If you're tired of corporate gifting feeling so “corporate,” chances are your clients and employees feel the same. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult enough when it's someone you know and love. But gifting groups of people with something that will resonate with everyone when you have little information on any of them may leave you feeling overwhelmed. That’s why businesses often wave the white flag and go with the same old branded merchandise year after year. But giving meaningful gifts that truly show your appreciation can be easier. Here's how.
Why Corporate Gifting Is So Important
Given the challenges of corporate gifting, you may wonder if it's really worth the trouble. The answer is a resounding “yes.” For your employees, gifting can enhance morale, strengthen engagement, and foster a sense of community. It shows you value and appreciate them.
Corporate gifting is also important for current and potential clients. For the latter, when done right, it helps build brand recognition, establish trust, and open a dialogue. For the former, corporate gifting can keep your business top of mind, fortify the existing connection, and promote loyalty. It's an ideal way to show how important a client's business is to you and how much you value the working relationship.
With all this at stake, the pressure is on. What's more, you've got competition when it comes to corporate gifting, especially for client gifts. In fact, the U.S. corporate gifting market is expected to hit $306 billion by 2024. This means that your corporate gifts must stand out from the others your clients receive in order to achieve your goals.
Meaningful Gifts Matter More
The adage "It's the thought that counts" still rings true today. But perhaps in a different way. The "thought" behind the gift is becoming increasingly important as the consumer mindset shifts toward meaningful spending. For example, an IBM study on shopping habits found that:
44% of consumers choose products and brands based on how well they align with their values
50% of consumers say they're willing to pay a premium for sustainability
62% of consumers report that they’d change their purchasing habits to reduce environmental impact
What do those statistics have to do with corporate gifting? At the end of the day, your gift recipients, whether clients or employees, are consumers. So, you'll have a better chance of your gifts resonating with them if you consider their own purchasing mindset with carefully chosen gifts.
Embracing Conscious Gifting
Insights like these have led to the concept of conscious gifting, which is defined as meaningful spending that supports causes you and your recipients care about and thoughtful gifts that last or fill a purpose in the recipient's life. Examples of conscious gifting include supporting small businesses or buying eco-friendly, ethical, or sustainable gifts.
East Third Collective (ETC) Gift Consulting, a corporate marketplace where corporate clients work directly with the founders to create personal and meaningful gifts, embraces the idea of conscious gifting. As such, their products are sourced from small-, women-, and BIPOC-owned businesses, as well as sustainable, B Corp certified, or 1% for the Planet companies.
Partnering with vendors doing good for the world—whether they are eco-conscious, give back to local communities, or empower others with fulfilling employment opportunities—sets ETC apart from other corporate gifting options and repeatedly draws back loyal customers.
Simplifying the Logistics
Considering the level of complexity already caused by the sheer number of your corporate gift recipients, coupled with the need to coordinate with multiple vendors, receive various shipments, and painstakingly assemble gifts, you may think conscious gifting would make the process even more difficult. However, ETC Gift Consulting's goal is to simplify the gifting experience in a meaningful and beautiful way while also doing good.
Their dedicated team understands the unique requirements of corporate gifting, offering a wealth of expertise and creative ideas. They're not just in the business of gifting; they're in the business of crafting meaningful connections. ETC sources products specifically for each corporate client, and their process starts with a deep dive into your project's scope, tone, and objectives. This understanding allows the team to curate and design distinctive gift concepts that resonate on a personal level, ensuring that your gifts leave a lasting impact.
Additional benefits to your corporate gifting program:
Better Efficiency: Saving time and resources with an end-to-end gifting solution, from product sourcing to packaging, allows you to focus on what matters most.
Confidence in Gift Quality: With access to unique, high-quality products all in one place from ETC's vast network of vetted suppliers, you have added peace of mind.
Personalization: The ability to tailor gifts to your brand creates a consistent and memorable representation of your company.
Proven Commitment: Show your commitment to conscious gifting in all aspects with eco-friendly and recyclable packaging that's pared down to avoid waste yet remains beautiful. Plus, access to multiple vendors through ETC means you can send a cohesive gift without various shipments to the recipient, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
Corporate Gifting Done Right
Whether for a special event, internal employee recognition, or to reinforce strong relationships with clients and partners, ensure that your corporate gifting experiences are easier for you yet more meaningful for your recipients with a conscious gifting approach. Set up a consultation with ETC Gift Consulting today to get started.
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