Looking for the perfect way to show appreciation, foster team morale, and build stronger connections with your team? Corporate gift baskets full of practical, fun products can be a great option.
Whether you’re welcoming new hires, celebrating milestones, or simply showing appreciation, gift baskets are versatile and easy to tailor to the recipient or event.
Let’s explore what to include in a corporate gift basket and some tips for making it a meaningful gift for employees and your business.
When Corporate Gift Baskets are an Ideal Choice
Due to their versatility, gift baskets for employees are a great option for many special occasions throughout the year.
“We have found that when you group several products together to create a gift basket or gift box, the gifting experience is elevated,” said Doug Dobbe, President of Strategies Ltd.
Holidays and Seasonal Celebrations
Gift baskets are especially popular during the holiday season. Seasonal favorites like hot cocoa mix, cozy blankets, or holiday-themed treats make the basket feel festive.
Gift baskets are ideal for teams, as shared gifts help you avoid the tax implications associated with corporate gifting. Plus, many employees also share the goodies with their family and loved ones throughout the holiday season, making the gift extra impactful.
Employee Milestones and Achievements
Unique corporate gift baskets are a great way to celebrate important milestones, such as work anniversaries, retirements, promotions, or project completions. You can customize the basket to reflect the achievement and add a sense of accomplishment.
Welcome Gifts for New Hires
A welcome gift basket sets a positive tone for your new hires and makes them feel like part of the team. Office essentials like a branded notebook, pens, and company apparel can set them up for success and ease first-day jitters.
Employee Appreciation Days
Show employees they’re valued with thoughtful gift baskets on Employee Appreciation Day (March 7, 2025), National Boss’s Day (October 16, 2025), or as you wrap up another successful year. Small gestures can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment.
What to Put in Your Corporate Gift Basket
Here are a few of the top branded merchandise items that you may want to consider for your employee gift box or basket.
Branded Mug or Tumbler
A custom mug or tumbler with your company logo is a classic for a reason. They’re practical and incorporate a piece of company branding into the user’s daily routine.
Opt for high-quality ceramic, stoneware, or stainless steel to ensure the drinkware is durable and dishwasher-safe. These materials also help retain heat longer, which coffee, tea, and hot cocoa drinkers will appreciate.
To complement the mug and round out your basket, include things like gourmet coffee or tea packs, honey or flavored syrups, and coasters.
Branded Journals
Journals are great for note-taking, goal-setting, or personal musings, making them a timeless and versatile addition to any corporate gift basket. Whether it’s for work or personal reflections, a high-quality journal offers employees a space to organize their thoughts, plan their goals, and spark creativity.
To elevate the gift, look for high-quality journals with sturdy covers, such as leather or hardbound covers, that can withstand daily use. You may also want to consider customizing it with the employee’s name for a special touch.
High-Quality Consumables
A little indulgence can make any gift basket feel special. Snacks and treats provide a little break from the day-to-day and they’re easy to share with family and friends.
Artisanal chocolates, cookies, nuts, gourmet popcorn, cheese and sausage, jams, oils, and more all make great options. Consider local or seasonal food options to really add something special.
If possible, find out any dietary restrictions ahead of time or aim for a range of options to accommodate various health needs.
Practical Tech Gadgets
Adding tech gadgets to your corporate gift basket instantly elevates it, blending modern functionality with convenience. Tech items are versatile, useful, and can help employees streamline work and enhance their daily routines.
From headphones to portable chargers to wireless speakers, you can find options to suit different needs, devices, and preferences. Choose high-quality items that are compatible with a wide range of devices so everyone can benefit from the gift.
Self-Care and Wellness Products
Adding self-care and wellness products to your corporate gift basket shows your team members that their well-being matters. These items encourage recipients to unwind, recharge, and take care of their mental and physical health, which can have a positive impact on them personally and professionally.
Scented candles, spa kits, lip balm, essential oil diffusers, and other self-care goodies provide an indulgent at-home experience to help unwind after a long day.
Opt for products made from natural, non-toxic ingredients to avoid skin irritation or allergies. Organic and sustainably sourced products are a great option to add an extra layer of care and quality.
Make Your Corporate Gift Basket Impactful
At Strategies, we want to help our customers get the most out of every piece of branded merchandise or corporate gift they invest in. Here are a few tips to ensure your gift box is something that your employees will really appreciate.
Define Your Purpose & Goals
Why are you creating the basket? Are you acknowledging an employee’s hard work, welcoming a new team member, or celebrating a team win? That should guide your selection of items, ensuring the basket resonates with the recipient(s) and aligns with your overall goals. For example, a holiday gift basket might look quite different from one you’d give when welcoming a new team member.
Personalize Thoughtfully
Much like you would for a friend or loved one, consider the recipient’s personality and preferences when building the gift basket. Is the person a coffee enthusiast, a tech lover, or a fitness buff? Include elements that speak to these interests. Thoughtful personalization transforms a generic gift into something special and ensures the gift will actually be used and appreciated.
Consider a Theme
Themed gift baskets can help guide the item selection process and make your gift seem more cohesive.
Select items that complement each other, or that can be used simultaneously. For example, add some high-quality pens and highlighters to accompany a leather journal or a stylish wooden cutting board to accompany food items.
Beyond complementary items, you might also consider a variety of items that fit a certain color, seasonal, or event theme.
Balance Branded Items
Not everything has to be branded. Balance branded apparel, office supplies, and other promotional products with unique finds to avoid seeming too self-serving. Include one or two well-chosen company-branded pieces, like a quality hoodie or headphones, with a variety of other products that make the basket feel unique and memorable.
Think Quality over Quantity
When it comes to gift baskets, focus on a few high-quality essentials rather than trying to overfill a basket with multiple items. Quality items will get much more use and have more of an impact than multiple smaller, low-budget items.
Build a Unique Corporate Gift Basket with Strategies Ltd.
From thoughtfully chosen branded items to personal touches, a well-crafted gift basket can leave a lasting impression on recipients and contribute to a positive workplace culture. Our team is here to help you create unique corporate gift baskets for your business and make every occasion memorable for your team.
At Strategies, we focus on aligning each gift with your company values and budgets to ensure maximum impact. We have a wide variety of promotional products and branded merchandise to choose from made from high-quality and sustainable materials.
“We have more than 375 combined years of experience in the promotional product industry,” Dobbe said. “We have all kinds of experiences to draw on to help take your gifting needs to a new level.”
We also have branded gift boxes to make wrapping, shipping, and opening simple and eye-catching.
Ready to get started?
