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Most companies give their team a gift once a year. In December. But a summer gift? That makes more of an impression than you think. We explain why - and what you can give.
Summer has officially begun. And for most HR teams, that means: holiday schedules, summer drinks, and maybe an ice cream at the office if it goes above 30 degrees. What it rarely means: giving gifts.
Because that’s what you do in December. That is the moment. The Christmas box or the gift card in an envelope with a card from management. Everyone does it and everyone expects it (and sometimes people are also disappointed with the contents of that Christmas box). And the end of the year is a logical time to show your appreciation, but people often quickly move on with their day, without dwelling on what they received for long. And that’s not (always) because the gift is bad, but more often because it arrives exactly when everyone expects it. But it doesn't have to be that way!
Nobody expects anything in June
An expected gift is a nice gesture. An unexpected gift truly creates a moment. That is the difference. When someone gets a package in December, the reaction is: "ah, the Christmas box." When that same person suddenly finds a gift link in their inbox during the summer period, the surprise effect is much greater.
We see this reflected in companies that surprise at "unusual" times via Cadeo: engagement is higher, the redemption rate is higher, and the feedback is more personal. Not because the gift is different, but because the moment is different.
Your WKR allowance is available all year round
One of the most frequently heard reasons to wait until December to give is: "then we do everything in one go." Logical from an efficiency standpoint, less logical from an impact standpoint. Your tax-free budget within the work-related costs scheme (WKR) is available all year round. Not just in Q4. And if you plann on showing appreciation to your team on multiple occasions anyway - anniversaries, birthdays, milestones - you can easily include the summer gift in that planning.
In fact: by spreading it out, you give yourself a better overview of what you have already spent, instead of piling everything up in December and hoping it fits.
Closing the half-year with a gesture
There is also a content-related argument. The first half of the year is over. Targets met, projects completed, maybe a tough quarter survived. And now much-deserved holidays are coming up. That is a great moment to reflect on what your team has done. Not with a speech in a Teams call, but with something tangible. Something they choose themselves and get delivered to their home.
It doesn't have to be big. A choice gift starting from €15 is enough to make someone feel seen. And that feeling - right in the week before everyone goes on holiday - sticks around.
What do you give in the summer?
You don't have to think about it for long. There are plenty of gifts that fit summer perfectly. A few suggestions from our range:
1 Boek & Bladkado
Holiday = reading time. With the Boek & Bladkado, the recipient chooses from books, weeklies, and magazines. From that thriller for the beach to that architecture magazine for the campsite.
2 Olive oil from OlvLimits
The Green Machine Extra Virgin Olive Oil from OlvLimits is an olive oil from Bari, Italy. Made from Coratina olives harvested in October when the antioxidant concentration is at its highest. Makes any summer dish just that little bit tastier.
3 Pocket knife from Opinel
The Pocket Knife N°08 by Opinel has existed for almost 130 years and is the most popular in the collection. Stainless steel blade, beechwood handle, and a belt sheath to carry it safely. For the adventurer, the camper, or just anyone who likes to have a good knife at hand.
4 Manicure set from Pop of Color Amsterdam
The Manicure Bundle Natural from Pop of Color Amsterdam contains nail wraps in four neutral colors. Takes 20 minutes, no salon needed, and you walk around with nails that look like you did visit one. Dutch design.
5 Shower Mousse from Marie-Stella-Maris
The Shower Mousse from Marie-Stella-Maris is a silky-soft shower foam with prebiotics and green tea extract. Team warm or cold shower in this heat? Doesn't matter - every shower becomes a treat. Locally made, social impact.
6 Stay hydrated with Le Creuset
The Hydration Bottle from Le Creuset keeps water cold for hours thanks to double-walled insulation with a copper layer. Leak-proof lid, non-slip base, and the craftsmanship you expect from Le Creuset since 1925. Ideal for the office, on the go, or on the beach.
7 Smooth application with Tenue Soleil
Applying sunscreen is a must anyway, but it might as well be pleasant. The Sunscreen Giftset by Tenue Soleil contains three 50ml tubes with SPF30 and SPF50. Developed by a dermatologist, mineral filters, and B Corp certified. Sun protection that feels good and does good.
But you don't have to choose!
With a choice gift via Cadeo, it's simple. You select a budget per recipient (from €15), personalize the selection portal with your company name and a summery message, and send the link. Each recipient then chooses from our diverse range of products. The gift is delivered to their home - just in time for the holidays, and the recipient enters their own address. So you don't have to figure that out either.
No minimum purchase, no long-term contract, and you only pay for gifts that are actually redeemed. With a redemption rate of 95%, you know that practically everyone actually chooses something.
Schedule an introduction and we will look together at what fits your team. December is far away. Summer is now.
Frequently Asked
What is the Cadeo gift platform and how does it work?
Do I need addresses to send business gifts?
Can I also have gifts sent automatically for birthdays and anniversaries?
What kind of gifts does Cadeo offer?
Can I send the gift in my own style?
Want to do gifting right as well?
Contact us now to see how we can help you with a tailored solution.
