When we think of corporate gifting, we often picture holiday boxes, year-end celebrations, or Q4 thank-you campaigns. But savvy companies know that gifting shouldn’t take a summer vacation. In fact, summer is one of the most underrated—but powerful—times to build relationships through thoughtful corporate gifts.
Summer Is the Sleeper Season for Building Stronger Relationships
The summer months often bring a natural lull in business activity. Decision-makers are on vacation, inboxes are quieter, and teams are recalibrating. It’s the perfect moment to stand out.
While others go quiet, a well-timed summer gift shows attentiveness and creativity. It says: “We’re thinking of you, even when we’re not selling to you.” That simple message can go a long way toward building brand affinity and staying top-of-mind when deals resume in the fall.
Gifting Drives Connection in a Remote-First World
In today’s distributed work environment, many teams skip traditional summer gatherings like company picnics or retreats. Corporate gifting can fill that gap, offering a tangible, shared experience across locations. Whether it’s a branded beach towel, a gourmet BBQ kit, or a non-alcoholic cocktail set, the right gift reinforces culture and appreciation—even from miles away.
It’s About More Than a Transaction
Summer gifting isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s a relationship strategy. Thoughtful gifts remind clients, partners, and employees that they’re more than a name on a spreadsheet. And in slower sales cycles, these small moments of care can be the thing that turns a maybe into a yes.
Pro Tip: Make It Useful, Seasonal, and Shareable
Summer gifting works best when it’s relevant and delightful. Think:
- Useful items they’ll use at the beach or park
- Refreshments they’ll enjoy in the heat
- Experiences they’ll remember, like cooking kits or music gear
Bonus points for personalization and sustainability.
BUBBLE
$19
SPEAQUA
$34.99
AUTSIDE
$65
Give a gift that gets people moving—and talking. Tailored to the fastest-growing sport, it makes a timely and thoughtful gift for active employees, clients, or partners.
MONDAY
$42
NAKIE
$165
HERE HERE MARKET
$75
Bring the flavors of Chicago to their kitchen with this chef-selected basket of gourmet sauces and spices. A deliciously memorable gift for food lovers.
RIFLE PAPER CO.
$30
GOODR
$35
JENI’S
$58
PICNIC TIME
$49.95
BAREBONES LIVING
$34.99
Give your green-thumbed colleagues a cut above the rest. These garden scissors are equal parts form and function, with a vintage flair that turns backyard snips into a moment of Zen. Ideal for plant lovers, hobbyists, and anyone who finds joy in their garden sanctuary.
BARNES & NOBLE
$32
For the colleague who’d rather be off-grid than online. This guidebook sparks wanderlust with detailed itineraries, scenic routes, and road-trip-ready ideas that help make the great outdoors even greater. A perfect desk-to-dirt-road gift.
NOCS PROVISIONS
$75
Summer views, upgraded. This compact, waterproof monocular is made for spontaneous hikes, beachside stargazing, or spying wildlife on a company retreat. A sleek, high-performance gift for the team member who sees the world differently.
BE HOME
$26
Work hard, platter harder. This charming book is full of creative ideas for grazing boards that elevate summer entertaining. It’s an inspiring (and hunger-inducing) pick for clients or teammates who love to host.
NOD PRODUCTS
$25
This waterproof dry bag protects essentials from sand, splashes, and surprise cannonballs. Lightweight, durable, and bright as sunshine — it’s a fun, functional gift for adventurers and beachgoers alike.
BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
$79
Cooler than your average corporate gift — literally. With timeless design and top-tier insulation, this premium cooler bag keeps drinks cold and style points high. Ideal for off-sites, beach days, and team members who bring the party with them.
VSSL GEAR
$49.95
For the remote worker who can’t do mornings without their perfect cup. Compact, portable, and brews coffee so good it’ll make the office Keurig jealous. A go-to summer gift for caffeinated achievers on the move.
VINGLACÉ
$139.95
Luxury meets laid-back leisure. This sleek wine chiller set keeps bottles cool from the first pour to the last sip—no ice bucket needed. Perfect for client thank-yous, team milestones, or closing deals in style.
