Corporate holiday gifting isn't something you can afford to leave until the last minute. With global teams, shipping complexities, and increased demand for quality swag, companies that start planning early are the ones that deliver holiday season gifts that land well and arrive on time.

As such, we prepared this guide to explain everything you need to know to build a successful holiday corporate gifting campaign for the 2025 holiday corporate gifting. We’ll walk you through each step, include production timelines, and answer the most common corporate holiday gifting questions.

How to Build a Corporate Gifting Campaign and Timeline for the 2025 Holidays

Step 1: August - Kick off your holiday gifting campaign

If you're wondering when to start planning holiday gifting 2025, the answer is simple: August.

Begin by scheduling a kickoff call with your dedicated customer success manager. This first step sets the tone for a smooth project and gives you time to clarify key details. Who are you gifting? Clients, employees, partners? What’s the goal: showing appreciation, improving retention, celebrating achievements, or building loyalty?

Then, decide what type of gifting program makes sense for your team. Will you go with custom swag kits or a bulk shipment to multiple individual addresses?

Step 2: September - Define project details and choose items 

In September, it’s time to lock in your gifting direction. Are you going with custom swag + kitting or a large-scale bulk order? Will you focus on holiday gift ideas for employees like cozy home kits or eco-friendly desk organizers? Whatever your answer is, you’ll want to finalize your holiday gifting list this month, accounting for shipping times, product lead times, and seasonality.

Think of and choose business holiday gift ideas that are relevant and practical and that will arrive on time. Request product samples to help with decision-making. Seeing and feeling the quality helps ensure your final swag and gifts reflect your brand well. 

If apparel is on your holiday swag ideas list, collect size data from recipients as early as possible. Apparel stock can shift quickly in Q4, so giving yourself buffer time matters.

Important notes to remember in September:

• Embroidery projects: Allow 15 to 20 days for proof approval before anything is produced

• Samples: Request these by August or early September so you’re not rushed

• Size-specific products: Submit size lists early to confirm stock or find alternatives

Step 3: October - Place orders

October is the month to place all final orders. By now, your product list should be complete, and your designs should be approved. The sooner you order, the better your chances of avoiding holiday season bottlenecks.

You’ll need to allow time for production, especially if you’re choosing non-standard items. It can depend on the items, but these can take 20 to 25 days before they even ship. If your project includes international shipping, expect 25 to 30 days in transit. For fragile items like ceramic mugs or glass drinkware, place orders well in advance to make space for potential replacements.

Production timelines to consider:

• Non-standard items: 20 to 25 days plus shipping

• Fragile items: Order early to account for damage or loss

• International shipping: Plan for 25 to 30 days for door-to-door

Step 4: November to December - Prepare for last-minute gifting

Even with the best planning, there are always a few surprises. Maybe a new hire joins in December or a client opportunity comes in late. For these situations, you need a flexible solution.

So, make sure to leverage swag management and corporate gifting platforms for client holiday gifting or holiday treats. You can also lean on platforms offering On Demand swag to handle holiday gifts for customers without starting a new project. Working with such platforms will enable you to still send out your holiday swag and gifts on time and without needing advanced inventory.

5 Popular Swag Ideas for 2025 Corporate Holiday Gifting

If you’re seeking corporate holiday gifting ideas aligned with holiday gifting trends, consider:

1. Premium insulated drinkware (Stanley-style tumblers and thermal mugs)

2. Custom hoodies and beanies for colder climates

3. Eco-friendly notebooks, pens, and desk organizers

4. Travel pouches for holiday vacations

5. Cozy home kits with blankets and self-care items

FAQs about Holiday Corporate Gifting Campaigns

What is the purpose of a holiday corporate gifting campaign?

The purpose is to strengthen relationships with clients, employees, and partners by showing appreciation, fostering goodwill, and enhancing brand loyalty during the holiday season.

How do I choose the right gifts for my recipients?

Consider the recipient's preferences, company culture, and the relationship's nature. Opt for thoughtful, high-quality, and useful gifts that reflect your brand values.

When should I start planning holiday gifting for clients or employees this 2025 holiday season?

Start planning in August or early September to get ahead of inventory issues, shipping delays, and customization bottlenecks.

What’s the best way to personalize holiday gifts?

Add custom packaging, brand colors, or personalized gift notes. You can even give your recipients a choice through a branded and holiday swag store.

How can I manage gifting for a global team or client base?

Work with a platform that offers cost-effective international shipping, prepaid duties where possible, and local sourcing to avoid customs delays.

What’s a typical holiday gifting budget per person?

Budgets range from $50 - $200 per recipient, depending on the relationship, industry, and whether you’re sending holiday swag for an individual or group.

How long does international shipping take?

Plan for 25 to 30 days for international shipments, especially if sending to remote areas or countries without local supplier coverage.

How can I measure the success or impact of my gifting campaign?

Track engagement metrics like responses, social media mentions, and feedback surveys to evaluate your holiday gifting campaign’s effectiveness.

If you want a seamless holiday gifting campaign this 2025, book a demo with us! We can help you with your holiday gifting from start to finish. With PerkUp, you have everything you need—from On Demand and bulk swag, swag kits, localized gifts, and holiday gift cards to automated gifting and a dedicated customer success manager. Start your 2025 holiday gifting with PerkUp today!