Corporates in Russia and gift trends for partners and employees
Many Russian companies continue a tradition of presenting personalized gifts to business partners and staff, often featuring the company logo or symbol. Exclusive watches and high-end alcohol are among the items seen in this practice. This trend is supported by survey data from the SOKOLOV analytical center in collaboration with hh.ru, and a copy of the survey is available to the editorial team of socialbites.ca.
According to the research, a majority of the participating companies observe a culture of giving, with 67 percent reporting a longstanding practice of presenting gifts to partners and employees. Notably, about one in ten firms restricts gifts to colleagues only, indicating a more internal focus in a portion of organizations.
When it comes to what is given, 52 percent of respondents favor personalized gifts that carry the corporate logo, while 29 percent opt for expensive alcohol. The top five categories of gifts include corporate products at 28 percent, event tickets at 27 percent, and home appliances at 14 percent. The typical budget allocated per partner is up to 15 thousand rubles, reflecting a balance between value and practicality in corporate giving.
However, the survey reveals that 30 percent of participants reported not usually receiving gifts from partner companies. For those who do receive presents, certificates, coupons, and event tickets are highlighted as particularly desirable forms of gifting, suggesting a preference for flexible or experiential rewards among some corporate recipients.
Historical notes show that gift giving has elements of seasonal and ceremonial behavior. For example, Russians have been observed to increase purchases of items such as caviar and tangerines around the New Year, underscoring cultural cues that align gift choices with festive occasions.
Further context indicates that social networks have played a role in how gifts are shared and perceived. Previously, Odnoklassniki users engaged in gifting on a large scale during the New Year holiday, illustrating the social dimension of celebration and the potential for digital platforms to influence gifting practices.
Overall, the data highlights a blend of brand-focused, experiential, and traditional gifts within Russian corporate culture. Companies weigh the value of logo-branded items against the appeal of experiential rewards, while also considering the preferences of recipients for certificates and flexible gift options. The trend suggests a careful balancing act between showcasing corporate identity and delivering meaningful, usable gifts that strengthen professional relationships.