BAREBONES LIVING
$27.99
Tough, timeless, and made for getting your hands dirty—in the best way. These gloves are crafted for everything from backyard projects to serious DIY sessions. A rugged-yet-refined gift for hands-on team players.
PICNIC TIME
$133.95
The ultimate upgrade from sad desk lunches. With vintage-inspired style and enough room for a full picnic spread, this basket turns lunch breaks into mini-vacations. Gift it to elevate any outdoor team gathering or summer client send-off.
YETI
$25
Because warm drinks are a workplace foul. This slim YETI Colster keeps hard seltzers and summer sodas ice-cold for hours. It’s the kind of gift your team will use all season — from team outings to backyard BBQs.
ENO
$74.95
Work-life balance, in fabric form. This packable, durable hammock is made for lazy afternoons, camping trips, and outdoor naps between Zoom calls. Give the gift of chill to your team — they’ve earned it.
TASCHEN
$60
Om-mazing inspiration for travel and wellness lovers. This beautifully bound book is filled with serene escapes, yoga destinations, and tranquility-inducing imagery. A zen-forward gift that says: relax, recharge, realign.
MATOUK
$95
Beach days deserve better towels. This bold, high-end Matouk towel is plush, oversized, and ready for poolside lounging or impromptu park picnics. Luxe gifting without the luxury attitude.
TRUFF
$34.10
Turn up the heat on your corporate gifting. This TRUFF bundle brings bold flavor and sleek design to the table — literally. For clients and coworkers who like their summer spicy (and their packaging on point).
J.K. ADAMS
$125.00
Whether it’s serving grilled favorites at a team cookout or adding elegance to a home kitchen, this cherry wood carving board brings warmth and personalization to any occasion. The rich, natural finish is perfect for slicing, and the custom engraving makes it uniquely theirs.
YOGA DESIGN LAB
$95
Wellness with style. This vibrant, eco-friendly yoga mat doubles as a towel and offers grip that keeps up with hot summer flows. Whether your team practices at home, the park, or a retreat, this gift says “we support your balance.”
STONEWALL KITCHEN
$89.95
Good mornings start here. This charming breakfast set includes all the blueberry bests — from jams to pancake mix — wrapped in summer hospitality. Send it to start someone’s day (and quarter) off right.
LEGACY
$31.95
Classy, compact, and cool — just like your favorite clients. This insulated jute bag carries two bottles in picnic-perfect style, making it a go-to gift for wine lovers and weekenders alike.
VIA CAROTA
$39
Happy hour in a bottle. This ready-to-pour cocktail is the perfect way to say “cheers” to summer wins and team milestones. Elegant, effortless, and best enjoyed with sunshine and a salty rim.
SANTA BARBARA DESIGN STUDIO
$33
Team bonding, meet fire pit fun. This stylish gift box includes extendable roasting sticks for spontaneous s’mores nights — ideal for summer socials, retreats, or just sparking joy. Sweet, simple, and unforgettable.
WEST PATH
$49
The catch of the season for ocean lovers and beach bums. Packed with surf-inspired must-haves, this kit brings California vibes to any zip code. A fun and unexpected gift that’s all about riding the summer wave.
GOAT USA
$20
A hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts. This sleek glove brings comfort, grip, and swagger to the course. Great for summer tournaments, company outings, or just helping your crew bring their A-game.
BAGGU
$14
The everyday essential that’s anything but basic. This stylish, foldable tote fits in your pocket but hauls everything from farmers market finds to beach towels. A fun and sustainable way to keep your brand on the go.
LEGACY
$40.95
For the office mixologist or the remote team member who throws the best virtual happy hours. This all-in-one bar tool kit rolls up neatly for gifting, travel, or rooftop cocktail crafting. Cheers to that!
Final Word
Summer gifting isn’t about lavish spending—it’s about staying human, thoughtful, and visible. Whether you’re nurturing prospects, thanking employees, or celebrating customer milestones, gifting in the “off-season” might just be your most on-point move all year.
Want help planning your summer gifting strategy? Let’s talk.