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How to Offer Your Team Branded Gifts That Aren't Tacky

How to Offer Your Team Branded Gifts That Aren't Tacky

Written by: Shallon Thomas

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Time to read 7 min

Branded gifts are crucial ways employers acknowledge their employees in the workplace as they assist in boosting the morale of workers and developing organizational culture. However, selecting branded corporate gifts or non-branded corporate gifts that are useful becomes quite a task. Most usual corporate gift ideas for employees can be dull, uninspired, or look more like promotional materials. Read on to learn how branded gifts can make a great impression and enhance the corporate gift-giving process.

Branded gifts boost workplace morale and company culture.

Common gifts often feel impersonal or overly promotional.

Branded gifts should be unique and thoughtfully curated.

Laptop folio branded gifts
weekender bag branded gifts
lunch bag branded gifts

Observe and Align with Company Culture

Selecting the right branded gifts that will be meaningful to your team begins with paying attention to company culture and values. Branded corporate gifts should capture the employees' attention, appeal broadly, and offer everyday utility to create the feeling of being valued.

Therefore, analyzing your workforce's general and specific needs can advise you on the best corporate gifts for employees – valuable and relevant gifts.

Choose impactful branded gifts that resonate with your team—boost morale, and reflect your company's values!

Aligning with Company Image

Branded gifts that correlate with the corporate vision can remind people about what your business is all about. For instance, targeted, superior-quality apparel can assure employees of quality, while environmentally friendly products signal the organization’s commitment to the environment.

It is also essential to consider different corporate levels when selecting the gift since it can go a long way. For example, corporate gifts for executives could comprise luxury products or unparalleled experiences. Ordinary gifts can be made unique by;

  • Monogramming, laser etching or embossing,

  • Writing a small note,

  • Arranging it in a gift box

Attention to detail indicates that the company is considering its workers exceptionally.

Your branded gifts should embody your company culture – relevant, qualitative, and with a touch of personality.

Innovative Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees

When choosing branded gifts, it is worth focusing on traditional products and looking for the best corporate gift ideas to motivate employees. Providing innovative and meaningful gifts not only gives employment satisfaction to the employees but also exhibits the creative side and care of the company. Here are some standout corporate gift ideas for employees that break the mold:

  • Personalized tech gadgets

  • Artwork or office ornamentation

  • Wellness and self-care kits

  • Experience-based gifts

Select branded gifts that show your company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and personalization!

Tailoring Gifts to the Unique Preferences of Your Team or Company Culture

When selecting the best corporate gifts for employees, you must consider your workers' specifics. For example, branded gifts such as headphones, home office accessories, or vouchers for virtual experiences will be highly relevant if your team works remotely. However, laptop portfolios and digital tools that can enhance productivity may be preferred for a group more inclined to use technology gadgets.

Tying gifts to the firm's corporate values can help support the overall branding. For instance, businesses promoting environmental conservation may sell reusable bags or wallets, vegan leather items , or solar-powered gadgets.


Branded gifts can be used in reference to seasons, company milestones, or particular occasions. For instance, branded gifts for the holiday season or gifts that showcase an employee’s achievements make the gesture seem timely and appropriate. This strategy ensures that gifts are not perceived just as formalities but as tokens of appreciation.

Avoid the Same Old Products as Branded Gifts

Branded gifts may become ineffective and unremarkable to recipients if businesses rely only on traditional and clichéd presents. Although these gifts can be inexpensive and easily manufactured, they often do not come from the heart as much as a truly treasured gift should. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the most common branded corporate gifts that have become clichéd:


  • Pens and Notebooks

As much as they are functional, branded pens and notebooks have become mundane corporate gift ideas for employees; products accrue unused in the company’s office. These gifts are not creative and are forgotten when they are given.


  • Mugs and Water Bottles

Mugs and water bottles have become cliché in the corporate gifting process as these items are commonly overused in offices. While they can indeed be helpful, excessively ‘commercial’ variations look too corporate and are less likely to be placed to good use.


