A Shared Gift for the Breakroom is a Gift for No One
Trust me, building real connections doesn’t happen from a box of donuts
Let’s talk about a common gifting misstep: sending one generic gift “for the team” — and hoping it makes an impression.
PSA: a
basket of snacks left in the breakroom doesn’t build a relationship. It blends into the background. No name on the card, no intentionality behind the gesture — just food on a table that disappears by 3pm.
Is that really the message you want to send?
Gifting should be personal because relationships are.
In business, relationships are everything. And the best relationships are built one-on-one — not through a basket of snacks no one remembers receiving.
If you’re investing time and budget into gifting, it should do something. It should spark connection, show appreciation, and leave someone thinking, “Wow, they really thought of me.”
Here’s why gifts “to the team” often fall flat:
No clear recipient = no clear impact. The message gets diluted. No one feels truly seen.
It lacks follow-through. A gift with no context, no note, and no personal tie-in often ends up feeling transactional.
There’s no relationship-building moment. One-to-one gifting gives you a chance to say something meaningful. A box of donuts in the breakroom doesn’t.
So, what should you do?
Send gifts directly to individuals. Whether it’s your client contact, top performer, or event VIP — make it personal. Put their name on it. Include a thoughtful message. Show that you know who they are and why they matter.
Make it feel intentional, not obligatory. Thoughtfully curated products show intention and quality, over quantity always wins.
Use gifting as a conversation starter, not an afterthought. Whether it’s a thank-you, a congrats, or just a “job well done,” a perfectly timed gift can open doors and strengthen connections — when it’s done right.
The bottom line? A generic basket left in the breakroom is a missed opportunity — and often, a waste of money. If you’re going to invest in gifting, use your budget intentionally: connect with the right people, deliver something meaningful, and get real results.
And one last tip - if your recipients are local, hand-deliver the gift instead of shipping it. You can use the drop-off as a valuable touchpoint — a chance to connect, say thanks in person, and make the moment even more memorable.