Timing and Denomination for Holiday Employee & Customer Gifting

The holiday season is a crucial time for businesses to express appreciation to their employees, clients, and partners. In an industry valued at a staggering $242 billion, corporate gifting is not just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic investment. Over 78% of businesses report that corporate gifts offer a substantial ROI, particularly in terms of brand recognition and relationship building . As we approach the holiday season, it’s essential to plan gifting strategies carefully, focusing on the timing and denominations to ensure maximum impact. 

Timing: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late 

The holidays are hectic, and gift-giving deadlines can creep up quickly. Physical gift cards need to be ordered through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform by November 7th if you want them to arrive by ground delivery before Thanksgiving and by December 6th to arrive by ground delivery in time for Christmas.

The Engage2Reward Platform makes the process smooth, but it’s critical to act early to avoid the year-end rush. For those seeking flexibility, digital gift cards provide a fantastic alternative. With digital delivery, you can place your order right up until the night before the occasion—perfect for last-minute gifting. However, waiting until the last minute may mean losing out on the full strategic potential of your gifting initiative. 

Direct delivery through the Engage2Reward Platform allows you to have gift cards sent directly to each recipient, streamlining the process and saving you time. This is especially useful when gifting to clients or remote employees. On the other hand, bulk delivery enables you to receive the gift cards yourself and distribute them personally—ideal for in-office events or if you prefer a more hands-on approach. 

By starting your holiday gifting process early with the Engage2Reward Platform, you can manage logistics more effectively while capitalizing on the emotional impact that well-timed gifts bring. Whether sending a gift to employees, partners, or clients, timely delivery demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration, which are key to building stronger relationships. 

Denomination: Finding the Sweet Spot for Holiday Gifting 

Selecting the right denomination for gift cards is crucial to striking the right balance between appreciation and budget. When determining the appropriate gift card value, consider your relationship with the recipient: 

1. Clients and Partners: For clients and business partners, it’s essential to align the gift with the value of your relationship. According to industry reports, nearly 20% of companies spend over $1000 on client corporate gifts during the holiday season. While that may not be feasible for every business, a thoughtful denomination like $100-$200 can go a long way in showing your appreciation without breaking the bank. 
2. Employees: Your employees work hard all year, and the holidays are the perfect time to show gratitude. Research shows that 68% of employees prefer choosing their own gift, making gift cards the ideal option. Instead of guessing what your team members might want, give them the freedom to choose with the Engage2Reward™ Choice Card. This card allows them to allocate the value to any of over 250 eGift cards from popular brands and redeem through the Engage2Reward Platform. It’s a flexible and thoughtful way to ensure every employee feels valued and appreciated. The wide variety of options also ensures that they’ll find something they truly enjoy, whether it’s a dining experience, entertainment, or a shopping spree at their favorite store. Denominations can vary, but $50-$100 is generally seen as a meaningful amount, especially if the card can be shared with family. In fact, 76% of employees report that they prefer gifts they can share with loved ones, making gift cards a versatile and appreciated choice. 
3. Program Members: For loyalty program members or customers who participate in ongoing engagement initiatives, smaller denominations—ranging from $25-$50—can still make a big impact. The key is that the gift should feel special and tailored to the recipient’s interests. With the Engage2Reward Choice Card, recipients can select from over 250 eGift cards in the Engage2Reward Platform, ensuring that everyone receives something meaningful to them. 

The Rise of Experience-Based Gifting 

One notable trend in the gifting world is the shift toward experience-based gifts. According to Consumer Reports, 60% of people aged 25-34 prefer experiences over tangible gifts. This is especially important to keep in mind when selecting gift cards. Offering a card that allows recipients to choose an experience—whether it’s dining, entertainment, or a travel adventure—can create a lasting memory. The Engage2Reward Platform offers gift cards across a wide range of categories, including experiences, making it easy for recipients to enjoy something truly memorable.  

Explore 2024’s most popular holiday gift card brands to find the perfect experience for your recipient. 

Maximize ROI with the Engage2Reward Platform 

The holiday season is more than just an opportunity to give gifts; it’s a strategic touchpoint that can strengthen relationships and boost engagement. With the Engage2Reward Platform, you can tailor your gifting to meet your organizational goals while ensuring that each gift leaves a lasting positive impression. Offering physical or digital gift cards with flexible denominations ensures that you cater to the preferences of clients, employees, and partners alike. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin planning your holiday gifting strategy. Register your organization today for access to the Engage2Reward Platform, ensuring timely gift delivery and maximizing impact.