The holiday season is a strategic moment to recognize your employees’ hard work and strengthen client loyalty. But let’s be honest: behind every thoughtful gift is a mountain of logistics, budget decisions, and human considerations.

At Shop moi ça, we support dozens of HR teams and social committees every year with this process — and we’ve created a checklist that’s incredibly effective.

Here’s a clear and complete guide that walks you through every step. 

And at the end, we’ve included a downloadable version of the checklist to make it even easier!

#1 Get ahead of the rush: the key to a smooth process

✅ Schedule your first planning meeting early
Don’t wait! Meet with decision-makers before summer vacation to get things moving while everyone still has mental space and time in their calendar.

✅ Involve all relevant departments
Make sure HR, logistics, marketing, and communications are aligned from the start. Good coordination avoids last-minute chaos — and might even get you better pricing with larger volumes.

#2 Clarify your goals and your audience

✅ Set clear goals
Are you thanking your employees, retaining key clients, or enhancing your employer brand? Knowing your “why” helps you choose the right gift and delivery method.

✅ Identify your recipients
Are the gifts for employees, managers, clients, or partners? Your audience will influence tone, format, and delivery logistics.

✅ Understand your audience
Take time to consider factors like age, cultural background, dietary restrictions, work environment, etc. You’ll avoid misses and deliver gifts that truly resonate.

#3 Nail down budget and quantities

✅ Establish your overall budget
Include gift costs, personalization, packaging, shipping, and taxes in your calculations.

✅ Assign a per-person amount
Decide how much you’ll spend per recipient — typically between $50 and $200 depending on their role.

✅ Define quantities and variations
Need vegan, nut-free, or culturally appropriate options? Plan those variants early.

✅ Set your delivery date and context
Will the gift be handed out during an event or shipped home? Allow 4–7 days of buffer time, especially around Black Friday!

#4 Choose the right gift (and the right partner to create it 😊)

✅ Research and select your gifts
Explore current trends: wellness boxes, gourmet goods, experience-based gifts… Think about the message you want to send.

✅ Decide if you’ll handle gifts in-house or outsource
Outsourcing saves time and stress, especially if you have multiple addresses or want personalization options.

✅ Choose your delivery method
Home delivery, desk drop-off, or manager handouts? Choose what fits your team’s reality best.

✅ Plan your personalization
Add a logo, handwritten note, or even a video message from leadership to make the gift truly memorable.

#5 Order at the right time (not too late, not too early)

✅ September to November: place your orders
Finalize lists and quantities. For custom items, allow 4–6 weeks for production.

✅ November: confirm all orders
Do a final check with your suppliers: quantity, addresses, messages, packaging — it all matters.

✅ Add a human touch
A kind message, team photo, or inspiring quote can turn a box into a lasting memory.

✅ Start producing custom elements early
Personalized items like branded mugs or custom packaging take time. Start ASAP to avoid delays.

#6 Get the logistics right

✅ August to September: start sourcing suppliers
Request quotes, compare services (delivery, packaging, personalization), and choose a reliable partner.

✅ Get managers involved
Encourage them to hand-deliver gifts or say a few words during the hand-off. It makes a big difference.

✅ Create a special moment for the handoff
Think 5 à 7, surprise brunch, or virtual reveal, it’s a great chance to build team spirit.

✅ Assign someone to handle returns
If shipping to homes, designate one person to manage address errors and returns.

#7 Don’t skip the final planning steps

✅ Second committee meeting
Review the game plan: delivery dates, supplier status, final list checks.

✅ Set clear deadlines
Define deadlines for each step: production, shipping, communications, etc.

✅ Create a validated address list
Centralized, accurate lists = no delivery nightmares.

✅ Coordinate with your suppliers
Keep communication open to avoid delays and ensure everyone’s on the same page.

#8 Create a moment that makes an impact

✅ Deliver with care
Every detail counts: packaging, message, timing. Make it count!

✅ Plan a symbolic moment
A short team meeting, a surprise video, a little speech… Intent is everything.

✅ Share on your social media
With permission, share the experience to showcase your company culture and values.

#9 Evaluate, adjust, and improve

✅ Final committee debrief
What went well? What could be better next year? Don’t skip this step.

✅ Evaluate your suppliers
Assess product quality, timing, and service so you know who to trust again.

✅ Survey your recipients
A quick post-gift survey can reveal insights for next time.

✅ Adjust your strategy and budget
Use what you’ve learned to make next year’s campaign even smoother and more impactful.

Ready to plan your corporate gifts without the stress?

As promised, we’ve compiled all the steps into one visual, easy-to-follow checklist.

Download the holiday gift planning checklist (English p.2)

At Shop moi ça, we support companies at every step with:

• 100% local gift boxes, ready-to-ship or custom
• Nationwide delivery to homes or offices
• Custom content, packaging and messaging
• A corporate portal to automate recurring gifts

👉 Discover our corporate gift solutions
👉 Or speak to Lissa, co-owner and corporate expert, for a custom quote

A good gift is nice.
A thoughtful, well-timed, well-planned gift? That’s unforgettable.
And we’re here to help make it happen — every step of the way.