Professional gift boxes are one way to build your brand identity and relationships with clients, partners, and employees. Hence, it is imperative to understand how to curate them to ensure the satisfaction of your target recipients.  

Here are some helpful guidelines when curating gift boxes in the Philippines. 

Understand Your Recipient 

The first step is getting to know your recipient. Different people have different preferences and cultural backgrounds. Hence, understanding them shows that you take care of your people.  

Moreover, understanding your recipients will ensure that your gift boxes resonate with them on a personal level. You can do this by checking the following details: 

• Professional background 

• Roles within the company 

• Hobbies and passion 

Learning about cultural differences is extremely important to avoid disrespecting their personal values, especially when designing gift sets for international clients. 

Consider Timing and Occasion 

The second important consideration is time. Professional gift boxes will feel more memorable if given on the right occasion. Some notable events for handing gift boxes in the Philippines include: 

• Holidays 

• Company anniversaries 

• Professional milestones or completion of huge projects 

The timing and occasion will also determine the type of gift to give. Smaller tokens are more appropriate for small project completions. At the same time, a more expensive or substantial gift is best for long-term clients or bigger accomplishments. 

Maintain Professionalism 

Corporate gifts represent your company. Hence, it is important to maintain professionalism even when giving personalized gifts to employees or clients. 

Ideally, choose gifts that are practical and appropriate for their workplaces. It is also best to pick a durable, aesthetically pleasing gift. Then, include a handwritten note or message to show effort and consideration. 

Adhere to Company Policies 

Not adhering to company policies may cause ethical breaches. Hence, always uphold company policies when curating gift sets for clients and employees.  

It is also best to consider the company policies of your recipient to maintain professionalism and show consideration for them. 

Understanding these policies will help you avoid conflicts of interest. It will also minimize the risk of your professional gift boxes being perceived as bribery.  

Ensure Presentation is Impeccable 

The guidelines above will ensure that your clients enjoy and appreciate your professional gift boxes. They will also minimize the risk of offending your recipients or disrespecting company values. 

To further ensure the professionalism of your gift boxes, check out the list below. 

Avoid Overly Personal Gifts 

Personalization matters. However, you must still set boundaries for professional gifting. Avoid too intimate gifts like clothing, perfume, or personal care items. Instead, choose commonly liked items like gourmet food, electronic corporate gifts, and office essentials.  

As a rule of thumb, remember this question: would I be embarrassed to open this gift at work? 

Don’t Overspend or Underspend 

Another don’t is over or underspending. Overspending may make your recipient feel uncomfortable or make your company look like it’s making a bribery. So, consider the tips above regarding company policies, timing, and occasion.  

Additionally, think about the factors below for finding a balance between extravagance and frugality: 

• The recipient’s position within their company  

• Length and nature of your professional relationship 

• Industry standards 

• Company guidelines 

If you’re still unsure how much to spend on professional gift boxes, consult with your colleagues or friends in the industry. 

Steer Clear of Controversial Items 

Cultural sensitivity is important when professional gifting, especially now that the global business landscape is more interconnected. Hence, knowing your recipients is important when curating gift boxes in the Philippines.  

Conduct thorough research about their culture to avoid giving clients or employees inappropriate or offensive gift sets. 

Gourmet food is a universally liked gift. However, you should also be mindful of dietary restrictions when giving them.  

Lastly, avoid controversial or offensive items like political paraphernalia, alcohol, religious items, and tobacco. 

Don’t Forget the Recipient's Company Policies 

Getting to know your recipients includes getting to know their company policies, too. This is a must-remember tip, as some companies don’t accept gifts. For example, government offices have strict gifting guidelines, as gifts could be bribes. 

Similarly, some companies may also have specific corporate gift guides that stipulate what unethical gifts are. 

Avoid Generic or Thoughtless Gifts