A Brief History of Awkward Gifts
There's a better way to gift.
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve received a mystery meat hamper from a well-meaning supplier. Or a branded fleece. Or a ‘funny’ mug that ends up haunting the office kitchen for years.
Gifting is hard - and corporate gifting? Even harder. Somewhere between budget approvals and last-minute panic, the magic tends to vanish. But it doesn’t have to.
Here’s a quick tour through the awkward gift archives, and a smarter way to get it right next time.
1. The mystery hamper
A classic. Sometimes delightful, sometimes oddly specific.
Done well, hampers feel generous and there’s always something to enjoy or share. But when the balance is off, you’re left with fig chutney and oatcakes that quietly make their way to the office kitchen.
It’s thoughtful, but it’s still stuff. And while snacks can be shared, they’re rarely remembered.
Takeaway: If you want to make an impression that lasts longer than a biscuit, give them something they’ll do — not just unwrap.
Of course, food isn’t the only thing we over-gift. Sometimes, we aim for 'useful.'
2. The branded umbrella
Technically helpful. Instantly forgettable.
The intention is fine. But when everyone gets the same folding umbrella with a logo slapped on, it feels more like promotion than appreciation.
Takeaway: If it looks like it was ordered in bulk, it probably was. An experience feels personal, even if it’s flexible.
And when practical doesn’t land, we swing in the other direction — straight into novelty gifts.
3. The 'quirky' gift that misses
You either get flamingo socks or a mug shaped like a llama. Both end up in a drawer.
Quirky can be fun. But when it doesn’t hit the mark, it turns into clutter. Or worse, an in-joke no one really got.
Takeaway: It’s better to offer choice than take a wild guess. A flexible experience gift keeps the fun without the cringe.
Why do awkward gifts happen?
It usually comes down to two things:
- Rushing the decision
- Playing it safe to avoid getting it wrong
The result? Something that ticks a box but doesn’t say much.
And while the gesture is appreciated, the impact isn’t lasting. There’s a polite smile. Maybe a thank-you email. Then the gift quietly disappears — either left untouched or quickly passed on.
That’s the moment most gifts fall flat. And that’s exactly where experience gifting changes the story.
Why experience gifting works
Experience gifts do two things most physical gifts don’t:
- They give the recipient something to look forward to
- They give them a memory worth sharing afterwards
That moment when they open the envelope or digital voucher becomes the start of something, not the end.
Whether they choose something relaxing or exciting, the value isn’t in the item. It’s in how it makes them feel, during and after.
What to do instead
If you’re stuck between something generic or something risky, take a smarter route:
- Choose something they can experience
- Let them decide what fits
Experience gifts don’t need to be perfectly tailored. They just need to offer two things: possibility and permission. That’s what makes them feel personal, without the pressure.
Forgettable gifts last minutes. Great ones leave a lasting impression.
So the next time you're gifting for a client, colleague or someone who 'already has everything', ask yourself this:
Will it end up in a drawer? Or will it turn into a story?
Here at Golden Moments, we can provide you with a range of corporate packages designed to positively impact your relationship with your employees as well improve your customer base and achieve your business goals.
Give our corporate team a call today on +44 (0) 2393 877130 or email us at corporate@goldenmoments.com to discuss how you can introduce a successful rewards and recognition program with Golden Moments!
