As a business, how do you forge connections with your stakeholders?
Delivering exceptional products and services is just the half of it. Receiving gifts can be a powerful experience, creating positive associations with a brand. Companies have used this strategy to show appreciation and improve relationships with clients, vendors, and partners.
Corporate gifting is about making a touchpoint with employees, clients, prospects, and vendors through a physical gift. For Australian businesses, corporate gifting can help strengthen relationships and build brand loyalty. While it’s possible to show thanks and appreciation through notes or emails, having a physical gift takes that experience one step further.
There are many different occasions for businesses to send corporate gifts, but the most common reasons are:
- Welcome gifts for becoming a new client or employee
- Holiday gifts (i.e. Christmas gifts)
- Professional achievements and milestones
- Personal achievements
- Birthday presents
- Client appreciation gifts
- Anniversary gifts
In this buyer’s guide for corporate gifts, we’ll be going over everything it is that you need to know about corporate gifting in Australia, the best picks for every occasion, and how to find the ideal vendor for your gifting needs.
Why Corporate Gifts Matter for Australian Businesses
Gift-giving as a practice has a lot to do with its psychological impact on the recipient. Think of the last time you’ve ever been surprised with a gift. Chances are, it changed how you looked at the person who gave you the gift, or even valued the gift more highly. That is due to the endowment effect—placing a higher value on the gift just because it becomes yours.
This same effect is used by businesses in marketing efforts like loyalty programs that offer rewards and incentives for repeat purchases or free trials to get customers to try their products or services. For Australian businesses, corporate gifting is one way to show to your clients that you’re more than just a business, displaying your more relaxed and down-to-earth nature.
Here are some of the reasons why corporate gifts matter:
Strengthening professional relationships
Giving thoughtful gifts strengthens the reputation and connection that you have with your employees, clients, and business partners. A 2023 report shows that 42% of businesses have gift-giving initiatives for relationship management. Gifting also allows you to overcome any physical distance barriers when showing your appreciation.
Brand awareness
Unlike digital ads that can be easily forgotten, physical gifts are a tangible reminder of your brand. A good gift can last months and give you long-lasting brand awareness. Corporate gifting is also a valuable way to stay top of mind with business partners and clients, especially when communication has been infrequent.
Client retention and appreciation
Acquiring new customers is 5x more costly than retaining an existing one. A thoughtful and well-timed gift can encourage customer loyalty in the long run, showing your commitment to building that relationship.
Employee recognition
Gallup discovered that more engaged teams result in 21% greater profitability. Gift-giving and showing appreciation for them is one way to make them feel more valued and motivated in the workplace.
Best Corporate Gifts for Every Occasion
Gifts for Key Clients and VIPs
Surprise your key clients, partners, vendors, and stakeholders with thoughtful corporate gifts as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for their ongoing support.
Unlike other corporate gifts that are usually mass-produced and ordered in bulk, this is an opportunity to put extra care and thought into selecting something meaningful. Choosing high-quality, premium items reflects the level of care and attention to detail you’ve invested in the gift, and by extension, the relationship.
Personalisation is key, tailoring the gift to suit their preferences depending on the nature of your professional relationship. Adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note, alongside the gift demonstrates how much you value the connection.
You can create a bespoke luxury hamper filled with premium items that cater to the recipient’s tastes or needs. For example, a wine box gift set could be a stylish addition to their kitchen.
Other thoughtful premium gifts include a leather passport wallet for holding money and important documents while travelling, or a wireless power bank for ultimate convenience on the go.
Gifts for Showing Employee Appreciation
Studies show that companies with employee recognition programs see a 14% boost in engagement, productivity, and performance. That’s why giving employees gifts as a token of appreciation or as part of a recognition program is a valuable initiative for any organisation.
But what makes the perfect gift for your hard-working employees? Ideally, it should be something practical that enhances their daily lives.
Something that can aid their workplace productivity or everyday routines can be something like a stainless steel drinking bottle that they can bring with them to the workplace or when they’re on the go.
For example, a stainless steel drinking bottle is a great option, perfect for staying hydrated at work or on the go. To help employees unwind after a long day, a vanilla-scented aromatherapy candle can create a relaxing atmosphere at home.
If you’re looking for a treat they can enjoy, a gourmet snack box filled with curated sweets and treats is a thoughtful choice. For an added touch, package it in a die-cut box with a locking lid for a polished presentation.
