57+ Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees (with Case Studies)

Unlike others on the web, this article is a definitive guide on corporate gift ideas for employees; packed with practical strategies—based on gifting psychology, brand case studies, and research from TSSL, Gallup, ASI, PPAI, and other many more top research labs.

If you're looking for thoughtful employee gifts that boost loyalty, morale, and retention, this is your step-by-step guide.

The first section of the blog, shares the core concepts of corporate gifting: 

→ How to choose employee gifts that feel thoughtful, not transactional
→ The psychology behind meaningful gifting—and why it matters in the workplace
→ Why timing can turn a good gift into a great gesture
→ How personalization builds emotional connection and long-term loyalty 

Next, you'll find employee gift ideas categorized by occasion and employee type—welcome gifts for new hires, milestone celebrations, appreciation day surprises, and holiday cheer—plus tailored picks for remote and office teams alike.

Through powerful brand case studies, you'll see how top companies executed their corporate gifting programs—from concept to results. You'll learn what made each program successful—whether it was the timing, the presentation, or the emotional relevance of the gift itself. These success stories show how thoughtful gifting can boost engagement, improve retention, and strengthen workplace culture.

You'll get a clear idea of what they gifted, how they implemented it, and how employees reacted.

Whether you're an HR manager, founder, or marketer, this isn't just another list of corporate gift ideas—it's a proven framework for building more engaged teams and stronger workplace relationships through intentional, research-based corporate gifting.

If you want your gifts to mean more (and do more), this blog will help you make the right choices.

Let's dive into 57+ corporate gift ideas for employees you can use in your next gifting program.

What are corporate gifts for employees?

Corporate employee gifts are thoughtful, branded items or curated experiences that express your company’s appreciation and reflect its values. Corporate gifts are typically given at meaningful moments—such as onboarding, promotions, project completions, or work anniversaries—to recognize employee contributions in a professional and memorable way.

How to Choose Thoughtful Corporate Gifts for Your Employees

Choosing thoughtful corporate gifts isn't just about checking a box—it's about showing employees that their work is noticed, valued, and appreciated. Based on real insights from gift psychology and the workplace, the best gifts are those that combine relevance, quality, and emotional impact.

Choosing thoughtful corporate gifts isn't just about checking a box—it's about showing employees that their work is noticed, valued, and appreciated. Backed by real insights from gift psychology and workplace culture, the most meaningful gifts combine personal relevance, lasting quality, and emotional impact.

Here are some suggestions to get the best results from your corporate gifting:

Corporate Gifts by Employee Type: Office vs. Remote

7 Research-Based Corporate Gift Ideas for Office Workers

Giving gifts in the workplace isn’t just a thoughtful thing to do — it’s a strategic way to improve employee satisfaction, loyalty, and performance. But not all gifts hold equal value. According to studies by Gallup, ASI, Harvard Business Review, and Princeton, certain types of corporate gifts have a measurable impact on how employees feel, act, and connect with your brand.

Below are 7 data-backed corporate gift ideas—from branded drinkware that generates over 1,400 impressions to wellness kits that help reduce stress. These aren’t guesses—they’re proven strategies that work in real workplaces.

#	Corporate Gift Idea	Why This Idea Works	Visual Insight	Where to Find It
1.	Branded Drinkware (such as mugs, tumblers)	According to ASI’s 2023 Global Ad Impressions Study, 63% of people keep promotional drinkware for 1+ years, generating 1,400+ impressions per item.		View Drinkware Collection
2.	High-Quality Writing Instruments	ASI found that 50% of office staff use branded pens daily. Writing tools are functional and highly recalled.		Shop Branded Pens
3.	Desk Plants or Green Gifts	Plants in offices boost productivity by up to 15% and improve mood, according to the University of Exeter.		Explore Green Gifts
4.	Custom Apparel (jackets, vests)	PPAI reports branded apparel generates 6,100+ impressions. It builds team identity and morale.		View Custom Apparel
5.	Tech-Integrated Gifts	Tech items are most appreciated by employees under 45. They offer high usability and perceived value.		Shop Tech Kits
6.	Wellness Kits	Gallup says 57% of stressed employees value wellness support. These gifts build trust and care.		See Wellness Options
7.	Employee Milestone Gifts	Recognition tied to key moments (like anniversaries) increases retention and emotional engagement.		Shop Milestone Boxes

7 Useful Corporate Gift Ideas for Remote Employees

Remote employees face unique challenges, from workplace limitations to feelings of loneliness. According to Gallup, only 3 in 10 remote workers feel connected to their workplace culture. That’s why strategic gifting is needed to reduce isolation, increase engagement, and show support where it’s needed most.

