Why Less Might Actually Mean More in Corporate Gifting?
By Avinash Deshmukh, Chief Joy Officer (CJO)

Big, lavish gifts… They’re hard to ignore, right? A glossy, oversized basket arrives, practically begging for attention with its bows and ribbons, its promise of indulgence. At first glance, it feels exciting—like a treasure chest waiting to be explored. But then you start unpacking. The pen’s not quite your type. The chocolates? Fine, but forgettable. And the water bottle or mug? Not something you’d reach for often.
Here’s the thing about grand gestures—they can sometimes feel like they’re trying too hard. There’s so much stuff that the meaning gets lost in the clutter. Instead of feeling thoughtful or personal, the gift feels like it’s shouting, Look how much I gave you! Quantity over quality. Flash over substance.
And that’s the real problem. When a gift comes across as generic, no matter how extravagant, it can feel… hollow. Like it was meant to check a box instead of actually connect. It might even leave you wondering, Did they really think about me at all?
But here’s a little secret: sometimes, less is more. A single, well-chosen gift that speaks to the recipient—like a whisper instead of a shout—can mean infinitely more than a basket stuffed to the brim. It’s not about how big the gift is. It’s about how big it makes the recipient feel.
When you give too much, the message can get buried (or worse, lost entirely). What should have felt personal ends up feeling… obligatory. And that’s a shame, isn’t it? Because the whole point of gifting—true gifting—isn’t just to give. It’s to connect.
The Dilemma of Excess
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the oversized gift baskets. You know the ones. The ones so stuffed with goodies they barely fit in the box. It’s tempting to go big, to throw in all sorts of treats and trinkets, thinking it’ll impress. But does it?
The truth is, it often doesn’t. Sure, the first impression is shiny, exciting. You tear off the wrapping, eager to see what’s inside. But then, as you sift through the pile, something starts to feel a little off.
The problem isn’t just about personal taste—it’s about connection. When a gift feels more like a random assortment of items rather than a carefully chosen gesture, it can fall flat. Instead of creating a moment of joy or gratitude, it creates clutter. And let’s be honest: clutter doesn’t spark connection.
And then there’s the overwhelming nature of it all. Too much of anything—no matter how good—can start to feel like noise. The excitement fizzles out as quickly as it arrived. What could have been a thoughtful, memorable gesture becomes a fleeting moment, quickly forgotten.
Why Simplicity Wins Every Time
Simplicity is underrated in gifting, but it’s also the secret ingredient to making your gifts unforgettable. Think about it: have you ever received a gift that was so perfectly chosen, so aligned with your personality or needs, that it instantly brought a smile to your face? That’s the magic of simplicity done right.
When a gift is simple, it doesn’t mean it lacks impact. On the contrary, simplicity allows the thought behind the gift to shine. It’s not competing with ten other items in a box or trying to scream for attention with flashy packaging. It’s quiet, confident, and meaningful. And isn’t that exactly what a great gift should be?
Take, for example, a beautifully crafted notebook for someone who loves journaling. Or a single, high-quality pen for a colleague who values the art of writing. These gifts aren’t loud or over-the-top, but they speak volumes about how well you know the recipient.
Simplicity also allows for a deeper connection. It shows that the giver took the time to think about what truly matters, rather than trying to impress with quantity. It’s the difference between handing someone a heartfelt note with a single thoughtful present versus tossing them a generic gift card.
The Power of Thoughtful Choices
Let’s dig a little deeper into the idea of thoughtful gifting. At its core, thoughtful gifting is about understanding the person you’re giving to. It’s about stepping into their shoes and asking yourself, What would they love? What would bring them joy or make their day just a little brighter?
This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how often it gets overlooked. In the rush to find “the perfect gift,” it’s easy to get caught up in trends or default to safe, generic options. But a truly thoughtful gift doesn’t follow a formula. It’s personal, intentional, and unique to the recipient.
For example, if you know someone loves journaling, a beautifully crafted notebook paired with a high-quality pen might be the perfect gift. If they’re into self-care, a luxurious hand cream or a calming scented candle could be just the thing. The key is to focus on them, not on what looks impressive on the surface.
Personalization: The Heart of Meaningful Gifting
Here’s the thing about personalization: it transforms a good gift into an unforgettable one. It’s the difference between saying, “I got you a gift” and “I got you this because I know how much you’ll love it.”
Personalization doesn’t have to mean monograms or custom engravings (though those can be lovely touches). It can be as simple as tailoring the gift to the recipient’s interests, preferences, or needs. It’s about saying, “I see you, and I appreciate you,” in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.
When you give a personalized gift, you’re not just giving an item—you’re giving a message. You’re saying, “You matter to me. I value you, and I’ve taken the time to think about what would make you happy.” And that’s a message that never goes out of style.
For example, a customized wellness kit with their favorite scented candles, herbal teas, and a note that says, “Take time for yourself—you deserve it,” can create a lasting impression. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and speaks directly to the recipient’s needs.
Small Gestures, Big Meaning
Sometimes, the smallest gestures have the biggest impact. It’s not about how much you spend or how extravagant the gift is—it’s about the thought and care behind it. A handwritten note, a single beautiful item, or even just the way you present the gift can make all the difference.
In fact, research shows that people value thoughtful gestures over expensive ones. Why? Because thoughtful gifts create a sense of connection. They show that you care enough to put time and effort into understanding what matters to the recipient. And that’s a gift in itself.
Think about it: a small potted plant for someone who loves gardening, a book by their favorite author, or even a playlist of songs that remind you of them—these gestures might be simple, but they’re incredibly meaningful. They say, “I see you. I know you. And I value our connection.”
Rethinking Corporate Gifting
This approach is especially important in the world of corporate gifting. Gone are the days when generic gift baskets were the norm. Today, companies are realizing that the best gifts are the ones that create meaningful connections with employees, clients, and partners.
A well-chosen corporate gift can do more than just check a box—it can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and leave a lasting impression. But to do that, it has to be thoughtful. It has to show that you value the recipient as a person, not just as a number on a list.
For example, instead of sending out the same box of chocolates to every client, consider something tailored to their interests. A tech-savvy partner might appreciate a sleek gadget organizer, while a team leader might cherish a personalized notebook to jot down their ideas. It’s these small touches that make a big difference.
Conclusion: The Beauty of Less
At the end of the day, gifting is about connection. It’s about showing someone that they matter to you, that you’ve taken the time to think about what would make them feel appreciated and valued. And sometimes, the best way to do that isn’t with a big, flashy gesture—it’s with a simple, thoughtful one.
So, the next time you’re choosing a gift, remember: less really can mean more. Focus on quality, thoughtfulness, and connection. Because in the end, it’s not about the size of the gift—it’s about the size of the impact it leaves behind.
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