Art, culture and a personal touch shape new-age corporate gifting

Bengaluru: Corporate gifting is picking up this Diwali after a cautious year, as gifting companies say order values are rising as businesses put more thought, and budget, into what they send.

Companies are asking for more personalised, well-curated hampers and contemporary presentation, say gifting providers like Loopify, Vantage Circle, Swageazy, The Gift Studio and FNP. Budgets are varied, ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000 per recipient; more premium gifts can cost anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000.

It’s a mixed gift bag of goodies, too — products include artisanal food products like Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron, single-origin coffee and gourmet cookies, useful gadgets like air fryers and headphones, as well as sustainable options including eco-friendly gift boxes, cork mugs, plantable stationery and bamboo tumblers.


There is a growing appetite for novelty and experimentation in gourmet gifting, said Hemal Gathani, cofounder of Loopify.

“The demand is particularly strong in sectors like financial services, technology and real estate. Our gifting business has grown about 40% since last year,” Gathani said.

At The Gift Studio, part of the RPSG Group, the average order value nearly doubled in a year, from around Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000. Diwali demand rises 10-15 times, though gifting is spread across the year for employee milestones, client appreciation and partnerships, said Shivika Goenka, director—luxury and education at the RPSG Group.

“Corporate gifting is now moving from volume to value,” Goenka said.

Corporate clients account for close to 40% of its business. Its top hampers, once priced at Rs 10,000-12,000, now go up to Rs 20,000, with enquiries in the Rs 30,000-35,000 range, she said. Senior leadership gifts are also being differentiated through premium gourmet selections, refined lifestyle products and bespoke notes.

Companies are also making a move towards art and culture-inspired gifting. Lucknow chikankari, Madhubani art, handloom textiles and locally crafted pottery have made their way into corporate hampers this year.

Some organisations are giving employees the power to choose what they want, said Partha Neog, CEO of Vantage Circle, a New Delhi-based employee engagement and benefits SaaS platform.

“We see companies allowing employees to choose from curated catalogues of merchandise, gift cards and experiences,” Neog said. There is also a growing focus on experiential gifting, with companies exploring options around travel, hospitality and leisure alongside physical products and digital rewards, he added.

For FNP, the strongest demand is coming from the consulting, manufacturing and professional services sectors.

“Compared to last year, companies are placing greater emphasis on making the overall gifting experience feel more intentional, distinctive and memorable. Traditional mithai and dry fruits remain relevant, but clients increasingly want them presented in more distinctive and contemporary formats,” said Avi Kumar, chief marketing officer of FNP.