You’ve probably noticed that seasonal corporate gifting has changed in the last few years. Big, showy corporate gifts have really fallen out of favour. They were physically hard to give during 2020, were considered insensitive through a cost-of-living crisis, and as even pop stars are scrutinised for their carbon emissions, it’s rapidly become important for businesses to maintain their positive corporate reputation by opting for more sustainable gifts.
Studies have revealed that consumers in the UK discard approximately £42 million worth of unwanted gifts each year. Many of these corporate gifts were given with the best intentions.
For businesses who want the positives of seasonal corporate gifting without them being at the expense of the planet, there’s a better way. Gift cards fit the bill as an eco-friendly option that’s appreciated, used and remembered.
Here are some of the reasons a gift card should be at the top of your list for Santa to give this year.
1. Less waste
It’s obvious but true: gift cards are a greener and cleaner gift. A massive benefit of choosing a gift card is the option for paperless delivery of a digital gift card, reducing unnecessary packaging and minimising environmental impact. According to Wildlife and Countryside, around 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away and not recycled in the UK this Christmas.
Every digital gift card that’s delivered has no physical wrapping paper, no emissions from delivery, and no potential for it ending up in landfill. Even if you do choose to give a physical Lifestyle Gift Card, even those are recyclable.
2. Support better business practices
Not all gift card businesses are the same, but in August 2022, Lifestyle joined over 4,000 businesses worldwide by becoming a Certified B Corporation. Founded in 2006, B Corp is the only certification that recognises companies meeting the highest social and environmental performance standards, transparency, and accountability.
A B Corp certification is more than a label; it’s a testament to a commitment to people, planet, and purpose. When you buy a gift card through Lifestyle, as a side effect, you are also choosing a business that’s committed to carbon neutrality, leaving the world a better place.
3. Support local economies
When you buy a multi-loop gift card that can be redeemed with a diverse range of brands, including many Certified B Corps and small local businesses, you give the recipient total choice of where to put their purchasing power.
There are many benefits of shopping locally for example, including the positive effects on local economies, but there are also far lower carbon emissions too. With the right gift card, there’s a boost for everyone.
4. A gift that’s used (and remembered!)
Shockingly, only 1% of Christmas gifts are still in use six months after the Christmas period. Finder stats have shown that over 21 million people receive at least one unwanted gift each Christmas and 5% of these will be thrown away.
While any gift is impactful at the time of the big reveal, the long-term benefits can be close to non-existent. Instead, a gift card has tenure. Popped into a wallet or stored on a desk for use later, the recipients are constantly reminded of their magic moment. It’s used, appreciated and definitely not wasted.
5. Personalise your gift giving
Personalised gifts carry meaning; studies suggest they’re kept 55% longer than non-personalised ones. But personalisation doesn't start and end with physical gifts. While you might think of embroidery. or customised printed packaging, personalisation includes gift cards, too. When you send a digital card you can add photos, share funny stories and make opening it an experience.
We’re reminded of the phrase, ‘Great grace and small gifts are better than great gifts and no grace.’
Don’t limit yourself to the big and bulky gifts of yesteryear. Give a moment, a memory and the impactful treat of choice.
Gift cards offer all the benefits of a gift without the excess waste, the guilt from not getting it quite right, or the loss from it ending up in landfill or a charity shop.
Shop smarter by choosing a Lifestyle Gift Card!