Corporate gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful – consider it an opportunity to dignify (and maybe even surprise) your key business relationships. Here are my top gift-giving tips for small business owners; not sponsored, just my honest recommendations from my heart to yours.

9 Ideas for Your Next Corporate Giftings

1. LOGO-LESS GIFTS FOR MEMORABLE IMPRESSIONS

The goal of giving a corporate gift should be to show appreciation and be remembered. Gifts without logos are often more cherished and used. Pro Tip: no one wants to be a walking advertisement for your business.

2. PRIORITIZE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Giving to fewer people, but higher-quality items can make more of an impact. Pro Tip: Invest in locally crafted goods or materials that exude quality. If giving clothing, opt for comfortable fabrics that folks will appreciate or a local roastery’s coffee beans instead of Starbucks.

3. TIMING MATTERS: GIFT BEYOND THE HOLIDAYS

Corporate gifts don't have to be limited to the holiday season. Consider giving gifts at unexpected times to stand out and avoid getting lost in the holiday rush. Try to avoid the perception that corporate gift-giving is an obligation.

4. FOOD AND DRINK: ALWAYS A CROWD-PLEASER

High-quality, well-respected food or drink items are generally well-received. Consider making a gift-basket filled with gourmet treats, specialty coffee, or fine wine. Food gifts can be shared with friends and family, or amongst their team – which is always an added bonus!

5. TREAT YO SELF: LUXURY VS. NECESSITY

Choose gifts that folks wouldn't typically buy for themselves. Luxury items or experiences are always appreciated and offer a touch of indulgence. Make people feel special by going above and beyond daily staples.

6. PERSONALIZATION ADDS A HUMAN TOUCH

Personalized gifts are always super thoughtful and demonstrate so much care. Do they have pets? Order some customized pet treats with their pet’s name stamped on. The more personal, the more memorable.

7. THE POWER OF A HANDWRITTEN CARD

Take the time to write a heartfelt, handwritten card. Personalize the message to express your gratitude – a handwritten note goes a long way in showing you care.

8. PASS ON GIFT CARDS

Gift cards get lost and regifted too often. Unless you know it’s something that your client loves and will use right away, don’t give a gift that becomes a chore for your clients.

9. CONSIDER THEIR INDUSTRY

This might get overlooked when it comes to gift-giving, but think about the recipient's industry and profession. Choose items they can use regularly, such as customized stationery, tools, or office supplies.

SOME OF OUR FAVES FOR MEMORABLE CORPORATE GIFTS

Santa Barbara Roasting Co. | Locally roasted coffee, tea, and merch. We hear they’ll also print custom-designed coffee labels upon request.

Authentic Leather Patch Co. | Personalized hats and apparel with hand-stitched, leather emblems. Perfect for your business, fundraiser, family reunion or special occasion. 

Santa Barbara Gift Company | Local and sustainable gifts – great for a thoughtful basket of goodies or a last minute gift. They also offer local flower delivery. Order online or visit their store in person.

Dylan Star | Unique and artistic apparel and gift options from a locally owned boutique.

Parker Clay | Local leather goods company that offers customized corporate orders.

Arosha | Local Goleta company that offers screen printing, embroidery and hundreds of custom gift options. Visit their showroom to see and touch samples in person.

Hello Simple Jewelry | Locally made gold-filled jewelry pieces that are high-quality yet budget-friendly.

Patagonia | Realizing that logos on merchandise shortens its lifespan, Patagonia came up with some smart alternative custom logo options for bulk orders.

Yeti & Corkcicle Drinkware | Always a great idea, plus they offer custom laser-engraving.

Wine | Fun fact: Prior to working in marketing, I spent seven years in the wine industry and am a level 2 WSET Certified Sommelier. If you’re nervous about giving the right bottle of wine, these local picks have my stamp of approval: Dierberg, Margerum, Grassini, Stolpman, A Tribute to Grace, Folded Hills, and Refugio Ranch. Use a metallic marker to write your message on the bottle. That way, the bottle won’t get regifted, and they will remember you when it gets opened.

Coffee Table Books | Individualize your gift by choosing something based on their interests: architecture, travel, gardening, cooking. Write your personalized message inside the cover.

How Can Clever Punch Help with Corporate Gifts?

Corporate gifting is an impactful way to stay top of mind and should be part of your marketing budget – so how can we help our clients with it? While we don’t facilitate the procurement of merchandise, we can offer a helping hand when it comes to brainstorming and design. We’ll also help design custom stationery that can help add a personalized touch to your gifts. Let’s keep the conversation going – we’d love to help craft the perfect gifting strategy for your business.