Why experiences make the best corporate gifts

Corporate gifting has come a long way. Once upon a time, employees and clients expected the usual suspects – a bottle of wine, a fruit basket, or perhaps a branded notebook and pen set. While these gifts were well-intentioned, they were often quickly forgotten, left unused, or worse, ended up in the bin.

Today, businesses are rethinking how they show appreciation. Instead of physical items, many are turning to experiences – creative workshops, wellness activities, team adventures, and personalised sessions that leave a lasting impression. It’s not just a trend; it’s a smarter, more thoughtful way to say thank you.

Why are businesses shifting to experiences?

1. They’re memorable and meaningful
When someone receives an experience, they’re not just handed a token – they’re given a memory. Physical gifts often blur into the background, but experiences are talked about, shared, and remembered long after they happen. For businesses, this means your gesture of thanks lingers in the mind of your team or client.

2. They strengthen connection and culture
Workplaces thrive on strong connections, and shared experiences are a great way to build them. Whether it’s a group workshop or an outing, these moments encourage collaboration, laughter, and bonding outside the usual day-to-day routine. For staff, this can improve team spirit. For clients, it helps build deeper relationships.

3. They’re a more sustainable choice
Many physical gifts eventually create clutter or waste. Experiences, on the other hand, leave no packaging to throw away and no unused items to collect dust. In an age where sustainability is front of mind for both businesses and individuals, this shift makes a lot of sense.

4. They align with changing staff expectations
Today’s employees want more than a payslip. They value creativity, wellbeing, and personal growth. Offering experiences as part of corporate gifting shows that businesses understand this shift, and it positions the company as progressive and thoughtful.

The benefits of gifting experiences

For staff:
- Boosted morale – Feeling genuinely appreciated goes a long way towards loyalty and engagement.
- A break from routine – A chance to step away from emails and meetings to do something fun or enriching.
- Lasting memories – People remember how they felt during an experience, far longer than they remember receiving a gift card.

For businesses:
- Stronger employer brand – Companies that gift experiences stand out as innovative and people-focused.
- Better return on investment – Unlike hampers, experiences are valued, used, and talked about, making them far more impactful.
- Customisable and scalable – Whether you’re rewarding one person or organising something for a whole team, experiences can be tailored to your budget and brand values.

What kinds of experiences make great corporate gifts?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. Businesses can choose experiences that fit their team culture or client base. Some popular options include:
- Creative workshops – From painting classes to custom lipstick workshops, these allow people to learn, create, and take something meaningful home.
- Wellness activities – Spa days, yoga classes, or meditation sessions help employees recharge and show that their wellbeing matters.
- Team-building adventures – Cooking classes, escape rooms, or outdoor activities that encourage teamwork in a fun setting.
- Personal development – Coaching sessions, courses, or seminars that invest in professional growth.

A Lip Lab Perth experience: a unique gifting idea

At The Lip Lab Perth, we see the value of experiential gifting every day. Our Signature Lipstick Workshop is a perfect example of how businesses can give something both fun and lasting.

Here’s what happens:
- Teams or individuals sit down with our expert consultants to create their own custom lipstick from scratch.
- They learn about ingredients, colour theory, and how to choose a shade that suits their undertones and style.
- They experiment, laugh, and get hands-on in a relaxed, creative environment.
- Everyone leaves with a lipstick that is completely unique to them – but more importantly, they leave with a memory of the time they spent together.

For businesses, it’s an ideal way to thank staff or clients. It’s creative, personal, and thoughtful – a far cry from the standard hamper. Plus, it ticks both boxes: an experience to enjoy in the moment, and a keepsake to use every day.

Final thought

Corporate gifting isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about showing genuine appreciation in a way that’s memorable and meaningful. In a world already filled with “stuff,” experiences cut through the noise. They strengthen connections, boost morale, and leave a lasting impression that physical gifts simply can’t match.

Next time you’re planning staff rewards or client thank-yous, think beyond hampers – and consider gifting an experience that will truly be remembered.