Unwrapping the Perfect Gift — A New Approach to Gifting in 2024

In a world where experiences triumph over possessions and sustainability takes center stage, it’s time to take an innovative approach to gifting. Say goodbye to cluttered junk drawers and hello to purposeful, travel-friendly gifts that align with the modern, conscious lifestyle. As we embark on this journey together, let’s explore the essence of the perfect gift — incorporating trends for 2024, a commitment to sustainability and a showcase of destinations.  

READ: Creative Gift Ideas for Clients and Employees — Make This Holiday Season Special

The changing landscape of gift-giving

Gift-giving has evolved, and so have the preferences of the modern individual. Instead of accumulating branded trinkets that gather dust, people now seek gifts that align with their dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle. With an increasing number of individuals prioritizing experiences and sustainability, the ideal gift is one that complements these values. Whether it’s a virtual event snack box, a happy hour box, or a hotel room drop, your custom event gifts can be curated with all of these trends in mind for 2024.

The time of making your gifts a commercial for your brand is in the past. You might incorporate your brand’s values as the essence of the gift. You could even weave your visual identity into the color scheme of your gift. But, listen, somebody’s gotta say it: Everything does not need your logo on it! Leave call-to-action to the ads. The recipient will always remember it’s from you and think of you when it’s being used.

Travel outlook for 2024

Travel is on the rise in 2024, with people eager to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. According to the Amex 2024 Global Meetings & Events Forecast, in-person meetings, as well as the number of attendees at those meetings, will increase across the board; 87% of meetings are expected to have an in-person component in 2024.

People are excited to get together and celebrate their company while exploring a new place. Build even more connection between your attendees, your company and your location with a custom room drop curated specifically to showcase your destination — the hyper-local flavors, the local artists and the vibe — with your brand at the core.

READ: 8 Unique Holidays to Celebrate With an On-Brand Gift Box Idea

Sustainability and reusable items

In the era of environmental consciousness, a commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability is key. According to Amex, 80% of people say their organization takes sustainability into account when planning meetings and events. Gifts should include reusable items that not only contribute to a greener planet but also enhance the travel experience. Sustainable event gifts such as a high-quality branded water bottle, purposeful travel essentials and reusable meeting materials prove your commitment to the environment, and your dedicated employees you share it with. Your attendees provide lasting value and are anything but disposable, so why should their gift be any different?

What are our top five favorite sustainable/reusable gifts to include in hotel room drops this coming year? We’re glad you asked:

• Fill-it-forward reusable (and brandable) water bottles.
• S’well travel bottle set.
• EarBud detail kit.
• Multi-sized (brandable) packing cubes.
• Matador on-grid packable backpack.

READ: How Event Planners Nail the Hotel “Room Drop” Welcome Gift

The power of thoughtful and consumable gifts

The most memorable gifts are those that evoke emotion and add value to everyday life. When selecting a gift to deliver as a hotel room drop for your conference, think about your destination and what’s important about it. How can you connect that emotion with your brand values?

A locally made energy bar with homegrown flavors gets people motivated and energized to kick off the day of meetings. A cup of tea sweetened with locally sourced honey lets your attendees taste the special flavors of the region you’re visiting. A tote bag designed by a popular local artist is the perfect vessel to hold their local hot sauce, artisan chocolates from the shop down the street, and a set of packing cubes to use on their way home. Don’t forget to include a notecard to describe how each item was carefully chosen for them — you want them to understand the intention of the gift, too!  

Where are you headed?

With roots in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, BreakAway knows how to capture the essence of adventure, sustainability and authenticity. Our custom-curated gifts are perfect for welcoming your attendees to not only Colorado but any city across the US! Where are you headed in 2024? We’ve already got Austin, Miami, Chicago, DC, Los Angeles and Kansas City on the books — what city can we add for your next event?

BreakAway offers complimentary delivery in the Denver-Metro area for hotel room drops, bulk shipping to destinations across the US for in-person event gifts, and individual shipping for virtual event packages or appreciation gifts for clients and teams alike. Embrace the joy of giving — there’s always a reason to celebrate! Join us on this journey of connection, exploration and thoughtfulness. BreakAway is your passport to the perfect gift in 2024.

This article is sponsored content.

Kim Carlson is an experienced event organizer, conference planner, and social media analyst. In 2020 she and co-founder Angela Hesemann launched a custom event gift box business, BreakAway Meetings. Angela Hesemann has a decade of experience in hotel operations and event planning. Using her guest room operations experience, she and co-founder Kim launched custom event gift box business, BreakAway Meetings.