Below are 7 practical corporate gift ideas, carefully chosen to improve comfort, connection, and daily workflow for remote teams.

Employee Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

According to The Shared Secrets Lab—the world’s first research center dedicated to gift psychology—timely, personal, and emotionally relevant gifts have the strongest impact on employee engagement and long-term loyalty. A thoughtful gift isn’t just appreciated—it becomes a lasting memory tied to your brand.

Corporate gifts should reflect both the moment and the person. Here are some of the most thoughtful corporate gift ideas for employees at every stage of their journey:

1. New Hire Welcome Gift Ideas

Welcoming a new employee isn't just a formality—it's a moment that determines how they feel about your company from day one.

Research in gift psychology shows that personalized, useful gifts create a lasting emotional connection—one that makes new employees feel appreciated from the very beginning.

When new hires receive a thoughtful welcome gift, it signals that they’re valued, expected, and supported from day one.

Carefully selected welcome gifts help reduce first-day anxiety, spark early connection, and reinforce your company’s identity. Here are nine thoughtful employee gift ideas to get you started:

2. Employee Milestone Gift Ideas

When someone reaches an important moment—like a work anniversary, a promotion, or completing a major project—it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a chance to show appreciation in a way that truly matters. In fact, 54% of employees say they’re more likely to stay in their job when they’re recognized with a meaningful gift (Snappy, 2024).

Milestone gifts help build stronger emotional connections and make people feel proud to be part of your team.

Here are 10 meaningful employee milestone gift ideas to help you get started the right way.

What are meaningful ways to recognize employee accomplishments?

Here are 20 easy and authentic ways to recognize employee accomplishments:

1. Announce their achievement in a company-wide email
2. Give a personalized award tied to the accomplishment
   
3. Host a mini celebration for the team involved
   
4. Provide a custom trophy or desk plaque
   
5. Send a gift that connects to the project (e.g., a framed blueprint, prototype photo)
   
6. Feature them in a “Success Story” blog or newsletter
   
7. Offer a bonus or spot reward
   
8. Share their accomplishment with clients or partners
   
9. Create a custom illustration or caricature of their achievement
   
10. Give a shoutout during a leadership meeting
    
11. Provide a learning stipend to support their next goal
    
12. Send a premium branded item with their name or achievement engraved
    
13. Create a “Win Wall” and add their name
    
14. Offer them the chance to mentor others
    
15. Arrange a 1:1 lunch with a senior leader
    
16. Record a thank-you message from leadership
    
17. Nominate them for an internal or industry award
    
18. Provide extra paid time off as a reward
    
19. Share their accomplishment in an annual company report
    
20. Surprise them with a meaningful experience (e.g., concert tickets, retreat, workshop)

3. Employee Appreciation Day Gift Ideas

Appreciation isn’t about the day—it’s about the message: “We see you, and you matter.” When done right, Employee Appreciation Day becomes more than just a date on the calendar—it becomes a moment that reminds people why they chose to work with you.

According to Coresight Research, 77% of employees say corporate gifts make them feel genuinely appreciated. And when people feel appreciated, they give more, stay longer, and care deeper.

That’s why the gift you choose matters. It doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to be thoughtfully chosen.

Here are 11 proven employee appreciation gift ideas to help you celebrate your team the right way.

What are the best ways to thank your team on Employee Appreciation Day?

Here are 25 meaningful ways to thank your team on Employee Appreciation Day:

