Giving gifts has always been an important act to establish relationships, whether personal or professional. Gifts are a great way for people to build long-lasting relationships, for businesses to connect with their customers, and for organizations to show their appreciation and gratitude for employees.

Cover Photo credit : ikkis.21, a brand that collaborates with traditional Indian master craftsmen to create amazingly evocative and globally relevant designs that are a delight to gift and receive.

Be it an announcement for a new product launch, a wedding invitation, gifting on festivals, or a new employee welcome kit, when clients ask for gift options, at Pilcrow we constantly strive to move away from the ordinary and make sure that the gift is meaningful, tells a story and is a source of joy for the recipient.

The welcome gift hamper made for Kohler India Leadership Meet at Goa, contained locally made produce, supported local causes, businesses and entrepreneurs, and was packaged by ZenGardens without any single-use plastic.  

What is a sustainable gift?

• It is made with locally sourced, organic, biodegradable materials that leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
• It does not create any waste – When it comes to being less wasteful, it is essential that you are giving the recipient something that they will appreciate and use for a long time to come. Even if the item you give is made from recycled material or by repurposing an old item, if the recipient doesn’t need it, it is likely to get dumped.
• It is one which offers the receiver a choice. How about giving a gift voucher? No, not a discount voucher, an actual gift voucher of a certain amount that one can exchange for an item they like, actually need or want rather than get stuck with something they aren’t sure of.
• It allows the receiver of your gift family/friend/employee/customer to be more informed about the narrative behind the item, and is something that helps them live a more sustainable lifestyle.
• It is one that hasn’t traveled halfway around the world to get to its recipient. The distance an item has been transported adds to its carbon footprint so you’re better off picking from something that’s locally available.
• It is used for a long time. Customers appreciate subtle, tasteful ways in which brands are sent home. To ensure that your gift is appreciated, reduce loud logo usage on every item.

As part of the Kohler India leadership Meet gift hampers, these Handmade chocolates by Ixcacao Indica, made from ethically sourced Cacao beans grown in Goa and neighbouring Indian states, along with the hand-poured, home-made cupboad scents by Incensis were both much appreciated.

Why you should gift sustainably?

• Because now there’s really no other way to do it. Our planet has been harmed to a point of no return by our excessive capitalism and consumerism, and it is important for all businesses to consider sustainability at the heart of the activities they undertake.
• It helps to communicate your company’s values. If as a company you want to work towards reducing plastic in your offices and your supply chains, a great way to share that with your key stakeholders is through a biodegradable or recyclable gift, packaged without any plastic at all.
• It helps educate your customers about why living sustainably is important. By giving them something which they can use, appreciate and which will help them be environmentally conscious as well, you will go a long way in sustaining a long-term relationship and loyalty with customers.
• It helps elevate your brand image.

Diwali gift boxes to Kohler India employees included a few special items like the bamboo speaker and a starter planting kit to seed in the concept of sustainability, along with a note from the President on seed paper.

So, whether you’re thinking of a basket of organic eatables, zero-waste personal care products, recycled stationary sets, handicraft home décor items or a gift voucher, be sure to be mindful of the experience it creates for your recipient, ensure that it offers the user a sense of choice and make sure it’s something that they will be able to use for a long time. The more your gift is utilised, the more people remember you, and if the gift is thoughtful, people are happy to share the story with friends.

The essentials for Pharmeasy India new employees were packed in boxes with recycleable cardboard separators and without any single use plastic.