Why Holiday Gifting Matters
It’s no secret that people love receiving gifts — but in business, the right kind of gifting does more than spread cheer. It builds relationships. It says, “We appreciate you.” It reinforces trust and reminds people why they love working with your brand.
A thoughtful gifting program can:
• Strengthen client partnerships through genuine appreciation
• Boost employee morale and retention
• Keep your brand top-of-mind long after the holidays
And the beauty of it all? Every branded hoodie, mug, or handwritten note becomes a reminder of your company’s personality and care.
In a world full of digital noise, tangible items — from corporate apparel to custom marketing materials — create emotional connections that screens simply can’t replicate.
What’s Trending in 2025 Holiday Gifting
Corporate gifting has evolved beyond one-size-fits-all baskets and standard swag. This season, it’s all about meaning, quality, and experience.
Here are a few trends shaping 2025 holiday gifting:
- Purposeful choices that get used (and loved)
Gone are the days of gifts that collect dust. This year is all about useful, high-quality pieces that recipients will reach for time and time again — items like bags, drinkware, blankets, and tech accessories that become part of their daily routines. And while purpose leads the way, many brands are also choosing eco-conscious materials — reusable products, recycled fabrics, and sustainable packaging — to make a thoughtful impact that aligns with their values and brand story. - Curated experiences over generic gifts
Brands are moving toward intentional, themed kits — like cozy winter bundles, office refresh sets, or “self-care at home” kits. Each item ties together in a cohesive way that tells a story and showcases your corporate branding. - Personalization that feels authentic
Adding a personal touch — like embroidered names, engraved tags, or a heartfelt printed message — makes recipients feel truly valued. Personalized pieces are also more likely to be shared and remembered, extending your brand reach well beyond the moment. - Elevated packaging and unboxing experiences
The unboxing experience has become just as important as what’s inside. Beautiful custom product labels, sleek tissue wraps, and hand-tied ribbons all add layers of delight. And when paired with efficient branded merchandise fulfillment, you can deliver that wow factor at scale.
A Meridian Tradition: The “Be Meri” Holiday Gift Kits
Each year, our team looks forward to something special — our very own Be Meri Holiday Gift Kit. These curated kits capture our brand’s personality while creating a memorable, useful, and joy-filled experience for our employees.
Every year, we reinvent the theme, colors, and contents to keep things exciting and on-brand. It’s become a beloved Meridian tradition — a little mystery and a lot of fun as everyone wonders, “What will this year’s kit be?”
In 2023, our kit celebrated cozy comfort and creativity. Each box included a Be Meri embroidered crewneck, a chunky knit beanie with a Meridian woven label, customized wireless earbuds, and a Carhartt 6 can cooler embroidered with each employee’s name and finished with a woven Meridian tag. We also added a Meridian snowflake multitool, collectible lapel pins (a yearly favorite), and a custom card crafted in-house with our own embellishment equipment.
The result? A carefully kitted, one-of-a-kind unboxing experience that felt personal, festive, and unmistakably Meridian.
In 2024, we switched things up with a new theme focused on travel and connection. The kits included a custom plated backpack featuring our Be Meri logo, a swanky badge tech case, a luggage tag personalized with each team member’s name, a lapel pin wall pennant, and a Brooks Brothers woven blanket with a custom Be Meri woven label — each item beautifully branded and kitted for an elevated, cohesive presentation.
Every item told part of our story — combining branded merchandise, corporate apparel, and custom marketing materials to celebrate our team and our shared culture of creativity.
These internal kits remind us why holiday gifting matters. When done right, it strengthens connection, sparks joy, and turns every recipient into a brand ambassador.
Holiday Gift Ideas That Make an Impression
Need a little inspiration for your own holiday gifting program? Here are a few ideas that align with this year’s most-loved trends — practical, cozy, and designed to be used long after the holidays.
Everyday essentials that travel well
Think bags, backpacks, and drinkware — the kinds of branded merchandise people actually reach for every day. From a premium tote to a leak-proof tumbler or insulated bottle, these items keep your brand visible in offices, airports, and everywhere in between. They’re also perfect additions to your company store for year-round gifting.
Cozy gifts that encourage unwinding
The holidays are a natural time to slow down. Create a comforting moment with items like woven blankets, embroidered crewnecks, beanies, or candles that invite recipients to relax and recharge — all while showcasing your thoughtful corporate branding.
Tech that connects
Smart, sleek, and practical — wireless chargers, Bluetooth earbuds, power banks, or tech organizers make perfect gifts for both employees and clients. Add your logo subtly for a modern, professional look that blends form and function. Executive gifts like leather tech cases or premium wireless chargers are always a hit for high-end recipients.
Wearables that build belonging
Branded corporate apparel never goes out of style when done right. Quality hoodies, jackets, or hats with embroidered details or woven labels elevate your brand while giving teams something they’re proud to wear beyond the office.
Mail-ready kits that deliver the experience
Not everyone is under one roof anymore. Mail-ready kits combine several branded items — like a cozy blanket, drinkware, and a note of appreciation — in a single box that’s beautifully packaged and shipped directly to each recipient. With print and direct mail services and branded merchandise fulfillment, it’s easy to make every unboxing moment feel personal.
Personalized touches that make it yours
Don’t underestimate the power of the details — custom labels, digital labels, or name tags can add warmth and personality. From hang tags with a holiday message to monogrammed pieces, small touches often make the biggest impact.
Why It Pays Off
Holiday gifting is more than a line item — it’s an investment in relationships. Clients and employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay engaged and loyal.
From print collateral and custom marketing materials to packaging details that make each box shine, thoughtful branding turns a gift into a meaningful extension of your company culture. Holiday gifting also strengthens corporate branding by reinforcing consistency and connection across every touchpoint.
When recipients unwrap a company branded gift, they’re not just getting an item — they’re feeling your gratitude. That emotional connection pays dividends long after the holidays.
According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), nearly 80% of recipients can recall a brand from a promotional gift they received — proof that thoughtful gifting builds brand recognition that lasts.
How Meridian Can Help
Pulling off a successful gifting campaign takes more than great ideas — it takes strategy, coordination, and creativity.
Meridian makes it simple with:
- Branded merchandise fulfillment — from kitting and packaging to on-time delivery
- Custom product labels and digital labels that make packaging pop
- Print and mail services and direct mail services for cards, inserts, and direct-to-recipient shipments
- Corporate apparel, executive gifts, and promotional products designed to highlight your brand’s unique personality
- Expert support for corporate branding and cohesive design across all materials
Learn more about our Branded Merchandise Fulfillment Services to see how we can streamline your next gifting campaign from concept to doorstep.
Wrap It Up (Literally)
This season, make your gifts work harder for your brand. Thoughtful design, cohesive presentation, and the right branded touchpoints can turn a simple holiday gesture into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re thanking your team, surprising your clients, or planning ahead for next year’s campaign, company branded gifts are the perfect way to show appreciation — and remind everyone why your brand shines.
Ready to plan your own holiday gifting program?
Explore our Holiday Look Book to browse the latest trending gifts, curated holiday gift kits, and branded merchandise ideas.
Or reach out to us at hello@meridian-direct.com to start building your next custom gift kit today — let’s make this season your most memorable one yet, together.
