How to Choose Sustainable Holiday Gifts for Clients & Teams

This year, use the holiday season as an opportunity to show appreciation for your clients and employees with corporate gifts that have a positive impact. We can help you select sustainable gift options that minimize your environmental footprint and appeal to a broader audience who value sustainability.

This guide provides marketing and event managers with practical steps to choose meaningful and responsible holiday gifts. We’ll talk about how to align gifts with your values, select the right product categories, and package them sustainably.

What Are the Best Corporate Gifts?

The best responsible gifts are those that are useful, durable, and made with sustainable materials. Generally, they’re subtle in branding. Think beyond disposable items and focus on those that people will genuinely use and appreciate. The key is to choose products that tell a positive story, whether they are made from recycled content, support a social cause, or help reduce single-use plastic.

Align your gift choices with your company’s sustainability goals. If your organization focuses on reducing plastic waste, opt for items like reusable water bottles or coffee cups – everyone needs a classic camp cup! If you support local communities, source products from local artisans or our impact suppliers. This mindful approach transforms a simple gift into a meaningful expression of your brand.

How to Choose Sustainable Holiday Gifts for Employees and Clients

Choosing the right gift requires some planning. Follow these steps to create a memorable and responsible holiday gifting program.

Step 1: Define Your Gifting Goals and Budget

Before you start browsing for products, clarify what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to strengthen client relationships, boost employee morale, or promote a new sustainability initiative? Your goals will guide your product choices.

Next, set a realistic budget per person. Remember to include the product, custom branding, sustainable packaging, and shipping costs. Having a clear budget helps narrow your options and ensures your program is financially feasible. High-quality, sustainable gifts don’t necessarily have to cost more, especially when you consider their longevity and impact. If you can hand out gifts to team members at the holiday party or in the office, that will help save on shipping costs.

Step 2: Focus on Practicality and Longevity

The most sustainable gift is one that gets used again and again. Avoid trendy trinkets that will quickly be forgotten or discarded. Ask yourself: Is this item genuinely useful for my audience? Will it make their daily life easier or more enjoyable?

Practical gifts, such as high-quality apparel, bags, or insulated tumblers, are excellent choices. When people integrate your branded promotional products into their daily routines, it creates lasting brand visibility while avoiding waste. Some of the best gifts for the holiday season are kitchen and entertaining-related, think charcuterie boards and aprons.

Step 3: Vet Materials and Production Methods

This is where you can make a significant environmental impact. Look for products made from recycled, renewable, or biodegradable materials.

• Recycled Materials: Items made from rPET (recycled plastic bottles), recycled cotton, or recycled paper give a second life to materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
  
• Renewable Materials: FSC Certified wood, cork, and organic cotton are grown and harvested sustainably, making them excellent choices.
  
• Upcycled Materials: Some innovative products are made by upcycling materials like old banners or textiles into new, unique items.

Inquire about the production process. Are the products made in factories that adhere to fair labor standards? Certifications like B Corp, Fair Trade, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can help you verify a product’s ethical and environmental credentials.

Sustainable Product Categories to Consider

Not sure where to start?  Here are some popular categories of business gift ideas for responsible holiday giving.

For the Office or Home Office

With many people working remotely, items that enhance the home office are always a welcome treat.

• Portable Chargers: Choose chargers crafted from sustainable materials like recycled plastic – a thoughtful choice that prioritizes sustainability.
  
• Notebooks & Pens: Opt for FSC-certified paper notebooks and pens made from recycled plastic or wheat straw – these items are always in demand.
  
• Desktop Organizers: Natural materials like wooden organizers and accessories add a touch of nature to any workspace.

Magnolia Soft Covered Journal | GOMI Translucent Portable Charger | Desk Tune FSC® 100% Wood Headphone Stand

For Everyday On-the-Go

Help your clients and team reduce single-use plastics with stylish and practical reusables.

• Branded Water Bottles & Tumblers: An insulated bottle or coffee cup is a classic promotional item that gets tons of use.
  
• Reusable Totes & Travel Gear: Choose bags made from recycled cotton or rPET for a piece that’s durable and can be used repeatedly.
  
• Re-Usable Lunch Kits & Food Storage: Bamboo or stainless-steel food storage is perfect for people who eat on the go.

W&P Porter Sustainable Impact Ceramic Bundle | Golden Hour 12 Oz. Stainless Steel Mug | Solgaard Carry-On Closest Luggage

For Entertaining

Help your clients and team look their best while entertaining.

• Salad Bowl & Serving Utensils – Beautiful and memorable, every time they’re used, they think of you.
• Wooden Boards – Ideal for serving snacks and crafting stunning charcuterie boards.
• Game Sets – Give the gift of entertainment with interactive games. Think card games or Pickle ball sets!

Solstice Porcelain Bowl and Serving Utensil Set | La Cuisine Charcuterie Board

Don’t Forget Sustainable Packaging and Kitting

Your commitment to sustainability shouldn’t stop with the gift itself. How you package and present your items matters. Avoid plastic shrink wrap, foam inserts, and glossy laminated boxes.

Instead, opt for responsible alternatives:

• Recycled Cardboard Boxes: Use boxes that are the right size for your items to minimize excess material and shipping costs.
• Paper-Based Fillers: Use crinkle paper or kraft paper instead of plastic bubble wrap for cushioning.
• Custom Paper Tape: Seal your boxes with branded, water-activated paper tape for a professional and plastic-free finish.
• Postcard: An affordable addition that enhances the gifting experience. Write a general message thanking the recipient for a great year, or handwrite your own messages.
  

Putting together multiple items into a single gift set, or “kitting,” can create a high-impact presentation. A well-curated kit feels more thoughtful and substantial than a single item. For a detailed guide on creating beautiful, sustainable gift sets, check out our Ultimate Guide to Kitting.

By focusing on practical, well-made items and sustainable packaging, you can create a memorable gifting experience that your clients and employees will truly appreciate.

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