Purchasing corporate gifts is simple these days, thanks to the variety of products available online and through retail stores. Finding the right one, however, still remains a challenge to many, especially with the vast selection of corporate gift ideas on the market. If you are thinking of purchasing a corporate gift for your clients or employees, it is important to know what elements are essential for corporate gift buying.

OPEN, available through the Semi-Annual Small Business Monitor by American Express states the most used corporate gifts are:

    Calendars and cards

    Restaurant and retail gift certificates

    Gift baskets of food or fruit

    Promotional items branded with the company's name

    Flowers or wine

While these may be ‘tried and true' gifts for you to give, you should take a moment to consider the following before you make a purchase.

    Consider Corporate Policies- Providing gifts to clients from other companies, or even employees in your own, is often regulated by corporate policies. You may be restricted on the amount of money the gift can cost, or you may not be able to give gifts at all. Check with the company first before your purchase to determine any limitations.

    Find What They Want- It can be difficult to determine what type of gift your clients want. While personalised gifts are always best, you may not have the opportunity to get to know your client on a personal level. If this is the case and you are having problems, don't just guess which gift they will like. Ask them.

    Cultural Differences- Every country and culture is going to have their own outlook on the purchase of corporate gifts. Make sure you know what these outlooks are so you don't accidentally offend anyone. For instance, if you are presenting a gift to a client in china, wrapping it in white paper would be a disaster, because in the Chinese culture, white symbolizes death.

    Consider Quality- The gifts you present to your clients are going to reflect on your company's image. Make sure you avoid any low-quality items and purchase products at the highest quality you can without stretching your budget.

    Add a Note- Nothing says personal like a handwritten note. Attach one to your gift to show your client just how much you care.

    Don't Forget to Wrap- Sending a gift unwrapped makes a statement, and not a good one. It says you don't even have a few extra moments to spare to go the extra mile for your client. Make sure you take a moment to wrap your gift personally, or, if you really don't have the time, use the gift-wrapping services that are available in many stores for a small fee.

    Deliver the Gift Personally- If you can, always try to deliver your corporate gifts personally to your clients. This will show your customer how much you care about them.

    Taxes- If you are on a tight budget, you may want to stop and think before you purchase a really expensive gift for your client. According to the HMRC, gifts of £15 or more are subject to an output tax. Make sure to take this cost into account.


Corporate gifting can provide you with the opportunity to get to know your clients better and strengthen your relationship. Use these helpful tips to ensure you are providing them with the right gifts.