The best gifts feel like there was a reason behind them. Maybe a conversation about an unusual topic sparked their curiosity, or you know the client loves architecture, technology or art. It's important to pay attention to small details like these, because they usually say more about someone's taste than their job title does.
That is especially useful when choosing a book or a puzzle. Instead of looking for something that simply represents your company, look for something that reflects the person receiving it.
Before you choose, make sure the recipient is allowed to accept gifts, and consider the value, size, presentation, and occasion before making a choice.
Publisher's note: Hungry Minds makes the products discussed here and offers corporate gifting services. This is a guide to choosing and briefing a gift, not an independent supplier comparison.
Match the Gift to Something You Know
Knowing someone's profession can give you a starting point, but their interests outside work usually tell you more.
Think about what they have mentioned in conversation, like a hobby or a book they recommended.
| What you know about the recipient | A direction to consider | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| They enjoy unusual inventions and design possibilities. | The Black Book | Their interest extends beyond their job. |
| They like connections between science, technology, and history. | The Book | An illustrated overview suits their reading habits. |
| They enjoy visual fiction. | The Last Book | They want a story, rather than a factual reference. |
| They have mentioned enjoying jigsaws. | An illustrated puzzle | They have space and would welcome the activity. |
| You know the occasion, but little about their interests. | Ask for guidance before buying. | A larger budget won't resolve the uncertainty. |
For a small group of clients, you can still make the gifts feel personal by choosing different books or formats based on what you know about each person. A thoughtful selection can feel more genuine than giving everyone the same item.
Three Book Directions Worth Considering
Alternative Inventions for a Curious Designer or Engineer
The Black Book explores inventions that could have changed the world but never became part of everyday life.
That makes it a good fit for someone who enjoys design, engineering, technology, or simply wondering why some ideas succeed while others disappear. It is also an easy gift to connect to a conversation about creativity, innovation, or the possibilities behind an idea.
A Wider View for Someone Who Reads About Everything
The Book takes a broader look at the ideas, discoveries, and developments that have shaped civilization.
It can work well for someone whose interests move between history, science, technology, and culture rather than staying within one subject. It's also a large book, which looks great on a shelf but is less practical for someone who travels a lot.
Visual Fiction for Someone Who Enjoys Art and Story
The Last Book is a piece told through text and visual art, following Noah Kaplan after Earth is destroyed.
For a client who enjoys illustrated fiction, graphic storytelling, or art books, it can offer a gift they'll actually keep. Just make sure they enjoy this kind of content.
Keep the Message Personal and the Branding Proportionate
A company logo can turn a personal gift into a corporate one, but it shouldn't have to be the reason the gift was chosen.
Ask yourself: “Would this object still make sense if the branding weren't there?” If the answer is yes, it's a good choice.
Hungry Minds' corporate gifting options offer special services, including company branding, personalized inserts or forewords, gift packaging, bulk orders, and sets. The right combination depends on the project, and not every option is available for every product, so ask what works for the one you've picked.
For a company anniversary or a completed project, a personalized insert or package can tie the gift to that moment. Keep the message focused on the occasion or the relationship.
Gifting a Person x Gifting an Office
Decide who the recipient is before settling on the format.
When you know the recipient well, you can choose around a specific interest. For a shared office, a book might work better as something everyone can leaf through during a break, while a puzzle makes sense only if the team has both the interest and the space to work on it.
The same applies when several people worked on a project together. Decide whether you are thanking the group as a whole or recognizing individuals. If you're giving individual gifts, you can make each one more personal. If the gift is for the team, the presentation and message can mention the project and thank everyone who worked on it.
What to Include in Your Gift Card
Once you have an idea of what you want to give, a clear message makes the conversation much easier.
You don't need to have every detail decided. Start with the information that will help shape the proposal:
- Recipients: individuals or teams, approximate quantity, and any interests relevant to the choice.
- Occasion: a completed project, anniversary, holiday, or specific thank-you.
- Budget: a working limit that leaves room for any customization, delivery, and applicable taxes.
- Location and timing: destination countries and the date the gifts need to arrive.
- Product direction: preferred titles or formats, plus language requirements.
- Presentation: a note, insert, branded packaging, or a request to explore available options.
- Approval: who signs off on the product selection, artwork, wording, and final quote.
You can leave sensitive recipient information such as delivery addresses until it is actually needed for fulfillment.
Check Before You Approve the Offer
Don't forget to make sure that the practical details are clear.
Before you approve anything, ask the supplier to confirm the products, quantities, customization, total cost, and delivery timeline. If the project involves custom work, confirm production minimums and deadlines for your specific order. And when something is being personalized, check the final proof carefully: names, dates, logos, and messages.
Also check whether the recipient's organization has any rules around accepting gifts. Some companies have specific policies or approval processes, particularly for higher-value gifts.
Let's Find the Right Gift for Your Client
If you've read this far, you probably already have a client or a colleague in mind. If an illustrated book or a puzzle sounds right for them, Hungry Minds can help you explore the products, customization, and presentation services for your project.
