They say that the way to people's hearts is through their stomachs. There are also plenty of employees who value food the most as an incentive to complete difficult tasks. So, it makes sense to lean into that when creating the best food-based corporate gifts for employees and clients.
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Food-based gifts and gift certificates give them something indulgent they can enjoy over time. The question is, what style of food-based corporate gift should you go for?
The answer may vary depending on the holiday or other purpose for the gift. So, here are some of the more popular options of food-based corporate gifts to consider.
5 Of The Best Food-themed Corporate Gifts
1) Hampers with sweet treats
You can't go too wrong with these gift boxes for sweet treats, as long as the recipient doesn't have a serious allergy or is diabetic. There are so many different options for these gifts that there is something to suit all needs.
You can find low-calorie versions, companies that don't work with nuts in any form, and those that use coconut and oat milk chocolate instead of dairy. A box of cookies is a great starting point because recipients can either take them home for the family or share them in the office.
You can have the cookies iced with messages or holiday-specific images. You can get really creative and thoughtful with this option too.
For example, if you have a client originally from Europe or the UK, you can add candy and chocolate that reminds them of home. A small box of French macarons or English pick-and-mix sweets may go down better than a box of standard American donuts or muffins.
2) Fruit baskets and arrangements
Sweet treats are fun but not the healthiest option in the world. So, you might prefer the option of a fruit basket or other healthy edible arrangement. These beautiful baskets can be as simple or diverse as you choose.
One way to make a good impression with green-minded clients is to work with local suppliers and in-season produce. This can lead to some more unusual baskets with fruit and vegetables.
For example, why send out tropical fruits from other countries in the fall when your region has so many great berries and gourds? Think about the client and what they would appreciate the most.
There is an alternative option to meet in the middle with chocolate-covered fruit. These displays can look amazing and bring teams together, making them perfect as gifts for your own department, rather than a client. Just be aware they have a short lifespan, and it is first-come-first-served.
3) Hampers for cheese or charcuterie boards
There are also many great food hampers for savory treats over the holidays. Cheeseboards are a big hit because they offer an indulgent way to taste new produce in a social environment.
You can find baskets with cheeses that are local to the area or work with companies that specialize in something unusual. This could include vegan cheeses and blends with interesting local ingredients. From there, you can consider adding crackers and preserves to enhance the culinary experience.
This could go as far as bringing in deli meats for charcuterie boards. However, you have to be careful not to go over the top and risk ruining the budget. That is where gift certificates for local suppliers or food subscription services may work better.
4) Something to celebrate regional cuisine
This one can be fun if your company specializes in services or products from specific regions. Find a local company that provides gift baskets with local treats that celebrate the area.
For example, if you're proud to be based in the heart of NYC and have clients a little further out in upstate areas, you can send them a taste of the best New York cookies, cheesecakes, and other treats.
Or, if you are all about the Texan lifestyle and looking to connect with suppliers in other states, a little BBQ-themed gift basket for the summer could be perfect. These niche food-themed gifts are also great if you are a company with roots in another country.
You can add snacks or baked goods that are typical of that area but not that common in the USA. This will make the gift even more personal and unique compared to other companies.
5) Holiday meats
Finally, there's the option to give employees holiday meats. There is something special about this one, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Remember when Scrooge saw the error of his ways and gifted a massive goose to the Crachett family?
You can show your support to families during the holiday season by giving them the chance to have a turkey on the table. Too many families still rely on food drives in communities to make holiday meals special.
Gift certificates for a whole turkey from a participating store make things so much easier. It doesn't cost much for the company to set up these certificates in everyone's names and spread a little holiday joy.
The only downside here is that not all of your employees will appreciate this gift or the purpose behind it. You can't assume that they all eat meat or celebrate Christmas.
That's why it is important to work with companies that provide other options than just turkey coupons. Look for those who can offer gift certificates for vegetable platters to help with food costs in other ways.
The Best Food-based Corporate Gifts For Your Company
This is just an introduction to some of the different themes that are out there for corporate food gifts. With so many companies out there offering physical baskets, subscriptions, and gift certificates, the choices are endless.
You can go down a more traditional route with the hampers and baked goods, making sure to pay attention to those dietary restrictions, or you can find something more unique.
Remember, there are plenty of gift providers ready to customize orders and add some personalization, so you can create something special. Also, don't be afraid to listen to feedback about the style of the gifts and the quality of the produce. After all, you'll want to do as good or better when the next holiday comes around.