  • T-Shirts and Apparel

Apparel gifts such as T-shirts, caps, and hoodies with the company’s logo are popular branded gifts. Still, they can pose the danger of being regarded as mere promotional items if the quality is poor and the branding is overeminent.

branded gifts from Twtote

Transform your corporate gifting! Choose innovative options that express genuine appreciation instead of the same old products.

The Importance of Offering Branded Corporate Gifts

In a crowded marketplace of branded gifts, having unique company gift ideas for employees can significantly affect how your company is perceived. By opting for distinctive branded corporate gifts, companies can demonstrate that they put thought into their selections rather than simply opting for convenience.


  • Memorable Impressions

Personalized corporate employee gifts help create and sustain positive feelings linked to corporate recognition and appreciation. A good gift fosters a positive attitude from the employees toward the company and, therefore, increases loyalty.

  • Increased Engagement

When a corporate gift is presented creatively, and the employee enjoys the item, chances are the gift will be used and seen. The experience will be positive and inevitably reported. This can promote the spirit of togetherness within the given team and boost their morale.

  • Enhanced Brand Perception

Using practical and visually appealing branded corporate gifts can elevate your company's status to another level. They indicate that your company is progressive and pays attention to details, which would be considered virtues by the employees and clients.

Break the mold with unique gifts—ditch the clichés and choose items that truly stand out!

Keep Branding Simple and Minimal

There is an argument that flagship corporate employee gifts should have heavy imprints of a company’s logo; however, too much branding often makes the gifts look and feel more like promotional items than gifts for employees. If the gifts are over-embellished with logos or have awkward etchings of the company name, they look like walking advertisements instead of being valued.


Increase brand awareness but do not overdo it: This is the best way to make branded corporate gifts appealing to employees. A gift should inspire joy and appreciation for the receiver and not facilitate company promotion. That is why when choosing company gift ideas for employees, there should not be excessive branding to make the recipients feel like the gifts are mandatory and not appreciated.


Too much branding often makes the gifts look and feel more like promotional items than employee gifts.

Strategies for Subtle and Sophisticated Branding

If you wish to be exempted from the mistakes of overbranding, you should integrate your brand in a more refined style. Here are some strategies for tasteful branding:

Discreet Logos

Choose discreet logos that do not attract attention and are placed inconspicuously. This ensures that the gift has appeal on aesthetic value but can also pass on the message of advertising your brand.

Embossing

Creates a tactile experience that subtly reinforces your brand without overwhelming the design.

Take advantage of the basic techniques in embossing and debossing to give a touch of elegance to items such as vegan leather products. This approach is manipulative in a good sense, offering the users touch and feel of certain areas while ensuring that your branding does not dominate the designs.

Elevate your gifts with subtle branding—less is more for a refined touch.

Conclusion

Offering branded gifts that aren't tacky is an essential strategy for positively impacting the workplace. By avoiding clichéd items and embracing unique, thoughtful branded corporate gifts, you can effectively enhance employee morale and reflect your company's values. Subtle branding ensures gifts feel personal and appreciated rather than just promotional tools. Tailoring company gift ideas for employees to align with company culture and maintaining a sophisticated approach to branding will reinforce a positive company image. Thoughtful, well-designed branded gifts are more than just tokens of appreciation—they are lasting impressions of your company's commitment to its people.

Choose branded gifts that reflect your company’s values.

Steer clear of clichéd items and overly branded apparel.

Use minimal and sophisticated branding techniques to enhance the gift's value.

Shallon Thomas

Shallon Thomas

I am a Co-founder of T|W, a company dedicated to premium bag-making and sustainability. I have 10 years of experience in product research and production. I'm passionate about sharing our Caribbean heritage through unique products. When I'm not working, I enjoy international travel and car shows.

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FAQs

How can I personalize a branded gift without making it feel cheap or tacky?

Use high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Consider adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten note or a custom engraving.

Why is it important to give branded gifts to employees?

Branded gifts can boost employee morale, improve company culture, and enhance brand recognition.

When is the best time to give branded gifts?

Consider special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or work anniversaries. You can also give branded gifts as a reward for achieving goals or as a thank-you for hard work.

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