One of the most common questions we hear from businesses is, “How much should we spend on corporate gifts?”
The honest answer is: there isn’t a single right amount.
Businesses across New Zealand spend anywhere from under $50 to several hundred dollars per gift, depending on the recipient, the occasion and what they hope to achieve. A thank-you gift for a loyal client may warrant a different budget to a Christmas gift for a wider team, and that’s perfectly okay.
The most memorable corporate gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive, they’re the ones that feel thoughtful, appropriate and genuinely appreciated.
This guide will help you set a realistic corporate gift budget while getting the most value from every dollar you spend.
There isn’t a universal corporate gifting budget, and that’s one of the biggest misconceptions businesses have.
Rather than asking, “What’s the right amount?”, it’s more helpful to ask:
The answers to those questions will naturally help determine an appropriate budget.
For some businesses, a simple gesture is all that’s needed. For others, a premium gift is an investment in an important relationship. Neither approach is wrong—it simply depends on your goals.
Not necessarily.
We’ve found that thoughtful gift selection almost always has a bigger impact than simply increasing the budget.
A beautifully presented gift filled with carefully chosen products often feels more memorable than a more expensive gift that hasn’t been tailored to the recipient.
For example, someone who enjoys gardening may genuinely treasure a Living Tree Gift, while another recipient might appreciate a beautifully curated gourmet hamper or premium bottle of wine. The value comes from choosing something that suits the person—not simply increasing the price.
While there’s no “correct” amount to spend, here’s a general idea of what different budgets can offer.
A smaller budget can still create a meaningful impression.
Simple gifts such as a quality bottle of wine paired with artisan chocolate or a selection of gourmet treats make thoughtful thank-you gifts without feeling excessive.
Sometimes it’s the gesture itself that people remember most.
This is where the range of options opens up considerably.
Within this budget, businesses can choose from premium gift hampers, gourmet food gifts, indoor plants and our popular Single Living Tree Gift—a unique gift that continues to grow long after it’s received.
These gifts offer an excellent balance between quality, presentation and value.
As budgets increase, businesses often choose to elevate the experience rather than simply add more products.
Instead of filling a hamper with extra items, investing in a premium bottle of wine or champagne can create a more luxurious gift while maintaining a beautifully curated presentation.
Sometimes, less really is more.
Not always.
Many businesses choose to create different gifting tiers depending on the recipient.
For example, you may decide to send one style of gift to employees, another to valued long-term clients and something more personalised for VIP customers or key referral partners.
The important thing is that every gift feels appropriate for the relationship.
Thoughtful segmentation often creates a stronger impression than treating every recipient exactly the same.
One of the most common mistakes we see is forgetting to include delivery costs when planning a campaign.
It’s easy to focus on the gift itself, but shipping forms part of the overall investment. Setting separate budgets for the gift and for delivery helps avoid unexpected costs later.
Another mistake is assuming every recipient should receive exactly the same gift.
Sometimes the smallest personal touch makes the biggest difference. Taking the time to find out whether someone prefers red or white wine, or ensuring dietary requirements are catered for, often creates a greater impact than spending an extra $20.
If you’re working within a set budget, our advice is simple: prioritise the contents.
Choose products that feel like a genuine treat—items your recipients probably wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Premium food, quality wine, artisan products and beautifully presented gifts tend to create a stronger emotional response than spending the same budget on extra packaging or unnecessary add-ons.
When people open a gift and discover something special inside, that’s the moment they’ll remember.
Absolutely.
Presentation is one of the first things your recipient notices and plays an important role in creating a premium experience.
Beautiful packaging builds anticipation and reinforces the thought and care behind the gift. However, presentation works best when it’s supported by quality contents.
The ideal corporate gift combines both: thoughtful products, professionally presented.
A few simple strategies can help your budget go further:
A well-planned $90 gift often creates a stronger impression than a rushed $150 purchase.
There’s no fixed amount. The right budget depends on the relationship, the occasion and your objectives. Many businesses choose to spend more on clients they value highly or hope to retain long-term.
Yes. A thoughtfully chosen gift under $50, such as a quality wine and chocolate gift or gourmet treats, can make a meaningful impression.
Not necessarily. Many businesses choose different gift tiers depending on the recipient group while maintaining a consistent level of quality and presentation.
We recommend budgeting for delivery separately so you understand the true cost of your gifting campaign and avoid unexpected expenses.
No. Thoughtfulness almost always has a greater impact than price. Choosing a gift that suits the recipient is far more important than simply increasing your budget.
Corporate gifting isn’t about spending the most money—it’s about making people feel valued.
Whether your budget is under $50 or several hundred dollars, the best gifts are the ones that reflect the relationship, suit the recipient and are presented with care.
At About Giving, we’ve helped businesses of every size find gifts that fit both their budget and their goals. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re always happy to recommend thoughtful options that maximise value without compromising on quality.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our range of Corporate Gift Boxes, or explore our Corporate Gifting services to see how we can help make your next gifting campaign simple and memorable.
At About Giving, we’ve been helping New Zealand businesses build stronger relationships through thoughtful gifting for decades. Whether you’re recognising employees, thanking valued clients or planning a nationwide Christmas campaign, we make the process simple from start to finish.
From personalised recommendations and branded gifting to nationwide delivery and bulk order management, our experienced team works with businesses of all sizes to create gifts that leave a lasting impression.
Why businesses choose About Giving:
Ready to start planning? Explore our Corporate Gifting services or get in touch for tailored recommendations.
Planning a successful corporate gifting campaign? These guides will help you choose the right gifts, organise delivery and get the best results from your gifting budget.
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