1. Write handwritten thank-you notes
   
2. Send a personalized email of appreciation
   
3. Host a team lunch (in-person or delivered)
   
4. Give branded gifts they’ll actually use
   
5. Offer an extra day off or early leave
   
6. Share a thank-you video from leadership
   
7. Highlight individual contributions in a meeting
   
8. Create an "Employee Wall of Appreciation"
   
9. Provide digital gift cards
   
10. Gift a self-care or wellness box
    
11. Share positive client or peer feedback
    
12. Celebrate with a virtual game or happy hour
    
13. Spotlight team wins on social media or company intranet
    
14. Surprise them with coffee or breakfast delivery
    
15. Give away limited-edition company swag
    
16. Gift a book with a personal note inside
    
17. Offer an experience gift (spa, show, etc.)
    
18. Host a team-building activity or outing
    
19. Share a curated playlist dedicated to the team
    
20. Create a custom award or certificate
    
21. Send a gratitude video montage from coworkers
    
22. Deliver a plant or desk accessory
    
23. Donate to a charity in their name
    
24. Offer professional development credits or courses
    
25. Simply say "thank you" in person—with sincerity

4. Holiday Gift Ideas for Employees

The holiday season is the best time to show your employees how much you appreciate their dedication throughout the year. Research shows that 77% of employees feel more appreciated when they receive a holiday gift from their employer, which directly impacts morale, engagement, and retention (Coresight Research, 2023).

So, what makes the perfect holiday gift? It’s about finding something that’s personal, practical, and memorable. Ready to make your employees feel valued?

Here are the eight best holiday gift ideas that will make your employees feel truly appreciated.

Brand Case Studies

Case Study #1: Global Gratitude: Axcient's 88% Success Rate with Corporate Gifts

Axcient wanted to build stronger connections with employees across the globe. Instead of sending generic items, they chose thoughtful, branded corporate gifts that employees would actually enjoy and use. The goal was to make everyone feel valued and appreciated, regardless of the location.

In this case study, you'll see how branded corporate gifts boosted morale, strengthened loyalty, and made employees feel truly valued.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how Axcient made it work.

Company Overview

Company: Axcient Software Development
Company Size: 200–500 Employees
Organized Country: United States
Target Audience: Employees around the world

Primary Objective

To send personalized and useful corporate gifts globally, helping build stronger relationships with clients and team members across different countries.

Strategy & Execution

The Axcient team chose a mix of practical, branded corporate gifts like caps, water bottles, notebooks, and hoodies—items employees could actually use and enjoy. To make the process easy, they set up a custom online store with 125 options. This allowed employees across North America, Asia, South America, and Europe to select and receive their gifts without any hassle.

Results

Over 250 gifts were delivered to recipients in countries including the U.S., India, Armenia, the Philippines, Brazil, and Luxembourg—with an impressive 88% success rate. The campaign helped Axcient strengthen its global connections and left a positive impression on employees.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for thoughtful corporate gifts to send to team members in different locations, these items are practical, well-received, and easy to deliver:

1. Caps
2. Stainless Steel Water Bottles
3. Spiral Note Books
4. Unisex Heavy Blend Hoodies

Final Thoughts

Axcient proved that with a simple online store and thoughtful product choices, sending corporate gifts around the world doesn’t have to be complicated. A mix of useful items and global reach helped them show appreciation while keeping their brand top of mind.

Case Study #2: Elanco's Successful Employee Appreciation Across the Globe

Elanco wanted to do something special for their global team. They planned a surprise to show employees they were valued, no matter where they worked. The idea was to send corporate gift boxes that felt fun, personal, and thoughtful, right before an important company event.

In this case study, you'll see how even a small gesture—like sending corporate gifts—helped bring teams closer and build stronger connections.

Let's take a step-by-step look at how Elanco made it happen.

Company Overview

Company: Elanco Pharmaceutical
Company Size: 5,001–10,000 Employees
Organizer Country: United Kingdom
Target Audience: Global Employees

Primary Objective

To recognize and appreciate employees across multiple countries by delivering creative, branded corporate gifts before a major company event.

Strategy & Execution

Elanco planned a Thanksgiving-themed surprise before their global meeting. They wanted to send something fun and meaningful to employees around the world. After brainstorming ideas, they chose colorful snack boxes with custom food items, candies, and a handwritten note in each one.

Everything was packed and shipped with care so that every employee would receive their box on time and feel included.

Results

Employees across the globe were happily surprised. The gift boxes arrived before the event, and the entire experience—from planning to delivery—was smooth and well-received. The gifts helped employees feel more connected to the company, even from far away.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're planning a global appreciation campaign like Elanco's, consider these thoughtful and easy-to-ship gifts your employees are sure to love:

1. Personalized Notes
2. Custom Foods & Candies

Final Thoughts

Elanco proved that appreciation doesn't have to be complicated. With thoughtful items and good timing, they turned a simple thank-you into a global experience their employees won’t forget.

