Where to Get Last-Minute Gifts for Employees

As the holiday season approaches, businesses often find themselves looking for meaningful ways to reward employees and express appreciation for their hard work throughout the year. Gift cards, a versatile and easy-to-purchase option, have become increasingly popular for end-of-year bonuses and employee rewards, helping businesses streamline the process while maintaining a personal touch.

Why Last-Minute Gift Giving Is Common

It’s no surprise that many shoppers buy holiday gifts at the last minute. In fact, recent data reveals that around 41% of consumers wait until December to finalize holiday purchases. For corporate gifts, the trend is similar, as managers often seek efficient yet impactful rewards right up until the holidays. This demand for last-minute options is often driven by uncertainty about what to buy, with gift cards offering an ideal solution due to their flexibility and convenience.

Gift Cards: A Sought-After Corporate Gift

Gift cards have secured a top spot in corporate gifting, with an estimated 51% of businesses utilizing them for employee recognition and rewards programs. The corporate gift card market alone has seen significant growth, valued at $315 billion globally in 2023, with expectations to reach $629 billion by 2031. Companies appreciate gift cards for their ease of distribution and the freedom they provide recipients to choose their own rewards, adding a personalized element that other gifts may lack.

How Recipients Feel About Gift Cards

Concerns about gift cards being too impersonal have largely been debunked by recent studies. A survey conducted by the Incentive Research Foundation found that the majority of employees and consumers view gift cards as a positive and practical gift, especially when they can select from a variety of brands that align with their preferences, as possible with the Engage2Reward™ Choice Card. This appreciation is reflected in high satisfaction rates compared to other forms of corporate gifts, as gift cards provide the flexibility to buy items or experiences the recipient truly values.

Easy Access to Last-Minute Gift Cards

For businesses looking to simplify holiday gifting, online gift card solutions like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform can streamline the ordering process, allowing you to purchase gift cards in bulk without the hassle of in-store shopping. The Engage2Reward Platform offers options for quick, last-minute purchases that arrive on time, making it a smart choice for managers under time constraints. Even when the cut-off date for physical gift card deliveries has passed, digital gift cards can always be sent instantly through the Engage2Reward Platform. And with over 250+ top-brand eGift cards to choose from, there's something for every employee, partner, and client on your corporate gifting list.

Final Thoughts

Gift cards remain a practical, meaningful, and popular gift choice for both companies and employees. Whether you’re rewarding a team or showing individual appreciation, the Engage2Reward Platform offers a fast, convenient way to send gift cards that feel both thoughtful and valuable, tailored with customized messaging and even your brand logo or a thoughtful video. This season, simplify your holiday gift-giving and enjoy the satisfaction of a gift well-received.

By choosing gift cards for last-minute corporate gifting, you’re not only giving your team the freedom to pick something they love but also making the process easier on yourself during one of the busiest times of the year.