2026 Gift Trends for Meaningful Business Engagement
2026 is full of new opportunities to deepen the relationships that matter most in your business.
At The Expressory, we believe that every gift has the power to tell a story. A story that speaks volumes about who you are, what you value, and how much you care.
Now, before you roll your eyes when we start talking about things like wall art or wind chimes, hang with me. I get it. It might not sound like typical business talk. But that’s exactly the point.
If you want to stand out, build emotional loyalty, and make people feel truly seen, you have to stop giving the same old corporate swag and start tapping into what actually resonates with humans. And this year’s gifting trends are full of opportunities to do exactly that.
Unique Corporate Gift Ideas
To help get you started, we’ve reviewed the latest data from the 2026 Gift Book Consumer Survey and pulled out the trends that go beyond retail trends and into real-life business relationship and emotional loyalty building. Whether you're celebrating a client win, nurturing a new connection, or just reminding someone they matter, these trends are full of meaning if you know how to use them.
1. Nature-Inspired Décor – A Breath of Fresh (Business) Air
Nature is making a joyful noise in the gift space this year with birds, bees, butterflies, botanicals.
Spring and summer décor in 2026 is all about light, life, and renewal. With birdwatching on the rise (hello, 30% of Americans!), gifts that tap into this connection to nature are making their way into hearts.
How to Use in Business:
Send a bird- or bee-themed gift to celebrate a client’s season of growth
Pair a botanical vase with a “cheers to fresh starts” note for new beginnings
Use a floral-scented candle to say “we see your stress and offer calm”
Storylines: Transition, Tradition, Shared Experience
2. Sentimental Keepsakes – Wind Chimes That Say “You Matter”
Wind chimes are now more than garden decorations, they’re becoming heartfelt keepsakes for weddings, anniversaries, team wins, and even grief support. They are the perfect client appreciation gift to build emotional loyalty.
With options for personalization, sound customization, and even digital tie-ins, these gifts are quietly powerful. They keep you top-of-mind every time the breeze blows.
How to Use in Business:
Mark a major milestone (promotion, retirement, deal closed)
Express support during difficult times with a sympathy-themed chime
Use a commemorative message to tie the gift to a shared journey
Storylines: Milestone Acknowledgement, Relationship Reminder
3. Kidulting – Nostalgia, Now With a Grown-Up Twist
Adults are re-embracing play, but with style. Think things like adult LEGOs, plush meets tech, candy kits, retro puzzles, and even grown-up coloring books.
This isn’t just about being silly, it’s about remembering joy, unlocking creativity, and giving people permission to have fun again.
How to Use in Business:
Celebrate team wins with playful throwback gifts
Surprise a coaching client with a “you’re crushing it” nostalgic treat
Lighten the mood with a gift that sparks laughter and conversation
Storylines: Tradition, Shared Experience, Goal Acknowledgment
4. Creative Play & DIY Gifts – Make It With Meaning
People don’t just want more stuff, they want meaningful experiences. And that’s where DIY-inspired gifts shine.
Think paint kits, puzzles, build-your-own terrarium, or even a make-your-own-tea-blend box. These gifts say, “I see your creative spark” or “You deserve a mindful moment.”
How to Use in Business:
Pair with a message like “A little something to help you unwind”
Acknowledge a completed project with a “you built this” puzzle gift
Use for onboarding or transitions with “let’s build something great together”
Storylines: DIY, Goal Acknowledgment, Transition
5. Eco & Recycled Materials – Green Is the New Grateful
Sustainability continues to surge. People absolutely love gifts made from recycled, reclaimed, or natural materials. And they’re proud to align with brands that care about the planet.
From olive wood kitchen tools to upcycled fabric accessories, green gifting is all about giving with intention.
