In a world where attention is currency, corporate gifting is so much more than just wrapping up an item in something pretty. Strategise it properly, and you’re likely to strengthen customer relationships, enhance brand loyalty, and cement a sense of trust.
However, with the unboxing experience phenomenon gathering increasing momentum and rapidly moving marketing landscapes producing even more digital innovations, there’s a lot to unpack. And creating that all-important connection, despite the prevalence of social media, is becoming more difficult than ever before.
To make life easier, we thought we’d review 2025’s top seven trends and why they’ll help you stay one step ahead.
Four factors that have influenced 2025’s corporate gifting trends
Companies with their finger on the marketing pulse have gone beyond seeing it as a seasonal obligation. Instead, they’re setting a protocol that combines brand experience with business strategy, not only to motivate a buy-in from their clients and staff but also to reinforce the value of their relationships and show genuine appreciation. So, what has swayed this evolution?
1. Changing work environments
As our landscapes have shifted from office-bound jobs to hybrid and work-from-home allowances, our one-on-one connections have diminished. This has forced us to find new ways to build trust amongst both employees and clients.
2. Sustainability obligations
Now the key to successful trade, eco-friendly gifts and the packaging they come in are a non-negotiable customer expectation, thereby influencing every aspect of your brand offering.
3. The economy
There’s a new focus on quality over quantity, driving a need for thoughtful, practical presents rather than cheap, mass-produced items that nobody wants.
4. Innovation
Recipients are interested in the latest tech, trending food and drinks products and all things viral. Include those items in your gifting strategies, and you’ll be making easy wins.
2025’s five hottest gift packaging musts
Whether you’re a professional corporate gifting company or a wine merchant looking to up your seasonal sales, this is everything you need to know to get your campaign on track this year:
1. Unforgettable unboxing experiences are key
It’s become about more than just the gift, so let your packaging speak for itself, outline your intent and reflect the ethos of your business. To get this right, consider things like luxury materials, an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) element and brand-aligned colour choices.
2. Personalise everything
The key to visibility, this is a great way to make a connection with your audience and drive home your unique identity. From messaging that tells a story to a representation of your logo, it’s all about captivating the recipient in a way that feels unique and special, boosting social engagement and putting you in the limelight. And, whether you opt for a classy bottle box, a tote or something as simple as ribbons, stickers and tags, there’s a solution for every budget.
3. Get interactive
Position your packaging as the star of the show with things like hidden messages or pull-tabs. It’s all about design, storytelling, surprise... and giving your clients something to talk about on social media. These bespoke options do take much longer to conceptualise, so we advise that you start planning them at least six months in advance.
4. Don’t forget the fillers
Whether you use paper shred, branded tissue paper or wood wool, it’s all about building layers and, of course, protecting your cargo.
5. Introduce a smart element
Create a wow factor by adding a QR code that links to a product tutorial tab on your website, where they can discover usage tips, ingredients or a special voucher. It’s a great way to reinforce buy-in.
6. Build a circular economy
It’s all about multifunctionality, so invest in packaging that can be reused, recycled or repurposed. A wooden hamper box, for instance, may be converted into a toy container once it’s been opened.
7. Keep things safe
Don’t spoil a beautiful gift by shipping it off in a flimsy container – it's a surefire way of ruining your reputation. Instead, choose a range of quality transit and ecommerce packaging that will protect your products from every eventuality.
Three gifting concepts that will make you stand out from the crowd
While we’re not going to tell you exactly what to put in every box, here are some concepts shaping gifting psychology in 2025.
1. Experiences
Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and focus on gifts that cater to every recipient’s tastes. If you’re building hampers, for example, choose items that will create a full event. This could range from a fully-fledged picnic experience to a self-care package that mirrors a day at the spa.
2. Technology
Corporate gifting presents a fantastic opportunity to spoil tech-savvy customers with the latest innovations, giving them something that will make travel, work or play easier and more engaging.
3. Gastronomy
There’s no doubt about it, food and drinks are currently one of the most popular corporate gifting items out there. And, with its constantly changing landscapes, there’s always something new to add to your curations.
How we can help you
We’ve specialised in gifting solutions for over thirty years, making us innovators in our field. Partner with us and you’ll get:
- A dedicated account manager who will take the time to get to know your goals.
- Free access to our design team for all your branding needs.
- Next-day delivery on off-the-shelf products.
Call our sales team today and let’s get you prepared for a busy festive season.