Pair any of these gifts with a personalised note from your employees’ team managers or company CEO.
Gifts for Corporate Giveaways and Trade Shows
One effective way for companies to make a lasting impression and stand out at trade shows and events is through merchandise giveaways. These practical, everyday items serve as a reminder of your brand long after the event ends. Typically designed for office or personal use, they can feature subtle branding while still being functional and stylish.
A common misconception about promotional products is that they are low-quality or disposable. However, with the right selection, giveaways can be both valuable and memorable.
Instead of the usual pens and notebooks, consider unique and high-quality alternatives such as a sleek business card holder and a portable power bank.
Companies that are eco-conscious can make use of eco-friendly promotional products such as a bamboo phone stand and cotton tote bags.
Gifts to Celebrate Company Milestones and Anniversaries
Company anniversaries and milestones are no small feat. They represent years of hard work, growth, and dedication from employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. One way you can recognise these contributions and show appreciation is through corporate gifts.
By celebrating milestones with corporate gifts, you strengthen professional relationships, boost company morale, and reinforce your company culture and values.
Custom plaques and awards can be displayed in the office as a lasting symbol of achievement and recognition. Premium branded merchandise, such as fleece jackets or travel duffel bags, serves as a functional keepsake that employees and clients can use daily. Alternatively, experiential gifts like group activity vouchers or team outings foster camaraderie and create lasting memories.
Gifts for Holidays and Festivities
The holiday season presents an ideal opportunity to enhance your corporate gifting strategy. Thoughtful and well-chosen gifts not only express gratitude but also reinforce your brand’s presence in a meaningful way.
Recognising employees with well-chosen gifts can significantly elevate morale and make them more productive and committed to work. Consider a customised Christmas gift bag filled with premium Australian treats for your team as a token of appreciation.
Foster stronger business relationships with key partners and clients through personalised gifts, such as a branded wine set or a bamboo calendar. This shows your appreciation for their partnership and keeps your brand at the top of mind.
How to Choose the Right Corporate Gifts
The gifts don’t have to be lavish or grand. Simple and thoughtful gifts can matter to your recipient just as much. Here are some things to consider when choosing your corporate gift.
- Relevance and Practicality – Choose items that are practical enough to be used by your recipient and relevant based on their demographics, needs, and preferences.
- Personalisation – Go the extra mile by personalising the gift for your recipient. Maybe it’s related to their favorite hobby or contains their name printed on the gift. A part of personalising means including a handwritten note for your client or partner. A little touch of personalisation makes gift-giving more memorable.
- Budget Considerations – Find the perfect balance between cost and impact when choosing the appropriate gift. Effective gifts don’t always have to break the bank.
- Branding and Presentation – Make your brand stand out with the proper and tasteful customisation of your chosen gift. Consider how you’ll package and present the item, whether it is in a hamper or a gift box.
- Delivery and Timing – Timely delivery ensures the gift aligns with the holiday season or special occasion, maximising its impact and appreciation. During peak seasons you can prevent delays and ensure prompt delivery so that you can create the best gifting experience for your recipient.
Where to Buy Quality Corporate Gifts in Australia
The most important considerations when looking for corporate gifts would be quality, pricing, customisations, and reputation.
Businesses can compare the prices of suppliers, but going for the cheapest one is not always the best decision. It’s important to strike the balance of a supplier that provides quality, customisation options, and value for money.
Working with an Australian vendor with a reputation for being able to deliver custom product solutions like Red Tomato is the best option for businesses who want a no-frills corporate gifting experience.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s better to work with Australian vendors:
- Efficient Communication – Being in the same country and time zone means faster response times.
- Hassle-free Logistics – Easier processes for returns and exchanges and you wouldn’t have to deal with customs and import duties.
- Boosting Local Business – Supporting Australian vendors also means you’re boosting local business and helping the local economy thrive.
Improve your Business Relationships with Red Tomato’s Corporate Gifts
Thoughtful corporate gifts can go a long way in strengthening your business relationships with your stakeholders, whether it be clients, vendors, partners, or employees. They can greatly impact your brand awareness initiatives as well as strengthen loyalty with both customers and employees.
When choosing the right corporate gift, choose high-quality customisable products. Good quality gifts tend to last longer and it’s easier to leave a lasting memory with a customised product that speaks to their hobbies and interests.
Ready to get started on your corporate promotional gifts? Browse through Red Tomato’s catalogue or book and ideas call with us for personalised recommendations based on your needs.
