Why Do Corporates Keep Giving the Same Old Gifts?

By Avinash Deshmukh, Chief Joy Officer (CJO)

Why Do Corporates Keep Giving the Same Old Gifts?

Year after year, companies return to the same uninspired list of corporate gifts—water bottles, pens, tote bags, and T-shirts. Why?

The reasons are surprisingly common.

For starters, many organizations view gifting as a routine task rather than a meaningful gesture. In the rush to tick off a box on their to-do list, they opt for “safe” and generic choices that are easy to source in bulk.

Then there’s the fear of experimenting. What if an unconventional gift doesn’t land well? Sticking to generic items like mugs or notebooks feels like a low-risk move. But in playing it safe, companies risk missing the point entirely. Gifting should reflect the individuality and value of the recipient, not just the convenience of the giver.

Budget constraints often get blamed too, but the truth is, thoughtful gifting isn’t necessarily about spending more—it’s about spending smartly. A well-chosen, meaningful gift can cost less than a bulk order of branded swag and still leave a far greater impact.

Finally, there’s the one-size-fits-all mentality.

In diverse workplaces, particularly where women make up a significant part of the workforce, this approach fails to acknowledge individuality. A branded T-shirt might suit one person, but it’s unlikely to make everyone feel appreciated. The result? Gifts that say, “We didn’t really think about you.”

The Impact of Boring, Thoughtless Gifts

When a corporate gift fails to connect, it leaves more than just a bland impression—it creates a ripple effect of missed opportunities and unintended consequences. Employees may smile politely when handed a generic gift, but their internal reaction often tells a different story.

For many, these uninspired items feel like a checkbox exercise, a hollow gesture that says, “Here’s something for everyone, because we didn’t have the time to think about what you might actually like.”

This lack of thoughtfulness can lead to subtle but damaging consequences. Employees who receive such gifts may feel undervalued or unrecognized. It’s not about wanting luxury—it’s about wanting acknowledgment.

For example, a woman juggling work deadlines and family responsibilities might see a generic water bottle as a dismissal of her unique contributions. It’s not personal, and that’s the problem.

On a larger scale, uninspired gifting can erode company culture. Gifts are meant to show appreciation and foster connection. When they fail to do that, they miss an opportunity to reinforce loyalty, boost morale, and make employees feel like they’re part of something meaningful.

Worse still, unwanted gifts often go straight to the landfill, contributing to environmental waste and leaving employees wondering if the company’s values truly align with its actions.

Imagine If Gifting Was Thoughtful

Now, picture a different scenario.

It’s Employee Appreciation Day again, but this time, the experience feels different. Priya receives a beautifully curated gift box with her name embossed on the lid. Inside, there’s a sleek planner to help her organize her busy schedule, a scented candle to encourage moments of calm, and a personalized thank-you note from her manager. The message is clear: We value your hard work and everything you bring to this team.

Across the room, Rahul opens a similar gift, but his box contains items tailored to his hobbies—perhaps a premium coffee blend for his love of brewing or a set of high-quality pens he can use for sketching. Both Priya and Rahul feel genuinely appreciated because their gifts reflect thought and effort.

Thoughtful gifting isn’t just about the items—it’s about the message behind them. A personalized gift says, “We see you. We know you. We appreciate you.” It transforms a routine gesture into a meaningful experience, creating a lasting memory instead of a fleeting smile.

Imagine the impact this could have on company culture. Employees who feel seen and valued are more motivated, more engaged, and more loyal. They’re also more likely to share their positive experiences with others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the company’s reputation as a caring and thoughtful organization.

Make gifts thoughtful with Inaaya Gifts.

Career Catalyst Collection
Eternal Bonding Favors
Cherished Favours

What Thoughtless Gifting Says About Leadership

The gifts a company chooses to give reveal more than just its gifting strategy—they reveal its leadership mindset. Thoughtless, generic gifts often signal a disconnect between leadership and employees. When leaders approve uninspired gifting, it can inadvertently communicate, “We don’t know you well enough to pick something meaningful.”

Consider this: a high-performing team member receives the same branded notebook as everyone else, even though she’s expressed her passion for wellness and mindfulness in workplace discussions. The lack of alignment between the gift and her interests makes it clear that no one really listened. Leadership might intend to express gratitude, but the execution sends a message of indifference.

On the flip side, thoughtful gifts reflect a leader’s commitment to understanding and valuing their people. When leadership takes the time to personalize gifts or selects items that resonate with the company’s culture and values, it reinforces trust and builds stronger relationships. It shows that leaders are attuned to their employees’ individuality and genuinely care about their contributions.

This distinction is critical, especially for women in the workforce, who often face unique challenges and juggle multiple roles. A gift that recognizes these efforts is more than just a gesture—it’s a powerful statement of acknowledgment and support from leadership.

Shifting From Generic to Meaningful

It’s time for a paradigm shift in corporate gifting. Generic, mass-produced items are no longer enough to make employees feel appreciated, especially in today’s workplaces where individuality and inclusion are paramount. So, how can companies pivot toward meaningful gifting?

  1. Personalization is Key: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in diverse teams. Personalized gifts—like a custom planner with the recipient’s name or a curated wellness box aligned with their interests—go a long way in showing genuine care.
  2. Align With Values: Thoughtful gifting should reflect a company’s values. For example, eco-friendly gifts like reusable bamboo cutlery or sustainably sourced stationery demonstrate a commitment to sustainability while reducing waste.
  3. Celebrate Identity: Gifts that acknowledge personal achievements or unique traits make employees feel seen. Collections like Inaaya Gifts’ Career Catalyst Collection or Leadership Essentials Ensemble celebrate ambition and leadership, inspiring women to grow and thrive.
  4. Offer Experiences, Not Just Things: Physical items are wonderful, but experiences can leave an even greater impact. A subscription to a mindfulness app, a virtual wellness session, or even an extra day off as a “wellness gift” can resonate more deeply than another branded notebook.
  5. Create a Story: Gifts with meaning tell a story. For example, a box that includes a thank-you note sharing specific contributions or milestones adds an emotional layer that transforms a gift into a memory.

By embracing these strategies, companies can ensure their gifting goes beyond functionality, creating a lasting connection and fostering a culture of genuine appreciation.

What Does Your Gifting Say About You?

Corporate gifts are more than just objects—they’re messages. Every notebook, tote bag, or water bottle carries an unspoken sentiment. The question is, what message are you sending? Are you saying, “We value and see you as an individual”? Or are you unintentionally communicating, “We didn’t really think about you”?

Thoughtful gifting is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, inspire loyalty, and build a positive workplace culture. It’s a chance to celebrate employees as individuals, recognizing their unique contributions and needs. For women in the workforce, who often balance professional demands with personal responsibilities, a meaningful gift can say, We acknowledge your journey, and we appreciate you.

As leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers, it’s time to rethink the role of corporate gifting. Move away from the routine and embrace the meaningful. Thoughtful, personalized, and value-driven gifts don’t just make employees feel appreciated—they create lasting connections that resonate far beyond the moment of unwrapping.

So, the next time you’re planning corporate gifts, pause and ask yourself: Does this gift show that we truly care? Does it reflect our culture, values, and the individual receiving it? Because in the end, the best gifts aren’t just functional—they’re thoughtful, meaningful, and memorable.

Enjoyed our gifting ideas?