So you’re the lucky employee who has been tasked with finding the perfect Christmas gifts for your clients or staff this season? A bottle of wine, a set of coasters, some branded coffee mugs perhaps? The search can seem endless and the struggle is real – we know. But it doesn’t have to be. And what’s more, you can also use this opportunity to change the world while you shop.
So skip the cheap promo merchandise and gift for good. Here’s a list on how to gift better.
- Reflect your company values. There is nothing more “on brand” than finding gifts that appropriately reflect your company’s core values. How does one do this, you ask? If your company avidly notes values such as “community,” “local support” – then, find items that support your community. It could be incorporating items from a local store, or providing a charity donation that forms part of the gift. If your values include humour and team collaboration, get some custom-made cards with a fun image of the team to accompany your gift and get a giggle out of the recipient.
- Get personal. Show your clients and employees you really care with curated Christmas gifts that reflect your company values and show your clients you really care. A bespoke gift pack that includes a specifically chosen item that speaks directly to them is always going to “wow” over a generic branded gift pack.
Write out a list of all the clients or employees you intend buying gifts for and leave a column blank; write next to them the first thing you remember about them that could help to select a gift. For example, do they love coffee, wine, whiskey, desserts, candles, their kids, their dog – anything! Share it around the office with anyone who interacts with them and get feedback. Then, write a potential gift for them and the budget.
The same goes when it comes to sending cards with hand written messages to add a personal touch.
- Source local. Reduce your carbon footprint by using locally sourced products and support local makers by buying locally. You should especially think about buying local when buying food and or wine products as these will generally be higher quality.
Also think about buying organic and natural products that are not only better for your clients to use and consume but better for the planet.
- Go Green. We spoke about values but whether your company has announced it is “green” or not, you’re showing you care by being a little more careful in selecting products that are “greener.”
When it comes to getting your gifts delivered, use a carbon neutral carrier like Sendle. Minimise packaging and use recycled or biodegradable wrapping wherever possible. You can also consider the planet by using organic and natural-based products wherever possible as these have minimal impact on our environment.
Another great gift purchase if you want to stick to a gift card is online gift giving. No paper trails and no misplacing your gift card or leaving it at home.
- Choose quality over quantity. Instead of getting caught up bulking your gift up with an endless number of random products to make it seem “bigger” and more “extravagant” think about using minimal and higher quality items instead. The old theory less is more is far more valuable that a large gift full of unnecessary items.
When you’re giving this Christmas holiday season, make sure you think beyond the person your gifting too, consider the people who made your gifts and the planet resources going into it. It’s not hard to start shopping more ethically and sustainably so consider the entire value chain with your purchases.
Rechelle Coombes, Founder, Socielle
