Nail Corporate Holiday Gifting (Without Being Cringey)
Brenna Lofquist
Summary
Thoughtful, audience-focused corporate gifting strengthens relationships when it’s personal, inclusive, and aligned with your values. Avoid salesy messages, keep gifts useful and compliant, and choose options that make people feel genuinely appreciated.
By Brenna Lofquist, Client Services Operations Manager at Heinz Marketing
Corporate holiday gifting isn’t new, but the way companies approach it has changed. Today, gifting isn’t about checking the “send swag” box. It’s about strengthening relationships, showing genuine appreciation, and standing out in a season where every inbox is overflowing with promotions and generic holiday cheer.
When done well, a gift can deepen trust, spark a memorable interaction, or simply make someone’s day. When done poorly…it can feel transactional, tone-deaf, or even a little embarrassing.
Here’s how to choose the right gift for every audience while avoiding the holiday cringe.
Start with the Audience (Not the Gift)
Before browsing catalogs or scrolling on Sendoso’s website, decide who you’re gifting and what message you want that gift to send. Different audiences require different strategies.
Clients & Customers: Quality, Utility, and Alignment
These gifts should reinforce your ongoing relationship. Stick with options that are useful, high-quality, or that align with your brand’s values. Consider:
- A thoughtfully curated snack box or coffee and tea set
- A premium notebook or desk item
- A donation made in their honor with a clear tie to your shared mission
Avoid anything overly flashy or branded. This isn’t the moment for a logo-covered fleece vest. Gifts to clients and customers should be something they will actually use, instead of it landing in a desk drawer never to see the light of day.
The goal here is to show your appreciation with no strings attached.
Prospects: Low-Pressure and Universally Appealing
Prospects should never feel like you’re trying to buy their attention or push them into the pipeline, especially during the holidays. This isn’t a gift you’re sending as part of a campaign to get their business.
Go for:
- Everyday consumables (local sweets, high-end chocolate, coffee blends)
- Small experiential items (virtual classes or workshops, event tickets)
- Charitable gifts that show thoughtfulness without assumptions
- “Choose Your Gift” cards or digital platforms
Keep it light, useful, and well under compliance limits. Another important factor to keep in mind. Most companies have a monetary limit when it comes to gifts they can accept. Do your research before sending gifts.
Partners & Vendors: Respect the Relationship
Partners are your collaborators, not a sales audience. Gifts should feel like a genuine thank you, not a tactic.
Ideas:
- Something you know they personally enjoy from past conversations (sports teams, hobbies/activities, favorite food or restaurant)
- Local goods from your region
- A gift that reflects shared wins
If in doubt, keep it simple and heartfelt. Take the time to look for something personal. It might take more time to find and not as scalable but it will be appreciated.
Employees: Personalization Goes a Long Way
Employee gifting is a chance to show you see and value your team. Think beyond branded hoodies.
Great choices:
- Wellness items
- Home office upgrades
- A stipend or flexible gift card
- “Choose your own gift” platforms
Avoid anything that feels self-promotional or too impersonal. If you decided on different gifts for each employee versus the same gift for everyone, ensure the value is the same. You never want an employee to think you value someone else more than another.
International Recipients: Do Your Homework
Gifiting norms vary widely across cultures. Some items that are common in the U.S. may be inappropriate or carry unwanted symbolism elsewhere.
Check:
- Gift value expectations
- Colors, numbers, or symbols that may have cultural meaning
- Dietary or religious restrictions
Thoughtful cultural awareness goes a long way. Make sure you do your homework! If there’s any doubt, just ask. Or you can go another route with a thoughtful, handwritten letter.
Corporate Gifting Best Practices
Let Your Values Guide the Gift
Sustainability, local makers, socially responsible brands. When your gift tells a story, it often lands better than something generic or with a high price tag.
Know Your Recipients Industry Compliance Rules
Especially if they are in healthcare, government, or financial services. A great gift that violates policy is… not a great gift.
Personalize (But Don’t Get Creepy)
Use data you naturally collect (role, region, general preferences) without crossing into “we’ve been watching you” territory. Look back at your notes from conversations you’ve had.
A handwritten note or custom message can do more than an expensive item.
Choose Quality Over Novelty
A simple, well-made item beats a flashy trinket that breaks in two days.
Be Mindful or Personal Preferences and Inclusivity
Not everyone drinks alcohol, eats certain foods, celebrates the same holidays, or has the same lifestyle preferences. When in doubt, choose gifts that are inclusive and non-assumptive.
If you do select something like wine, spirits, or specialty foods, make sure you understand the recipient’s preferences and restrictions. A gift should never put someone in an uncomfortable position or be unusable for them.
Plan for Logistics
Holiday shipping is chaos. Order early and provide digital or hybrid gifting options for remote folks. You might think someone works in an office but it’s better to be safe, than have the gift sit at the office and go unopened.
Avoid the Cringe: Holiday Email Copy That Misses the Mark
Even the best gift can be undermined by the email that accompanies it. Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid.
Cringe #1: The Sales Pitch in Disguise
“We wanted to send you this gift because now is the perfect time to chat about Q1 priorities!”
Hard no. Your gift should not feel contingent on moving the deal forward.
Cringe #2: Overly Forced Holiday Joy
Excessive puns, too many emojis, or lines like:
“Sleighing deals with you this year has been magical!!!✨”
It’s giving “corporate trying too hard.”
Cringe #3: Fake Sincerity
“We appreciate your partnership more than words can say!”
But… you’re saying no words at all. Be specific.
Cringe #4: Guilt Trips
“Since we haven’t heard from you, we hope this gift encourages a response.”
This feels manipulative and ruins the gesture.
Cringe #5: Non-Inclusive Holiday Language
Assuming everyone celebrates Christmas or using certain terms can alienate people. Keep it inclusive and seasonal instead of religious.
What Good Gifting Copy Should Sound Like
Warm. Grateful. Personal. And zero pressure.
“We’re grateful for the chance to work together this year. As a small thank you, we’ve sent along something we hope you’ll enjoy. Wishing you a restorative and peaceful holiday season.”
Short, clear, thoughtful.
Gifting Platforms
If you’re in need of a gifting platform that can streamline the process and offer a variety of options, check out:
The Bottom Line: Thoughtful > Expensive
Great corporate gifting isn’t about budget, it’s about intention. Identify your audience, pick gifts that reflect your brand and values, avoid cringe-filled email copy, and send something that genuinely make the recipient feel seen and appreciated.
Done right, your holiday gifting won’t just check a box. It will deepen relationships and leave a lasting impression that carries into the new year.
Image by cookie_studio on Freepik
