Elevate Your Corporate Gifting with Custom Gift Packaging

7 min read
August 15, 2024
Elevate Your Corporate Gifting with Custom Gift Packaging
9:24

Corporate gifting is more than just a gesture; it's a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with clients and employees. In fact, over 80% of gift givers report that their gifts have improved relationships with employees and clients, with 48% citing substantial benefits.

By incorporating custom branded gift packaging into your corporate gifting strategy, you can create memorable impressions that foster lasting connections.

  

Why Corporate Gift Packaging Is Important

Custom gift packaging is crucial because it enhances the impact of your corporate gifts. Well-thought-out packaging strengthens relationships with clients and differentiates your brand. For employees, receiving a gift in custom packaging can boost morale and productivity, showing that the company values and appreciates their contributions.

Additionally, branded gift packaging can be a strategic tool for prospecting, helping you make a strong first impression with potential clients.

  

Corporate Gifting Opportunities

There are many different occasions to send a corporate gift, either to clients or employees.

For clients, there are many occasions to celebrate:

  • Holidays: Consider gifting something festive yet practical, like a branded tech gadget or a gourmet food gift box. Packaging that aligns with the holiday theme, such as a Christmas-themed gift box, can make the gift even more special.

  • Client Anniversaries: Celebrating the anniversary of your partnership with a client can reinforce the strength of your relationship. Gifts that reflect your work together are good options.

  • Company Anniversaries: Marking a significant milestone for your company (or your client’s!) is a prime occasion for gift giving. A high-quality corporate gift appropriate to the milestone, such as a limited-edition product, a fine wine, or a curated gift set, can symbolize your shared success.

  • Birthdays/Special Occasions: Personal touches are crucial for these occasions. A custom-branded gift that aligns with the client's interests is ideal.

For employees, these are great occasions for gifts:

  • Employee Appreciation: Showcasing your gratitude can go a long way in boosting morale. Opt for packaging that feels personal and thoughtful, like a custom box with the employee’s name and a personalized message.

  • Onboarding: Welcoming a new team member with a branded gift can help them feel part of the team from day one.
      
    Welcome to Boxmaker onboarding box  
  • Milestone Anniversaries: Recognizing years of service with a special gift can reinforce loyalty and commitment. Consider something significant presented in a commemorative box with the employee’s name and years of service.

  • Thank You/Special Achievement: Rewarding exceptional performance or a major project completion with a thoughtful gift can inspire continued excellence.

  

How to Create Custom Branded Gift Packaging

There are several ways to elevate your corporate gifts with custom packaging:

Method 1: Custom Branded Boxes

There are many common box styles that work great for a variety of corporate gifts. Re-packaging your gifts from stock boxes into one of these popular box styles branded with your company logo or custom artwork design is an easy way to make a personal impression.

REFT and RETT boxes

Two of the most common box styles for corporate gifting are the Roll End Front Tuck (REFT) and the Roll End Tuck Top (RETT). If you’re shipping your gifts directly to the recipients, you’ll want to select a box style that includes dust flaps to keep dirt and grime out of your packages during the shipping process.

Corporate gift REFT inspiration

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Both of these box styles make it easy to pack multiple items in a presentable, high-quality way, and provide ample room for custom branded graphics.

Pro tip: Add a personalized message on the inside of the lid to really wow your clients!

A nice bottle of wine or a unique spirit is a popular choice for corporate gifting. If you’re going this route, consider using a custom printed wine box for that perfect fit.

Wine style single botter shipper

You can also consider Snap Lock Gift Totes if you plan on gifting multiple small to medium sized specialty items like food and snacks in a more casual, fun way. This style is a great option if you are personally dropping off each of your gifts – it’s easy to carry and makes a festive impression.

Snap lock gift tote  

Method 2: Custom Branded Labels

You can easily update the stock packaging that your corporate gifts arrive in by adding a custom label that reflects your brand's identity. This approach allows for a personal touch without completely redesigning the package.