Case Study #3: PaperChase Delights 1,000 Employees with Branded Corporate Gifts

PaperChase wanted to reward their team with something personal and useful. Instead of giving everyone the same item, they created a fun gifting experience where employees could choose their own swag—each item proudly featuring the company’s branding.

In this case study, you'll see how thoughtful corporate gifts boosted team pride, increased brand visibility, and made employees feel genuinely appreciated.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how PaperChase created a smooth and enjoyable gifting experience for 1,000 employees.

Company Overview

Company: PaperChase
Company Size: 501–1,000 Employees
Organizer Country: India
Target Audience: Employees and the HR Team

Primary Objective

To place the PaperChase logo on useful corporate gifts and give employees a way to choose the items they liked best.

Strategy & Execution

The design team came up with simple and practical employee gift ideas like mugs, notebooks, laptop sleeves, and hats. PaperChase set up an easy-to-use online store where employees could log in, pick their favorite item, and have it delivered without any hassle.

The shop also had banners and branding that clearly showed the company logo, which the HR team loved.

Results

Employees really enjoyed how easy it was to pick their own gift. The branded items helped more people recognize the company logo, and everything was delivered on time without any problems.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're planning to give employees practical and well-loved gifts, here are a few simple items that worked wonderfully for PaperChase:

1. Notebooks
2. Mugs
3. Laptop Sleeves
4. Hats

Final Thoughts

PaperChase made gifting simple and meaningful. By adding their logo to useful items and letting employees choose, they created a rewarding experience that made everyone feel appreciated

Case Study #4: Better Chooses Wellness Over Ordinary Corporate Gifting

Better's team didn’t want to go with the usual gift box filled with teas and candles. They were looking for a wellness gift that felt more intentional—something practical, thoughtful, and eco-friendly. The goal was to find a product that employees could actually use in their daily routine while aligning with the company’s values.

In this case study, you'll see how Better swapped traditional swag for a wellness gift that truly reflected their values.

Step by step, here's how Better made it happen.

Company Overview

Company: Better
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Location: United States, New York, NY
Target Audience: Employees

Primary Objective

To offer a wellness corporate gift that employees would find useful, while making sure it was sustainable and in line with the brand’s values.

Strategy & Execution

Instead of going with something generic, Better chose cork yoga mats—a sustainable, biodegradable option that’s great for stretching, meditation, or a home workout. Cork is self-regenerating and doesn’t contribute to deforestation, which made it a perfect fit for their eco-conscious brand. To make it extra special, each mat was customized with the employee’s name.

Results

Employees loved the personalized yoga mats, especially with their names on them. They felt the gift reflected the company’s care for wellness and its values around thoughtful, meaningful recognition.

Similar Product Recommendations

Looking for corporate gifts for your employees that focus on wellness and sustainability? Try:

1. Cork Yoga Mats
2. Personalized Fitness Gear
3. Eco-Friendly Wellness Kits

Final Thoughts

Better proved that wellness gifting doesn’t have to be basic. With one meaningful, eco-friendly product, they showed their team that health, care, and values come first—and employees felt it.

Case Study #5: Luxury Retreat Corporate Gifts for Ensemble Health Partners' Employees

Ensemble Health Partners wanted to make their year-end retreat feel extra special for their employees. The company hosted a winter getaway at a luxury ranch in Montana and used this opportunity to surprise the team with thoughtful, themed company gifts that captured the cozy, rustic vibe of the retreat.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how they created a memorable gifting experience for their employees.

Company Overview

Company: Ensemble Health Partners
Company Size: 5,001–10,000 Employees
Location: Montana, United States
Target Audience: Employees

Primary Objective

To create personalized corporate gifts for employees attending the retreat—something that felt warm, festive, and tied to the Montana setting.

Strategy & Execution

The team chose wooden gift boxes to match the Montana setting. Inside, they added useful and local items like branded wine tumblers, coasters, trail mix, jam, and caramel. They also added fresh pine and pinecones for a festive feel. A welcome letter from the CEO and logo tags made the gift feel even more personal.

Results

Employees loved the gift boxes. The items were thoughtful, nicely packaged, and made everyone feel appreciated. It was a small gesture that left a big impact.

