Corporate gifting is no longer about sending a generic hamper and hoping for the best.

This year, businesses are rethinking how they connect with clients, employees, and partners through gifts. 

The focus is on thoughtful, practical, and brand-aligned experiences that build stronger relationships and leave a lasting impression.

If you’re planning your corporate gifting strategy for the year ahead, here are the trends worth paying attention to.

Sustainability Moves from Optional to Essential

Eco-conscious gifting is no longer a “nice to have” - it’s expected. Clients and employees increasingly want to see companies reflect their values in every touchpoint, including gifts.

This means:

• Packaging made from recyclable or compostable materials
• Swapping plastic for glass, wood, or tin
• Choosing gifts that are reusable rather than disposable

Brands that prioritise sustainability in gifting not only reduce waste but also show they care about the bigger picture.

Hyper-Personalisation at Scale

Personalisation has gone beyond printing a logo on a mug. This year, it’s about making each recipient feel recognised. That might mean a handwritten card, custom-printed packaging, or even tailoring gift contents to the recipient’s role, industry, or known preferences.

Companies are leaning on gifting partners to help them personalise at scale. For example:

• Adding a client’s logo alongside your own on packaging
• Creating variations of the same gift for different client segments
• Offering branded inserts with unique messaging per campaign

Functional Meets Beautiful

Corporate gifts are shifting towards items people actually want to use day to day. Think: elegant notebooks, well-designed desk accessories, or premium pantry goods that don’t feel throwaway. The key is to balance functionality with design so the gift feels useful and luxurious.

We’ve seen growing demand for:

• Desk organisers, pens, and workday accessories
• Quality teas, coffees, or oils for the office or home
• Small but thoughtful tech accessories, like wireless chargers or smart notebooks

The aim is simple: every time the gift is used, your brand is remembered.

Gifting as Part of Employee Experience

It’s not just about clients. More companies are investing in employee gifting as part of recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies. In a competitive job market, the right welcome gift or recognition box can help staff feel valued and connected.

Trends here include:

• Onboarding gift boxes for new hires
• Seasonal or end-of-year recognition gifts
• Tailored thank-you boxes for milestone moments

Local and Artisanal Products Take Centre Stage

Mass-market gifts are out. Unique, artisan-made products that tell a story are in. From small-batch chocolates to British-made stationery, companies want gifts that feel authentic and aligned with their brand identity.

Supporting local makers also reflects well on businesses that want to showcase their commitment to community and craft. This is especially impactful for international clients, where UK- or EU-made items give a sense of place.

Hybrid and Remote-Friendly Gifting

With hybrid working now standard, gifting strategies are adapting. Many businesses are sending gifts to employees’ homes rather than offices, making portability and packaging more important than ever.

This shift has increased demand for:

• Letterbox-sized gift boxes
• Lightweight items for international delivery
• Experiences or subscriptions that work from anywhere

Data-Driven Gifting Strategies

Companies are increasingly analysing ROI from gifting campaigns. Instead of sending one-off boxes, they’re looking at:

• How gifting influences client retention
• Whether a gifting touchpoint improves response to outreach
• Which products get the most engagement

By partnering with gifting providers who track performance and offer flexible options, companies are making smarter investments that tie directly to business outcomes.

Luxury Packaging That Extends the Experience

This year, packaging itself is part of the gift. A well-branded box with custom inserts or a sleek, reusable wooden container can elevate even simple contents. Presentation matters, and the unboxing moment is often as memorable as what’s inside.

Final Thoughts

Corporate gifting This year is less about volume and more about meaning. Businesses are moving away from generic merchandise and instead focusing on gifts that feel intentional, sustainable, and personal.

If you want your gifts to stand out this year, think about how they can reflect your brand values, spark conversation, and strengthen connections. Done well, gifting isn’t an expense, it’s a relationship-building investment.

Ready to put these trends into practice? At SHOPBOXD, we design custom corporate gift boxes that are branded, thoughtful, and hassle-free to send in the UK and Europe.

Get in touch today to start planning your next campaign.