Corporate gift packaging ideas

The right corporate gift packaging turns a bottle, a hamper, or a thank-you present into something that reflects the care your business puts into its relationships. Whether you're thanking long-standing clients, welcoming new hires, or marking company milestones throughout the year, considered packaging can be the difference between a token gesture and a thoughtful gift.

So, how do you elevate your gifts to the next level? We've put together our top corporate gifting packaging ideas and the considerations that apply across the board.

What makes good corporate gift packaging?

Before choosing the packaging itself, it's worth thinking through four considerations that apply to any corporate gift:

• The unboxing experience. Your packaging is the first thing recipients see, and often the thing they share. A considered layering of outer box, filler, and finishing touches builds anticipation and makes the gift feel more valuable.
• Personalisation. Printed logos, custom gift tags, and branded tissue paper all keep your brand visible on the gift. The vast majority of our off-the-shelf packaging can be personalised, with a typical lead time of 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval. When browsing WBC, look out for the 'brand this' tag to see which items can be personalised.
• Sustainability. Many of our products are recyclable, compostable and made from responsibility-sourced materials, which helps you meet sustainability goals.
• Safe transit. A beautifully wrapped gift that arrives damaged can undermine the message you're trying to send. For gifts going through the courier network, protective outers and transit boxes are worth planning for from the start.

WBC's best corporate gift packaging ideas

As the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier to the food and drinks trade, we’ve helped shape corporate gifting campaigns at every scale. Here are the best corporate gift boxes, hampers, bags, and finishing touches our customers choose most often.

Wooden gift boxes

Our wooden gift boxes are among WBC's longest-standing bestsellers for corporate gifting. Most are designed to fit standard wine and Champagne bottles (up to 90 x 330mm), and they can be personalised with your logo through laser engraving or screen printing. 

Larger formats like our tall wooden hamper box with drop-on lid hold space for a large selection of items. Our wooden boxes are made from sustainably sourced wood and are naturally reusable, meaning recipients often keep them long after the gift inside has been removed. A wooden hamper box, for example, can be repurposed as a toy container or storage box. For gifts going through the post, pair the box with a pre-printed gift tag and a protective transit outer.

Cardboard gift boxes

When you need something more affordable than wood but still presentable, cardboard gift boxes are a great alternative. 

There are many different types available to suit different needs, including magnetic locks for that secure, premium feel, front opening options for easy access and much more beyond.

Many are available in seasonal and plain versions, and can be personalised to highlight your brand. All can be finished with tissue paper, shred, and ribbon.

Bottle bags and boxes

If you're gifting one or more bottles of wine, spirits, beer or other similar items, bottle bags and boxes are a cost-effective alternative to a full hamper. 

Our bottle bags are 100% recyclable, designed to fit standard bottles up to Champagne size.

Bottle boxes are another great option. There's a broad range of options available, including windowed boxes to make the bottles stand out.  

If you want to make the gift even more memorable, many can also be printed with your name or logo, with a typical lead time of 7 to 10 working days from artwork approval.

Wicker hampers

Wicker hampers remain one of the most recognisable corporate gift formats. Our wicker hampers are fitted with faux leather straps for secure closure, the natural willow construction is sustainably sourced, and lined versions can be embroidered with a corporate name or logo.

What's great about hampers is that they're more than just the packaging. They can be reused or repurposed for storage long after the unboxing, making them a desirable part of the gift itself.

If you're after a showstopper of a gift, themed hampers can be a great idea. For example, a picnic hamper with wine, cheese, and crackers, a self-care hamper that mirrors a day at the spa, or a food-and-drink hamper built around a seasonal event.

Cardboard hamper boxes are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and customisable, making them a great alternative to wicker. They also come flat-packed, which saves you valuable storage space before assembly, and can be branded with logos, images or text to make them extra-memorable.

Gift bags

Gift bags are often overlooked for corporate gifting despite the flexibility they offer. From jute carriers and cotton shoppers to printed paper bags, they can be filled quickly, dressed with shred and tissue paper, and sent out in bulk. Jute gift bags work particularly well as an alternative to a boxed hamper. Fill the bag, cover the contents with shred, add a tag, and the gift is ready to send. To really elevate the gift - and your brand - add a logo, image or text.

Finishing touches

The container is only part of the equation - it's the finishing touches that turn a gift from great to unforgettable.

Fiiller, such as coloured SizzlePak shredded paper or organic wood wool, keeps the contents of a box or bag secure while adding aesthetic appeal.

Ribbons and stickers let you seal a package, and add extra anticipation during the unboxing.

For maximum impact, you can even add personalised stickers, gift tags, and wrap. This helps the recipient not only remember the gift, but who it came from.

Ready to plan your next corporate gifting campaign?

Our full corporate gifting range includes wooden boxes, cardboard gift and hamper boxes, bottle bags, wicker hampers, gift bags, and more.

To browse your options, check out our bestselling corporate gifting products or get in touch with our sales team.

Corporate gift packaging FAQs

What packaging is best for corporate gifts?

The best packaging for corporate gifts depends on the gift itself, the recipient, and the budget. 

For example, a branded wooden box or bottle bag works well for wine or spirit gifts. 

For a larger selection of items, wicker or cardboard hampers are appropriate and appreciated.

Alternatively, for high-volume staff gifting, jute bags and card gift boxes could be the way to go.

Ultimately, there is no one 'correct' type of packaging for corporate gifts, so consider your options and remember that you can always get in touch with WBC if you need some advice for your particular campaign.

How do I make corporate gifts look professional on a budget?

There are many ways to stretch a corporate gift budget without compromising on presentation. 

For example, choose cardboard gift boxes or jute gift bags as your base, both of which cost significantly less than wooden boxes or wicker hampers. 

Finishing touches like branded tissue paper, shred, ribbons and printed gift tags elevate your gifts, and turn even basic boxes into something more - especially if personalised.

If you need guidance, our dedicated team will work with you directly to find solutions that both fit within your budget, and make it go further, so get in touch.