As the 2020 holiday season approaches, companies may be thinking about how they will be connecting and showing appreciation to employees and clients in meaningful ways.

Large celebrations and holiday events have become challenging due to the pandemic. And some of the more traditional holiday gifts may not fit the bill. 

One way of giving employees recognition and showing customer appreciation is a premium gift that is timeless, meaningful and practical. 

The benefit of a good gift

When you think of the last time you received a gift you loved, you probably gleamed with excitement. You couldn’t wait to show or share it with others. If it was an item you can wear or use, you probably took the product out to try it on or use it. You felt appreciated, thought of, and most importantly, special.

Conversely, as the person giving the gift, there is a great sense of satisfaction when you see the expression on the face of someone you’ve given a great gift to. The way that the recipient reacts to your gift reinforces the appreciation you intended to give.

When it comes to business gifts, the product(s) you choose for your corporate gifting strategy represents how you want your company to be perceived. According to a 2019 Business Gift Satisfaction Survey by Knack, corporate gifts can support – or hurt – business growth. Specifically, 57 percent of respondents in the survey said that “gifts can impact their opinion of a business both positively and negatively.” 

The benefit of a good gift is the value it brings, to the recipient and to the relationship. It strengthens the relationship between the gifter and the recipient, as it demonstrates thoughtfulness and the importance of the relationship to the gifter.

The value in a tech gift

Tech products are no longer just for gadget geeks. Technology has become a part of our everyday lives, at work, at home and in school. Furthermore, tech accessories – such as wireless chargers, phone accessories and speakers – are just as popular since they power and enhance the many devices we use.

The value for companies in choosing technology as a gift is that it is practical and it can be used year-round. Tech products are the new go-to corporate gifts with more employees working from home and relying on technology for work and home.

What matters are the details

The first thing your recipient sees when receiving your gift isn’t the gift itself; it’s the wrapping. A  great gift deserves a  great presentation. Thoughtful gifters pay attention to details, including how their gifts are wrapped. The unboxing experience creates the first impression and it is just as important as the gift itself.

Another detail not to be overlooked is personalization. Personalization comes in different forms – a handwritten note, a personalized tag to the recipient or even customized packaging. These details are all important in creating the overall gifting experience.

Consumers gravitate toward brands they associate with positive emotions and memories. When they have a positive experience, consumers develop a deeper connection with the brand, which helps to increase brand credibility, loyalty and value. 

At the end of the day, gifting is an opportunity to let a person know you have thought about them and how much you appreciate them. The practice of thoughtful giving offers a wealth of benefits, particularly when it is practical and personal.