Similar Product Recommendations

Planning a company retreat or special event? These warm, well-received corporate gifts helped Ensemble Health Partners make their experience truly memorable:

1. Wine Tumblers
2. Coasters
3. Branded Food

Final Thoughts

Ensemble Health Partners showed that a well-thought-out gift can make employees feel seen and valued. The personal touches and connection to the retreat made it more than just a gift—it became part of the experience.

Case Study #6: Micromine Surprises 320 Employees Worldwide with 'Happy Summer' Corporate Gifts

Micromine wanted to bring some energy and joy to their team during the summer. Instead of sending out the usual company merch, they put together a bright and cheerful gift experience that matched the season. Their goal was simple: make employees feel happy, appreciated, and connected—no matter where they worked.

Let’s go step by step through this case study to see how Micromine made summer more special for their employees with fun, thoughtful company gifts that were easy to send across different countries.

Company Overview

Company: Micromine
Company Size: 350 Employees
Organizer Country: Canada
Target Audience: Employees in Canada, U.S., and Mexico

Primary Objective

To celebrate summer with branded corporate gifts employees would actually enjoy, while making the experience feel fresh and personal across multiple locations.

Strategy & Execution

Micromine came up with a “Happy Summer” theme to make the gifting experience more fun and personal. They set up an easy-to-use online store where employees could pick their favorite items—like soft cotton t-shirts, mugs, AirPods cases, and caps. Each gift box was customized based on where the employee lived, whether it was Mexico, Canada, or the U.S., so everyone got something that felt just right.

Results

Over 300 employees across three countries received their summer gifts. The team loved the idea, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It wasn’t just about the items—it was about feeling remembered, wherever they were.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for summer-themed corporate gifts, here are a few favorites from Micromine’s campaign that employees loved:

1. Cotton T-Shirts
2. Mugs
3. Caps
4. AirPods Cases

Final Thoughts

Micromine showed how a seasonal corporate gift can go a long way. With the right theme, thoughtful product choices, and a bit of creativity, they turned a regular summer into something memorable for their employees.

Case Study #7: Welspun Welcomes New Employees with Thoughtful and Budget-Friendly Kits

Welspun, one of India’s leading global companies, wanted to welcome their new hires with something meaningful and useful—without going over budget. They were looking for employee welcome kits that would make new team members feel appreciated from day one, while still being practical and cost-effective.

In this case study, you'll see what items Welspun included in their employee welcome kits and why they worked.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how a few thoughtful corporate gifts helped Welspun make new employees feel valued from day one.

Company Overview

Company: Welspun
Industry: Textiles, Infrastructure, Steel, Warehousing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Organizer Country: India
Target Audience: New Hires

Primary Objective

To create affordable, high-quality welcome kits with corporate gifts that reflected the brand, helped new hires settle in, and included useful everyday items.

Strategy & Execution

To stay practical and within budget, the corporate gifts were carefully chosen with everyday use, durability, and clean branding in mind. The final kit included a reusable canvas bag filled with a custom water bottle, a notebook for jotting down notes, and a pop stand for phone support—useful items that new employees could use right away. Each product featured Welspun’s branding and was packed neatly to create a professional, welcoming first impression.

Similar Product Recommendations

Here's what Welspun used to create a memorable onboarding experience:

1. Custom Water Bottles
2. Notebooks
3. Phone Pop Stands
4. Canvas Bags

Final Thoughts

Welspun showed that you don’t have to spend a lot to give your new hires a warm welcome. A few useful, well-branded items can go a long way in making people feel like they belong from day one.

Case Study #8: Skillz Surprises Their Team with High-Quality Corporate Gifts at GDC 2023

Skillz wanted to do something special for their employees heading to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2023. Instead of handing out generic event giveaways, they chose useful, high-quality items that made the team feel appreciated and proud to represent the company.

In this case study, you'll see how the right employee gifts boosted morale, built team pride, and turned a typical event into a memorable experience.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how Skillz made it happen.

Company Overview

Company: Skillz
Company Size: 200 Employees
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Employees attending GDC 2023

Primary Objective

To give employees high-quality branded corporate gifts they could actually use—and feel good about—during the conference.

Strategy & Execution

The Skillz team worked with a supplier they had used before and trusted. Together, they picked out items the team would love: power banks for staying charged, Hydro Flask bottles for hydration, athletic socks for comfort, and custom North Face backpacks to carry everything. All items were branded with the company logo and shipped in time for the event.

