30 Events Gift Ideas for 2025: Engage, Impress, and Inspire Your Audience

​A 2024 study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) highlights the continued effectiveness of promotional products in engaging consumers. According to the study, over 80% of consumers remember the brand that provided them with a promotional product, and 83% are more likely to do business with that brand afterward. 

Dans le paysage concurrentiel des événements d'aujourd'hui, il ne suffit pas d'un conférencier instructif et d'un déjeuner bien préparé pour se démarquer. L'un des moyens d'y parvenir est d'offrir des cadeaux réfléchis et mémorables. Mais avec la multitude d'options disponibles, il peut être difficile de savoir par où commencer. 

That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to event gifting in 2025. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the importance of gifting to choosing the ideal event gifts for your audience. We'll also provide you with 30 brilliant gift ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

Le besoin de cadeaux événementiels 

  • Faites une impression durable: Un cadeau bien choisi restera dans l'esprit de vos participants longtemps après la fin de l'événement, en gardant votre marque à l'esprit. 
  • Montrez votre reconnaissance: Un cadeau est un moyen concret de remercier vos participants d'être venus à votre événement. 
  • Encourage social media sharing: When attendees receive a great gift, they're more likely to share their experience on social media, which can help you reach a wider audience. 
  • Renforcer la fidélité à la marque: Un cadeau bien pensé peut grandement contribuer à renforcer la bonne volonté et la fidélité à l'égard de votre marque. 

Cadeaux lors d'événements - pas seulement des sacs à surprises ! 

Gone are the days of throwing a bunch of pens and keychains into a tote bag and calling it a day. Today's attendees are savvy and expect more from event gifts. 

Quel est le cadeau idéal pour un événement ? 

  • Précieux et pertinents: Choisissez des cadeaux en rapport avec le thème de votre événement ou qui seront utiles à vos participants. 
  • Pratique: Optez pour des cadeaux que vos participants pourront utiliser au quotidien. 
  • Personnalisé: Une touche de personnalisation peut faire une grande différence. Pensez à ajouter le nom ou les initiales des participants aux cadeaux. 
  • Unique et mémorable: Choisissez des cadeaux qui sortent de l'ordinaire et dont vos participants se souviendront. 
  • Focus on Value and Relevance: One great way to choose valuable and relevant gifts is to focus on books. Books can be on various topics, from business and marketing to self-help and personal development. You can also choose books related to your event's theme. 

For example, if you're hosting a tech conference, you could give attendees a book on the latest tech trends. Or, if you're hosting a health and wellness event, you could give them a book on healthy eating or stress management. 

  • Pensez à l'utilité pratique: Les cadeaux liés à la technologie sont toujours appréciés par les participants. Pensez à leur offrir des banques d'énergie portables, des chargeurs sans fil ou des enceintes Bluetooth. Vous pouvez également leur offrir des cadeaux qui les aident à rester organisés, tels que des carnets de notes, des planificateurs ou des range-câbles. 
  • La personnalisation ajoute une touche d'enchantement: La personnalisation est un excellent moyen de rendre vos cadeaux encore plus spéciaux. Vous pouvez ajouter le nom ou les initiales des participants sur des tasses, des bouteilles d'eau ou des articles de papeterie. Vous pouvez également créer des boîtes-cadeaux personnalisées contenant une sélection de petits objets en rapport avec le thème de l'événement ou les centres d'intérêt des participants. 

 

30 Brilliant events gift ideas  

Here are 30 brilliant event gift ideas for events: 

Tech gifts 

These modern tech accessories as event gift offer convenience and are perfect for professionals navigating a digital-first world. They enhance productivity and elevate everyday tech usage. 

  1. Professional mic: Ideal for remote workers, podcasters, and virtual event attendees, providing clear sound for meetings or recordings. 
  2. Wireless chargers: Tangle-free charging solutions that add style and efficiency to any desk setup. 
  3. Mobile battery charger: A must-have power bank for professionals who are always on the go. 
  4. Smart Bluetooth tracker / Airtags: Help attendees keep track of essentials like keys and wallets, adding a layer of digital security. 
  5. Mobile/Tablet stand: Encourages ergonomic screen positioning during virtual meetings or webinars. 