Method 3: Go Completely Custom

Uniquely shaped or fragile gift items are best delivered in their own custom packaging that has been structurally designed around the specific product being shipped.

If you find yourself shipping plants, glass, electronics, or other easily breakable corporate gift items, choosing a packaging supplier with a talented structural design team, like The BoxMaker, helps to ensure your gifts will arrive intact and make an excellent impression.

  

The Do’s and Don’ts of Custom Gift Packaging

The do’s:

  • DO Know Your Recipient:Understanding your recipient’s preferences, interests, and cultural background allows you to choose a gift and packaging that resonates personally. For example, if your client is environmentally conscious, consider eco-friendly packaging and sustainable products.

  • DO Leverage Customization: Adding a personal touch to your gift, whether it’s including the recipient’s name or a handwritten note will make the gift feel special and unique. Digital print makes it easy to personalize your packaging en masse by adding custom elements to each box or label via variable data printing.

  • DO Showcase Your Brand: While it’s important to be subtle, don’t miss the opportunity to promote your brand. Incorporate your brand colors, logo, or slogan into the packaging design in a way that feels natural.

  • DO Tell a Cohesive Story with Your Packaging: The packaging and gift should complement each other, telling a cohesive story that aligns with your brand values and the message you want to convey. For example, if you’re a tech company gifting a smart gadget, the packaging could reflect innovation and modernity, using sleek materials and a minimalist design.

The don’ts:

  • DON’T Overbrand with Logos and Brand Images: While it’s important to showcase your brand, avoid turning your gift into a billboard. Overloading the packaging (or the gift) with logos or branding can make the gift feel impersonal and more like a marketing gimmick.

  • DON’T Use Cheap Materials or Poor Quality Print: Using low-quality materials or poor printing can diminish the perceived value of the gift. Invest in high-quality packaging and print that aligns with the quality of the gift inside, ensuring that it feels premium and well-crafted.

  • DON’T Ignore Sustainability: In today’s eco-conscious world, ignoring sustainability in your packaging can be a major misstep. Opt for sustainable options, such as recycled paper or compostable materials, to show that your brand cares about the environment.

  • DON’T Use Gift Packaging Only for the Holidays: While holidays are a common time for gifting, limiting your corporate gifts to only this period can reduce the impact of your gifting strategy.

  

Inspiration and Ideas

Here are three corporate gift packaging examples that showcases our digital production capabilities.

Custom Holiday Ornament

Custom holiday ornament client gift

Presented in a REFT with Dust Flap box, this corporate gift includes a holiday ornament (made from corrugated materials) along with chocolate snacks. The interior of the outer box was digitally printed with a motif that matches and complements the ornament’s box.

Custom New Years Countdown Calendar

2024 new year client gift box

This corporate gift was created to welcome the year 2024. It is a countdown box with a stand at the back, allowing it to stand upright like a photo frame. Chocolates are included in the ten cutouts that represent the countdown.

Treat Your Clients and Employees with Treats

Client gift online reference 1

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  Client gift online reference 2

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Gifting delicious treats like cupcakes is almost always a good idea. The universal appeal of good food and its ease of sharing can create positive associations for both the recipients and your brand. You can customize the box the treats come in or include personal notes to acknowledge the special occasion.

   

Elevate Your Corporate Gifts with The BoxMaker

Enhancing your corporate gifting strategy with custom branded packaging not only strengthens relationships with clients and employees but also reinforces your brand identity. While a standard gift box may look nice, presenting the gift in a custom-designed box adds a personal touch that elevates the entire experience.

This attention to detail showcases your commitment to quality and thoughtfulness, creating a critical touchpoint that can leave a lasting impression. Whether for a special event, holiday season, or employee recognition, custom packaging adds an extra layer of sophistication and care to your gifts.

Don't settle for the ordinary—make your gifts stand out with tailored solutions. Contact our Packaging Advisors to start creating unique packaging for your corporate gifts.

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