Results

The corporate gift sets were a big hit. Employees appreciated the quality and found each item genuinely useful. It made them feel recognized and excited to be part of the program. Everything arrived on time, which made distribution smooth and stress-free for the team.

Similar Product Recommendations

These high-quality products helped Skillz turn their employee gifting into a success story:

1. Power Banks
2. Hydro Flask Water Bottles
3. Athletic Crew Socks
4. Custom North Face Backpacks

Final Thoughts

Skillz showed that giving thoughtful gifts can turn a regular work trip into a special experience. Their team felt valued, well-equipped, and proud to represent the brand.

Case Study #9: Savills Impresses Employees with Eco-Friendly Corporate Gift Hampers

Savills needed thoughtful gift hampers for an upcoming employee awards event. They wanted the corporate gifts to be fully eco-friendly, personalized with their branding, and delivered to three different locations—all within 20 days.

In this case study, you'll see how Savills pulled off personalized, eco-friendly gift hampers under a tight 20-day deadline.

Let's break down how Savills made it happen—step by step.

Company Overview

Company: Savills
Industry: Real Estate
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Location: UK
Target Audience: Employees

Primary Objective

To create eco-friendly, customized award hampers that could be delivered to three locations within a short timeframe.

Strategy & Execution

The gift hampers were filled with a thoughtful mix of sustainable items. Each box included a handmade laptop bag made from export surplus fabric, a stainless steel collapsible tumbler, a cork infinity calendar, and a seed paper stationery set. All the products featured Savills branding and were packed neatly in a co-branded gift box. Despite the short deadline, every hamper was produced, customized, and delivered on time.

Results

The biggest win? Everything arrived early—despite the tight timeline. Employees were surprised and excited by the thoughtful mix of products. The gifts felt fresh, eco-conscious, and very different from the usual giveaways.

Similar Product Recommendations

Savills chose these eco-conscious items to create a memorable and sustainable gifting experience:

1. Laptop Bags
2. Collapsible Stainless Steel Tumblers
3. Cork Calendars
4. Seed Paper Stationery

Final Thoughts

Savills proved that even under pressure, it's possible to deliver something truly thoughtful. With creative product choices and sustainable packaging, this award hamper left a lasting impression on the entire team.

Case Study #10: Merck's Spring Corporate Gifts Brought a Smile to 150 Veterinary Clinics

Merck wanted to say thank you to the hardworking staff at veterinary clinics across the country. To make their spring campaign more meaningful, they sent out care packages filled with snacks and useful gifts. The goal was simple: make people feel seen and appreciated.

In this case study, you'll see how Merck used small, thoughtful gestures to build lasting goodwill with 150 veterinary clinics nationwide.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how Merck made it happen.

Company Overview

Company: Merck
Company Size: 69,000 Employees
Organized Country: United States
Target Audience: Staff at Veterinary Clinics

Primary Objective

To send a thoughtful spring corporate gift to veterinary teams across the U.S. and show appreciation for their everyday work.

Strategy & Execution

The Merck team wanted an easy way to send corporate gifts to hundreds of locations—without filling out a shipping form every time. So, they came up with a simple idea: a ready-to-go gift box. Each tray included a stainless steel thermos and branded snacks. It was quick to ship, easy to enjoy, and helped every clinic feel remembered.

Results

150 clinics received gift trays, and the feedback was great. The snacks, the thermos, and the effort behind it all helped people feel valued—and it added something personal to Merck’s spring campaign.

Similar Product Recommendations

Here's what Merck chose to send—simple, useful, and well-received by every team:

1. Stainless Steel Thermos
2. Branded Foods

Case Study #11: Akadia Celebrates First Anniversary with Heartfelt Corporate Gifts

For their first anniversary, the founders of Akadia wanted to do something truly special for their team—whom they proudly call the “Akadia family.” The idea was to send a corporate gift that felt personal, thoughtful, and full of emotional value—not just another branded item.

In this case study, you'll see how Akadia used meaningful, sustainable gifts to reflect their values and make each team member feel truly seen.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how it came together.

Company Overview

Company: Akadia
Industry: Information Services
Company Size: 11-50 employees
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Target Audience: Akadia Staff

Primary Objective

To celebrate Akadia’s first anniversary with a meaningful and personalized gift for each employee, reflecting the company’s values and close-knit culture.

