Why Books Are the Unsung Heroes of Corporate Gifting
Let’s be honest: branded mugs are fine. But if you actually want to impress clients and employees (without plastering a logo on everything) books are where the magic happens.
Books are timeless. They don’t end up buried in a drawer like another tchotchke or vanish with the last slice of fruitcake. A thoughtful book can be reread, highlighted, dog-eared, and genuinely enjoyed long after a holiday card has faded. That’s longevity most swag can only dream of.
They inspire and educate. Whether it’s leadership lessons, creative fuel, or just a brilliant idea that reshapes how someone thinks, a great book delivers value that goes way beyond the initial unwrapping experience. That’s why books are a staple in corporate gift guides—not fluff, but purposeful gifts that actually benefit the reader.
Books feel personal without being weird. Unlike some overly branded gear, a well-chosen book communicates that you were thoughtful about the person on the receiving end. It says, “I think you’re worth expanding your mind,” which is a pretty great message in business and in life.
They fit everyone. Clients, vendors, new hires, CEOs - there’s a title for every personality and professional stage. Nonfiction for the strategist, fiction for the creative thinker, memoirs for the leadership junkie. Books hit the sweet spot that office swag never quite reaches.
Boosts relationships. Corporate gifting strengthens bonds with clients and employees alike. According to Forbes, thoughtful gifting is a key strategy for showing appreciation and building stronger business relationships.
And if you’re still skeptical, imagine a client returning to their desk and seeing your gift on their shelf months later. That’s brand affinity you can’t get from a stress ball.
4 Books That Make Great Corporate Gifts
Here are some surefire hits—smart, accessible, and memorable:
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann – A business fable about the power of giving, which itself makes this book a cheeky gift for a client.
Seeing the Big Picture by Kevin R. Cope – An “MBA in under 180 pages” that teaches business acumen without the textbook snooze.
The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson – Classic management wisdom in a tidy, digestible package.
Radical Candor by Kim Scott – A refreshingly human take on leadership and communication.
In the war against forgettable gifts, books are the heavy artillery: thoughtful, valuable, and surprisingly fun. Give a book—and you give something that keeps on giving.
Bonus tip:
Add a custom branded bookplate via sticker on the inside cover. That way, with each open, your client or employee will remember who gave them the book.
Ready to gift books? Contact us today to help craft a memorable gift that gets results.