Sustainable corporate gifting – how can employers do it?

Sustainability is not a new trend, it has been around for ages. We try to modernise our lives and work, and, in doing so, make them more sustainable. Corporate rewards are one area where sustainability plays a vital role, especially if you care for your employees and want them to respect you in return.

Whatever gift you choose for your employees, think carefully about how it will impact the environment. And we are here to help you out! Read more to find out about sustainable gifting, how not to choose gifts and how to do it for the desired outcome. You know, as they say, happy employee – happy employer.

Sustainability as an ongoing and strong trend

Eco-friendly gifting has been on the nose for quite some time. The 2020 article proposes ways people can give each other environmentally conscious products and goods without spending too much. The ideas include experiences, tickets, lessons and subscriptions^[1]. All of those decentre consumerism and focus on saying more with buying less.

This kind of practice can be useful for corporate gifting as well, since buying gift cards for a special dinner at Sphinx or a PlayStation subscription for the employees is a power move. You give them a feeling, an experience, instead of just things, and they respond with loyalty that goes beyond working hours and corporate values.

Digital cards are more popular with users.

What kind of messages you send with unsustainable gifts

Unsustainable gifting, on the other hand, can lead to a backlash. Non-eco-friendly brands might be popular, but if your company has strict CSR policies, giving those brands is a mistake. Employees notice that you, as an employer, do not follow said policies, and that can break their trust in you.

Gifts that come from ‘greenwashing’ brands are also unlikely to be perceived positively. Besides, it is easy to check everything online now, so you should do this check before the crisis hits.

Greenwashing occurs when a brand makes a misleading or false claim about the eco-friendly attributes of its product or service.

Gifts that seem to be unsustainable crumble the relationships you have with your employees, so why do it in the first place?

How to choose sustainable brands for gifts and rewards

Choosing sustainable brands for your gifting occasion is easier than it seems. Here is how.

Step-by-step sustainable gifting guide

1. Focus on non-material gifts as your primary choice:

As we’ve said before, you can always find vouchers for experiences or events. There is a possibility of finding multiple options in a single voucher.

2. Choose local brands that don’t require extensive shipping around the world:

International shipments can be cheap for the receiver, but they require a lot of resources for the sender^[2]. So, no, Gary, cheap sunglasses from China will not solve your gifting problems.

3. If you want to stick to physical items, find brands that actually sell sustainable goods:

Many famous and favourite brands have their own CSR commitments, and you can find their yearly reports online. However, if you don’t have time for research, go for the low-hanging fruit options, like natural cosmetics or zero-waste productions.

4. Monitor greenwashing just in case:

It can still be a threat, even if you’ve done your research. Look for any of those tall tale signs to be sure:

• vague language, like excessive use of green, eco-conscious, planet-friendly or natural without any actual meaning behind it;
• misleading imagery, like using green colours, trees and leaves on the product or website, even if the brand has nothing to do with it;
• lack of certification or proof, like claims with no data backup, third-party certifications or publicly available sustainability reports;
• vague future pledges, like saying “we will make this product sustainable, just you wait.”

5. Select vintage goods:

Vintage goods are a sure way to use something not new, and many people thrift-shop now. So, if you’re out of options, try finding vintage gifts. However, this option is deeply personal, so maybe don’t buy the same pair of vintage boots for everyone in the office.

When in doubt – go digital

Moreover, not only brands matter in sustainable gifting. You can always choose the right gifting format – digital cards. Our sales team indicates that digital gift cards become even more popular over time, since buyers and receivers are conscious about the environmental impact of physical cards.

For the users, it is convenient to receive a gift card via email and practically have it on their phone at all times. They are not awaiting deliveries or carrying a piece of plastic. And there are no cases where they come to the store and realise they forgot the card.

On top of that, digital cards are much more flexible and can be delivered instantly to both the buyer and the receiver, and used right away. This mobility definitely adds to the growing trend toward all-digital. You can discover our exclusive insights on the gift card market here:

Learn more: The future of gift card rewards and incentives in 2026

As we can see, both clients and users prefer more flexible rewards options, with digital gift cards used to satisfy everyone’s gifting needs. And it is quite sustainable, might we add. Pay attention, our fellow gifters.

If you want to choose only sustainable brands as your gifts and digital options for instant rewards, contact our sales team at info@giftmall.eu. Make your gifting process easier and faster with giftmall.