Published: 11th Oct 2024
As we hurtle towards the festive season (and boy, is it happening fast), corporate gifting is on everyone’s mind. And, although it might be a seemingly simple process, there’s an art to finding solutions that fit your budget, engage recipients and support your brand ethos. Throw different tastes into the mix, and it can end up feeling like an impossible task, detracting from the sense of benevolence you should be embracing.
Keep up the good cheer, though! Because Santa’s little elves at WBC (aka our fantastic sales team) have come up with six great ideas that will get your gifting game over the line.
What to consider when choosing corporate gifts
Before we begin, it’s useful to remember why you're giving your clients presents in the first place. Usually, the intention is to show appreciation for their patronage, strengthen relationships, recognise milestones...and perhaps even support local businesses in the process.
Once your objectives are clear, it’s time to get on with the business of finding that perfect idea. This guideline should help you narrow down your options:
Consider your client’s interests and likes – you may not know them on a deep level, but if you revisit past conversations, you should be able to come up with a few.
Focus on quality – dynamite comes in small packages, we believe, meaning that it’s better to lean towards giving something small and fabulous rather than large and inferior. After all, whatever you select will be a reflection of you.
Aim for functionality – most people enjoy receiving things that they can use, which is why you should try to stay away from decorative items that may not match every taste.
Think about longevity – finding items that will last for years is an excellent way of ensuring long-term brand visibility without it costing a bomb.
Make it pretty – presentation is everything, so find attractive packaging (that’s what we’re here for) and remember to add a well-considered note.
Be original – No one wants soap or socks. Truly! They’ll be getting those from members of their own family.
Create an experience – whether it’s about the unboxing process or curating gifts that, together, make up a themed event, aim to build something memorable.
Brand it – While your main focus shouldn’t be just another punt at garnering new business, branding is essential. After all, your products are why you have clients in the first place. However, as masters in personaliation, we suggest that you make your messaging intuitive, subtle and full of good intent.
WBC’s top six corporate gift suggestions for 2024
When it comes to great packaging ideas, especially in the food and drinks arena, we’re in the habit of setting trends. Which is why we’re the trusted gifting partner of some pretty big names in the UK retail market.
Over the years, we’ve learnt to read the (proverbial) room, understand needs and come up with new concepts that create a stir.
So, if you’re looking for innovative suggestions for 2024, here are six great gifting picks that are out of the box - or in some cases, not:
1. Wicker hampers
Wicker hampers are the cream of the crop for curations of products and, if you think they’re only for big budgets, you’re mistaken. From simple baskets to more traditional picnic-style solutions, they provide lots of scope for innovation and can be filled with anything from tempting selections of baked goods to a full dining experience with champagne and flutes included.
The WBC range comes with optional fitted cotton liners that can be personalised with a logo, image or fun festive message for that extra special touch.
2. Wooden bottle boxes
The ultimate in sophistication, our wooden bottle boxes will certainly make an impression and are ideal for discerning customers who know their oats when it comes to good taste.
If you have a limited spend, we suggest a single unit container with a sliding lid in Perspex or plain wood. Or add some pizzazz with our exclusive Christmas cutout range.
However, if it’s elite you’re after, our silk-lined boxes are just the ticket. Housing anything from one to six bottles, these beautifully made elm chests are destined to raise the bar in the corporate gifting arena.
Both options can be overprinted with a design of your choice.
3. Beer and wine bags
Sticking with the topic of festive cheer, beer and wine bags are another must-have - because who doesn’t love a really good drinks hamper?
Made from sturdy jute, they come in various sizes and their internal dividers can be removed to make room for extra goodies like cheese, snacks and preserves.
If your clients aren’t big drinkers, there’s nothing stopping you from filling them with other luxuries like craft cordials, imported olive oils or the latest in magical mocktails. And don’t forget to add branding for the cherry on top.
4. Jar carriers
If quality preserves are your jam, then why not source a selection of UK’s finest and pack them up in a fun jar carrier? From cost effective Kraft containers to lovely jute bags, we’ve designed them to show off their contents for all to see. So, whether you’re sold on Bonne Maman or want to find a homemade range at the Borough Market, this gifting idea will leave you spoilt for choice.
Add a fun (personalised) message and consider your impression made - we think “Have a jam-packed Christmas” is kinda catchy!
5. Fabric Bags
The best way to get a great return on investment, not only do fabric bags make a sterling hamper container, but they’ll also get used indefinitely – especially if they’re stylish.
Our range includes shoppers, totes, market bags, bottle carriers and drawstring sacks – giving you plenty of choice to find the right fit. We also offer a selection of sustainable materials and additional extras on some of our lines like cooler box inners, leather handles, side pockets and zips.
One of the most effective branding options, they provide a large surface area for printing so that you can get seen wherever they go.
6. All the trimmings
No corporate gift is complete without the trimmings – and we pay particular attention to getting this right. From colourful shreds to simple stickers, tags, ribbons and tissue paper, we’ve thought of just about everything and are happy to discuss personalisation options that will up your game.
Get the best corporate gifting at WBC
If you’re hunting down that perfect corporate gift, you can count on us to make this the best Christmas ever. Simply give our experienced sales team a call or visit our showroom, and let’s get down to business. Just remember to meet our deadlines so you can get things done in time.
Christmas purchase deadlines:
Standard orders
Last day: 19th December 2024
Branded orders
Digital transfer: 4th December 2024
Printed packaging tape: 4th December 2024
Express printed bags: 11th December 2024
Screen print: 11th December 2024 .