Article reading time
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 in the office when it goes above 30 degrees. What it rarely means: giving gifts.
Because you do that in December. That is the moment. The Christmas hamper 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 hamper). And the end of the year is a logical time to show your appreciation, but people often quickly move on with their day, without lingering too long on what they have received. And that's not (always) because the gift is bad, but more often because it arrives exactly when everyone expects it. But things can be done differently!
Nobody expects anything in June
A gift that you expect is a nice gesture. A gift that you don't expect truly creates a moment. That is the difference. When someone receives a package in December, the reaction is: "ah, the Christmas hamper." If that same person suddenly finds a gift link in their inbox during the summer, the surprise effect is much greater.
We see this with companies that surprise at "unusual" moments through 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 for waiting until December is: "then we do everything in one go." Logical in terms of efficiency, less logical in terms of impact. Your allowance within the work-related costs scheme (WKR) is there all year round. Not just in Q4. And if you are already planning to appreciate your team at multiple moments - anniversaries, birthdays, milestones - then you can simply 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 that it fits.
Closing the half-year with a gesture
There is also a substantive argument. The first half of the year is over. Targets met, projects completed, perhaps survived a tough quarter. And now well-deserved holidays are coming up. That is a great moment to reflect on what your team has achieved. 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 that you see them. 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 collection:
1 Boek & Bladkado
Holiday = reading time. With Boek & Bladkado, the recipient chooses their own books, journals, 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 Opinel Pocket Knife N°08 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 go. Dutch design.
5 Shower Mousse from Marie-Stella-Maris
The Shower Mousse from Marie-Stella-Maris is a silky-smooth shower foam with prebiotics and green tea extract. Team hot or cold shower in this heat? Doesn't matter - every shower becomes a celebration. Locally made, social impact.
6 Stay hydrated with Le Creuset
The Le Creuset Water Bottle keeps water cold for hours thanks to double-walled copper vacuum insulation. 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 Pleasant protection with Tenue Soleil
Applying sunscreen is a must anyway, but it can also simply feel nice. The Sun Cream Gift Set from 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 from Cadeo, it's simple. You choose a budget per recipient (from €15), personalize the selection portal with your company name and a summer message, and send the link. Each recipient then chooses their own gift from our diverse range of products. The gift is delivered to their home - just in time for the holiday, 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 almost everyone actually chooses something.
Schedule an introduction and we'll see together what suits your team. December is far away. Summer is now.
Want to do gifting right as well?
Contact us now to see how we can help you with a tailored solution.
