Image Credit: Sennheiser
The etiquette of gift-giving in the office can be tricky to navigate — especially for the executives or CEO who already has it all. As a result, you may find yourself asking a dozen questions:
What’s an appropriate budget to follow? What message do I intend to send? Is this tacky or one-of-a-kind? Where should I send the gift?
All are valid. Sending that ‘I appreciate you’ message while maintaining professionalism and without breaching company policy is key.
When in doubt, connect with your HR department to ensure you remain compliant with the company’s code of conduct. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best practices when gift-giving in the corporate world, along with some tips and tricks to leave a lasting impression.
Tips for Gift-Giving in the Corporate World
Who to Give
Your supervisor, your peer, your clients, or someone who went the extra mile to make your workday that much easier — your gift-giving corporate circle will range.
When gifting your supervisor, cater to their preferences, hobbies, and role at the company. When appropriate, a group gift can be more affordable and showcase a team’s appreciation for their leader’s hard work.
Gifting your peer may be an easier feat as you are likely to spend more time with them, giving you a better idea of their interests, social life, and what they might be more inclined to use.
If you’d like to gift a client, maintaining professionalism, respect, and a leveled-playing ground is essential. Assess the objective and timing of your gift. Is it intended for an individual, or the team you work with at their company? If so, consider an item everyone can use or a company-branded gift. These safe options won’t cause an individual to feel singled out or targeted.
EXEC is a highly curated membership program designed to improve the lives of busy executives. Our partners include some of the leading travel and lifestyle brands — which make excellent gifts for other executives. Learn more about our incredible travel partners and lifestyle brand partners.
Apply TodayWhen to Give
Gift-giving occasions in the workplace are plenty. The main objective is to clarify your intention, be sincere, and deliver a meaningful message.
- Holidays (while remaining culturally and religiously conscious)
- Promotions & Retirement
- Birthdays
- Engagements & Weddings
- Births
- Graduations
- Thank you
- Get well soon
- Sympathy
Where to Give
Should you have the gift delivered to your manager’s doorstep? Your client's office? Or should you hand your colleague their gift on the job?
This all depends on the gift's objective and who you’re gifting. If you’re sending someone a get well soon basket or a sympathy gift, it should be delivered to their home, where the receiver is. Wedding and baby gift recipients may utilize a registry. Promotion and retirement gifts can be given at events designated for these occasions. The overall goal is to avoid breaching anyone’s personal space.
What to Give
Whether it’s a gift-giving time of the year, you’re extending a sincere thank you, or just a token of appreciation, choosing a high-quality and meaningful gift is essential.
Depending on who you’re gifting, your long-time supervisor, or a new client you just secured, we’ve curated our top selection of gift ideas for the folks in your corporate world.
Top Gifts for the Executives in Your Life
For the Music Loving Executive
Sennheiser Headphones, starting at $129.95
Providing a broad spectrum of high-fidelity products, including headphones, microphones, soundbars, and even aviation headsets, Sennheiser is a great gift for any executive. Wireless and noise-canceling, they’re great for gym-goers, sound aficionados, and WFH employees looking to block out distractions.
EXEC Members receive discounted pricing on headphones and soundbars.
For the Self-Care Gurus
Rightfully considered the ultimate “gift that keeps on giving,” Birchbox is a monthly subscription that surprises the receiver every month with a sample of high-end beauty products.
There are plenty of options for skincare, haircare, makeup, beard products, razors, and fragrances. The gifter can select from three tiers: 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, ranging from $45.00 to $156.00. Whether PDF or printed, the gifted can then redeem the subscription, customize their profile, and tailor their monthly boxes to come with products that suit them best.
EXEC Members receive up to 40% off.
Therabody, starting at $199.00
Stress levels among executives are typically high, due to the relentless demands of the average day-to-day. The body can always use some recovery, repair, and daily wellness support. Therabody offers several products, but the Theragun and TheraFace are perfect for all-around self-care and a great treat for any hard-working individual.
A soothe gift card will be well-received by your executive recipient—an in-home massage saves them valuable time and helps them unwind. Soothe is a platform offering massages, facials and grooming services, delivered to your door, whether it’s your office or home.
Prices vary by region and service typ, with a one hour massage hovering around $166 at the time of writing.
EXEC members receive 25% off all massage & wellness services.
For the Frequent Travelers
Between business trips and vacations, travel accessories can be a hit for anyone who is always on the go. TUMI is an excellent gift idea, providing you with a wide range of luggage, bags, backpacks, and accessories to make traveling easier and much more stylish. Ultra-functional and eco-conscious, complimentary monogramming are also available to add a personal touch to your gift.
EXEC members receive up to 40% off online purchases.
Offering a timeless collection of sustainable cashmere apparel, N. Peal is a luxury brand featuring items influenced by 007 himself, worn by Bond in both “Skyfall” and “Spectre.” Crafting their clothing from 100% Mongolian cashmere, their items range from day-to-day t-shirts to jumpers and cardigans, perfect for anyone who enjoys traveling in style.
EXEC Members receive up to 15% off online purchases.
For the Event Goers
Whether it’s a sold-out basketball game, Broadway show, a weekend festival, or the last leg of your favorite artist’s tour, leave the hassle of finding and purchasing tickets to EXEC. Our Private Label Tickets provide members access to wholesale secondary market ticketing, avoiding broker and service fees and marketplace charges. In addition, members will find many event tickets available for purchase at any time of the season.
Gift Ideas Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a bridal bouquet, sympathy roses, or a get well soon bonsai tree, 1-800-Flowers is a premier floral retailer, taking the hassle out of delivering fresh flowers wherever you need them. No matter the occasion, you can never go wrong with a bouquet of fresh flora tailored just for you by their dedicated florists. They offer same and next-day delivery, perfect for any last-minute gifting needs.
EXEC Members receive 15% off flowers and gifts.
As one of the top gift basket producers and retailers, Harry & David is an excellent source for gifting anyone in the corporate world, and they’re perfect for any occasion. Especially ideal for group gifts or sending a basket to an entire office, everyone will appreciate a curated selection of gourmet candies, fruit, chocolates, or wine.
EXEC Members receive 15% off flowers and gifts.