Every December the same scene plays out: someone in HR or in the office has to choose the company's Christmas gifts (for staff or for clients), and the choice seems to shrink to three options: a hamper, a bundle of branded products or a department store gift card. They do the job, but hardly anyone remembers them by February.
In this guide we've gathered original corporate Christmas gift ideas, with a special focus on experiences, which are the ones that make the biggest impression, and we explain how to organise it all with a creative workshop in Barcelona.
Why the best corporate gifts are experiences
They're more memorable
An object ends up in a drawer, whereas an experience gets talked about. When someone does something new, especially with their own people, they link that good memory to whoever gave it to them. That's why, for a company, it's a simple way to say “thank you” without it feeling like a formality.
Advantages for whoever organises it
- Minimal logistics: no boxes to store, wrap or hand out.
- Fixed budget: you know from the start how much it costs per person.
- More sustainable: less packaging and fewer things nobody needs.
- Customisable: each person chooses when to use it or what to make.
10 original corporate Christmas gift ideas
1. A gift card for a creative experience
It's the most flexible option: each person receives a card and redeems it whenever they like, on their own or with company. At Paint Barcelona you can give our experiences with our gift card: ceramic painting, neon paintings or fans under UV light.
2. A private Christmas workshop for the whole company
Instead of an individual gift, give the gift of time together. A creative group workshop breaks the office routine, brings departments together and, at the end, everyone takes home something they've made themselves. You'll find all the details on our page for groups and companies.
3. A gift made by the team itself
A hand-painted mug, a neon-effect painting or a personalised fan: the gift is the piece each person creates during the workshop. That way it has double the value: the experience and the object.
4. Personalised kits with your brand identity
If you want to include your logo, it's better on something useful and well made (a mug, a notebook, a tote bag) than on a throwaway promotional item.
5. Local products from Barcelona
Vermouth, olive oil, sweets from traditional bakeries or ceramics by local artisans; Barcelona's municipal markets are a good place to start. It also supports small businesses and is always appreciated.
6. Days or afternoons off
For many teams this is the most valued gift of all. You can also combine it with an experience to enjoy that free time.
7. Food and drink experiences
Tastings, cooking classes or a special dinner. They work well as a gift for one person or for a couple.
8. Wellbeing
Massages, yoga or activities to help you switch off. Painting is one of them too: we talk about it in this article on de-stressing through painting.
9. A donation on behalf of the team
Choose a charity together and donate the value of the gift. It can complement any of the other ideas.
10. A gift of their choice
A small catalogue of three or four options so that each person can choose. More work to organise, but almost guaranteed to hit the mark.
Alternatives to the company Christmas dinner in Barcelona
The company dinner is still a classic, but more and more teams are looking for something different or, at least, something before dinner to break the ice.
Creative after-work session under UV light
A fluorescent painting session straight after work: a relaxed atmosphere, music and black light to make every piece glow. You don't need to know how to draw, because everyone picks their own design, which we print out for them to trace. If you'd like to find out more about this format, take a look at our guide to creative team building in Barcelona.
Workshop and company Christmas dinner
First the workshop in El Born, then dinner at one of the restaurants in the neighbourhood. That way, dinner starts with plenty to talk about and something to show.
How much to spend on corporate gifts: budgets per person
- Under €30: a gift card for an individual experience (at Paint Barcelona, ceramics and fans from €15 and neon paintings at €29), local products or a personalised mug.
- Between €30 and €60: a group workshop, an experience for two or an experience combined with a small gift.
- Over €60: a private workshop with dinner, premium experiences or days off with an activity included.
How to organise your corporate gifts with Paint Barcelona
Groups, times and personalisation
We run sessions for teams at our studio in El Born. Each person chooses what to paint on (ceramics, canvas or a fan) and their own design, and our team is with you throughout the session. We work with both small and large groups, in afternoon or evening slots: tell us how many of you there are and we'll suggest a date and time. With the Print & Trace technique you can add your company's logo or colours to your pieces.
Gift cards in bulk
If you'd rather give gift cards to all your staff, get in touch through our page for groups and companies and we'll put together a tailored proposal for you.
Frequently asked questions about corporate Christmas gifts
What's an original Christmas gift for employees?
Experiences are the most memorable option: creative workshops, group activities or gift cards that each person can enjoy whenever they like.
Can you give an experience to all your staff?
Yes. You can organise a workshop for the whole team or buy gift cards so that each person can use theirs whenever they like.
Where can the gift card be redeemed?
It can be redeemed both at our studio and online. You'll find all the conditions on the page for our gift card.
Do you run private Christmas workshops for companies in Barcelona?
Yes, at our studio in El Born. Tell us the date and the number of people through our page for groups and companies.
How far in advance should you book in December?
December is our busiest month, so the sooner the better. Ideally, book in November so you have more dates to choose from.