Use this holiday gifting report to uncover trends, the best practices, and proven strategies to elevate your customer appreciation efforts.
The new age of professional gratitude
The landscape of corporate gifting is undergoing a transformative shift, with more meaningful and fruitful professional relationships at the core. Corporations and companies are not only simply seeing gifting as a delightful holiday gifting gesture but also as a commitment to nurturing key business transactions.
By carefully choosing gifts with sentiment, businesses can effectively communicate their dedication, align their values with those that are important to their customers and forge repeat clientele through impactful measures.
This holiday gifting report highlights the broader acceptance of the industry and the effects of strategies integrated by businesses during the holiday season.
How holiday gifting affects businesses:
- The corporate gifting landscape has thrived up until 2024 and will continue to do so with a CAGR of 13.2% and projected market value set to see 326 billion USD by 2027.
- Successful B2B companies are prioritizing hyper-personalization. Personalized marketing and sales interactions have become a key differentiator, with 77% of companies using direct one-to-one personalization reporting an increase in market share.
- As per a survey conducted by the Corporate Executive Board, 82% of companies send gifts during the holiday season. Having your holiday gift stand out among the rest, if this is the case, can be a difficult charge.
- Approximately 70% of businesses partake in corporate gifting during the festive season, underscoring its importance as a tool for customer retention and to show gratitude to their customer bases.
- Over 54% of businesses intend on increasing their investment in corporate gifting over the next two years. This uptick is driven by the recognition of corporate gifting as a valuable tool for enhancing relationships with clients.
- On average, businesses are estimated to spend approximately $79 per recipient on holiday gifts.
- Approximately 51% of corporate gifts are given during holidays, followed by 34% for customer appreciation.
Purpose driven customer gifting for the holidays
There is a growing trend towards gifts that support social and environmental causes. Companies are increasingly choosing gifts from BIPOC-owned, women-owned, or locally-owned businesses, and those that promote sustainability.
Gifts that also promote a healthier lifestyle are among popular choices; with non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktail kits, seeing gifting gestures motivated by specific aims and objectives to meet customer criteria.
Corporate gifters are also increasingly opting for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable products, reflecting a strong shift towards environmentally conscious gifting practices.
Analyzing trends and an informative holiday gifting report gives businesses the upper hand in keeping their gifting purpose driven and in alignment with company values.
Digital gifting on the up
Businesses are increasingly using digital gift cards, e-gifting platforms, and virtual experiences as effective and timely methods to show appreciation to customers.
This trend towards digital gifting is becoming increasingly popular for its ease and convenience, and the demand for instant and personalized gifting solutions. It reflects a broader integration of technology into traditional practices, making gifting more accessible and efficient for companies.
According to the Incentive Research Foundation, 41% of organizations are upping their spending on gift cards and program technology (Incentive Research Foundation). Additionally, another study found that digital gifts are favored for their ease of management and the ability to personalize them for added meaning.
Keepsakes and edibles are often preferred as corporate holiday gifts
Edibles and keepsakes stand out as popular choices for corporate gifts as per an eye-opening holiday gifting report, each offering unique benefits. Edible gifts like gourmet snacks or beverages provide immediate enjoyment, catering to diverse tastes and creating a sense of indulgence that can be shared. This universally appealing experience leaves a positive impression of business and brand values.
In contrast, keepsake items such as branded merchandise or personalized desk accessories provide lasting value. These practical gifts maintain a long-term presence in the recipient’s daily life, strengthening the emotional connection through a personal touch. The blend of instant gratification and enduring impact makes edibles and keepsakes highly effective tools for building and nurturing business relationships.
Corporate and consumer food gift sales reached $33 billion in 2021. As per Coresight Research, edible items account for 36% of all corporate gifts. While 81% of recipients find these types of gifts to be the most appreciated type of corporate gift and 79% of gift recipients say they are more likely to remember a company if they receive an edible gift from them.
Conclusion
Adapting to the industry’s trends is essential for companies seeking to foster genuine cultures of appreciation and strengthen vital partnerships. The corporate gifting arena is filled with opportunities for those willing to innovate and capitalize on this burgeoning opportunity.
Giftsenda is at the core of efficient and cost-saving holiday gifting; offering automated options that make gifting simple and reduced costs with regard to shipping expenses.