 

Practical utility gifts 

These items serve a functional purpose and are designed for everyday use. They reflect thoughtfulness and attention to attendee needs, particularly in professional settings. 

  1. Branded padfolio: A sleek, professional accessory for note-taking and carrying essential documents. 
  2. Desktop organizer set: Keeps clutter at bay and enhances workspace efficiency. 
  3. Cable organizer: A simple yet impactful gift that helps untangle messy tech setups. 
  4. Tote bags: Reusable and stylish, these are perfect for trade shows or daily errands. 
  5. Fitness tracker band: Encourages healthy habits by monitoring activity, sleep, and heart rate. 

Wellness gifts 

These event gifts cater to physical and emotional well-being, turning the act of giving into an opportunity to promote health, relaxation, and rejuvenation. 

  1. Luxury candles: A blend of fragrance and ambiance, these candles turn any room into a sanctuary. 
  2. Succulents or small plants: Eco-conscious gifts that symbolize growth and bring a calming presence to workspaces. 
  3. Custom diffuser: Promotes relaxation through aromatherapy; personalize it for events or brand messaging. 
  4. Wellness app subscriptions: Access to guided meditations, sleep aids, or fitness routines for holistic well-being. 
  5. Online yoga/training subscriptions: Support physical wellness with virtual access to expert-led sessions. 

Personalized keepsakes 

Thoughtful and unique, these gifts create a sense of connection and are memorable. They can be customized to reflect the event, recipient’s name, or personal milestones. 

  1. Customized cup and saucer set: Elegant and useful event gift with specific branding or personalized names. 
  2. Wine glasses: Branded glassware that adds sophistication to celebrations and networking dinners. 
  3. Personalized mementos: Items like engraved keychains or custom notebooks that show appreciation and add a personal touch. 
  4. Travel duffle bag: A useful and premium gift for employees or clients who travel frequently. 
  5. Hand-written thank you card: Simple yet powerful; shows genuine gratitude in a personal way. 

Subscription-based gifts 

Subscription gifts offer ongoing value. They keep the engagement going beyond the event, while also aligning with personal and professional interests. 

  1. E-books & audiobooks: Ideal for learners and literature lovers; offer variety and personalization. 
  2. Online course subscription (Coursera/Udemy): Great for professional development; recipients of this event gift can choose from thousands of courses. 
  3. Magazine subscriptions: Tailored to interests or industry insights, these keep the reader updated and inspired. 
  4. Sponsor tester gift boxes: Co-branded boxes with samples, snacks, or utilities offer a fun surprise and marketing value.

 

Swag Gifting 

Swag gifting creates immediate delight and lasting brand recall by combining practicality with brand personality. These tangible gifts are perfect for making attendees feel valued and connected, while subtly reinforcing your brand’s identity. High-quality swag items as event gifts not only serve a purpose but also keep your company top of mind, long after the event has ended. 

  1. Branded tote bags 
    Stylish and sustainable, tote bags are ideal for carrying event materials and make useful giveaways that attendees reuse in their daily lives—giving your brand extended exposure. 
  2. Wireless chargers 
    Sleek and functional, wireless chargers are modern desk essentials. Offering them as swag showcases innovation and helps your audience power up with ease while keeping your brand visible. 
  3. Customized notebooks and pens 
    Classic yet effective, these are perfect for event note-taking or work use. Custom branding transforms everyday stationery into a subtle yet powerful marketing tool. 
  4. Branded apparel (T-shirts/Hoodies) 
    Comfortable and cool, branded clothing not only promotes unity at events but turns attendees into walking brand ambassadors. Choose premium fabrics and tasteful designs for better retention. 

Charity & Donation-Based Gifting 

Charity and donation gifts are meaningful, purpose-driven gestures that go beyond material value. They allow recipients to be part of a greater cause and create emotional connections between your brand and your audience. These gifts are especially impactful at values-based events, CSR-driven conferences, or occasions that focus on community and social good. 

