A corporate gift is more than the item itself. The message that accompanies it is what gives the gift context, clarity, and heart. Without a note, even a beautifully curated gift can feel transactional. With the right words, it becomes personal, memorable, and aligned with the relationship you’ve worked to build.
Whether you’re thanking a client, welcoming a new hire, celebrating a milestone, or strengthening a partnership, a well-written corporate gift message elevates the entire experience.
Why You Should Always Include a Message
A gift without a message leaves room for guesswork. A short note, however, answers important questions for the recipient:
- Why am I receiving this?
- Who is it from?
- What does this moment represent?
A thoughtful message turns a gift into a gesture. It reinforces appreciation, acknowledges timing, and shows intention, all of which matter in professional relationships where clarity and tone are important.
Start With the Relationship, Not the Gift
Before you write a single word, consider who you’re writing to.
- Clients or partners: Keep the tone warm but professional, with a focus on appreciation, collaboration, or shared success
- Employees or team members: Recognition, encouragement, and gratitude will resonate most
- Prospects or new connections: Friendly, welcoming language works best, so keep it light and genuine
- Long-standing relationships: This is where a more personal reference or inside detail can shine
The closer the relationship, the more specific your message can be. When in doubt, sincerity beats cleverness.
Match the Message to the Occasion
Context matters just as much as tone. A corporate gift message should clearly reflect why the gift is being sent.
- Thank-you gifts: Acknowledge effort, time, or trust
- Milestones or anniversaries: Call out the moment directly
- Holidays: Keep it inclusive and forward-looking
- Apologies or make-goods: Be direct, respectful, and concise
Even a single line that names the occasion makes the message feel intentional rather than generic.
Humor vs. Serious Which One Works Best
Humor can be effective, but only when you’re confident it will land well.
Use humor when:
- You know the recipient’s personality
- The relationship is well-established
- The occasion is celebratory or casual
Stick with a more polished tone when:
- The relationship is new
- The situation is sensitive
- You’re unsure how humor will be received
A safe rule is that warm and genuine always works. Clever is optional.
Choosing the Right Gift to Support the Message
Something else to consider is that the message and the gift reinforce each other. For example:
- A premium food or drink gift pairs well with gratitude or celebration
- Desk or lifestyle items work nicely for recognition or onboarding
- Curated gift boxes help communicate care and attention without excess
When the gift aligns with the message, the entire exchange feels cohesive and considered.
When You Want Help Getting It Just Right
Finding the right words and the right gift doesn’t have to be complicated. At Ready Set Gift, our personal shoppers — known as Gifties — help clients match the perfect gift with the right message, occasion, and audience.
We also offer access to an even broader assortment of products than what’s shown on the site, giving you more flexibility to tailor each send.
If you’d like help curating a gift or crafting a corporate gift message that feels polished and personal, connect with a Giftie and let us handle the details.
A Simple Template to Get You Started
If you’re beginning with a blank card, this structure makes it easy:
- Greeting
- Reason for the gift
- Expression of appreciation or recognition
- Sign-off
Example framework:
Thank you for [specific reason]. We truly appreciate [what you value about the relationship or effort]. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead!
(Final tip: You don’t need a paragraph. A few well-chosen lines are often more impactful than a long note.)
