Best Industry
The ultimate guide to corporate gifting etiquette
22/04/2025
When it comes to corporate gifting, the stakes are usually higher than they seem. A thoughtful gift can strengthen business relationships while improving your brand image and leave a lasting impression. But a poorly timed or tone-deaf gift? It can do the exact opposite. That’s why corporate gifting etiquette matters.
From choosing appropriate gifts to knowing when and how to give them, here’s everything you should consider to get business gifting right – every time.
Know your audience (and your purpose)
Before you hit ‘buy now’, stop and ask yourself: why am I giving this gift? Is it to thank a client? Recognise a team milestone? Celebrate a partnership? The more personal and purpose-driven your gifting, the more meaningful it becomes.
But just as important as the ‘why’ is the ‘who’. A gift that lands well with one client might not suit another. Think about their values, culture, lifestyle and even dietary preferences. The best gifts show you’ve considered the recipient – not just completed a task.
One size does not fit all
Forget the branded stress balls or end-of-year bottles of wine that get regifted (or worse, forgotten). A thoughtful corporate gift feels like it was pick with the recipient in mind, even if it’s scalable across your client base or team.
That’s where handy options like dining gift cards shine. A Best Restaurants Gift Card, for example, gives the recipient total flexibility and choice – while still feeling elevated and experiential. Whether they prefer casual brunches or like to live it up in fine-dining style, they can choose an experience that matches their taste.
Timing is everything
Not all occasions are created equal. Sending a gift ‘just because’ can feel genuine and generous – whereas a December flood of generic hampers might get lost in the crowd. Here are some gifting moments to think about:
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After a big project win or successful collaboration.
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Employee anniversaries or milestones.
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Celebrations of a client’s success.
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As part of an onboarding or welcome experience.
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‘Thinking of you’ touchpoints during quiet periods.
Keep it timely and relevant. A well-placed, low-key gift can sometimes say more than a flashy one sent out of obligation.
Personalisation goes a long way
You don’t need to embroider initials into everything, but personal touches do matter. A handwritten card or a reference to a recent conversation shows you’ve paid attention.
Even scalable gift options – like restaurant gift cards – can be made personal by pairing them with a note: “Enjoy dinner at one of our favourites” or “Here’s to your next great meal!”
Take cultural and professional boundaries into account
What’s appropriate in one country or industry might not be in another. Cultural awareness is a big part of corporate gifting etiquette – especially when sending gifts across borders. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Don’t go for wildly expensive gifts that could be considered inappropriate or could breach compliance policies.
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Be mindful of alcohol-related gifts, especially if you’re unsure of cultural or religious restrictions.
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Keep gifts professionally neutral (i.e. don’t gift anything too personal or novelty-based).
When in doubt, go for experiences over tangible things. Dining and entertainment gifts are less likely to cross lines and more likely to be appreciated.
Keep your branding subtle
Yes, gifting is a chance to remind someone of your brand – but that doesn’t mean you have to overwhelm them with logos. Over-branded items tend to feel like promotional materials, not presents.
Instead, let the quality of the gift speak for your business. If you must include your brand, do it in a tasteful way, either stamped onto the packaging or paired as part of a small note.
Make it easy to enjoy
The best gifts don’t come with strings attached or instructions that read like a tech manual. Make it easy for your recipient to redeem, book or enjoy what you’ve given them.
That’s another reason why gift cards are such a smart choice. They’re easy to send, easy to use and don’t require you to guess sizes or a person’s preferences. Digital options are also great for teams working remotely or across multiple states. Instant and effortless.
Follow up (but don’t chase)
Good gifting doesn’t end at the delivery. A simple follow-up – “Hope you enjoyed dinner” or “Did you get a chance to use the gift card yet?” – can help strengthen the connection without being overly pushy.
But resist the urge to track or prompt them too quickly. Gifting should feel generous, not like a marketing ploy where you expect something in return.
Corporate gifting isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. Instead, it should be treated as a way to build relationships and show your appreciation in a way that connects people with your brand.
With the right approach and the right gift, you’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.
Because good etiquette, just like good taste, never goes out of style.