2025 Corporate Gift Trends

As summer draws to a close and autumn takes hold, it’s the perfect time for HR professionals to embark on the search for the ideal end-of-the-year gift. But where should you begin? To assist you in discovering a standout gift that everyone will appreciate, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular items ordered through the Celebration platform this year. This article will offer you inspiring ideas for your future gifts—whether for the holidays or your recognition program—and provide insights into upcoming trends. With this information, you can refine your recognition initiatives and select gifts that will resonate with your employees.

Top 5 Most Popular Gift Categories in 2024

5. Camping Gear

In 5th place this year are camping gear. Tents, sleeping bags, and hiking equipment have become particularly popular among recipients. This trend reflects your employees’ desire to disconnect from their busy, connected lives and embrace the great outdoors.

4. Electronic Items

As in previous years, electronic items remained highly popular. This year, however, there was a notable preference for Bluetooth speakers, which outpaced all other electronic products in terms of orders. Their portability and superior sound quality make them appealing for enhancing workspaces or enjoying moments of relaxation.

3. Small Kitchen Appliances

In third place are small appliances such as Air Fryers and electric mixers. These appliances, which combine health and practicality, have become must-haves in modern kitchens. Their frequent use makes them gifts that combine functionality and pleasure, even though they are part of everyday responsibilities.

2. Hotel or Inn Getaways

Hotel stays have become increasingly popular as gifts, catering to the universal desire for escape and relaxation. These experiences offer recipients a chance to recharge and create lasting memories, whether it’s an indulgent night in a city’s vibrant heart or a tranquil weekend at a quaint countryside inn.

1. Gastronomic Experiences

Finally, at the top of our list are gastronomic experiences. From cooking classes and wine tastings to gift certificates for restaurants, these gifts offer employees the opportunity to experience memorable, tasty moments in the company of loved ones. These experiences not only enrich their daily lives but also create precious memories.

Employee Gift Trends Forecast for 2025

1.     Supporting Local Businesses

A recent PRNewswire press release reveals a significant shift in gift preferences: 62% of employees value gifts from local companies. This trend is already influencing the market. For instance, Altrum has been actively expanding its range of Quebec-made products in its Celebration boutiques, partnering with local brands such as Lambert, Kaseme, and Mia Bijoux. In just a few months, Altrum has witnessed a substantial increase in demand for these locally sourced items. This trend is expected to gain momentum as we enter the new year, reflecting consumers’ growing desire to support local economies.

2.     Experiential Gifts

Unique experiences continue to captivate recipients’ hearts, solidifying their place at the forefront of gift-giving trends this year. From creative workshops and personal development courses to exhilarating outdoor adventures and weekend getaways, these gifts offer more than just momentary pleasure—they create lasting, meaningful memories.

However, when selecting experiential gifts for employees, it’s crucial to consider individual preferences. An ill-matched activity may fall flat, potentially undermining the positive impact you’re striving to achieve for your company. To maximize appreciation and leave a lasting impression, you should aim to offer a variety of experiences that appeal to a wide range of interests. This personalized approach ensures that each recipient finds something that truly resonates with them, elevating their satisfaction and strengthening the effectiveness of your overall gifting strategy.

3.     Gifts Aligned with Corporate Values

In the evolving landscape of corporate gifting, presents that embody a company’s core values and culture are gaining importance. These thoughtfully curated gifts, ranging from contributions to hand-picked charities to products that exemplify the company’s mission, serve a dual purpose. They fortify employees’ sense of belonging and reinforce the organization’s image. For instance, a company with a strong environmental commitment might opt for eco-friendly or ethically sourced gifts, tangibly demonstrating its dedication to sustainability. This strategic approach to gift-giving transforms a simple gesture into a powerful tool for internal cohesion and external brand reinforcement, effectively aligning employee appreciation with corporate objectives.

4. Eco-responsible Gifts

Speaking of eco-responsible gifts, these will continue to be a trend in 2025. As we know, this type of gift is popular with generations Y and Z, who now represent a significant proportion of the workforce. Sensitive to environmental issues, these generations prefer companies aligned with their values. It therefore becomes essential for companies to adapt by offering a range of gifts that not only reflect their commitment to sustainability but also reinforce their connection with a workforce that is increasingly concerned about ecological impact.

5. Non-traditional Corporate Gifts

If you’re thinking of offering gifts that reflect your company’s brand, it’s essential to go beyond conventional promotional items like branded sweaters, coffee mugs, or pens.  A survey conducted by Tremendous revealed that only 2% of employees appreciate these types of products as holiday or recognition gifts. While these traditional promotional items have their place in specific contexts, they shouldn’t be the default choice for meaningful gifting.

However, we know how important it is for employers to give gifts that embody their brand – it helps reinforce their identity and create a stronger emotional bond with employees.  Fortunately, there’s a solution that can help organizations achieve both employee satisfaction and brand alignment: personalizing the gifts chosen by your people. By personalizing coveted items, such as cutting-edge tech accessories, premium kitchenware, or curated experiential gift boxes, companies can achieve a powerful synergy of utility, employee satisfaction and branding.

The future of corporate gifting lies in thoughtful, personalized items that employees genuinely want and will use, seamlessly integrated with subtle brand elements. This strategy elevates the gift from a mere promotional tool to a cherished possession, effectively blending practicality with brand affinity.

As you prepare for year-end celebrations, it’s crucial to select gifts that truly resonate with your employees. Current trends highlight a growing preference for unique experiences, local and eco-friendly products, and personalized gifts that reflect both your company’s identity and your employees’ individual tastes. By integrating these elements into your recognition strategy, you’ll not only express genuine appreciation but also strengthen connections with your team. Thoughtful gift choices create lasting memories and foster a culture of engagement that benefits everyone. Make this holiday season unforgettable by honouring the value your employees bring to your organization.