According to some, September marks the true beginning of the year rather than January. Many people feel the same way, maybe because everything starts up again at this time: routines return, work resumes, schools reopen, and holidays end. Without the party hats, September is like our second New Year.
Giving September a deeper meaning has a subtly inspirational quality. It’s an opportunity to start over, put summer’s unfulfilled plans and ephemeral promises behind you, and turn the page. This moment offers the prospect of a new beginning, regardless of whether the break felt too brief or sufficient.
So, as a business, how can you acknowledge this “second New Year” and support your team and clients as they return? Here are seven thoughtful corporate gift ideas that can help boost motivation and ease the transition back into work.
1. Welcome Back Box
A little gift box can make a big difference. Returning to the office can be made much more enjoyable with a few chocolates or candies, coffee pods, and a personalised note.
Consider a small self-care kit for a wellness touch; these are always appreciated during periods of introspection and reset. Add a thermal mug to help ease into those longer days with tea, coffee, or herbal infusions, and to warm up cold mornings.
2. Treat the Team to Lunch
Nothing revives smiles and starts a conversation like a lunch provided by the company. Reconnecting, exchanging holiday tales, and readjusting to work mode are all made easier when meals are shared.
It’s a small gesture that promotes teamwork and softens the transition back to routine; it may even help postpone the temptation of working remotely for a little while.
3. Encourage Fitness Goals
New resolutions, particularly those related to fitness, are common in September. Why not give your team a useful and adaptable gift like a gym bag and microfibre towel to help them achieve their goals? It’s a great way to show someone you care about their well-being, whether they’re starting a new sport or returning to the gym.
4. Give the Gift of Experiences
Giving tickets to events is a meaningful substitute for material presents. These could be professional development training sessions or cultural events like plays, comedy shows, or concerts.
It’s a fantastic way to encourage work-life balance and personal growth for staff members while demonstrating your appreciation for them outside of the workplace.
5. Desk Essentials
Branded office supplies make a great present for anyone eager to rearrange their workspace (and minds) in September. Pen holders, paperweights, reading lamps, weekly desk planners, and organisers can all contribute to a more organised and inspiring workday.
6. Back-to-School Kits
Additionally, September is “back to school” season. Notepads, A5 or A4 notebooks, and branded stationery make useful presents for professionals or even for workers with kids. They are perfect for taking notes during meetings or for daily planning, and they also make excellent branding tools if you customise them with your company’s logo.
For less expensive options, think about giving pens and notebooks with your logo on them. It’s a straightforward but appreciated combination.
7. Fun, Colourful Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags that are lightweight and multifunctional are a fantastic choice for people of all ages. They are practical and enjoyable, especially in the early autumn, and are perfect for physical education classes, field trips, or even short vacations. They come in a variety of colours and are popular with both adults and children.
Bonus Tip for Green-Minded Companies
Why not communicate sustainability to your team if it is a core value of your company? A thoughtful gift is a little plant pot with personalised branding and seeds for growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs. It can inspire new interests, such as home cooking with fresh ingredients or gardening.
Final Thoughts
We don’t have to wait until January to celebrate our coworkers or make resolutions. September has already begun, and all beginnings should be celebrated. The most important thing is to show that you care, whether that be through a small gesture, a gift, or a shared experience.
From the beginning, give your staff, customers, and partners a sense of belonging to something new and constructive.