Human Resource Perspectives on Gifting in Teams

October 15, 2025

In the bustling offices of Bengaluru's tech hubs, where deadlines hum and innovation thrives, a quiet revolution is reshaping workplace culture: the art of gifting. Not just any gifts, but thoughtful, personalized tokens like engraved pendants or sleek bracelets that carry meaning far beyond their price tag. In India, where relationships are the heartbeat of both personal and professional life, corporate gifting is emerging as a powerful tool for human resource teams to foster connection, boost morale, and build lasting team loyalty.

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Gifting as a Cultural Bridge in Indian Workplaces

In India, gifting is woven into the fabric of tradition think Diwali sweets, wedding jewelry, or festive hampers exchanged with warmth. Today, HR departments across the country are tapping into this cultural pulse, using gifts to strengthen workplace bonds. Unlike generic corporate swag, the focus is shifting toward meaningful items like fashion jewelry and accessories, which resonate with employees on a personal level. From Mumbai's corporate towers to Gurugram's multinational campuses, companies are discovering that a well-chosen gift can transform team dynamics, signaling appreciation in a way that bonuses alone cannot.

The rise of the personalized gifts market, valued at USD 28.27 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 59.24 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 9.69%, reflects this shift. In India, where customization carries deep emotional weight, HR teams are leveraging items like monogrammed keychains, custom-engraved bangles, or eco-friendly jewelry to celebrate milestones, from work anniversaries to project completions. These gifts, often small but deeply personal, turn ordinary moments into cherished memories, fostering a sense of belonging in fast-paced workplaces.

The Corporate Gifting Boom in India

Corporate gifting isn't new, but its scope and impact are evolving rapidly. According to a 2022 Coresight Research survey, the global corporate gifting market is expected to grow from USD 258 billion in 2022 to USD 312 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 6.5%. In India, this growth is amplified by the country's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Fashion jewelry brands, in particular, are carving a niche by partnering with corporates for bulk gifting solutions. Think stackable rings for a team's annual retreat or engraved cufflinks for client-facing employees these items blend style with sentiment, making them ideal for professional settings.

The shift to remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by the pandemic, has further fueled this trend. As the Coresight study notes, 61% of corporate gift buyers reported changing their work models since COVID-19, prompting more frequent gifting to maintain connection with dispersed teams. In India, this translates to companies in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad using gifts to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person interactions. A startup in Koramangala, for instance, might send personalized charm bracelets to its remote developers, while a Gurugram-based MNC could gift sleek watches to its sales team to mark a successful quarter.

Real-World Impact: Gifting in Action

Consider a Bengaluru-based IT firm that recently rolled out a gifting program for its 2,000-strong workforce. For every employee's work anniversary, HR sends a customized accessory a pendant with the company logo or a bracelet engraved with the employee's initials. The result? A measurable uptick in employee satisfaction scores, with internal surveys showing that 78% of employees reported higher job satisfaction after receiving such thoughtful gifts, a finding echoed in Snappy's 2023 Holiday Gifting Report. The report also highlights that 57% of employees see a gift as a sign of their employer's gratitude, a sentiment that resonates deeply in India's relationship-driven work culture.

Retail giants and startups alike are jumping on board. A leading fashion retailer in Mumbai, for example, partnered with a local jewelry brand to create eco-friendly, handcrafted earrings for its female employees during Women's Day celebrations. The initiative not only boosted morale but also aligned with the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, a growing priority in corporate India. As Snappy's report notes, 75% of employees hope to receive a gift from their company, underscoring the universal appeal of such gestures.

Navigating Challenges in Corporate Gifting

Yet, gifting isn't without its hurdles. In a country as diverse as India, HR teams must navigate cultural sensitivities to ensure gifts resonate across religions, regions, and personal preferences. A gold-tone necklace might delight one employee but feel inappropriate to another. Standardization is key without clear HR policies, gifting can inadvertently lead to perceptions of favoritism, especially in hierarchical organizations. Budgets also pose a challenge. While the personalized gifts market is booming, HR departments must balance cost with quality, ensuring gifts feel premium without breaking the bank.

Sustainability is another critical concern. India's jewelry market is increasingly embracing ethical sourcing, with brands highlighting recycled metals and eco-friendly packaging. Companies that fail to align with these values risk alienating environmentally conscious employees, particularly in younger, urban workforces. HR teams are thus tasked with selecting gifts that reflect both corporate values and employee expectations, a delicate but necessary balancing act.

Opportunities: Gifting as a Strategic HR Tool

Despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense. Thoughtful gifting can elevate employer branding, positioning companies as inclusive and employee-centric. In Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Jaipur and Coimbatore, where corporate culture is rapidly evolving, gifting programs are helping firms stand out in competitive talent markets. Jewelry and accessory brands, meanwhile, are seizing the moment, positioning themselves as B2B partners for corporate gifting. By offering customizable, sustainable options, these brands are tapping into India's growing demand for meaningful workplace gestures.

Technology is also transforming the gifting landscape. AI-driven platforms now allow HR teams to curate personalized gift options at scale, from selecting designs to engraving names. This tech-forward approach aligns with India's digital-first corporate ecosystem, making gifting seamless and impactful. For instance, a Hyderabad-based fintech startup recently used a gifting platform to deliver custom keychains to its 500 employees, with each item tailored to the recipient's role and tenure.

A Memorable The Future of Gifting in India

As India's corporate landscape evolves, gifting is emerging as more than a festive ritual it's a strategic HR tool that builds trust, loyalty, and connection. From the gleaming offices of Gurugram to the startup hubs of Bengaluru, companies are recognizing that a well-chosen gift, like a handcrafted bracelet or an engraved pendant, can speak louder than words. Looking ahead, HR thought leaders predict a future where gifting becomes even more personalized, sustainable, and tech-driven, reflecting India's unique blend of tradition and innovation. For now, one thing is clear: in the race to build stronger teams, a small, thoughtful gift can make a world of difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does corporate gifting impact employee satisfaction in Indian companies?

According to recent studies, corporate gifting significantly boosts employee morale in Indian workplaces, with 78% of employees reporting higher job satisfaction after receiving thoughtful gifts. In India's relationship-driven work culture, personalized items like engraved pendants or custom bracelets resonate deeply with employees, as 57% see such gifts as a genuine sign of their employer's gratitude. This cultural approach to gifting helps companies build stronger team loyalty and connection beyond traditional compensation methods.

What are the best corporate gift ideas for HR teams in India?

The most effective corporate gifts in Indian companies are personalized fashion jewelry and accessories, such as engraved bangles, monogrammed keychains, stackable rings, and custom charm bracelets. These items blend style with sentiment while respecting India's gifting traditions rooted in festivals like Diwali. HR teams are increasingly choosing eco-friendly, handcrafted options that can be customized at scale, with tech platforms now enabling personalized engraving and design selection for large workforces.

What challenges do Indian HR departments face when implementing corporate gifting programs?

Indian HR teams must navigate cultural sensitivities across diverse religions and regions, ensuring gifts resonate universally without appearing inappropriate or showing favoritism. Budget constraints require balancing cost with quality to maintain a premium feel, while sustainability concerns push companies toward ethical sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. Clear HR policies are essential to standardize gifting practices and prevent perceptions of bias, especially in hierarchical organizations where consistency is crucial for maintaining fairness.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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