Corporate gifting is more than just a token gesture—it’s a direct reflection of your brand, values, and appreciation for clients and employees. The right gift can strengthen relationships, leave a lasting impression, and enhance your company’s reputation. But the wrong gift? It can do just the opposite.
We’ve seen firsthand how businesses approach gifting, and two recent stories highlight a crucial lesson: Quality matters more than quantity.
Story 1: Branding Gone Wrong
A buyer’s agent approached us with a great idea: gifting their clients a settlement gift to thank them for using their services. They wanted the gift to showcase their brand—but their interpretation of that meant plastering their logo all over everything.
They chose a water bottle—practical and useful. However, instead of selecting a high-quality product, they insisted on the cheapest option available, with a logo sticker on the side.
What does that say about their brand? Cheap. And what happens to low-quality, overly branded gifts? They end up in the bin.
💡 Lesson: Clients don’t want to walk around advertising your business with a tacky, poor-quality product. A high-quality, useful gift with subtle branding will be used, appreciated, and remembered.
Story 2: The Budget Hamper Disaster
A company approached us looking to send festive staff gifts Australia-wide. Their vision was great: a thoughtfully curated hamper filled with quality food items and one ‘hero’ item—something truly special and useful.
However, their budget was $75 per gift, including delivery. That meant we couldn’t provide a large hamper with 8-10 premium products; high-quality, sustainable items come at a cost. They decided to go elsewhere in search of a bigger box of items.
What did they end up with? A plain box filled with supermarket-style chips, nuts, and a cheap keyring. When the gifts arrived, they were embarrassed by what they had sent. The presentation was poor, and the contents looked thoughtless.
💡 Lesson: It’s better to invest in fewer, high-quality products than to stretch a budget thin on multiple low-quality items. A single, premium gift makes a more meaningful and lasting impression than a box of forgettable fillers.
Safe to say that neither of these companies are our ideal clients. We try and educate our clients and potential clients on the value of quality and being memorable for the right reasons!
Key Takeaways for Effective Corporate Gifting
- Quality over quantity – One premium item is more impactful than a collection of cheap products.
- Subtle branding wins – A well-designed, high-quality item with discreet branding is used and appreciated.
- Be memorable for the right reasons – A thoughtful, well-curated gift reflects positively on your business.
- Don’t compromise on standards – Your gifts should align with the values of your brand: excellence, professionalism, and appreciation.
When choosing corporate gifts, always ask yourself: Does this reflect the quality and care I want associated with my brand? If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Because in business, it’s not about how much you give—it’s about how well you give.
Need help choosing the perfect corporate gifts? Let’s create something that truly represents your brand. Get in touch today!