Corporate gifting calendar in Nigeria: When to give and what to give

Gifting is hard enough, but figuring out how, when, and what to give in a corporate scenario is one of the toughest things to do. In Nigeria, workplace culture typically involves a bunch of people working together without necessarily knowing too much about each other, so it can be a hassle trying to find gifts your colleagues would actually like but here is the ultimate corporate gifting calendar.

If you’re trying to figure out when and what to gift your coworkers, then this corporate gifting calendar is the answer you’ve been looking for. But, before we get into it, let’s go over why corporate gifting is important in Nigeria.

Why corporate gifting matters in Nigeria

In Nigeria, maintaining a healthy corporate environment is one of the most important factors that contribute to company success. And a great way to boost your work environment is through corporate gifting.

Think of it like this: if you gift your coworkers with items they actually want or like, they’d feel more valued, especially if the item is something they can appreciate. But that’s only the beginning; corporate gifting can include practically anyone in business, whether it’s between employees, an employee and their employer, or even between two businesses.

The idea of corporate gifting is to make a second party feel valued in a corporate environment. And in Nigeria, where connection drives business interactions and even success, you can be sure that corporate gifting certainly holds its worth.

Corporate calendar for Nigerians: When to give

corporate gifting boxes

With the gifting culture in Nigeria, timing is everything. This means that knowing when to give is just as important as what you give. Corporate gifts feel better when they’re intentional, planned for a specific occasion, and not randomly dropped on your colleagues without any context.

In this section, we’ll elaborate on the best times for corporate gifting from different angles. For starters, here’s a breakdown of key moments throughout the business year when you can gift your colleagues:

  • January: For New Year’s, specifically within the first two weeks of the month, so it feels like a timely way to welcome everyone to the new year.

 

  • February: During Valentine’s, you can gift your coworkers to celebrate the season of love and corporate friendships with everyone else.

 

  • March: For International Women’s Day, you can celebrate all the females in your workplace or business ecosystem. Since Ramadan also starts around this period, you can plan gifts for your Muslim colleagues who are observing the fast.

 

  • April: This month, you can plan Easter and Good Friday gifts for your Christian colleagues, especially towards the month’s end.

 

  • May – June: Since this period marks the start of the second quarter and the second half of the business year, you can use it to recognize employees for their work and encourage them to do even more.

 

  • October: For Independence Day, you can organize a team bonding event or just gift your colleagues.

 

  • December: This is one of the most popular periods for corporate gifting. In December, you can gift your colleagues for Christmas, Boxing Day, or to mark the end of the business year.

 

Aside from the usual monthly holidays, you can also gift your employees during:

  1. Company celebrations (anniversaries, achievements, etc.)
  2. Staff get-togethers or corporate events
  3. Birthdays and individual celebrations within your company

What to give: Unique corporate gift ideas for Nigerians

corporate gifting box ideas

Now that you know when to give your corporate gifts, the next important thing to consider is what exactly to gift your colleagues. This part gets tricky because most times, coworkers aren’t connected enough to know what they like.

The good news is that some gifts are evergreen, so if you’re not sure where to begin, these options would be a great start. We’ve even taken the pleasure of arranging them depending on the relationship you have with the colleague you’re gifting. So without further ado, here are some of the best corporate gifts you should consider:

  • For founders:

If you’re planning to gift the founder of a company you work at or with or top executives at a Nigerian organization, it’s best to go for items that they’d actually find useful. For example:

  • Smart devices like smartwatches, voice recognition audio devices, or smart thermostats for thier office
  • High-quality headsets
  • Leather journals with writing materials and planners curated in a stunning box
  • Branded tech gadgets with the company logo
  • Premium desk accessories and artistic decor

 

  • For coworkers and employees:

With employees or coworkers, you want to focus on gifts that appreciate them, serve as a source of motivation, or combine both. Some examples of such gifts include:

  • Customized wellness kits (water bottles, planners, scented candles, tote bags)
  • Experience-based gifts like tickets, dinner coupons, or mini spa sessions.
  • Hampers with snacks and drinks.
  • Awards or plaques for long-standing employees
  • Productivity kits with items like planners, gadgets, or notebooks.

 

  • For other businesses:

In situations where you’ve interacted with other businesses like vendors at an event, corporate clients, or brand partners, the goal should be to show how much you value them through your gifts. You can achieve this goal by giving them these gifts:

  • Curated hampers with local and imported snacks and drinks.
  • Branded lifestyle items (mugs, power banks, notebooks, or office gear).
  • Corporate merchandise that’s functional, like USB drives, travel mugs, or planners.
  • Accessories like handmade baskets, textiles, or décor pieces.

Tips for corporate gifting in Nigeria

Now, before you get into planning corporate gifts for your colleagues, here are some things you need to keep in mind:

  1. A little personalization goes a long way in making your gift look more intentional, so don’t be scared to add handwritten notes or name tags to your gift items.
  2. While gifting, always prioritize quality over quantity
  3. Schedule your gifting around key corporate or significant moments, not randomly.
  4. Don’t overdo company banding. A mug with the company logo, amongst other gifts, presents better than a basket of items with the company logo.
  5. Don’t assume everyone likes the same thing. 
  6. Be sure to wrap gifts in the most attractive way possible. Poor presentation can make a gift look rushed and unintentional.
  7. Outsource corporate gifting whenever you can, especially if you want the most effort put into planning the gifts.

Make your corporate gifts even more meaningful with Yellowlyfe

The right gift, when done correctly, can express gratitude, strengthen connections, and keep your work environment incredibly productive. But knowing when to give and what to give takes planning, intentionality, and a real understanding of how important corporate giving is. That’s where Yellowlyfe steps in.

At Yellowlyfe, we make corporate gifting effortless yet meaningful. From New Year appreciation boxes to year-end hampers, we curate gifts that reflect your brand’s story and the personality of each recipient. Our designs, packaging, and delivery are built to impress, but more importantly, our gifts are meant to connect people in any scenario.

So reach out to us to learn how we can take your corporate gifting from a basic affair to a thoughtful experience.

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