The holidays bring joy, connection and generosity. But in corporate gifting, shipping deadlines, questionable product choices and dreaded cookie-cutter gift baskets that scream “we ordered these in bulk last night” can quickly bury even the best intentions.
If you want your holiday gifting program to make people feel valued, we explore five mistakes to avoid and how the right promo can help you avoid missteps.
Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Nothing says “afterthought” like a gift that arrives on January 4. The reality is that production times, decoration and shipping all take longer during the holiday rush. Waiting until the eleventh hour often forces you into limited product options or rush fees that eat into your budget.
How to get it right: Start planning in early fall. Use this time to explore the best gift options. Choose items that can be decorated and delivered with time to spare, and consider gifts with year-round appeal so they don’t lose relevance if they arrive a little late.
Mistake 2: Going Too Generic
A bag of holiday colored M&Ms is fine … if you’re shopping at the grocery store for your neighbor’s Secret Santa. But in the corporate world, overly generic gifts run the risk of feeling impersonal.
How to get it right: Pick branded items that tie back to your company’s personality. For example, a tech company could send out custom wireless chargers or earbuds, while a wellness-focused business might go with yoga mats or insulated water bottles. The more aligned the gift is with your brand values, the more authentic it feels.
Mistake 3: Forgetting About Quality
A flimsy pen that runs dry before the New Year? A blanket that feels more like sandpaper than soft fleece? Low-quality gifts don’t just fall flat — they reflect poorly on your brand.
How to get it right: Prioritize quality over quantity. A single, well-made gift carries more weight than a box full of filler. Think insulated tumblers, cozy apparel or retail-brand backpacks that people will keep and use. Your logo will live on every time they grab that mug, pull on that hoodie or reach for the bag strap.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Personalization
Nothing drains the spirit out of gifting faster than a stack of identical items with no thought behind them. Even if the product is nice, without a touch of personalization, it can feel like a mass-mailer instead of a heartfelt gesture.
How to get it right: Add custom touches where possible. Laser-engraved names, a handwritten card or packaging that reflects your client’s brand colors can go a long way. Small details send a big message: you didn’t just send a gift, you sent a gift made just for them.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Remote/Hybrid Workers
Many businesses now have employees scattered across the map, and forgetting about your remote crew during the holidays is a major misstep. A gift that only shows up in the office lobby is sure to leave some feeling left out.
How to get it right: Choose gifts that can be easily shipped to home addresses and enjoyed anywhere. Compact items like drinkware, desk accessories or snack boxes are perfect for spreading cheer across miles. And if budget allows, let people choose from a curated on-demand store of options so they get something that truly fits their lifestyle.
Wrapping Up
Holiday gifting is about more than checking a box — it’s about building and reinforcing relationships. Avoid these common missteps to ensure people remember your gesture for the right reasons.
By planning ahead, steering clear of generic or low-quality products and adding thoughtful touches, you’ll give gifts that spark genuine connection. And that’s what holiday gifting is really all about: making people feel valued long after the wrapping paper is gone.
For more Festive Finds, explore our website and discover ideas to make this gifting season truly memorable.
Related Articles:
Meaningful merch for the holiday season
Holiday Gifting: 5 trending gift ideas