Corporate food gifts are the most popular category of business gifts. Each year millions of soon-to-be dieters stand around the company break area munching all manner of sweets, nuts and popcorn provided by companies just like yours. Popular for good reason, gifts of sweets and edible treats are great for businesses and group gifts because they’re easy to share and everyone loves to eat!
If you’ve ever been placed in charge of food gift purchases for your company, you’ll know that there’s a staggering array of items to choose from. While all the normal gift giving decisions apply to food (see this post for business gift giving tips), there are some additional considerations with food that are worth mentioning.
Where can you purchase food gifts?
There are any number of places to obtain edible gifts ranging from your own kitchen to large retailers. For many years, my staff and I made homemade gifts and combined them into baskets to send to suppliers. It was fun for us and meaningful for them, but if you don’t have a bunch of baker-employees or you aren’t interested in the extra hassle that involves, there are a ton of other options. Purchase and create gifts from your local markets, bakeries or candy stores. Or, use a big name online gift retailer. Or, instead of sending employees to a local retail store or having them spend hours looking online, here’s a fairly self-serving suggestion…let the company who provides your promotional products supply them for you. Many times we can offer fulfillment services as well.
Should you buy name brand food items or not?
While there are advantages to name brand items such as their quality association with your brand, there are reasons to consider not going for name brand items as well. Your message gets top billing when you purchase something that doesn’t include the heavily marketed branding of many name brands. In addition, you may be able to stretch your budget by avoiding name brand items, while still providing a quality gift.
What about freshness?
Be aware that freshness matters with certain types of foods. Many edible gifts sold by mail order and retail giants are packaged many months in advance. Purchasing locally and creating gifts yourself can be a fresher option. We also offer many items freshly packed just before shipping.
Do you need gifts mailed directly to recipients?
Saving yourself as much work and time as possible at the holidays can mean the difference between sanity and, well, insanity. Many food gifts (purchased many different places) can be shipped directly to your list of recipients at no extra (or minimal) charge.
What’s included in the packaging?
Be aware that many companies may include their own promotional literature and/or catalogs in edible gift shipments.
Are you looking for something custom?
Many promotional products distributors and independent marketing companies can custom create a food gift to your specifications. If you want something you can’t find…just ask!
Is there a downside to edible gifts?
Yes, there are a few drawbacks to consider. First, being the most popular gift category can be a negative–there’s a lot of gift-eating going on in December and if you want your gift to stand out, check out the last question below. In addition, because of their nature, edible gifts are consumed and gone. There’s little left behind but crumbs and a (hopefully) happy tummy. If you want your gift and message to stay around longer, consider a gift set that includes something lasting, like a wine tote containing a bottle of wine or a cheese and sausage gift packaged with a branded cutting board.
How can you make your gift stand out?
Companies are often inundated with gifts of food for the holidays. Not only are you competing for valuable counter and memory space with other gift-givers…but with employees sharing goodies with each other as well. How can you compete? Here are a few suggestions to make your items stand out:
- Deliver the gift personally and share it with recipients at a business meeting.
- Make sure your gift is absolutely delicious.
- Include a hand-written note.
- Have your gift delivered before or after the typical holiday rush. Consider a New Year’s gift.
- Give something a bit unusual.
In closing, corporate food gifts are popular for a reason, so go ahead and make your recipients taste buds happy after considering all the ways listed above to make your corporate gift giving smarter. And if you’re looking for product ideas, come back tomorrow for another video episode: Client Appreciation Ideas – Edible Gifts.
