How to use your recipients' holiday gifts as conversation starters in the New Year

The holidays aren’t just about transforming ordinary end-of-year moments into extraordinary gift experiences your recipients will never forget. They’re also about leveraging those touch-points to nurture meaningful B2B connections that will continue driving your business forward in the new year.

Whether they chose a cool tech gadget, a cozy home essential, or a fun photography tool, here are some inspiring ways to make the most of the gifts they selected. Use these creative ideas as conversation starters to see how they’re enjoying their gift, and then take it from there to cement your connection ahead of the New Year.

Holiday Gifts for Employees & Customers that Spark Yearlong Conversations

Bose Earbuds or Headphones: Their Personal Sanctuary

Headphones are versatile tools used in various settings—at home, in the office, or on the go. They cater to different needs, from making phone calls and attending virtual meetings to enjoying entertainment during travel, making them a universally appreciated gift.

These aren't just headphones; they're a portable escape. Beyond just music, their new pair of Bose headphones or earbuds:

• Minimize background noise during work calls
• Create a noise-canceling bubble for focused work or end-of-day meditation
• Turn online gaming into an immersive audio experience
• Adapt to any audio, whether they’re listening to acoustic tracks or a podcast

Silicon Valley UX Awards & CES Innovation Awards

Caraway Cookware: More Than Just Pots and Pans

As one of our more recent brand partners, Caraway cookware combines practicality with style, health benefits, and sustainability. It encourages recipients to embrace cooking at home while providing high-quality tools that enhance their culinary experiences.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Caraway has amassed a cult following, receiving praise from some of the biggest names in consumer reviews and over 65k home chefs who give it 4.9 stars out of 5!

Now, their new Caraway set is about to revolutionize their kitchen game:

• Master weekly meal prep and never worry about what’s for dinner again
• Create Instagram-worthy one-pan meals that taste as good as they look
• Experiment with new cooking techniques
• Host dinner parties to show off their new, professional-level cookware

Wellness Hack: Caraway’s non-toxic ceramic coating means healthier cooking with less oil, without chemicals, and easier cleanup!

Instax Mini Camera: Memories in an Instant

The Instax Mini is more than just a camera – it's a memory-making machine that turns everyday moments into tangible memories:

• Create a travel journal with instant prints
• Gift personalized photo cards to friends and family
• Create a wall of memories by collecting instant shots and creating a personalized photo collage

iF Design Award 2024 & “Best of the Best Award” of Red Dot Design awards

We’d love to see the memories your recipients capture! Ask them to follow Cultivate on Linkedin, Instagram, or Facebook and share them with us on social media!

Gravity Weighted Blanket: A Comfort Cocoon

A weighted blanket is more than just a cozy accessory; it’s an investment in employees' mental health and happiness, making it an excellent choice for a thoughtful holiday gift. Beyond just staying warm while they work, their new weighted blanket is a wellness tool:

• Stress reduction during work-from-home days
• Improved sleep quality
• Meditation and mindfulness companion
• Netflix and chill upgrade

Expert Tip: Incorporating wellness gifts like weighted blankets into company gift programs reflects an organization's commitment to employee health and well-being. By providing tools that promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, companies enhance the lives of their employees and foster a more productive and engaged workforce.

Shark Vacuum: Clean Living, Elevated

Receiving a new vacuum as a holiday company gift may initially seem unconventional, but this isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about home optimization and enhancing the quality of life for your recipients. Here are a few compelling reasons why this gift is both practical and appreciated:

• Promotes a clean living environment and encourages healthy habits
• Quick touch-ups between deep cleans
• Allergen reduction and pet hair management
• Satisfying cleaning sessions (yes, really!)
• Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying their personal lives or pursuing hobbies

Sunglasses: A Personal Style Statement

While often associated with summer, sunglasses are useful year-round. They protect against glare from snow in winter and bright sunlight during outdoor activities in any season. This versatility makes sunglasses a practical gift that recipients can use in various settings, from driving to the office and walking to lunch to outdoor sports and company picnics in the summer.

More than just eye protection, their new pair of sunnies will instantly become their favorite:

• Road trip essential
• Outdoor workout companion
• Instant confidence booster
• Personal style enhancement

Follow-up Strategy to Strengthen Relationships & Enhance Engagement

After the holiday season, companies can launch follow-up campaigns that reference the gifts recipients selected. For example, sending an email asking how recipients enjoyed their gifts or inviting them to share their experiences can spark conversations that keep the brand top-of-mind as customers transition into the new year. This strategy enhances customer relationships and encourages ongoing dialogue about products, services, and shared values, ultimately fostering loyalty and engagement in a competitive marketplace.

Pro Tip: Add a Second Gift for Multi-touch Appreciation

By giving recipients the option to select gifts that resonate with them, you can send a second gift that complements the first one and feels personal. For example, if a customer selects a gift that aligns with their interests, it opens the door for discussions about those topics. It also shows them you value them beyond transaction business deals. 

A simple note accompanying the second gift, such as “I thought you’d enjoy this based on your first gift and love for cooking,” can prompt a dialogue that opens up many new opportunities and leaves a lasting impression of your thoughtfulness.

Remember, the best corporate holiday gifts are the ones that upgrade your recipients’ every day and are appreciated long after they receive them. These aren't just items—they're unforgettable gift experiences waiting to unfold. Connect with our team to Cultivate your best B2B relationships, one gift at a time.