Corporate Gifting: What to Give (And Avoid) in Business Gifting

As business budgets wrap up and milestone moments are marked, companies across Australia are turning to corporate gifting as a powerful way to reward team members, thank clients, and strengthen business relationships. One increasingly popular approach? Strategic gifting.

When done right, thoughtful gifting can elevate your brand, boost retention, and foster goodwill. A high-quality gift hamper or branded item can leave a lasting impression long after it has been received. But not all gifts hit the mark. To ensure your gesture counts, it’s important to understand what makes a corporate gift feel meaningful—and what gifts to avoid in business, so you don’t send the wrong message.

Why corporate gifting matters more than ever

Corporate gifting isn’t just about ticking a box or using up a budget. It’s a high-impact way to show appreciation, reinforce company values, and create a real connection.

At a time when inboxes are full and attention spans are short, a tangible, well-chosen gift shows thoughtfulness and builds trust.

Strategic gifting also reflects the shift in modern business culture: valuing people over transactions. Whether for clients, staff, or collaborators, a great gift is one of the few brand touchpoints that feels truly personal.

Want to learn how gifting strengthens professional rapport? Read our blog on Strengthening Relationships with Corporate Gifting.

What to look for in a great corporate gift

The best personalised corporate gifts reflect your brand’s personality, values, and professionalism. Whether you're gifting eco-friendly bundles or premium gift-boxed items, here’s what to prioritise:

1. Quality over quantity
A single, artisan-made gift in premium packaging conveys more meaning than a handful of forgettable promotional items.

2. Relevance to the recipient
Know your audience. A wellness kit for an HR team may be more fitting than a bottle of wine. A luxury pen might suit executives, while gourmet treats and custom corporate gifts are universally appealing to all.

3. On-brand and on-message
Match your gift with your company’s tone. Are you fun and relaxed? Send something playful. More premium? Opt for a sleek design with your company logo clearly and tastefully displayed.

4. Presentation matters
Branded notes, elegant gift wrapping, and curated gift sets elevate the gifting experience.

Looking for practical tips? Check out our blog on Bulk Corporate Gifting Made Easy for scalable solutions.

Smart corporate gifting ideas by recipient type

Whether you're gifting clients, team members, or partners, the right gesture leaves a lasting impression. Here are a few curated corporate gifting ideas:

Clients

• Premium wine + snack hampers
  
• Branded notebooks and quality pens
  
• Gourmet chocolate gift boxes
  

Internal Team Members

• Relaxation/pamper kits
  
• Desk organiser bundles
  
• Eco drink bottles with subtle branding
  

Partners & Collaborators

• Artisan home goods
  
• Branded tech accessories
  
• Locally sourced tea and coffee gift sets
  

Looking for more options? Our curated corporate gifting kits offer a wide range of unique, branded gifts for special occasions.

What to avoid: gifting pitfalls that undermine your message

Not every gift is a win. Here’s what to avoid when choosing business gifts:

1. Overly personal items
Clothing, jewellery, or fragrance can cross boundaries. Keep it professional.

2. Low-cost promotional gifts
Loudly branded, low-quality items can feel like filler and may do more harm than good.

3. One-size-fits-all choices
Opt for inclusive, gender-neutral gifts that account for dietary and lifestyle preferences.

4. Off-season gifting
Avoid items that feel like leftovers from the holiday season. Corporate gifting deserves its own thoughtful touch.

5. No message or context
Don’t forget to include a branded card with a personalised message. It adds purpose and warmth.

Choosing gifts that reflect your brand

Every gift is a brand moment. To ensure your corporate gifts deliver impact, ask:

• Does this reflect our company values?
  
• Is it high-quality and functional?
  
• Would I be proud to receive it?
  

If you can’t answer yes to all three, it might be time to rethink your selection.

Aligning with ATO guidelines

Some gifts may be tax-deductible under the ATO’s minor benefits rule. Review your obligations—especially if you're planning a bulk order across departments. Explore the ATO Fringe Benefits Tax Guide for details.

Bonus tips for getting corporate gifting right

• Order early – Don't get caught in shipping or stock delays.
• Tier your gifting – High-value clients may receive premium gifts, but all recipients should feel appreciated.
• Think practically – Branded items like drinkware or tech accessories get used (and remembered!).
  
• Use a trusted provider – At The It Kit, we specialise in unique corporate gifts and bulk gift hampers that are branded, beautifully presented, and customisable. Many kits also include flexible gift cards, adding a personal touch.

The gift is the message.

Corporate gifting isn’t about the price—it’s about the meaning. It’s a way to say:

“We see you. We value you. And we look forward to working with you again.”

Give a gift that does more than tick a box. Choose something that reflects your brand, respects your audience, and creates a lasting connection.

Explore our full collection of branded corporate gifts and hampers to find the perfect gift for your team members or clients.