A lighter look at corporate gifting
What business gifts did you receive this Christmas? It seems to be a thing of the past. Finance teams want to cut costs, and legal departments often worry about conflicts of interest or perceptions of bribery. Yet, I think there is still room for thoughtful corporate gifting in a different way.
Over the last year, one small thing I have done occasionally is to give a book to a business contact. Nothing wrapped or flashy, just something genuine – a professional text, a biography, or a book relevant to our shared business interests. It feels more personal and meaningful than a branded pen or festive hamper.
The point of corporate gifting is not the cost but the connection. A book, a handwritten note, or even a small donation to a cause that aligns with your client’s values can all reflect genuine appreciation and insight into your business relationship.
How corporate gifting builds connection
Corporate gifting, when done thoughtfully, creates moments of human connection in a world that often feels overly transactional. It can express gratitude, reinforce relationships, and demonstrate understanding of a client’s interests.
I’ve started to look at gifting as a way of communicating shared curiosity. For example, a business biography can inspire discussion about leadership, decision-making, or innovation. It feels authentic precisely because it invites conversation rather than expecting something in return.
If your company’s gifting policy feels restrictive, perhaps it’s time to redefine what “gift” means. Sometimes that means a personal recommendation, an introduction, or simply sharing an idea that helps someone else progress.
Bringing meaning back to gifting
The key to effective corporate gifting is relevance and sincerity. If the gesture reflects your values and those of your client, it can strengthen professional bonds and convey a thoughtful, lasting impression.
To me, the best gifts are the ones that feel useful or inspiring. That might include a book that shapes thinking, such as a leadership classic from Penguin Business, or a practical guide on marketing, design, or psychology.
Corporate gifting doesn’t have to mean extravagance. Sometimes the lightest touch leaves the most lasting mark.
References and Further Reading
Penguin Business Books. https://www.penguin.co.uk/genres/business-finance-and-law/business.html
“Corporate Gifts: Where to Draw the Line”, The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). https://www.cips.org/supply-management/csr/2021/december/corporate-gifts-where-to-draw-the-line/
Gift Giving Ethics in Business Relationships, Institute of Business Ethics. https://www.ibe.org.uk/resource/gift-giving.html
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