The festive season is upon us, and the one thing that everyone eagerly waits for other than holidays during the festivals is ‘gifts.’ Gifts are symbols of emotions and social bonds. They represent affection, appreciation, and the joy of celebrating something. Likewise, gifts in corporate settings are a thoughtful way to show appreciation, build relationships and reinforce brand loyalty.
However, when it comes to giving gifts to colleagues or superiors, it is essential to follow proper gifting etiquette. In this article, we will learn more about gifting etiquette and certain do’s and don’ts regarding gifting.
What is Corporate Gifting?
Corporate Gifting is a great way to build and create stronger business relationships, show appreciation and celebrate success. It is also an effective way to promote your business, make new clients and make customers & employees feel welcome. As the corporate gifting industry grows, it is important to be thoughtful about what and when you give to avoid missteps. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts related to Corporate Gifting.
Do’s Related To Corporate Gifting
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Understand Company Policies
Before picking out the gift, you must familiarise yourself with your company and the recipient’s company’s policies regarding corporate gifts. Several organisations have strict guidelines in place to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of impropriety. These rules often set limits on how much a gift can cost or ban certain types of gifts, like cash or alcohol. Moreover, knowing these rules is important because if you give a gift that breaks those rules, it could cause problems or even harm your relationship with the recipient.
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Consider Cultural Differences
While giving gifts it is important to consider cultural differences domestically and internationally. When you are giving gifts to people from other countries, it is important to know and respect their cultural gift-giving customs. For example, people usually give gifts to other people with one hand; whereas in Japan, it is customary to present gifts with both hands as a sign of respect. Consequently, researching and following cultural practices helps make your gifting gesture more meaningful.
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Think About The Occasion & Gift’s Suitability
Everyone loves to receive gifts and it is a nice way to show appreciation, but you need to be thoughtful about what you choose. Consider the event and the message you want to send. For instance, an expensive bottle of Champagne is great for a big achievement or closing a deal, but it might be too much for a simple lunch or casual meeting. Avoid gifts that are personal and cheap, as they can be awkward. The ultimate goal is to make a good impression and show your thanks, so choose your gift very carefully.
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Make The Gift More Personal
When you give a gift, whether it is for your seniors or colleagues, it is important to show that you really care by picking something that fits the recipient’s likes and interests. Adding a personal touch, like their initials or choosing a gift related to their hobbies, makes your gift stand out and shows how much thought you have put into it. You can start by making a list of your clients or colleagues and note down their hobbies or interests. Then choose the gifts for them accordingly.
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Track Your Gifts
Sometimes you might end up giving the same gift twice. To avoid giving the same gift more than once, keep a record of what you have given and to whom. People appreciate personalised gifts more than simple ones, so keeping track helps you choose something special each time. You can use a simple spreadsheet or list to note each gift, who received it and what is the occasion. Additionally, it helps you stay within your budget and remember each person’s preferences.
Don’ts Related To Corporate Gifting
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Don’t Use Gifts For Self-Promotion
When you are giving gifts to colleagues and seniors, avoid using them as a way to promote your own business. It is better to choose gifts that show you have put thought into it. For example, if your client is passionate about golf, a custom golf towel or customized golf balls would be way more thoughtful than a gift featuring your company’s logo. It is important to show genuine appreciation, not to push your brand.
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Don’t Give Gifts That Are Too Expensive Or Cheap
It is essential to choose a gift that is neither too pricey nor too cheap. If you give an overly expensive gift, it might make the recipient feel uncomfortable or obligated to return the favour. Whereas, a cheap gift could seem thoughtless or unappreciative. Find a gift that showcases your care and matches your relationship with the person. Keep it thoughtful and within a reasonable budget to make the right impression.
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Don’t Give Large or Difficult-to-Carry Gifts
Gifts come in various shapes and sizes, from very small or very big ones. But it is very wrong to give heavy and bulky gifts that a person cannot carry around. Instead, choose something easy to carry and practical in nature. Choose small and thoughtful items like gift cards, personalised mugs, notebooks, stationary or chocolates, the ultimate aim is to keep it simple and enjoyable.
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Don’t Single Out Individuals With Gifts
In a corporate setting or any setting, giving a gift to only one person can create tension and hurt other people’s feelings. Instead, think about the whole team when picking gifts because it keeps everyone happy and maintains good vibes. If you want to give something to a specific person, make sure that everyone gets a gift of similar value to show appreciation equally.
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Don’t Give Gifts That Break Companies Rules
As mentioned above, before gifting, it is essential to know about company policies regarding gifts. For instance, if the company has strict rules, don’t give them expensive gifts that would make them uncomfortable. Moreover, if your gift seems like a bribe or favouritism, it could hurt both your reputation and theirs. So it is better to give gifts according to the company’s policies to avoid any misunderstanding.
The Bottom Line
Corporate gifting is a powerful tool for building and strengthening business relationships when done thoughtfully. Following proper etiquette ensures your gifts are appreciated and leave a positive impact, without causing unintended issues. Always consider company policies, cultural differences, and the recipient’s preferences to make your gifts both meaningful and appropriate.