  1. Donate on behalf of attendees 
    Let attendees choose a cause close to their heart—be it education, animal welfare, or disaster relief—and donate on their behalf. It’s a powerful way to show empathy and align your event with meaningful action. 
  2. Support local artisans or NGOs 
    Buy gifts handcrafted by local artisans or made by women’s self-help groups and NGOs. These not only support livelihoods but also tell authentic stories that resonate emotionally with recipients. 

 

Gifts to avoid giving in an event  

Lors de la sélection des cadeaux événementiels, il est essentiel d'éviter certains écueils.  

  • Évitez les cadeaux contenant des liquides, car ils peuvent causer des problèmes pendant le voyage. 
  • N'offrez jamais de cadeaux qui nécessitent une certaine taille, comme des vêtements, des chaussures, des vestes, etc. 
  • Objets tranchants tels que couteaux, ciseaux, trousses à outils, etc. 
  • Symboles ou textes religieux. Tenez-vous en à des thèmes neutres, à moins que vous ne connaissiez les croyances de chacun. 
  • Alcool ou produits du tabac. Tenir compte des allergies potentielles ou des préoccupations éthiques. 
  • Perfumes or colognes.  These can trigger allergies or clash with individual preferences. 

 

Factors to consider before gifting at events 

When selecting gifts for events—whether corporate gatherings, trade shows, conferences, or internal team celebrations—thoughtful planning goes a long way in ensuring that your gifts are meaningful, memorable, and aligned with your brand. Here are key factors to consider before gifting at events

1. Understand your audience 

Before choosing a gift, take time to know who your recipients are. The more relevant your gift is to their lifestyle or preferences, the more appreciated it will be. 

  • Demographics: Age, gender, and location influence preferences. For example, younger audiences might enjoy tech gadgets, while older recipients may value classic utility items. 
  • Professional Roles: A gift that resonates with a senior executive may differ from what you’d offer to a junior associate. High-end stationery for leaders vs. productivity tools for individual contributors. 
  • Personal Interests: If you know your audience’s hobbies—like travel, fitness, or reading—you can personalize gifts accordingly (e.g., duffle bags, fitness trackers, or e-book subscriptions). 

2. Match the occasion and context 

The nature and purpose of the event should guide your gift selection. 

  • Festive Events: For holidays like Diwali or Christmas, think of celebratory gifts—sweets, candles, or luxury hampers. 
  • Professional Conferences: Gifts should be practical, useful, and often brand-aligned—like tote bags, branded notebooks, or tech gadgets. 
  • Recognition Ceremonies: Personalized trophies, certificates, or high-end gifts that show appreciation for performance or loyalty work well here. 

3. Prioritize usefulness & relevance 

Choose gifts that your audience can use in their day-to-day lives or work. This increases the perceived value of the gift and ensures it doesn’t end up forgotten. 

  • Functional items: Portable chargers, organizers, or Bluetooth trackers serve real needs. 
  • Lifestyle-focused gifts: Insulated tumblers, gourmet food sets, or wellness products add convenience or pleasure to daily life. 
  • Avoid generic gifts: Items that lack relevance or practicality are more likely to be discarded or forgotten. 

4. Align with your brand image 

Every gift speaks about your company. Ensure it reflects the values and positioning of your brand. 

  • Consistent with brand tone: A luxury brand might lean toward premium gifts, while a sustainability-focused brand might opt for eco-friendly items. 
  • Subtle branding: Avoid loud logos. Instead, go for tastefully embossed or printed branding that doesn’t compromise the aesthetic of the gift. 
  • Enhances brand recall: A useful gift with elegant branding will keep your company top-of-mind without being overt. 

5. Consider logistics and delivery 

Your gifting strategy should be practical from a logistics standpoint, especially for virtual or hybrid events. 

  • In-person events: Pick lightweight, compact items that attendees can carry easily. 
  • Virtual events: Choose digital rewards, e-gift cards, or home-delivered gifts with global fulfillment options. 
  • Global participants: Ensure gifts are redeemable or deliverable in different regions, and avoid items that may be culturally inappropriate or restricted. 

