You have most likely heard the phrase: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That’s pretty applicable to most aspects of life, wouldn’t you say? 

Behave in the movie theater the way you would hope others would behave around you. 

Drive on the highway the way you would want others to drive. 

Treat your neighbor’s children the way you would want your own child to be treated. 

Give the kind of gifts that you would want to receive yourself. 

According to a 2019 study, 55% of corporate gifts are given away or donated, and 23% of people toss the corporate gifts they receive in the trash.

That means that 78% of corporate gifts are not used, loved, and cherished by the person for whom the gift is intended. 

That is quite a waste. 

But what if there’s a better way? 

5 Tips for Giving Better Corporate Gifts

1. ASK YOURSELF FIRST
   Before you start the purchase process of your corporate gifts, ask yourself a few general questions:

   - Is this something that I would want to get?

   - Is this a gift I would use?

   - Would I keep this gift?

   If the answer to these questions isn’t a resounding “yes,” then consider alternative options. Do you need to increase your budget? Do you need to reduce the amount of branding you want to get done to make it happen?  

2. PRICE DOES NOT NECESSARILY EQUAL A QUALITY CHOICE 
   We always talk about the importance and value of choosing quality items over cheap quantities. However, a higher price point doesn’t necessarily mean the gift you’re giving is the right gift for your recipients. A few examples: 
   
   - A really awesome temperature-controlled Ember mug may be a more memorable gift than a semi-decent quality duffel bag for about the same price. 
   
   - A well-curated corporate gift box with an array of items that costs $170 may have the ability to suit more people than a single product that costs the same amount.
   
   - Choosing an array of gifts to put in a custom corporate gifting platform (which we can build for you at no cost) for people to select from may create a more memorable experience than choosing one specific gift to send to many different people.

   Remember - giving corporate gifts isn’t just about the item itself. It’s about the experience they provide to people and the lasting impression that experience makes. Being aware of making a thoughtful, quality choice instead of just considering the price will increase the likelihood that your recipients will actually use the gifts and talk about them (and your company). 

3. CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
   The future of corporate gifting has a central theme: sustainability. This 2019 study revealed that 46% of people have a more favorable opinion of a company if the gift they receive is environmentally friendly, and that percentage goes up depending on their demographic. 
   
   Choosing eco-friendly corporate gifts goes much farther, as they reflect well on your business as a leader for positive change. Sustainable gifts are another way to encourage recipients to see your brand over and over again, like reusable MiiR tumblers decorated with your logo that they’ll use every morning on their coffee run rather than single-use coffee cups. 
   

4. GET THOUGHTFUL & SUPPORT SMALL
   Show your value for small yet burgeoning businesses through your corporate gifts. Supporting small businesses is not only an easy way to give gifts that are thoughtful and unique, but it is also a great way to lift up and showcase other new and innovative creators.

   Think about coffee beans from your favorite small coffee roaster, crafted chocolate from a new chocolatier, or printed tees made by a small business. Connect with your recipients on a more personal level, and show your love for the little guys, by sharing gifts that support small businesses. 
   

5. QUALITY REFLECTS VALUES
   Giving low-quality gifts or useless tchotchkes are a dime a dozen (sometimes literally). Sure, it may save you some up-front costs. But remember that stat we mentioned at the start of this post? When 78% of corporate gifts are either given away or tossed in the trash, maybe it’s good to ask: why are you spending the money at all?

   Think about what you would do if you received a cheap branded mug or yet another flimsy drink koozie. Would you think, “wow, I can really use this!” or would it most likely go in a junk drawer with all of the other cheap swag you’ve received over the years? We’re betting on the latter. 

Ultimately, a great corporate gift reflects well on your company and your values. An extraordinary gift is about fostering a connection and nourishing an ongoing relationship with the recipient. Anything less than that simply isn’t worth it. 

We have many options to suit your corporate gifting needs, and we are stoked to share them with you. 

Let’s get started.