Gifts that keep on giving

Corporate gifts have evolved. Move over branded stress balls and coffee mugs, now is the time to be far more meaningful.

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SPREAD THE LOVE

Conscious consumerism – making the money you spend do good, whether through social or eco beneficiation – is a growing trend. Why buy option A if option B is similar but you know your purchase is helping to educate children in a disadvantaged community or supporting the Rainforest Alliance, for example? This includes ‘green’ gifts, where the item is made with sustainability principles in mind. Think reusable water bottles made from glass or steel (no more plastic, please!) or a solar-powered gadget.

Some companies take this a step further, and their gift is exclusively a donation towards a meaningful cause on the recipient’s behalf. This means your giftee won’t receive a physical gift, but they will get flooded with warm and fuzzy feelings. GET PERSONAL

Personalisation is a trend that is here to stay. A thoughtful gift that speaks to someone’s interests and passions is always a win. It demonstrates you pay attention and are willing to take the time to find something they will love. Add some custom elements and you can elevate it even more, such as including an engraved whiskey decanter and tumblers with the 50-year-old bottle of whiskey from an award-winning distillery. Of course, these kinds of gifts cannot easily be done at scale – which is also why they are more likely to be treasured. THE GIFT OF CHOICE

Another option is to let someone choose their own gift, using a gift card. It’s a guaranteed perfect present. Gift cards can be either physical or virtual, which opens countless opportunities including experiential gifts.

South African Tourism has used this gifting model well in the past at tourism trade shows Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba. Hosted buyers were given gift vouchers they could redeem at an on-site sustainability village. As a bonus, the vendors stocked gorgeous products that were all locally sourced and fit the criteria of conscious consumerism.

GIFTING TRENDS

Coresight Research surveyed 300 corporate gift buyers in the US and found that corporate gifting is on the increase. This is in response to the rise in remote and hybrid work, as well as support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and wanting to give year-round recognition.

They also found a trend of corporates giving fewer gifts, but of a higher value.

Coresight estimates the US corporate gift market will increase from US$258 billion (R4.45 trillion) in 2022 to $312 billion (R5.4 trillion) in 2025 (a 6.5% compound annual growth rate over three years).

On shores

Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect venue for anyone wanting to explore Swakopmund in luxury.

Indulge in fine dining like no other and enjoy the delectable flavours of the Strand Hotel Swakopmund Restaurants. Unwind and relax with our tranquil wellness experience in an outstanding spa and wellness facility. Strand is also designed to host meetings, conferences, launches and banquets, big or small, our state-of-the-art business facilities are spread over an area of 440sqm. Boasting with multi-functional spaces which can conform into individual, exclusive or conjoined facilities.

Swakopmund is a great spot to partake in a range of activities from fun and thrilling to calm and relaxing activities.