Corporate Gifting: 4 Unexpected Trends We're Loving Right Now

At Marigold & Grey, we've always believed that gifting is about so much more than the gift itself. It’s about connection and relationships. In today’s business landscape, that philosophy is more relevant than ever. We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how companies approach corporate gifting: less transactional, more personal. From celebrating life’s milestones to making things right when they go wrong, organizations are leaning into gifting as a way to build authentic relationships with their employees and clients alike.

Gone are the days when corporate gifts were reserved solely for holidays or year-end thank-yous. Instead, we’re seeing thoughtful, unexpected moments of appreciation pop up all year long.

From unique ways to celebrate life's big moments, to client and customer apology gifts, to non-holiday appreciation gifts to last-minute corporate event gifts, here are four exciting trends shaping the future of corporate gifting and keeping team M&G in our design studio inspired.

Celebrating Life Moments: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day & New Babies

Today’s workplaces feel more like extended families and we’re seeing companies embrace that sentiment in the most heartwarming ways. More clients are requesting gifts to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and especially new baby arrivals within their teams.

Whether it's a curated gift box to welcome a new baby or a meaningful gesture for working parents, these gifts reflect a company culture that values its people beyond their job titles.

From ready-to-ship curated gift sets, to semi-custom branded gifts for new parents, to completely custom gift sets to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day, our team is ready to provide thoughtful gifting solutions to help you celebrate milestones with your team and employees.

Here are a few ways our clients are embracing this business gifting trend...

Making It Right: Client Apology Gifts

Mistakes happen. But the way a company handles them can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in corporate apology gifts that are sincere, tangible gestures designed to repair and rebuild trust.

When done thoughtfully, these gifts show clients that their relationship matters and that their experience is taken seriously. It’s a powerful way to turn a less-than-perfect moment into a memorable one.

Sending our signature 'You're the Best' gift set is one of our favorite ways for businesses to embrace the art of the apology...

Employee Appreciation Beyond the Holidays

Why wait for the holidays to say thank you? More companies are surprising their teams with personalized appreciation gifts during unexpected times, especially in the summer months. Just like we used to get excited for summer break as kids, companies are using custom gifting in the summer to boost team morale and acknowledge employee dedication.

Whether it's a summer-themed gift box to celebrate a job well done or a wellness-inspired pick-me-up during a busy quarter, these “off-season” gestures tend to leave a lasting impression. They're unexpected, deeply personal, and often more impactful than the typical December desk drop.

Here are two different ways that we helped companies kick off the summer on a festive note, first with a pool party theme gift box complete with a paddle ball set, and a beach party themed gift packed in a Polar box brand cooler...

Thoughtful, Last-Minute Event Gifts

From corporate retreats to incentive trips and executive off-site meetings, we’re seeing a growing demand for last-minute, but still highly thoughtful, event gifting. Welcome gifts tailored to the location, occasion, or guest list can transform a standard business gathering into a memorable experience. And yes, even with a quick turnaround, we’re up to the task. We actually love the creative challenge!

Our new ‘Warm Welcome’ gift tote bags are perfect for last-minute corporate meetings and conferences. Everyone loves a tote and these are filled with the perfect blend of sweet and salty treats along with an amenity kit of essentials that will be welcome in any destination.

The world of corporate gifting is evolving in all the right ways. It's becoming less about checking a box and more about creating moments of genuine connection. Whether it’s a “congratulations,” a “we’re sorry,” or a simple “thank you,” we’re honored to help our clients tell their stories and strengthen their relationships, one beautifully packaged gift at a time.

Ready to elevate your corporate gifting strategy? Let’s create something meaningful together. Contact our gift design team today to get started.

Happy corporate gifting!

3 WAYS TO DO GIFTING WITH MARIGOLD & GREY

When it comes to corporate gifting, gifts for your business, or gifts for your company's employees, clients, or events, there are three unique ways to gift with Marigold & Grey.

#1: Custom Gift Design Service

If you're interested in elevated branded gifts for your company for employee appreciation, holiday or any corporate event in between, please get in touch with us to ask about our custom corporate gift design services. We'd love to work with you or your team to create something that reflects your company's brand with limitless options for customization to include branding the packaging, gift contents, printed collateral, and more. 

#2: Add-Your-Own-Logo Program (i.e. Semi-Custom Gifts)

In addition to custom gift design, we also offer a thoughtful semi-custom gift design program with low order minimums and your company's logo and brand on each gift you send. Our Add-Your-Own-Logo Program is perfect for businesses that want to send company branded gifts either all at once for an event or particular marketing campaign OR throughout the year, on demand as you need them, for special occasions like employee appreciation, birthdays, client thank-you gifts, and more.

#3: Ready-to-Ship Collection in our Online Shop

For curated gift sets and themed gift baskets that are easy to send for any occasion in life or work, don't forget to shop our curated collection of ready-to-ship gift boxes with quick turnarounds and no order minimums. These ship out within 1-3 business days; rush next-day shipping is also available at checkout.

Images: Lissa Ryan Photography