6. Personalization adds value 

People love gifts that feel thoughtful and specific to them. Adding a personal touch enhances emotional connection. 

  • Names or initials: Engraved or embroidered gifts add a personal flair. 
  • Custom packaging: Personalized notes, branded wrapping, or themed boxes elevate the experience. 
  • Choice-based gifting: Allowing recipients to choose their gift from a curated catalog increases satisfaction. 

7. Budget & ROI 

Make sure your gifts deliver value for money while still reflecting quality. 

  • Set clear budgets: Know what you can spend per recipient, especially for large-scale events. 
  • Bulk discounts: Plan in advance to negotiate better rates for large orders. 
  • Return on engagement: Measure impact through recipient feedback, social mentions, or follow-up engagement. The right gift can help boost brand loyalty and future sales. 

8. Cultural sensitivity 

If your attendees come from diverse cultural backgrounds, be mindful of the meaning and appropriateness of gifts. 

  • Avoid offensive or culturally insensitive items: For example, leather products may not be suitable for certain cultures. 
  • Respect dietary restrictions: Avoid gifting food without knowing dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, Halal, gluten-free). 
  • Consider local customs: Gifting norms differ widely between regions—what’s thoughtful in one country might be offensive in another. 

9. Eco-friendliness 

With growing awareness around sustainability, eco-conscious gifts show that your brand is responsible and forward-thinking. 

  • Opt for reusable or biodegradable items: Refillable bottles, cloth bags, or seed kits. 
  • Digital gifting: E-gift cards, subscriptions, and experiences reduce environmental impact. 
  • Sustainable packaging: Use recycled or compostable packaging to minimize waste. 

10. Compliance & privacy 

Always ensure your gifting practices comply with legal, organizational, and ethical standards. 

  • Avoid overspending: Some companies have caps on how much employees can accept in gifts. 
  • Respect data privacy: If collecting addresses or preferences, ensure data is securely handled and used only for intended purposes. 
  • Gifting policies: Familiarize yourself with any relevant company or industry guidelines before sending gifts. 

 

Why choose Xoxoday Plum for event gifts? 

Event gifting is no longer just about handing out goodies—it's about delivering value, delight, and personalization that resonate with every attendee. As expectations rise, so does the need for a smarter, more scalable solution. That’s where Xoxoday Plum comes in. It redefines event gifting by combining automation, global reach, and seamless customization.  

Whether you're running a virtual event, an international webinar, or a large-scale conference, Xoxoday Plum ensures your gifts are impactful, timely, and tailored to your audience. Here's why it’s the go-to choice for brands that want to make their events truly memorable: 

  • Global catalog: Xoxoday Plum boasts over 1 million+ options, including gift cards, experiences, perks, and exclusive benefits from popular brands and local vendors. This ensures you can cater to diverse preferences and locations. 
  • Automated platform: Manage your entire gifting program through Xoxoday Plum's user-friendly platform. Everything is streamlined and automated, from selecting rewards to setting budgets and tracking delivery. 
  • Livraison instantanée: Les récompenses numériques telles que les cartes-cadeaux et les bons électroniques sont livrées instantanément par courrier électronique ou par SMS, ce qui élimine le besoin de stocks physiques et les problèmes d'expédition. 
  • Évolutivité: La plateforme peut gérer facilement des événements et des webinaires de grande envergure, garantissant ainsi une exécution sans heurts, même pour un public international. 
  • Marque et personnalisation: Personnalisez l'expérience du cadeau avec votre logo, le thème de l'événement et des messages personnalisés pour renforcer la mémorisation de la marque. 

By leveraging Xoxoday Plum's capabilities, you can create a memorable and engaging gifting experience for your event or webinar attendees, boost participation, and leave a lasting positive impression. 

Ready to elevate your next event with effortless, impactful gifting?

Schedule a free demo today and see how Xoxoday Plum can turn your event into an unforgettable experience.