Every person is unique. You want your gift to capture the totality of the person receiving it as much as possible. For example, you may need to exclude certain foods like chocolate in your gift basket if the person is health conscious. It’s just a simple example. But paying attention to such details will go a long way towards creating a great impression. 

• Prioritize Presentation  

Gift-giving isn’t just an opportunity to show appreciation. It’s also an opportunity to communicate that the gift means more than just a kind gesture. You want to make the recipient feel appreciated, and one way to do this is to invest in proper packaging. 

The packaging is essential because it determines the unboxing experience. Don’t just use plastic or other cheap wrappings. Please put some thought into it so that the gift stands out. You can go the extra mile and create custom packages. Showing this attention to detail will likely leave a positive impression.   

•  Master Your Timing  

In the world of gift-giving, timing is everything. If you want your gift to be effective, you’ve got to get the timing right. Remember that some people have hectic schedules. If you give someone a gift at an inconvenient time, you shouldn’t be shocked if you don’t get the response you anticipated.  

Consequently, avoid giving presents when contract talks or disputes are in progress. Giving gifts to someone involved in negotiations could be interpreted as a bribe. You should also avoid sending gifts to former clients with whom you did not end on good terms.  

Instead, try giving gifts on momentous days like the holidays. It’s an excellent way to show that you appreciate them and wish them well over the holidays. Besides, holidays like Christmas are just meant for giving, so it’s a perfect time. Additionally, you can also give gifts during times when your business has achieved a significant milestone.

• Be Careful About Humorous Gifts  

While you could get away with buying funny gifts if you’re buying personal ones, avoid them when buying corporate gifts. What may be funny to you and your friend could be insulting to someone else. You certainly don’t want to risk offending the recipient of the gift in any serious way. Therefore, it’s best to avoid humorous or controversial gifts.   

• Follow Corporate Guidelines  

If you need help deciding what you can buy, it’s best to consult the corporate guidelines in your handbook. Most companies have a gift-giving guide that dictates how the process works. But if your company doesn’t have one, consider consulting with Human Resources (HR) first. You certainly don’t want to buy gifts that are deemed unacceptable or inappropriate based on your company’s internal rules and regulations. First, get their guidance and a go-ahead to avoid getting in trouble.   

Conclusion :

Corporate gifts are an excellent way to express gratitude to staff and clients. With it, each company or organization has its own set of etiquette rules. But the rules mentioned above are a great place to start. Remember that timing, presentation, personalization, and professionalism are all critical aspects of gift-giving. And always remember to say thank you when you receive a gift.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].