Corporate Gifting Etiquette in India

When to send

• Diwali: Sunday, 8 November in 2026. Deliver 3–7 days before, not on the day.
• New Year: for clients who do not celebrate Diwali.
• When a deal closes or a project goes live.
• The client's anniversary or a milestone they announced.
• In a new client's first month.

What works

• Useful items: drinkware, a desk piece, a bag.
• Food hampers: vegetarian, and no alcohol unless you know the recipient.
• Something the client's team can share in the office.
• Regional or handmade pieces, with one line on where they come from.
• A handwritten note with the recipient's name.

What to avoid

• Alcohol, unless you know it is welcome.
• Leather, for recipients who may object on religious grounds.
• Religious images that do not match the recipient.
• Fresh food couriered over long distances.
• Gifts so expensive they embarrass, or so branded they read as advertising.
• A gift with a request attached. Make the request another day.

Gift policies

Many companies cap the value of gifts their staff may accept, and some banks and multinationals allow none. Government and public-sector officials have conduct rules with low limits. If unsure, ask the client's procurement team, or send something shareable to the office. Keep the invoice.

Presentation and delivery

• Send to the office address unless the recipient asks otherwise.
• Put your name and company on the label and the card; a logo alone does not say who sent it.
• Use tracked delivery and check it arrived.
• For several client addresses, send the list with your enquiry; delivery is quoted.

The follow-up

One short message after delivery is enough: "Hope the hamper reached you."