How to Use in Business:
Share the story behind a sustainably sourced item (“We thought of you when we found this…”)
Show your brand values through Earth Day-inspired gifts or annual giving themes
Let them know you're tuned in to what they care about
Storylines: Acquisition, Shared Experiences (values), Tradition
6. Mood-Boosting Décor – Because Vibes Matter
The trend toward cozy, calming, feel-good spaces isn’t slowing down. Small decorative accents, like vases, wall art, plant hangers, can help set the emotional tone in their homes and offices. So, they make great unique business gifts.
And yes, color and texture are tools for mental wellness.
How to Use in Business:
Celebrate a new office, promotion, or life change with calming décor
Use cozy textures or soft tones as care packages after stressful seasons
Give a scent or style that says “take a breath, we appreciate you”
Storylines: Transition, Relationship Related, DIY (Wellness)
7. Customization is Queen – Especially for Gen Z
The youngest people on your list want what’s uniquely theirs. Gen Z is setting the bar for personalization, and everyone else is catching up. According to The 11th Gifts & Decorative Accessories Gift Book, “Gen Z is much more inclined toward personalized presents, with 71 percent citing it as an important attribute vs. less than 50 percent for all the other generations”
From names on journals to inside jokes on mugs, thoughtful custom touches turn basic gifts into “you really get me” moments.
How to Use in Business:
Add a name, nickname, or quote to the gift packaging or item itself
Create a themed experience (e.g., custom playlist, inside joke card, favorite color bundle)
Use personalized touches in onboarding to make someone feel instantly part of the team
Storylines: Acquisition, DIY, Relationship Related
8. Greeting Cards with Extras – When a Message Becomes the Gift
Cards are a classic gift, and they never go out of style. However, the cards that people like nowadays have gotten a makeover. Greeting cards are the perfect personalized client gift because you can get ones that have fun extras like sound, pop-ups, 3D effects, and even small surprises tucked inside. Couple that with a handwritten note, and you have a winning combination.
A great card now is the gift or the perfect complement to one.
How to Use in Business:
Layer with a small gift for an experience that’s both thoughtful and fun
Use 3D or musical cards for birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because” touchpoints
Add a custom message that ties into The Expressory Strategic Storylines™ to reinforce meaning
Storylines: Relationship Reminder, Goal Acknowledgment, Tradition
Bonus Trend: “Just-Because Gifting” is on the Rise
People don’t need a reason to send a thoughtful gift anymore and businesses shouldn’t either. “Just because” gifting is growing, and it might just be your most powerful touchpoint of the year.
How to Use in Business:
Surprise a quiet client to re-engage the relationship
Celebrate the halfway point of a project or partnership
Simply say, “You popped into our thoughts today and that matters”
Storylines: Relationship Reminder, Gift Acquisition
Use Gifting as a Strategic Relationship Tool
The corporate gifting trends in the new year are about using emotionally intelligent choices to build long-term loyalty, stronger bonds, and memorable moments.
When you tie each gift to one of The Expressory Strategic Storylines™, whether it’s Transition, Tradition, Goal Acknowledgment, DIY, Acquisition, or Relationship Related, you’re sending a message. One that says: I see you, I hear you, and I value this relationship.
Ready to make your engagement strategy more meaningful this year? We’re here to help.
Join one of our upcoming community Q&As to brainstorm ideas or schedule time to talk one-on-one. Let’s make 2026 your most connected year yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are meaningful gifts more effective than traditional corporate swag?
Meaningful gifts create emotional recall. When a gift aligns with a moment, value, or shared experience, it helps people feel recognized and appreciated, which builds trust beyond transactions.
How can businesses use gifting to strengthen client relationships?
Businesses can use gifting to acknowledge milestones, support transitions, celebrate wins, or simply stay connected. Strategic gifting turns everyday touchpoints into memorable relationship moments.
Why is personalization so important in modern business gifting?
Personalization shows intention and effort. Custom details such as names, messages, or inside references help recipients feel seen and understood, especially among younger generations.
What is "just because gifting" and why does it matter?
Just because gifting removes the need for an occasion. These unexpected gestures feel more authentic and often have a stronger emotional impact than scheduled or obligation driven gifts.