Strategy & Execution

The goal was to focus on emotion over material value. Each employee received a beautiful Jaipuri block-printed diary with their name written by hand on the first page. Along with the diary, the gift box included thoughtful and eco-friendly items like blue pottery coasters, a hemp lip balm, metal straws, organic tea from The Tea Shelf, and colorful body scrub cubes. Everything was carefully selected to feel personal and aligned with a sustainable lifestyle.

Results

The gifts left a lasting impression. Employees were touched by the personal touches, especially seeing their names written by hand inside the diaries. The thoughtful curation and focus on sustainability aligned perfectly with Akadia’s identity—especially as a company working in the ESG data space.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're planning a milestone celebration or want to send something meaningful to your team, here are a few thoughtful picks from Akadia’s anniversary box:

1. Blue Pottery Coasters
2. Hemp Lip Balm
3. Metal Straws
   
4. Mugs
5. Notebooks
6. Pens

Final Thoughts

Akadia showed that small touches—like personal notes and sustainable products—can turn a simple gift into something truly meaningful. It’s not always about how much you spend, but how much heart you put into it.

Case Study #12: Wow-Worthy Welcome Packs for GFT's New Employees

When new people join a company, the little things can make a big difference. GFT understood that. They wanted to make their onboarding experience warmer and more personal — while also showing appreciation to their existing team.

In this case study, you'll see how a simple, well-designed gift pack helped employees feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the company from day one.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how GFT used thoughtful gifts to build team connection and a great first impression.

Company Overview

Company: GFT
Company Size: 10,000+ Employees
Country: Germany
Target Audience: New Hires and Current Employees

Primary Objective

To welcome new team members and appreciate current ones with useful, branded corporate gifts that reflect GFT’s values.

Strategy & Execution

GFT packed each box with everyday items employees could use—like a leather-style notebook, a pair of soft organic cotton socks, and a reusable cup. They sent these boxes straight to employees’ homes. They also kept extra boxes ready so new hires would get the same warm welcome the moment they joined.

Results

The corporate gift boxes were well received. Employees appreciated the thoughtful mix of items and the effort to make them feel included. For new hires, it was a warm welcome that made the onboarding process feel more personal.

Similar Product Recommendations

Planning welcome gifts for new hires or team appreciation? Here are a few practical, high-impact items GFT used to great effect:

1. Leather Effect Note Books
2. Organic Cotton Socks
3. Cups

Final Thoughts

GFT showed that you don’t need to go over the top to make people feel valued. A few well-chosen items and a little planning can turn a simple welcome pack into something employees remember.

Case Study #13: Fidelity India Rewards 500 Volunteers with Thoughtful Corporate Gifts

Fidelity India wanted to recognize employees who stepped up to volunteer. But instead of picking one gift for everyone, they gave each person the chance to choose a gift they would actually use and enjoy.

In this case study, you'll see how offering employees a choice made appreciation feel more personal, flexible, and meaningful.

Let's go step by step through this case study to see how Fidelity India made recognition simple, thoughtful, and well-received.

Company Overview

Company: Fidelity
Company Size: 10,000+ Employees
Country: India
Target Audience: Employees who participated in Fidelity’s internal volunteering program

Primary Objective

To thank employees for their volunteer efforts with useful corporate gifts—while staying within budget.

Strategy & Execution

Fidelity India partnered with a gifting platform to create a special online store. Volunteers could browse the shop and pick their favorite gift from a small, curated selection that included mobile leather organizers and desk humidifiers. The corporate gifts were practical, high-quality, and easy to ship—all while staying within budget.

Results

More than 500 employees received a gift of their choice. The entire process was smooth, the options were well-liked, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. It wasn’t just about the items—it was about giving employees control over how they were appreciated.

Similar Product Recommendations

Planning a recognition or appreciation program? These flexible, well-loved items from Fidelity's campaign were a hit:

1. Mobile Leather Organizers
2. Humidifiers

Final Thoughts

Fidelity India showed that a little flexibility can go a long way. By letting employees choose their gift, the company made recognition feel personal, thoughtful, and truly appreciated.

REFERENCES

(Bystadium)

(Paperchase)

(Marigoldgrey)

(Chocomize)

(DBHF)

(Projectmerchandise)

(Tapwell)