2026 Corporate Gift Trends

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for HR professionals to examine emerging trends for 2026. By analyzing order data on the Celebration platform this year, we’ve identified significant changes in employee preferences. This article will reveal not only the top 5 most popular gifts in 2025, but also our predictions for the trends that will define 2026.

Top 5 Most Popular Gift Categories in 2025

5. High-Tech Kitchen Accessories

In fifth place, high-tech kitchen accessories have won over many employees. Food processors, juicers, and smoothie blenders are just a few examples of items that were popular this year.

Why it works:

•  Useful and durable
• Brings real value to daily life
• Aligns with healthy lifestyle trends

4.Premium Experience Packages

Experience packages take fourth place, with Strom Spa experiences and weekend getaways continuing to appeal to employees. These gifts respond to the growing need for disconnection and quality moments, particularly appreciated in often stressful work environments.

Why it works:

•  Memorable and meaningful
• Can be shared (with partners, friends)
• Promotes mental and emotional well-being

3.Accessories and Jewellery

Third place in our rankings goes to accessories and jewellery. Earrings, watches, and handbags allow employees to express their personality while maintaining a professional appearance.

Why it works:

•  Refined and thoughtful gift
• Elegant and empowering
• Adds a touch of luxury without excess

2. Gifts From Local Businesses

In second place, the local trend is gaining momentum with our cocooning product boxes, Lambert bags, and Mia jewellery experiencing remarkable success. These gifts reflect a growing concern for supporting the local economy, a value particularly important to today’s workforce.

Why it works:

•  Showcases local brands
• Aligns with values of authenticity and proximity
• Creates a strong connection between employee, company, and community

1.Connected Electronic Products

Topping our 2025 rankings, electronic products with Bluetooth connectivity dominated choices. Wireless earbuds, portable speakers, and power banks have become must-haves. This popularity is explained by the evolution of hybrid work and the need for high-performance accessories to accompany employees wherever they work.

Why it works:

• Universal utility
• “Wow” factor when unwrapped
• Perceived as a high-value gift

Employee Gift Trends Forecast for 2026

1.     Supporting Local Businesses

The uncertain political context, marked by geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies, is pushing companies and employees toward increased appreciation of local products. This trend, already begun in 2025, will intensify in 2026 with growing demand for gifts that support the regional economy and reduce dependence on international supply chains.

What will be popular in 2026:

• Gift baskets composed exclusively of local artisans
• Terroir food products with complete traceability
• Collaborations with regional creators and businesses

2. Intergenerational Personalization

Gift personalization is an important element we often address at Altrum. It’s essential for companies to offer gifts to their employees that adapt to their personal preferences, at the risk of disappointing them. This year adds intergenerational differences to this consideration. With Generation Z entering the job market, companies will need to evolve to address the marked generational differences within teams. Companies will need to adapt their gift strategies according to the distinct values and preferences of Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

Approaches by generation:

• Gen Z: Sustainable, ethical gifts with measurable social impact
• Millennials: Personalized experiences, wellness technologies
• Gen X: Quality practical products, work-life balance
• Baby Boomers: Traditional crafts, collectible items

Warning: Be careful not to rely on generational stereotypes. The best way to know what will please someone is to ask them directly, through a survey for example, or to offer them choice. Everyone remains unique, regardless of their generation, and their personal preferences may differ from general trends observed.

3.  Mental Health and Well-being Gifts

With mental health issues becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace, companies should offer gifts to their employees to actively support their psychological well-being, help them better manage stress and anxiety, and promote healthy mental balance.

2026 wellness gift ideas:

•  Smartwatches with stress and meditation tracking
• Subscriptions to personalized mindfulness apps
• Relaxing experiences to unwind, such as spa visits or weekend getaways
• Light therapy devices to combat seasonal depression

4. Eco-responsible and Sustainable Gifts

With environmental responsibility at the heart of many companies’ CSR initiatives, eco-responsible gifts will continue to be popular in 2026. This trend responds to employees’ increased environmental awareness and organizations’ sustainable development goals.

Expected innovations:

• Sustainable clothing: designed from recycled or eco-responsible materials like organic cotton or post-consumer polyester. Perfect for onboarding gifts
• Reusable accessories: bamboo utensils, stainless steel straws, reusable bags made from recycled materials. An ideal choice for branded gifts
• Virtual experiences: digital gift cards, online subscriptions, training or events accessible remotely. A quick, eco-responsible, and customizable solution
• Zero-waste packaging: compostable, reusable packaging or made from recycled materials to reduce the gift’s environmental footprint

5. Immersive and Memorable Experiences

The importance of standing out by offering activities and experiences that leave lasting memories will continue to grow in 2026. Companies will favour experiential gifts that create strong emotional connections and strengthen employee engagement.

Types of trending experiences:

• Immersive culinary experiences: cooking classes, tastings, gourmet dinners, microbrewery or distillery tours
• Personalized outdoor adventures: kayaking escapes, boat tours, zip-lining, guided hiking, climbing, glamping
• High-end relaxation getaways: hotel stays, access to Nordic spas, massage treatments, wellness retreats
• Inspiring cultural experiences: show tickets, sporting events, museum visits, art galleries

The year 2026 promises to be a period of transformation for corporate gift strategies. HR professionals will need to navigate between geopolitical concerns, diverse intergenerational needs, mental health urgency, and environmental imperatives. Companies that can adapt their approach by integrating these trends will create more meaningful and impactful recognition programmes for their teams.

The key to success will lie in the ability to personalize the approach while maintaining consistency with corporate values and current societal issues.