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5 tips for sustainable corporate gifting

An estimated $8.3 billion is wasted on unwanted gifts each year, but you can make some simple swaps to improve giving in your organization. No matter how your business is planning to celebrate employees or clients, you can keep waste in check in a variety of ways. In this post, we’ll explore the topic of corporate gifting and provide you with tips to help you make any gift-giving event more sustainable.

What is corporate gifting?


Sustainable corporate gifting is selecting presents for clients and employees that reduce waste and contribute to eco-friendly lifestyles. It requires a thoughtful approach to the business world. At its core, giving sustainable gifts is about making choices that align with environmental and social values. The goal is to show appreciation in a way that expresses a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world. Sustainable gifting can often lead to more unique, memorable gifts. From handcrafted items that support local businesses to donations made in someone’s name, these gifts resonate with professionals who want to be part of a more conscious, responsible corporate culture.

5 sustainable corporate gifting strategies

Ready to give gifts that have a positive impact on your people and the environment? Use these 5 ideas to give sustainable corporate gifts.

1. Send gifts to your clients and employees sustainably

It’s tempting to send gifts that will engage employees and help them celebrate. If you choose to do so, keep packaging minimal and opt for shipping, transportation, or delivery that has a low carbon footprint. Choosing eco-friendly gifts, like plants or sustainable office supplies, can also make an impact. And incorporating a message in your gift about sustainability can educate and inspire your team. These practices celebrate your employees while showing your commitment to environmental responsibility. Need another way to boost sustainability? You can look for suppliers who offset their carbon emissions or use renewable energy sources. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact of your corporate gifts.

2. Give an eco-friendly experience

Instead of sending a gift box, consider sending an experience that your team can enjoy on their own time or together. Maybe it’s a special pottery class or a virtual cooking class. Or you could plan fun events like cocktail-making lessons or virtual escape rooms. Experiences are gifts of memorable moments that tend to have a lower environmental footprint. You can also make a donation in an employee’s name to a nonprofit organization of their choosing. Think about causes your team is passionate about. Gifts that give back show a connection to your employees’ beliefs and values.

3. Consider digital corporate gifts

Traditional gifts might not always match the recipient's taste or needs. Digital options take the stress of choice off your organization while giving employees or clients the flexibility to choose what they truly want.

Many other benefits come with going digital, including:

Delivery and accessibility: Digital gifts can be sent and received in moments, cutting down the wait time associated with physical shipping. This type of delivery is particularly beneficial for recognizing achievements in real time and celebrating special occasions.

Reduced environmental impact: By eliminating the need for physical production, packaging, and shipping, digital gifts are a more eco-friendly option. This aligns with corporate sustainability goals.

Global reach: For organizations with a diverse or international workforce, digital gifts offer a seamless way to celebrate employees or clients across different regions and countries. You can also skip the complexity of international shipping and customs.

4. Shop locally for your clients and employees

Selecting gifts or services from businesses near your office or close to where your employees are located is a great way to ensure a sustainable celebration. Your purchases will contribute to the local economy and prevent extended shipping periods, which will reduce your carbon footprint. By shopping locally, you also have the opportunity to discover unique and personalized gifts that reflect the diverse interests of your team. This makes it more likely that they’ll appreciate the effort. It adds a thoughtful touch to your corporate gift strategy. Selecting gifts or services from businesses near your office or close to where your employees are located is a great way to ensure a sustainable celebration. Your purchases will contribute to the local economy and prevent extended shipping periods, which will reduce your carbon footprint. By shopping locally, you also have the opportunity to discover unique and personalized gifts that reflect the diverse interests of your team. This makes it more likely that they’ll appreciate the effort. It adds a thoughtful touch to your corporate gift strategy.

5. Wrap your gifts responsibly

If you’re set on sending a physical gift, remember to give something that employees will actually use. If your team will be exchanging gifts or if you’ll be sending physical packages, consider wrapping them with sustainable or reusable materials. If you want to go a step further with eco-friendly corporate gifts, consider using biodegradable card options or seed paper for small gifts. For larger items, consider using cloth bags or baskets that can be repurposed. That turns the packaging itself into an additional gift. Similarly, if your team is planning to celebrate virtually, be sure that whatever you choose to send as decorations or party supplies is reusable and/or recyclable.

Make corporate gifts greener with Uber for Business

No matter how your business chooses to celebrate, let people know that you care about them and the environment with sustainable client gifts or eco-friendly employee incentives. Gift-giving options from Uber for Business make this easier than ever.

Gift cards: Thank your employees for their hard work with the gift of Uber and Uber Eats. Gift cards can be purchased in bulk in multiple countries around the world, so you can reach employees in many places.

Vouchers: Show your team you appreciate them by paying fully or partially for rides with Uber and orders with Uber Eats. Voucher campaigns can easily be created and managed in just a few steps, and you pay when the recipient redeems their offer.

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